AAG scored 84.9 points on the rigorous B Impact Assessment (BIA), exceeding the 80-point threshold required for B Corp certification. This demonstrates Active Apparel Group’s dedication to workers, customers, community, and the environment, all part of the brand’s dedication to using business as a force for good. The strongest areas represented in this score were Governance (17.6 pts), Workers (24.9 pts) and Customers (4.1 pts), which are significantly higher vs country, sector, and size benchmarks for similar B Corp certified companies. 

“We’re proud to be recognised as a B Corp, which is a natural extension of our commitment to building a more sustainable and equitable business,” says Active Apparel Group CEO Henry Jones. “It sets us apart as a premium service provider and manufacturer in the global marketplace, assuring all stakeholders of our compliance with global best-practice standards. These standards also encourage continuous sustainable innovation, drive valuable operational efficiencies, and enhance our ability to attract and retain top talent.”

A highlight of Active Apparel Group’s certification was the achievement of hard-to-earn Impact Business Model (IBM) points for their practices in Toxin Reduction / Remediation. This recognition highlights AAG’s deep commitment to reducing harmful chemicals in their production processes through the use of 100% OEKO-TEX-certified inks and responsible chemical management practices. AAG already pays all workers a living wage. In 2023, an audit by third-party Bureau Veritas of AAG’s factory in China, Ningbo Longson Garments Co. Ltd (Longson), confirmed a 100% pass rate. Employees received wages exceeding the calculated living wage, 29% above the local minimum wage and 140% greater than the poverty line in Ningbo. Remuneration at this level remains a rarity in the manufacturing industry in China.

AAG has also committed to a structured approach to reducing its environmental impact across its global operations through an Environmental Management System (EMS). The EMS, built using the ISO14001 Standard Framework, incorporates key environmental policy commitments and has set targets and strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of its operations across China, Australia and the USA. B Corp certification places AAG’s environmental, social, and governance practices in the company of a select few manufacturers in the performance apparel manufacturing industry, giving all AAG customers the confidence that they are partnering with a global leader in this space.

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Procurement risks and product passports are on everyone’s lips. Product passports promise transparency or a “complete life cycle” in textile procurement, batteries, toys or electronic devices. Procurement risks do not originate at product level but mainly in the material purchased to manufacture a product. Leather, natural fibers or rubber are typical examples of procurement risks such as deforestation or modern slavery.

For the origin of such materials, the product passport only uses data available in the supply chain. The collection of this data for certain due diligence checks are burdensome and usually ends up as a package of tasks with a Tier 1 supplier, who is usually located in the country of production.

“The optical fingerprint is a method of physically marking material alongside other methods such as artificial DNA. The advantage of the optical fingerprint is that it is machine-readable using portable spectroscopy. A specific light excitation elicits a spectral code from an inorganic pigment, which represents the manufacturer or a material quality. For this purpose, the material is homogeneously mixed with the marker”

“Old wine in new bottles” is probably the best description for these efforts. The old certificates and audits, which are based on the same business documents, are only supplemented by a “dashboard-like” visualization and digitization of the existing documents in paper form through scans. It is time for transparency to go beyond Tier 1 and the industry to focus on the true product integrity, namely the material itself, which is a carrier of product authenticity and can prove it at every point in the value chain.

This is where blockchain and similar technologies promise a solution, to ensure material integrity via a mass balance sheet. If you think about such a system in a scaled form for entire branches of industry or sectors, there are doubts whether the materials in the warehouse correspond to their digital twins. What is missing is the possibility to check the material at every point in the supply chain. This inspection must be straightforward. Such a physical inspection must not be allowed to escape a digital context, which is why we also talk about “phygital” solutions when companies use physical markers and digital concepts for the traceability of materials.

The company Tailorlux stands for the implementation of such concepts with the help of spectroscopy. Whether it is the quantification of recycled fibers or the traceability of rubber and plastic – spectroscopy plastics – spectroscopy is the approach from the material perspective that can substantially enrich the product passport.

