Abit Review #10 - English

COP30 AND TRENDS FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

STAFF

Abit Review Magazine is a digital publication of the Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association (Abit), featuring guest articles from those who share their experiences and knowledge of the textile and apparel industry. Published quarterly.

EDITORIAL BOARD

Fernando Pimentel (Abit CEO), Rafael Cervone (International Area Superintendent), Lilian Kaddissi (Marketing and Business Superintendent), Ligia Santos (Communications), Luiza Lorenzetti (Sustainability), Camila Zelezoglo (Sustainability and Innovation), Patrícia Pedrosa (Foreign Trade), Oliver Tan Oh (Competitive Intelligence), Haroldo Silva (Economics), Sylvio Napoli (Rules and Regulations), Julieta Pagliuca (Events and New Projects), Antonio Carlos Cambauva (Events and New Projects), Roberto Lima (Communications), and Leandro Mira (Communications)

Editorial Coordination

Ligia Santos – MTB 19141/SP

Layout and Art Leandro Mira

Contact the Editor (letters and article suggestions) lisantos@abit.org.br

Advertising and Sponsorships

Antônio Carlos Cambauva: antonio.carlos@abit.org.br +55 11 98455 8545

Made by people, driven by challenges

COLUMNISTS FOR THIS ISSUE

in alphabetical order

Camila Zelezoglo (Abit) camila@abit.org.br

Helcio Honda (Hondatar) contato@hondatar.com.br

Luiza Lorenzetti (Abit) luiza@abit.org.br

Renato Meirelles (Instituto Locomotiva) contato@ilocomotiva.com.br

Romano Campese (CARE Applications) romano@careapplications.com

Claudia Cicolo (Confecções T.Christina) comunicacao@tchristina.com.br

The Abit Review Magazine is sent to the entire mailing list of members and stakeholders (businesspeople, professionals, academics, researchers, government officials, the press, students, and opinion leaders). If you would like to receive the Abit Review, click here

We’ve reached the tenth edition of Abit Review, solidifying this space as a showcase for ideas, trends, and best practices that reflect the ongoing transformation in the textile and apparel industry. A profound transformation, based on sustainability, innovation, and social responsibility—core dimensions of a new economy unfolding before us.

In this special edition, we focus on the paths opening up toward COP 30 in Belém. The cover story, based on an interview with Ricardo Voltolini of Ideia Sustentável, one of Brazil’s most respected experts in corporate sustainability, anticipates the main trends that should guide global climate negotiations and commitments. It’s both a wake-up call and an invitation for the sector to strengthen its leadership in developing solutions that balance growth with environmental responsibility.

Another important highlight is coverage of the latest edition of the Global Fashion Agenda, which brings together fashion industry leaders with the goal of accelerating the transition to a more circular and regenerative industry. The increasingly relevant event reinforces the role of global supply chains in promoting sustainable and ethical practices—a key topic for Brazilian companies seeking to compete in the most demanding markets.

We also address advances in cleaner technologies applied to textile finishing and apparel processes. Developing solutions that reduce water, energy, and chemical consumption is no longer just a competitive advantage—it has become an ethical and regulatory imperative. Fortunately, the industry has responded with

creativity and resilience, investing in innovation and collaborating with research centers and startups.

But the transformations are not merely technical. This edition offers a thought-provoking analysis of young people’s growing preference for entrepreneurship rather than traditional employment. This movement reveals profound cultural shifts and points to new ways of working and organizing production, which will require companies to be more flexible, attentive, and adaptable.

The Abit Review also highlights inspiring examples of social responsibility. The work of the Hondatar Institute, supporting vulnerable populations with programs focused on education, employability, and dignity, demonstrates how the private sector can be an effective agent of inclusion and transformation. Initiatives like this connect with the industry’s commitment to human and territorial development.

This issue is rounded out by articles on governance, equity, conscious consumption, and other topics that permeate the ESG agenda. All of this content reinforces our conviction that sustainability is not an ancillary agenda— it is structuring. It is part of the very business model we want to build for the future.

Therefore, celebrating the ten issues of Abit Review also reaffirms our commitment to the continuous evolution of the sector. We thank everyone who follows us, collaborates, and shares this journey with us. May the pages of this issue inspire reflection and concrete actions, both inside and outside companies.

Ricardo Steinbruch Chairman of the Board of Directors

Fernando Valente Pimentel CEO and Chairman Emeritus of Abit

SUMMARIES

COVER INTERVIEW

COP30 and trends for a sustainable future

Ricardo Voltolini, from Ideia Sustentável, reveals Top Trends from COP30, climate finance, adaptation, and climate justice for a sustainable Brazil.

United Nations Ocean Conference ................. 18

Brazil at the UN Ocean Conference: Commitment to zero mangrove deforestation by 2030 and protection of the Blue Amazon.

Transforming Realities with Education and Opportunity ............................................................. 22

The Hondatar Institute trains 500 students from the Mario Cardim Community with vocational courses, aiming to transform lives and promote dignity.

Abit International Congress Celebrates 10 Years with a Focus on Productivity................................24

A historical overview of the Congress and the 2025 focus on productivity

Between barriers and bridges .............................28

Global Fashion Summit 2025 discusses barriers and bridges for sustainable fashion: regulation, water, labor justice, and circularity. Seeks cooperation and innovation.

Water Resilience 2025: The European Union Strategy.. ................................................................32

EU Water Resilience Strategy 2025: Combating scarcity, efficient management, and universal access to water in a changing climate.

Advanced Technologies for Sustainability and Efficiency in Textile Production........................36

Innovative technologies aim for sustainable and efficient production. They save water, energy, and chemicals (up to 90%), optimizing processes.

Textile Recycling in Focus..................................38

WCEF event at Abit maps the challenges of textile recycling in Brazil. Focus on separating waste, changing consumer perception, and tax incentives for circularity.

Social Responsibility that Transforms.............42

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) transforms businesses, engages employees, and generates a positive impact on people and the environment, demonstrating that purpose and profitability can go hand in hand.

