Ecotextile Talks, host Philip Berman talks to Frank Michel, CEO of the ZDHC Foundation, about why he thinks cleaner chemistry is becoming a hard ESG requirement rather than a nice-to-have for the global textile value chain.

They explore how ZDHC has evolved from its original Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) focus into a broader nature-impact lens that links process chemistry to water quality, biodiversity, climate, and investor risk.

Frank explains the thinking behind ZDHC's new impact framework, developed with environmental consultancy Quantis, which uses lifecycle assessment (LCA) and facility-level data to model how switching from conventional to ZDHC‑conformant chemicals can cut pollution indicators – with early pilots suggesting local reductions of 80–96% when compliant formulations replace non-compliant ones.

They discuss why this work matters for ESG ratings, and why major rating agencies are now asking sharper questions about chemical risk, in an industry some investors increasingly compare to the fossil fuel one, from a risk perspective.

https://www.roadmaptozero.com/zdhc-quantis-report-2025

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In partnership with the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA), host Philip Berman takes listeners on a virtual journey to ITMA ASIA + CITME in Singapore with guests Alex Zucchi of CEMATEX, Jason Kent CEO of the BTMA, and Richard Slack of Fibre Extrusion Technology.

In advance of the exhibition which starts on October 28 in Singapore, they explore how European and UK manufacturers are positioning themselves amid global shifts in textiles, from sustainability and circularity to the rise of technical textiles.

Alex explains why ITMA's format remains unique.

Jason highlights the UK's innovation-driven approach and the importance of Singapore as a neutral, accessible hub for Asian markets.

And Richard offers insight into how technical textile machinery manufacturers are differentiating through R&D, partnerships with universities.

Together they discuss how the textile machinery sector is responding to global supply challenges, and the growing demand for technical and high-value materials.

Host Philip Berman talks to Kim Glas, President and CEO of the National Council of Textile Organizations, about the impact of Trump's tariffs on US textile manufacturing.

Kim discusses the challenges posed by tariff unpredictability, including the effects on investment and supply chains, and the winners and losers in the industry.

She highlights issues in machinery sourcing, the effect of high tariff rates on synthetics, and the role of major trade agreements like USMCA and CAFTA.

Kim also addresses reshoring opportunities, and the strategic need for policy certainty to strengthen domestic production.

Did environmental campaigners really contribute to a decline in cotton's global share of fibre production?

Well, according to a rather punchy opinion piece in Cotton Grower a couple of months ago, the answer is a resounding, yes.

The article claims that environmentalists have been intellectually dishonest and fed a binary narrative of cotton bad, synthetic fibers good….which created pressure from watchdogs and investor ESG mandates…which then led to brands moving away from conventional cotton to synthetics…and as a result we are now awash with cheap synthetics clothing.

Now, this is a lot to leave at the door of environmentalists, and this polemic seemed a bit lop-sided, so to balance things out we thought it would be good to talk to Ecotextile News' dedicated Cotton Correspondent Simon Ferrigno, who has also done his fair share of environmental campaigner over the years.

Do people like Simon have a case to answer for?

In the podcast, we also turn the article's claim on its head - and ask whether the cotton industry should pay more attention to the many environmentalists' trying to make cotton production more sustainable and efficient.

Innovations discussed by Simon Ferrigno

Food spray

Avalo machine learning

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Following Ecotextile Talks

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While on his travels in Indonesia, our correspondent Shivam Gusain speaks to Philip Berman about his latest Ecotextile News article on decarbonising the textile industry, fossil fuel subsidies, and polyester taxation.

Speaking within the current context of the volatile tariff war between the US and supply chain countries like China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh, Shivam advocates for fiscal approaches that reduce the cost of sustainable alternatives rather than excessive taxation.

He emphasises the interdependence of fossil fuels and global stability, saying that removing subsidies and applying levies are deeply political acts.

The full article "Carbon taxes will halt textile sector progress" features in our August 2025 print edition – out today – and is available here on our digital platform for premium members.

You can read the full story in print or online, while at the same time supporting the work that we do to improve the environmental and social profile of our industry, by becoming a member of our global community.

How to subscribe

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Following Ecotextile Talks

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Fresh off a flight from the ZDHC Impact Day in The Netherlands, John Mowbray gives a quick overview of the talking points at this week's Amsterdam event to Philip Berman for a short 'from our own correspondent' edition of Ecotextile Talks.

Subscribe to Ecotextile Talks podcasts and radio shows by following us on Apple, Spotify and Amazon Music.

Also, take a look at our complete podcast archive.

In this episode of Ecotextile Talks our host, Philip Berman, is joined by Shivam Gusain a former innovation analyst at Fashion For Good, and now an independent consultant and writer.

The conversation was inspired by his recent substack post entitled: 'Crash Testing the Circular Economy.' in which he argues that we should investe in 'failure', not just success, to reveal the real boundaries of textile-to-textile recycling.

Drawing on his experience across industry, engineering, and business, Shivam discusses with Philip what we can learn from other industries, and challenges us to reconsider where our money, attention, and optimism are best spent.

Listen in as Shivam asks some tough questions every apparel and textile industry professional should be considering.

How to Listen & Subscribe

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Previous stories on the topic

Renewcell troubles:

https://www.ecotextile.com/2024032648446/news/features/renewcell-when-risk-doesn-t-equal-reward/

For more news and analysis, visit our website at ecotextile.com.

Shivam's substack

Contact & Feedback

For questions, feedback, or to suggest a guest, email philip@larchmontfilms.com