With the existing transaction certificates based on invoices and delivery bills, the door is wide open to fraud. At the beginning of the year, journalists used an AirTag to demonstrate how fraud is perpetrated when the line between waste and recyclables becomes blurred.

Probably the largest and most problematic market is textile recycling: the recovery of post-consumer recycling is a key pillar of the “EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles”. At the same time, it should no longer be possible in future to dispose of textile waste in third countries. In addition, the proportion of recycled material is to be verified. Tailorlux has created a new reference together with the company Recover that uses physical and digital traceability for full transparency in textile recycling.

For this purpose, tracer fiber is added to recycled cotton in a controlled, automated and documented process known as “shredding”. Each bale is now physically marked and is also digitally recorded as a “twin” of the real product. The marking can be read out using a portable spectrometer. The mixing of these bales in the textile production process can be tracked via a digital platform and confirmed by a laboratory test to create a synergy between physical and digital traceability.

The result is a system that combines the physical tracer with a digital platform, providing the platform and can ultimately provide the data basis for a product passport. Similar synergies also arise with man-made fibers, where a physical tracer can even be quantified without destroying the textile.

The tracer can also be used for rubber, for example to mark material from low-risk production countries. However, spectroscopy can also be a benefit for material authenticity. That is why Tailorlux relies on a combined device with an NIR module (near infrared module). The Tailor-Scan 4 enables spectroscopy even without prior knowledge. For this purpose, Tailorlux relies on a learning database that polymers, textiles, pollutants and even foodstuffs.

This means that materials can also be identified by users who have no prior knowledge of spectroscopy. The device thus combines digital traceability with data about the material that was procured. As a result, every product passport could be enriched with sensor data from the supply chain could be enriched and validated. This is a real advantage for greenwashing protection, customer information and, above all, product circularity. The benefits of physical marking and spectroscopy for homogeneous sorting of high-quality fractions are just being discovered.

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TURNS’s partnership with Tailorlux integrates cutting-edge tracer fibers and high-resolution spectroscopy to accurately track and verify the recycled content in every textile product. This innovative approach ensures that every step, from fiber to yarn to fabric is physically verified, providing unparalleled transparency and accountability.

The journey of this pioneering project began at the ALTEX recycling plant in Germany, where post-consumer waste clips from over Germany are meticulously sorted and processed. ALTEX plays a crucial role in transforming these discarded textiles into high-quality TURNS recycled fibers.

Once spun into yarn, these eco-conscious fibers are woven into sustainable fabrics. These fabrics, which meet stringent environmental standards, are then fashioned into stylish garments that embody the principles of circular fashion. Each garment is embedded with Tailorlux traceability technology, ensuring that the entire journey from waste clip to finished product is fully transparent and verifiable.

“The goal of this collaboration [TH1] is to provide physical proof of recycled material content, to ensure product integrity and protect against greenwashing claims. By aligning physical traceability with accurate quantification of recycled cotton, we can demonstrate that TURNS’ materials contain the exact percentage of recycled content they claim. This initiative supports the broader goals of a circular economy, promoting sustainable practices and building consumer trust.”- Tobias Herzog, Managing Director of Tailorlux

“Physically verifiable transparency is the best proof that post-consumer recycling is not just a vision, not just a marketing story but is happening today, in Germany, for real. One year ago, we started TURNS to change the fashion game. Today, with the Tailorlux tracer fibers we are proving that we are not just talking about change, but we already are making it happen”. – Katja Wagner, Co-Founder, TURNS GmbH

“As a state-of-the-art facility to recycle textile waste into new high-quality products, we are happy to be part of this collaboration. We want both TURNS and Tailorlux to make their traceability impact visible.”- Jan Stienemann, R&D Manager, ALTEX

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The textile industry is taking a great step forward in sustainable practices as bluesign and SCTI donate the pioneering Sustainable Chemistry Index (SCI) Methodology to ZDHC. This collaboration aims to revolutionize chemical management in the textile, leather and fashion industries, while addressing environmental impact in a holistic manner.