44

Is the Formal Employment Contract Dead? 42

Signed employment contracts are losing their appeal for young people, who prefer autonomy. The São Paulo textile industry is facing difficulties in hiring, despite the booming market, and is needing to rethink the traditional work model.

46

Companies invest in and are recognized for initiatives on the ESG and SDG agenda.

PÁGINAS VERDES

POR LIGIA SANTOS

COP30 AND TRENDS FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Study highlights the 6 macro themes and 22 trends that the Belém Conference will discuss

Ricardo Voltolini began his career as a journalist. After years covering the environmental field, starting at ECO 92, he decided to create his own cause-driven company. He began working with private social investment, then social responsibility, and then landed on sustainability 1.0. Yes, Voltolini classifies the history of sustainability as: 1.0, which is the most reactive phase, 2.0, more proactive, until reaching the present day with ESG. For almost three decades, he has generated a wealth of content through Ideia Sustentável: 570 meetings throughout Brazil, more than 50,000 leaders trained, 2,000 lectures and workshops, 12 books, and around 350 companies served. Voltolini spoke with Abit Review Magazine about COP 30 and the study he conducted on the Top Trends of this Climate Conference, which will be held in Belém.

AR – Did Ideia Sustentável, now one of the oldest consultancies in the field and a major producer of ESG content and training, start out already doing research?

Ricardo Voltolini: Yes, when we created the magazine, we also created a tool that has been with us for 15, 20 years, called the Trends Observatory. It’s actually a methodology we use to identify trends related to sustainability and deepen this conversation, right? So, we’ve been doing trend studies from the beginning. Creating a discussion around these trends. So, recently, we’ve been producing a major study at least once a year.

AR – So, have you continued as a journalist, conducting studies and publishing?

Ricardo Voltolini: Fulfilling our calling, which is a kind of think tank. We were born with this approach. So, the company, journalists, and communications. We’ve always been concerned about how we connect with the world. There’s no point in producing content if no one knows about it, right? Therefore, we’ve always had a line of events geared towards business leadership. We were a niche company, speaking to those new to sustainability. And now, more recently, we implemented the Trends Observatory, already using artificial intelligence. Because back then, you can imagine, we had to go out and hunt for data and information analogically. It was more complicated, it took longer to build a database. Not anymore. Today, it’s faster. And based on research we call AI-based prospecting, we delve deeper into what could be trends in a given topic and then submit these trends to a review by experts who are part of Ideia Sustentável’s satellite team. Professionals we’ve known for many years, who have worked with us on numerous occasions. This was the process for this study of the Top Trends for COP 30. There are approximately 22 trends encompassed by six macro themes. Each macro theme was analyzed by three highly regarded experts.

AR - What would these macro themes be?

Ricardo Voltolini: They are: Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions; Adaptation to climate change; Climate finance; Renewable energy technologies and low-carbon solutions; Preservation of forests and biodiversity; and Climate justice. Each of these six major themes has three or four trend themes, for a total of 22 trends. We took all these themes and submitted each to three experts in each field, who had to assign a score from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest and 1 being the lowest importance, considering two criteria: the first criterion, the probability of this trend occurring in the next two years, in the short term; and the second criterion, the impact of this trend on companies. Then, we added a third criterion due to COP 30: the level of opportunity for Brazil that the trend represents. More than half of the trends presented didn’t make it into the top trends. Those that did make it were the ones experts considered the most important, meeting all three criteria.

AR - After analyzing the 22 trends, do you see opportunities for Brazil? And for Brazilian businesspeople?

Ricardo Voltolini: Well, that’s a good question. I think it’s really important to start with it. The truth is, COP30 is no trivial COP. I’ve participated in several COPs, I’ve been there at various times. And COPs are invariably frustrating for a multitude of reasons. First, the consensus mechanism, which is the mechanism by which the UN makes decisions, is very complex. Consensus is hard to find in a family of six people, five people, let alone 193 countries, right? And each country has its own economic interests and defenses. The last two COPs took place in oil-producing countries, which means, to use a well-known metaphor, a fox guarding a hen. I mean, places that are the focus of discussion around the world today, right? The COP

is a Conference of the Parties that began in 1992, and is now largely guided by the 2015 Paris Agreement, whose main objective, if we can summarize, is to keep the planet’s average temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. So everyone understands that this is an effort that countries need to make. Therefore, COP30 will be crucial. It’s the first major Conference to take place in a forest, because the Amazon rainforest is in Belém’s backyard. And, in fact, the forest is the world’s backyard today, right?

AR - In other words, it’s a provocation in reverse, right?

Ricardo Voltolini Exactly. Coincidentally, every five years, countries review their targets and present them. This happened in 2015, 2020, and 2025, and it will happen at COP30. It’s the moment when countries will come to Brazil to review their targets, and we all hope that these targets will be more ambitious. Or we’ll have trouble keeping the temperature at one and a half degrees Celsius. It’s always good to remember that last year was the hottest year in human history. It reached 1.55 degrees Celsius, and we started this year, in January, with 1.75 degrees Celsius above that. Of course, these are isolated events; this has to be measured over the years, but we are in an extremely challenging moment for humanity. But look, look how complex the situation is becoming, right? We had the election of Donald Trump, the second largest emitter of greenhouse gases on the planet, and he practically said, “I don’t want to play this game anymore. I’m out, if you’ll see. We’re out of the Agreement.”

AR – What do we expect to see at this COP?

Ricardo Voltolini: So, it’s a complex situation. What do we expect to see at this COP? It’s not trivial; it’s going to be an extremely challenging COP. We’re all very curious to see what target positions the European coun-

tries facing economic crisis will take. And there’s a new player in this story called China, which has already realized that this regulatory vacuum, with the United States’ exit, could be a great opportunity to also want to leave. But let’s forget China, let’s forget Europe. Let’s talk about Brazil. We don’t have the fossil fuel problem Europe does. Our energy is clean; on average, 75% of the energy matrix is very clean, renewable. What’s our problem? Deforestation. So, when we cut down trees, what happens? It reduces the green area and the ability to capture and store carbon in the soil. So, what does Brazil need to do? Show that it’s controlling deforestation, and it seems to be. The numbers are good; comparatively, they’re good. We’ve regained control compared to last year. There was some containment of deforestation in several biomes. But it’s a tough fight, right? The Amazon has improved, the Cerrado has gotten a little worse, but anyway, there’s an effort to invest in control. So, environmental agencies have been reorganized. Surveillance has increased, satellites are keeping an eye on things. So, obviously, we’re improving this situation.