The Challenge of Harmful Chemicals in Fashion:

For decades, the use of hazardous chemicals in clothing has been a major challenge. Despite industry efforts with numerous overlapping standards and voluntary schemes – the textile, leather and fashion industries struggle with varying regulations, inconsistent data and a lack of common action. Inconsistent regulations, limited transparency, and little coordinated action hinder progress, while consumers do not receive information about the overall environmental impact of these industries.

A Unified Effort for Sustainable Solutions:

Leading organizations in the textile sector are elevating the conversation to tackle these issues head-on with converging assessment tools.

SCTI, a group of innovative and pioneering chemical manufacturers, aims to bring positive change to the textile industry and make sustainable chemistry the norm. bluesign, a renowned sustainability solutions provider, has extensive experience in ensuring safe and responsible chemical management, environmental and worker safety as well as resource efficiency in the production of textiles. The ZDHC Foundation, driven by major fashion brands, is on a mission to detox the fashion industry by providing tools and guidelines for sustainable chemical management.

The Start of the Sustainable Chemistry Index (SCI):

In 2022, SCTI and bluesign announced the development of the first comprehensive Sustainable Chemistry Index (SCI) for the textile industry. The pioneering work leverages best available technologies, while transcending existing chemical assessments, and introduces a one-stop-shopping tool for a broader assessment of environmental impact. Such an approach was missing. Now, the SCI introduces a standard common language for convergence and alignment throughout global textile.

Innovative Parameters for a Sustainable Future:

The SCI brings new parameters to assess how chemical products improve resource utilisation in the processes they are used along the life cycle of a garment. Key building blocks include supply chain transparency, responsible sourcing, feedstock reducing fossil dependency, product carbon footprint, resource consumption, efficiency in use during textile production, end use impact and end-of-life of consumer applications. This transparent framework makes it easier for the industry to evaluate the sustainability impact of chemicals present in a garment and promote circularity.

A Collaborative Donation to Advance the Industry:

To advance and foster industry-wide collaboration, SCTI and bluesign are donating, the SCI to ZDHC as the cornerstone of its Chemicals to Zero (CTZ-A) program. CTZ-A represents the highest level of sustainable chemistry within ZDHC. In 2024, the SCI content will undergo ZDHC’s stakeholder engagement and consultation processes, aiming to enhance the Roadmap to Zero Program by addressing sustainability and circularity. ZDHC will make the SCI content freely available to the public, enabling widespread adoption and impact.

Wolfgang Schumann, Managing Director of RUDOLF, Chairman of SCTI and ZDHC board member, stated, “We have been partnering with all stakeholders involved for some time and recognized that our market has been operating with multiple isolated approaches. Within SCI content, we are converging several approaches, while raising sustainable chemistry to the benefit of our community’

Daniel Rüfenacht, CEO of bluesign, said “As a contributor in the development of Sustainable Chemistry Index, we are glad to continue the journey we have started in 2022 with this initiative, and look forward to working with our partners to further move sustainability forward in our industry.”

Isabella Tonaco, SCTI Executive Director, added “Our initiative elevates collective action to new heights and enables the textile and fashion industries to make sustainable choices by taking full advantage of what solidarity can do to power change.”

Frank Michel, ZDHC CEO, continued. “At ZDHC, our mission is to build a dynamic platform that highlights the transformative journey of sustainable chemistry in the fashion industry. By integrating the SCI as the cornerstone of Chemicals to Zero Aspirational Level and releasing it into our publicly available ZDHC Framework, we’re showcasing true thought leadership essential for driving positive change and engage our wider community of stakeholders on our way forward.”

The ZDHC program is well-positioned to complement the expertise of bluesign and SCTI and to scale its impact within a multistakeholder structure. This collaboration empowers manufacturers and brands to make informed, responsible choices in terms of chemicals and processes, committing to sustainable chemistry and benefiting society.

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As a legitimate representative of USB Certification Bangladesh, I am honored to address all of you regarding the vital sustainable sectors in the textile industry: The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and the Textile Exchange (TE) sustainability standards. These two schemes are pivotal in promoting environmental and social responsibility within the textile industry. Conversely, there are also areas of concern that we believe need addressing to enhance their effectiveness and ensure their goals are truly met. Our journey has always been guided by the vision of a more sustainable and equitable world, and it is with this vision in mind that I speak about two of the most significant sustainability standards in the textile industry.

In an era where environmental consciousness is not just a choice but a necessity, standards like GOTS and TE, BCI, SFA & Regenvate play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable future. They are more than mere certifications; they represent a commitment to ethical practices, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility.

The Importance of Sustainability

At USB Certification, we are proud to be at the forefront of promoting these standards. There are many measures to take up for practicing sustainable development. Our mission is to ensure that companies not only comply with these rigorous requirements but also understand the underlying principles of sustainability and social responsibility. We believe that through education, rigorous auditing, and continuous support, we can help businesses transform their practices and contribute to a more sustainable world.

Most importantly, we must encourage afforestation. Including environmental education as part of the education system curriculum will also help. Similarly, it is essential to socialize and humanize all environmental issues.

Further, we must encourage the use of non-conventional sources of energy, especially solar energy. Looking for substitutes for proven dangerous materials based on local resources and needs will help. Likewise, we must produce environment-friendly products.

It is also essential to popularize the use of organic fertilizers and other biotechniques. Finally, the key is environmental management, which must be monitored and ensure accountability.

In conclusion, the GOTS and TE, BCI, SFA & Regenvate sustainability standards are not just about certification – they are about fostering a global movement towards a more ethical and sustainable textile industry. As we move forward, let us embrace these standards not as challenges, but as opportunities to make a positive impact on our planet and society. Together, we can weave a future where sustainability is not the exception but the norm. At USB Certification, we are committed to playing our part in this endeavor, working towards a future where sustainability is integral to the textile industry.

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“We ship our products to more than 85 countries around the world and are hence part of far-reaching supply chains,” said Anna-Karin Wårfors, Global Sustainability Manager of Nilörn. “We know that such a global presence calls for globally responsible actions. We aim to be sustainability leaders in our industry.”

The bluesign® SYSTEM is the key to sustainable textile production, eliminating harmful substances from the beginning of the manufacturing process and setting standards for environmentally friendly and safe production. This ensures that the final textile product meets stringent consumer safety requirements worldwide, providing consumers with confidence in acquiring sustainable products.

Anna-Karin Wårfors further added, “Nilörn’s sustainability strategy outlines our objectives and areas of concentration for the long term. It was founded upon our mission of ‘Adding value to your brand,’ in conjunction with Global Compact’s 10 principles on human rights, labor law, the environment, and anti-corruption, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and guided by a comprehensive materiality analysis.”

Nilörn Portugal has been a bluesign® system partner since 2012, and Nilörn East Asia joined in 2017. “We are very happy to add Nilörn Bangladesh as a bluesign® system partner,” Wårfors stated. “The bluesign® system uses a strict audit and chemical management system to eliminate harmful substances throughout the supply chain, ensuring that products meet stringent consumer safety requirements and are produced sustainably. The bluesign® labels cover responsible use of resources, production with minimal impact on people and the environment, and the highest level of consumer safety.”

Mohammad Abdul Quyum, Managing Director of Nilörn Bangladesh, commented “Joining the bluesign® system empowers us to prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility, showcasing our commitment to continuous improvement in environmental performance. By accessing the expertise of bluesign® technologies, we benefit from their rigorous evaluation of processes and materials, ensuring compliance with stringent environmental and safety standards throughout the textile supply chain. This collaborative approach will not only streamline our operations but also drive innovation, enabling us to stay ahead while reducing our environmental footprint.”