AR - Would you say that when it comes to deforestation in the Amazon, the biggest challenge is environmental, social, or is organized crime still the biggest challenge?

Ricardo Voltolini: I think organized crime is a major challenge, but I would say that raising awareness that a standing forest is a better business than selling timber is the biggest challenge. To maintain a standing forest with economic results, it needs to be exploited responsibly and intelligently. Cutting it down to create more pasture to sell beef isn’t the best value we could give to a place that needs to be preserved. I think the way forward, and this appears among the trends, is the expanding bioeconomy. It’s investing in the exploitation of bioactives, ecosystem services, which can provide input

Belém/PA

for countless industries. It goes far beyond açaí production, for example, which is important because it generates wealth for the people who live there, and they need it to survive. There’s a social aspect. But when I look at an active ingredient that’s in a plant, in a tree, and when synthesized it becomes a billion-dollar drug patent, that’s where the wealth lies, that’s the how these natural resources can provide added value on a permanent basis. It’s not by cutting down trees that you generate meager, one-off revenue.

AR – One of the macro themes is precisely Climate Finance for the use of technologies and research into these bioactives. What’s the outlook for Brazilian companies to develop more research and patents?

Ricardo Voltolini: Countries, multilateral banks, central banks, and major financing institutions are already clear that the best money for humanity is that which comes with a climate change stamp. So, if Brazil, first, can do its homework well, which is to protect the forest and curb deforestation, it will begin to be attractive because there will be many reforestation and carbon capture projects here, which are currently eligible for these climate funds. Therefore, there will clearly be a flow of financial capital from the world to Brazil, and Brazil wants to demonstrate this capacity, right? Next, research for project development. We have a climate fund here in Brazil that has already invested, received 9 billion in international funding, and has already invested almost all of it in projects. These are interesting projects that have this perspective of mitigating carbon emissions and promoting climate adaptation. So this combination is of great interest to countries abroad. Why? Because these people have already devastated their forests, and Brazil still has resources, and therefore, by having resources, it can attract climate finance capital, which should grow significantly in the coming years, considering the great need. So, at the last COP, they reached a figure of US$1.3 trillion. This would be the amount that countries are willing to donate in terms of resources for climate mitigation and adaptation, but everyone says the need is US$4 to US$6 trillion, so US$1.3 trillion still doesn’t solve the problem. It’s less than the world’s needs.

AR – Still on the subject of financing, why are funds difficult to access?

Ricardo Voltolini: The sustainable transition in Brazil faces crucial financial challenges. Despite the demand for climate targets, the unfavorable macroeconomic scenario and inconsistent policies deter international investors. The lack of clear financial models and defined returns for green projects reduces their attractiveness, exacerbated by global trade uncertainties. Innovation must go beyond environmental solutions, encompassing economic models that enable scalable and safe projects for investors. A critical point is the uncertainty about who bears the costs of the transition—neither consumers nor businesses want to assume the full burden. Professional training is vital for structuring these projects financially, ensuring that the budgets reflect the new economic reality. Bankable projects need to align not only with technical feasibility but also with public and social goals.

AR – What type of climate finance structure would be necessary? The Study mentions blended finance and Green bonds.

Ricardo Voltolini: Blended finance, or mixed finance, is an approach that combines different sources of financing, such as public, private, and philanthropic resources, to enable projects with social or environmental impact. Green bonds, on the other hand, are debt instruments issued to finance projects with specific environmental benefits, such as renewable energy or energy efficiency. The financial sector needs to innovate, assessing future risks and opportunities to offer lower interest rates for sustainable projects. The high

cost of capital in Brazil and exchange rate volatility are challenges, underscoring the importance of mobilizing the private sector and creating a national green tax policy to standardize investments. Instruments such as green bonds, tied to clear environmental and social goals, and regulated carbon markets expand funding opportunities. If you commit to socio-environmental goals within this framework, the green bond will reward you with lower interest payments on that financing. Brazil, with its natural and energy potential, can attract this capital, but it needs to improve governance and regulation to convert this advantage into concrete projects.

AR So, the green bond mechanism offers an interest reduction if targets are met, and the second, which is the blend, combines philanthropic and private funds. It’s cheaper because it’s philanthropic and doesn’t aim to generate a loan, but it still offers a reduction, right?

Ricardo Voltolini: Right. They definitely come at very low interest rates, right? Sometimes even interest-free, with performance commitments. But the logic, basically, is the logic of the financial market: I reward. How can the financial market reward a company, an organization? Rewarding means paying less, right? So you take out a loan, make the investment, and then you get a certain reward. Blended finance is still a new tool, just beginning to be tested, but it has great potential. But, look at an example for the Green Bond: I take out a 200 million loan, right? I should pay 9% interest at the end of the loan term. But if I meet my environmental goals, the ones I committed to, I won’t pay 9%, I’ll pay 2, 3%. Wow! So, even the company’s CFO has already understood that this is

a good deal. The same will happen with the carbon market, because whoever can reach net zero can profit from the credits. I imagine we’ll have the market regulated and implemented by 2027, 2028. It (the market) too; construction depends on inventorying, selecting sectors, defining parameters, and defining rules. All of this takes time.

AR - The New Industry Brazil (NIB), in this area of sustainability, has set a very frustrating financing amount for industries. Do you think this low amount may have discouraged companies from accelerating their initiatives?

Ricardo Voltolini: I believe companies need to look at sustainability investments and think from a business perspective. But I think governments can do what is their role. For example, I feel that in Brazil, unlike Europe, there’s still very little green tax, which is a form of stimulus, right? Because, in fact, the government controls fiscal policy. So, I can encourage you, for example, to have an electric car. I can encourage you to have a photovoltaic roof. I can encourage you to buy energy. Just to give an example, in California, when Arnold Schwarzenegger was governor, he made a huge leap forward in terms of public policy for sustainability, basically offering better tax incentives. Certain tax breaks to encourage people to improve their buildings, make more sustainable renovations, use renewable energy, and so on. Brazil can do this too. It has a government plan, which is this ecological transformation plan. Fernando Haddad presented it last year. It’s a beautiful plan, already guided by sustainability thinking, but it’s still a debate. You know that in Brazil these discussions are always long, drawn-out.

Mercado Ver-O-Peso

Ricardo Voltolini: There are two types of carbon markets: voluntary and regulated. Brazil has a bill to build a regulated carbon market. So this movement has already begun. Basically, the government, through a climate authority responsible for reviewing all balance sheets, selects the most critical sectors that emit GHGs above a certain amount of gigatons into the atmosphere. And looking at these sectors, it establishes controls. Companies will have to take inventory, communicate their inventory, and annually, in their reports, show what they are doing to reduce emissions. So it’s a mechanism called cap and trade, where you have to demonstrate the following: “I know I emit this much, but I have a target.” Once the company reaches its target, it means that from that point on, the less it emits, the more carbon credits it can sell to those who can’t stop emitting. So you’ll create a very interesting situation where you’ll have debtors and creditors. This will obviously impact companies’ reputations and their value. This is a mechanism that will stimulate emissions reduction. But look, not all companies will be able to achieve zero. Zeroing is an idea that’s not feasible for many businesses, so the market will work accordingly. There will always be what they call residual emissions. The carbon market doesn’t solve the entire problem, but it’s another good tool; it encourages companies to reduce emissions from an economic perspective, which is kind of like the green bond story, right? It’s also an economic tool.

AR - Have you been following regulated carbon markets in Europe?

Ricardo Voltolini: Europe has an interesting voluntary market too. Regulated markets, in general, are newer, but they’re clearly a little further ahead than we are. Look, Brazil can’t connect to the regulated carbon market if it doesn’t have a regulated market in its own country, right? Here, right? So, I think it’s an interesting discussion, but I always say it’s not a single solution, okay? I just wanted to touch on two aspects that you’ll allow me to. I think the study raises two topics that I think are important for us to discuss. The first topic is adaptation to climate change. It’s important for us to talk about this. The study revealed four trends in this area that are major concerns, which we must address, with regard to adaptation to climate change, because we had a very drastic experience with the environmental tragedy in Rio Grande do

Sul, right? It was a tragedy that affected 85% of the cities in an entire state that was not prepared for the rainfall. And if we consider that these extreme weather events will become increasingly common in these times of climate emergency, we will have to invest in adaptation.

AR – And what climate adaptations would the states need to make?

Ricardo Voltolini: The first is to encourage more sustainable agriculture. Agriculture is one of the sectors most vulnerable to climate change. And it is one of the most strategic for leading solutions. Therefore, it is necessary to invest in innovation and regenerative practices. This will also help us avoid one of the most harmful effects of climate change on human life in the 21st century: food insecurity. So, we need to ensure more resilient systems. It’s crucial that we, especially Brazil, a producer of agricultural commodities, have an agriculture system that doesn’t emit GHGs and is resilient enough to ensure food production, even in the most challenging circumstances. Last summer, we felt the impact of the climate on the prices of olive oil and coffee, which suffered from global warming and heat waves. That’s just one example. Regenerative agriculture designs hybrid production areas, agricultural systems that help maintain more resilient soil. I think this is a solution because food production requires a certain scale, which small-scale production from local and organic producers won’t guarantee. At the same time, I think it’s important to have small-scale production because people also want to consume purer, cleaner products, with fewer pesticides, and more nutrients, right? With production that has less impact on the climate, this is a global trend. There’s a movement that started in Italy and spread across Europe, called slow food, which embraces smaller-scale production, closer to urban centers, with less travel and fewer carbon emissions. But this type of access to food isn’t a privilege for everyone.

AR – In fashion, companies are investing in the circular economy, and large retailers are promoting sustainable products in stores. But consumers don’t want to pay more.

Ricardo Voltolini: I worked for Renner, and we helped develop their strategy. When Renner discovered that 80% of the cotton

they bought already had a more responsible label, they moved forward in the race to make their clothing more sustainable, right? So suddenly, it doesn’t have to be organic cotton. Organic cotton is more expensive to produce, and it’s usually produced in small quantities. That won’t sustain fashion businesses worldwide. But if I reduce the production of conventional cotton and use responsible cotton, here in Brazil, we have an abundant production of this BCI cotton. We have to look for these paths.

AR – What would be the second trend within the theme of Climate Adaptation?

Ricardo Voltolini: It’s essential that cities have a plan to adapt to climate change. We saw, after the Rio Grande do Sul experience, that almost no city in Brazil had a minimal climate change adaptation plan. This means, among other things: having more green areas to allow water to drain. Cities are very impermeable; the water rises in the river and has nowhere to drain. It will rise and dredge up houses, cars, and infrastructure. So we need to pay close attention to this. We need prevention systems, the use of artificial intelligence, data science to prevent this. We need to work on projects, increasingly resilient buildings, increasingly resilient rails, increasingly resilient structures. Public policies for climate adaptation are essential because, where it rains, it will rain more, and where it is hot, it will rain more. In short, for Climate Adaptation, cities, states, and the Federal Government must: encourage regenerative and resilient agriculture, develop urban infrastructure plans for extreme events, expand and maintain green areas while conserving ecosystems, and ensure food security. But we cannot ignore the major macro issue: climate justice.

AR – What would climate justice be?