Ms. Katharina V. Mayer, bluesign Regional Director CRM, South Asia, said, “bluesign is a total sustainability solution provider offering services for the entire textile and footwear value chain. Our holistic approach towards sustainable production focuses on on-site assessments, input stream management, and active chemical change management. Our team is dedicated to assisting and cooperating with our industry partners to ensure a better presence and future for our planet, taking full responsibility for clean production. We are delighted to welcome Nilörn Bangladesh as our bluesign® system partner.”

Bluesign and Nilörn are fundamental components of apparel manufacturing, sharing a bond of conscious chemical management and a commitment to quality that each has become known for. This discerning level of collaboration further strengthens the sustainable practices within the textile industry.

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In this program, hundreds of faculties, researchers, consultants, professional engineers, managers, policy makers, and other stakeholders from the fields of chemical and allied engineering from home and abroad joined. This included the participation of luminaries from different industrial sectors and reputed universities like Iowa State University (USA), Sheffield University (UK), Indian Institute of Technology (India), University of Witwatersrand (Africa) and University of Bradford (UK).

USB Certification Bangladesh Country Manager Hasnat Kabir joined the conference on behalf of USB Certification.

USB Certification has been auditing the conformity in accordance with national and international standards and doing the certification for those standards for more than 20 years.

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NABL is a leading Indian accreditation body that assesses and accredits laboratories, ensuring they meet international standards of quality and competence. NABL accreditation affirms that Fineotex Chemicals laboratory has undergone a comprehensive evaluation and has demonstrated its competence in conducting testing and calibration activities in accordance with globally accepted standards. This will further enhance customer satisfaction and confidence.

As the organization is internationally recognized, this opens doors for Fineotex Chemical’s laboratory to participate in global collaborations, provide services to international clients and access a broader market.

This recognition underscores the company’s commitment to advancing research and development efforts aimed at fostering sustainability in the textile manufacturing sector. As an accredited laboratory, Fineotex Chemical is equipped to provide its customers with products that meet the highest quality and international standards.

“We are pleased to announce accreditation received for our laboratory from NABL. Fineotex Chemical has always been at the forefront of driving positive change in the industry by focusing on highest quality standards. This achievement is a testament of the hard work, dedication and commitment of our team to uphold the highest standards of precision and quality in our services. It validates our competence, accuracy and adherence to international quality standards. With this accreditation, we affirm our commitment to delivering accurate and dependable results to our customers, ensuring the highest level of satisfaction.” said Ms. Aarti Jhunjhunwala, Executive Director, Fineotex Chemical.

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Ananta extends a special thanks to everyone, who helped the company reach this milestone and for their commitment to sustainability and green practices, especially Mr. Gunasekaran Raju, regional director of Innowell Engineering Private Ltd, and Shahriar Tofael, the project advisor, who worked closely with the entire Ananta team to make this project a reality.

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“Epic Group is committed to sustainability and environmentally friendly operations, and this recognition of our GTL4 factory showcases that commitment,” said Ranjan Mahtani, Executive Chairman of Epic Group. “Achieving the highest LEED® certification with 104 points is a significant milestone, and we will continue to invest in green technologies and operations across all our facilities.

“LEED® is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. Platinum is the highest rating in the LEED certification program, indicating the factory’s cutting-edge sustainable design and construction. and eco-friendly features. Our GREEN TEXTILES LTD Unit 3 (“GLT-3”) also has achieved LEED® Platinum certification and is recognized by the Bangladesh Government as one of the 10 Best Green Factories in Bangladesh.

The Certification

The facility boasts of an optimal design that integrates sound environmental principles with operational efficiency. In addition to a high degree of energy efficiency, the roof hosts a 733 kW of rooftop solar PV system that provides 60% of the electricity required in the factory. Its low-use water fixtures are complemented by rainwater collection systems that reduce water use. The facility provides a high degree of occupant comfort, air quality, thermal comfort and natural lighting. The design and construction have been done by adding sustainable materials and environmental management practices during construction. It scored full points for site sustainability & water efficiency while scoring 32 out of 33 points on energy and emissions management.

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