Ricardo Voltolini: It’s a new topic. So, what’s the idea behind climate justice? It’s that climate change will affect us all, but disproportionately, and first and foremost, the poorest. So, what we saw in Rio Grande do Sul is that companies have already managed to rebuild, but those who lost their homes haven’t returned; they’ve lost everything they had accumulated over their lives. If we want to tackle this issue, we’ll need more public policies that address and integrate climate justice with structural actions. And so, professionals like you and I have a role to play in improving

Brazilians’ awareness and engagement on this issue. So, I’ve long been a proponent of the idea that we need environmental education, now with a focus on climate change in elementary education.

AR - Yeah, climate justice and climate adaptation are closely linked, right?

Ricardo Voltolini: They’re very interconnected, and they have a lot to do with Brazil, because Brazil is a country of enormous inequalities. Brazilians live on coasts and in regions where houses can collapse, a wind can blow away a roof, and rain can invade and destroy everything they have. And I think we, as a nation, must also be concerned about this. In the next election, besides hearing about the litany of education, security, health, and transportation, we can also include the topic of climate justice, because we will all be intensely experiencing the effects of these climate changes in the coming years. We need to educate ourselves about this.

AR - What’s the next challenge for Ideia Sustentável?

Ricardo Voltolini: It’s looking to future generations. I have a grandson, Lourenço, who doesn’t know what hunger is, but I teach him that not all children in the world have easy access to food. We Brazilians are guided by the idea of abundance, not scarcity. And we create this culture. No matter how much information children have, and today they learn a lot about sustainability in school, there’s still a strong culture of abundant resources. I continue to work hard, going to various places, traveling around Brazil. Today, my idea is that my work will contribute increasingly, especially to improving the lives of those in need. My grandson doesn’t need it; he doesn’t go hungry or thirsty, but I try to tell him and show him that we have to be very careful with how we use natural resources, that we must avoid any kind of waste, and that we must be committed to solidarity with those who have less than us. I’m producing a small collection to be launched this year. I really want to bring this knowledge to more children, beyond Lourenzo. This will be part of my legacy.

To learn more about the 22 trends that will be addressed at COP 30, see the full study by Ideia Sustentável.

ACCESS THE STUDY

(in Portuguese only)

Estação das Docas

BRAZIL COMMITS TO ZERO

MANGROVE DEFORESTATION

BY LIGIA SANTOS

Brazil, with its vast and rich Atlantic coastline, possesses an invaluable marine heritage. The management and protection of its oceans and coastal ecosystems are crucial not only for biodiversity and the global climate, but also for the economy and well-being of millions of Brazilians. At a time of growing environmental challenges, the country has strengthened its international prominence, as evidenced by the recent United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC-3), held from June 9 to 13 in Nice, France.

At the conference, Brazil reaffirmed its leadership in ocean policy by officially endorsing the international Mangrove Breakthrough initiative. The Minister of Environment and Climate Change (MMA), Marina Silva, highlighted the federal government’s commitment to protecting and restoring mangroves by 2030, recognizing their vital role as carbon sinks and natural barriers against the impacts of climate change. The Mangrove Breakthrough initiative, launched at COP27, seeks to prevent the loss of these ecosystems, restore at least half of the degraded areas, and mobilize US$4 billion by the end of the decade to ensure the financial sustainability of 15 million hectares of mangroves.

THE BRAZILIAN OCEAN: A

WEALTH OF DATA

Brazil’s importance to the health of global oceans is undeniable, given the magnitude of its maritime and coastal territory. The Brazilian coastline stretches for approximately 7,491 kilometers, encompassing an impressive diversity of biomes and ecosystems. The so-called “Blue Amazon,” our Exclusive Economic Zone, covers an area of approximately 3.6 million square kilometers, rich in marine biodiversity, fishing resources, and potential energy reserves.

Mangroves, in particular, represent an ecological treasure. Brazil boasts approximately 12% of the world’s total mangrove area, covering approximately 1.3 million hectares along its coast. These ecosystems are nurseries for countless marine and terrestrial species, in addition to playing a crucial role in coastal protection against erosion and extreme weather events. It is estimated that one hectare of mangroves can store up to five times more carbon than one hectare of terrestrial rainforest, making them powerful allies in mitigating climate change.

Despite this wealth, Brazil’s oceans face serious challenges. Plastic and sewage pollution, overfishing, and the destruction of coastal habitats threaten the health of these ecosys-

tems. Improper disposal of solid waste, for example, places Brazil among the largest global contributors to marine plastic pollution, directly impacting marine life and natural resources.

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL COMMITMENTS

In response to these challenges, the Brazilian government has implemented and strengthened conservation policies. The launch of the ProManguezal Program and the expansion of marine protected areas are concrete examples. Furthermore, the country reaffirmed its cautious stance regarding deep-sea mining, prioritizing environmental protection. Brazil’s new Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), submitted to the UN in November 2024, innovates by including, for the first time, ocean-based climate solutions, demonstrating an integrated vision of climate action, biodiversity, and social justice.

A milestone of Brazil’s participation in Nice was the launch of the “Blue NDC Challenge,” in conjunction with France. This initiative seeks to encourage other countries to integrate ocean issues into their NDCs, accelerating global climate action. The participation of eight nations, including Australia, Fiji, and Mexico, highlights the relevance and potential impact of this Brazilian-led proposal.

BRAZIL AND THE ATLANTIC OCEAN

Brazil’s engagement in the UN Ocean Conference highlights a decisive moment for the country’s marine governance. By making robust commitments and proposing innovative initiatives, Brazil not only protects its vast coastal and marine heritage, but also inspires and collaborates with the international community in building a more sustainable future for the oceans. The journey is ongoing, but the steps taken in Nice reinforce hope for a future where ocean health is a global priority.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CONFERENCE

PRESERVATION:

The conference seeks solutions for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, which are fundamental to sustainable development and the fight against climate change.

FINANCING:

It is crucial to transform promises into concrete actions and ensure adequate financing for ocean protection.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY:

The conference highlighted the importance of scientific and technological solutions to reverse the decline in ocean health.

BRAZIL AT THE CONFERENCE

COMMITMENTS:

Brazil reaffirmed its commitment to zero deforestation by 2030 and to implement programs to preserve mangroves and coral reefs.

ACTIONS:

The country announced the expansion of marine protected areas and its commitment to ratifying the High Seas Treaty, which aims to protect marine biodiversity in international waters.

EDUCATION:

Brazil highlighted its initiative to include ocean literacy in the school curriculum and to train teachers to teach the “Blue Curriculum.”

INITIATIVES:

Brazil and France launched the Blue NDC Challenge, which invites countries to include ocean-related actions in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

TRANSFORMING REALITIES WITH

EDUCATION AND OPPORTUNITY

At the beginning of 2025, according to data from the continuous PNAD (National Household Sample Survey), there were more than 3 million discouraged people in Brazil. The discouraged population is defined as those who are out of the workforce but, if they had found a job, would be available to work. The reasons for being out of the market are numerous, including lack of training, basic education, experience, age, and location.

In Vila Mariana, a large upper-middle-class neighborhood in the city of São Paulo, there is an island that stands out from those buildings and houses with high property taxes. The Mario Cardim Community alone is home to approximately 5,000 residents, in addition to the 13 communities spread across several blocks. Many of these residents are not working or work odd jobs to survive.

For years, I worked and still work voluntarily for ABCP, an NGO that rescues, treats, and trains homeless people, restoring dignity to hundreds of people the project has

managed to rescue from drugs and the streets. However, upon learning about the Mario Cardim Community, I felt the need to do more for people who weren’t on the streets, but trapped in a harsh reality that kept them discouraged.

In February 2024, my partners and associates at Hondatar Advogados, along with me, created the Hondatar Institute with the purpose of changing lives through education, citizenship, and professional development. Our goal is to promote human development for those in vulnerable situations, providing tools to build a more just and dignified future for all.

Since its inauguration, the Institute has offered courses, workshops, and training for a variety of ages and interests. With increased demand and community involvement, 2025 marked a new milestone in its history. The program’s capacity was expanded to 500 students, and new programs were added, such as Gastronomy, Music, Technology, Sewing, Upcycling, Theater, Aquaponics, Hydroponics, and Patternmaking. One of the most exciting projects for this new era is the collaboration with ABIT (Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association) to set up a cutting and sewing room. The goal of this partnership is to facilitate the learning of sewing techniques and pattern creation for low-income individuals, supporting the continuity of workshops, organizing a schedule of social activities, and initiatives aligned with ESG (environmental,

social, and governance) practices, consolidating our mutual commitment to responsible and lasting conduct.

Later this semester, we will take a crucial step to boost entrepreneurship in the region: we will open a SEBRAE Aqui unit, a place designed to welcome, guide, and enhance the projects of those seeking to start a business. This will intensify the incentive for the growth of micro and small businesses and foster a more favorable environment for the regularization of new independent professionals, increasing the chances of more people turning skills into income.

We believe that the Hondatar Institute is much more than a place with classrooms and training sessions. We deeply believe in the potential of each person and work to develop that potential to its fullest. By investing in education, we shape citizens, and by offering opportunities, we change the world.

Por Helcio Honda Director of the Hondatar Institute contato@hondatar.com.br

ABIT INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS

CELEBRATES 10 YEARS WITH A FOCUS ON PRODUCTIVITY

BY LIGIA SANTOS

The Brazilian textile and apparel industry is preparing for a significant milestone: the 10th Abit International Congress, which will take place on October 29th and 30th, 2025. The event, which returns to the São Paulo capital at the prestigious Fiesp auditorium, symbolizes a decade of crucial debates and the consolidation of a fundamental space for strategic reflection in the sector. With the central theme “Productivity as a catalyst for growth and prosperity,” this edition promises to be a great stimulator of ideas, encouraging the reinvention of models, processes, and policies at all scales.

Fernando Valente Pimentel, executive director of Abit, emphasizes the relevance of productivity as an axis of structural transformation. “Productivity is not just an economic metric – it is a bridge between effort and results, between the present and the future. By placing it at the center of this Congress, we want to provoke reflection on how to grow with quality, innovation, and a positive impact,” he explains. The program was carefully designed to bring together business leaders, public policymakers, international experts, and representatives from partner institutions, ensuring an environment rich in knowledge and networking.

DEBATE PANELS: AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT FUTURE PRODUCTIVITY

The Congress agenda is packed with panels that address productivity from various perspectives, each with its own strategic importance for the development of the sector:

PANEL 1

TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS IN THE T&C INDUSTRY

This panel is vital for exploring how technology drives efficiency and competitiveness. Digitalization, automation, and Industry 4.0 are key elements for optimizing processes, reducing costs, and increasing production agility.

PANEL 2

HUMAN CAPITAL: THE HEART OF PRODUCTIVITY

Focused on the essential role of people in the success of the industry, this debate emphasizes that productivity is not just about machines, but also about the training, well-being, and motivation of employees. Investing in human capital is essential to innovate and maintain a high level of performance. The panel will feature Alexandre Ferreira (Corporate Director of Human Resources at Vicunha Têxtil), among other panelists to be confirmed.

PANEL 3

PUBLIC POLICIES AND NATIONAL PRODUCTIVITY

This panel is crucial for understanding how the regulatory environment and government initiatives can foster or constrain productive growth. It will discuss the importance of policies that encourage innovation, competitiveness, and investment. Featured guests include José Ronaldo de Souza (Leme Consultores), José Luis Gordon (Director of Product Development, Innovation, and Foreign Trade at BNDES), Igor Rocha (Chief Economist at Fiesp), and Uallace Moreira Lima (Secretary of Industrial Development, Innovation, Commerce, and Services at MDIC).

PANEL 4

RESILIENT AND EFFICIENT SUPPLY CHAINS

In an increasingly volatile global scenario, the resilience and efficiency of supply chains are essential to ensure production continuity and the ability to respond to unforeseen events. This panel will address strategies to optimize flows and mitigate risks. It will feature contributions from Laurent Aucouturier (Partner at Gherzi Textil Organization AG) and Dawid Wajs (Head of Cotton for Latin America at Louis Dreyfus Company), with others to be confirmed.

PANEL 5

SUSTAINABILITY AND PRODUCTIVITY

An Integrated Path: The discussion on sustainability has gone from being a differentiator to a pillar of today’s productivity. This panel will explore how environmentally and socially responsible practices can generate gains in efficiency, reputation, and long-term value. Participants will include Ricardo Formento (Head of the Energy Efficiency Business Center at WEG) and Carla Joana Silva (Director of the Chemistry and Biotechnology Department at Citeve), with others to be confirmed.

PANEL 6

STRATEGIC INVESTMENTS FOR INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY

Focuses on how the intelligent allocation of resources in technology, infrastructure, and innovation is the driving force behind increased productivity and value creation. This panel is essential for guiding decision-makers on where and how to invest to maximize returns. Renan Wernz Tolotti (Executive Director of Arrazantty) will share his expertise on the topic, along with others to be confirmed.

The Congress will also feature opening and closing lectures, including speakers such as Bráulio Borges (LCA 4i) and Dan Iochpe (President of Iochpe Maxion), as well as special sessions and celebratory cocktails, further promoting interaction and networking among participants.

A DECADE OF IMPACT AND THE CALL FOR A NEW FUTURE

Reaching its tenth edition is a source of pride for Abit, which over the years has kept a close eye on the transformations in the sector, addressing topics such as Industry 4.0, digitalization, innovation, sustainability, and public pol-

icies. The integration of creation, production, desire, and consumption has always been at the center of debate, highlighting the consumer as the final link in a value chain.

The Abit 2025 International Congress is not just a celebration, but an invitation to collaborate to build a new stage of sustainable and innovative growth for the Brazilian textile and apparel industry.

As of this writing, the Abit 2025 International Congress already has 42 sponsors, including SENAI Cetiqt and Systêxtil as strategic partners.

HISTORY OF PREVIOUS EDITIONS

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Abit International Congress, Abit Review Magazine reviewed the themes and locations of previous editions, which have shaped this successful trajectory.

2016

First Abit Congress, held in São Paulo, with the theme: “Create and Innovate: don’t stop”

2018

The Third Congress returned to São Paulo. This edition’s theme was “People: Transforming and Being Transformed in the Digital

2020

Amid the Pandemic, the Fifth Congress was 100% remote, with the theme: “Fashion and consumption: where we are, where we are going”.

2022

Seventh Abit Congress returns to the in-person format and to the city of Belo Horizonte/MG

2024

The Ninth Abit Congress was held in Salvador/BA and the main theme was “Brazil-world connections | strategic paths to competitiveness”

2017

The second Abit Congress was held in Rio de Janeiro, in conjunction with the International Apparel Federation (IAF), with the theme “Compliance and Technology – key factors for industry and retail”

2019

Fourth Congress was held in Belo Horizonte/ MG and the theme was: “End of Borders: from creation to consumption”

2021

The Sixth Abit Congress was also 100% remote, with the theme: Transition in the Global Fashion System

2023

The Eighth Congress was held in Florianópolis/SC, with the theme “networks, connections and borders”

2025

Tenth Abit Congress will be held on October 29th and 30th, back in São Paulo.

BETWEEN BARRIERS AND BRIDGES

WHAT THE GLOBAL FASHION

SUMMIT 2025 REVEALED

At the 16th edition of the Global Fashion Summit, held in Copenhagen on June 4th and 5th, the fashion industry was challenged with an urgent question: how can we transform the structural and regulatory obstacles surrounding it into real bridges to sustainability?

Under the motto “Barriers and Bridges,” the Summit – promoted by the Global Fashion Agenda (GFA) –brought together more than a thousand global industry leaders for pragmatic debates. At a time marked by political tensions, regulatory setbacks, and a worsening climate crisis, it became clear that the future of fashion depends not only on cooperation but also on innovation, capital, incentives, regulation, and courage – key words that guided the event.

A CLIMATE OF TENSION AND URGENCY

The 2025 Summit reflected a more sober tone than previous editions. The masterclass on regulation that preceded the event brought a warning: there is a sense of institutional paralysis. With proposed changes to the European due diligence directive and the weakening of environmental policies due to economic pressures, companies reported uncertainty about how to move forward without risking their reputations—or violating still-undefined standards.

Brazil was cited as a positive example, thanks to advances in public policies focused on the Circular Economy.

STRATEGIC SILENCE: THE SUPPRESSION OF THE WORD “SUSTAINABILITY”

In Danish brand stores, the discourse has also changed. Brands like Ganni and Samsøe Samsøe,

once celebrated for their transparent communication, now avoid highlighting the issue, as the use of the terms “sustainable” or “sustainability” is now regulated in the country. Concerns about greenwashing are creating a new corporate lexicon to communicate company practices, and words like “(social/environmental/corporate) responsibility,” “traceability,” and “transparency” have been widely used by brands, especially European ones.

“THERE IS NO CLIMATE JUSTICE WITHOUT LABOR JUSTICE”

For the first time, the main stage was occupied by a labor activist. In a moving testimony, the representative of the Bangladesh Centre for Workers Solidarity denounced the persistent precariousness of working conditions in her country and called for regulations that truly protect those at the bottom of the supply chain, connecting this need to the consequences of climate change: “There is no climate justice without labor justice,” she declared.

WATER CRISIS AT THE CENTER OF THE DEBATE

The global water crisis has taken center stage. WWF warned that water resources are being lost three times faster than forests. Europe was called to become a “water-smart economy,” increasing efficiency by 2030. Kering presented its Water-Positive Strategy, with targets for a positive water impact by 2050. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation reinforced that circularity must go beyond recycling: it is necessary to regenerate ecosystems – and water is a key component in this process. The journalist and creator of the Wardrobe Crisis podcast highlighted the need to make “water consciousness” a popular and recurring topic on social media and in consumer culture.

INNOVATION AND CIRCULARITY: REAL CHALLENGES, POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

Circularity was a less prominent topic in this edition, but it did appear in more than one panel. Panels like “Barriers to Scale” revealed the lack of infrastructure for collecting and reprocessing materials, as well as the absence of global standardization and adequate economic incentives for project scalability.

Among the innovations revealed, highlights included Trailblazer Award winner Refiberd – a US startup that showcased its hyperspectral imaging and AI scanner technology to automatically identify fabrics, facilitating large-scale recycling processes – and RE&UP, the first company in the sector to achieve Cradle to Cradle certification for recycled fibers.

A NEW REALITY

The GFA CEO concluded the event with a message about the current situation in the world and the industry: “Barriers and bridges reflect the duality of this moment: light and shadow, courage and fear. The only certainty in an uncertain world is climate change.”

The optimism of past editions has given way to a more realistic approach. Many brands chose to participate in more restricted or closed discussions rather than taking the main stage, signal-

ing a search for more in-depth conversations, better approaches, and concrete commitments.

CONCLUSION

The Global Fashion Summit 2025 reinforced that, faced with an increasingly unstable and uncertain global scenario, the textile and fashion sector needs coordinated actions, simplified and effective regulations, and structural incentives.

Transforming barriers into bridges requires the courage to innovate, accessible capital flow, and collaboration between brands, governments, and society. Lower-impact fashion—more fair, regenerative, and transparent—is not a utopia, but its path passes through bridges that are being built or still need to be built.

WATER RESILIENCE 2025

THE EUROPEAN UNION STRATEGY

BY LIGIA SANTOS

The European Union (EU) has launched the European Water Resilience Strategy 2025, a key document that aims to address growing concerns about water availability and quality in a changing climate. The initiative seeks to protect the EU’s water resources and ecosystems while ensuring that all Europeans have access to safe drinking and bathing water.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIONS

The Water Resilience Strategy 2025 focuses on combating water scarcity, improving water management, expanding access to clean water, boosting innovation, and restoring the water cycle. Its three central objectives are:

RESTORE AND PROTECT THE HYDROLOGICAL CYCLE

This involves the effective implementation of the existing EU legal framework, such as the Water Framework Directive and the Flood Management Directive, as well as efforts to protect resources, promote sustainability, improve water retention on land, and combat pollutants in drinking water (including substances such as PFAS).

2.

BUILD A WATER-SMART ECONOMY

The goal is to boost competitiveness, attract investment, and promote the EU water sector by improving water efficiency and sustainable management. The Water Efficiency First Recommendation sets a target of a 10% reduction in water consumption by 2030. Europe is already a global leader in water technology, holding 40% of global patents and generating €107 billion and 1.7 million jobs in its water industry

3.

ENSURE CLEAN AND AFFORDABLE WATER AND SANITATION FOR ALL

Recognizing access to safe water and sanitation as a human right, the strategy aims to support vulnerable regions and groups, as well as improve water treatment to remove hazardous pollutants and pathogens and prevent disease.

WATER SCARCITY IN THE EU: A LANDSCAPE ANALYSIS

Water scarcity is a growing concern in the EU, especially with rising temperatures and the frequency of droughts. The Water Exploitation Index Plus (WEI+), which measures total water consumption relative to available renewable water resources, is a crucial indicator. Values above 20% are considered a sign of water scarcity, and above 40%, severe scarcity.

WATER EFFICIENCY FOR COMPETITIVENESS

Building a water-smart economy to boost competitiveness, attract investment, and promote the European Union’s water sector requires improving water efficiency and sustainable water management. The Water Efficiency First Recommendation provides guiding principles for reducing water consumption and sets an EU-wide target of improving water efficiency by 2030.

THE WATER SITUATION IN BRAZIL: ABUNDANCE WITH STRUCTURAL CHALLENGES

freshwater reserves on the planet. This abundance, however, does not translate into universal access to basic sanitation services. Despite possessing vast water resources, millions of Brazilians still lack access to treated sewage and quality drinking water, a problem that severely impacts public health and the environment. This situation in Brazil underscores that water resilience depends not only on the natural availability of the resource, but also on a robust distribution, treatment, and management infrastructure. This topic was already the cover story of Abit Review issue 8.(only in Portuguese)

Among the many recommendations is the recommendation of efficient water use levels throughout the supply chain of economic sectors, listing in a dedicated Annex the actions that businesses should take to use water efficiently.

THE GLOBAL CLIMATE IMPACT

Rain shortages are not a phenomenon restricted to the European Union or any specific region; they are a global reality. Climate change drives not only prolonged droughts but also extreme events of excessive rainfall, resulting in devastating floods. This climate unpredictability demands a global and coordinated approach to water management, reinforcing the importance of strategies like the EU’s on a global scale to mitigate the effects of the water crisis and ensure water security for future generations.

In contrast to concerns about scarcity in some parts of Europe, Brazil has one of the largest

SPECIFIC POLICIES FOR WATER MANAGEMENT IN THE EUROPEAN UNION

BATHING WATER

MARINE WATER

NITRATES

EU rules to ensure clean, high-quality bathing water across Europe

DRINKING WATER

Improving access to drinking water for all

FLOODS

EU measures to manage flood risks and the risks that floods pose to human health and the environment.

GROUNDWATER

EU action to ensure good groundwater quantity and quality.

EU action to protect Europe’s coasts, seas, and oceans.

SURFACE WATER

EU rules protect surface waters from chemical pollution.

URBAN WASTEWATER

EU rules to ensure that urban wastewater is properly treated.

WATER REUSE

Managing water resources more efficiently and facilitating water reuse in the EU

Protecting waters from pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources

WATER SCARCITY AND DROUGHTS

Preventing and mitigating water scarcity and droughts in the EU

EU EFFORTS IN THE GLOBAL WATER AGENDA

2050: Finding a fair balance between water supply and demand.

TEXTILE PRODUCTION

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES FOR SUSTAINABILITY AND EFFICIENCY IN

The textile industry faces a turning point driven by growing regulatory, social, and environmental pressures, which are preventing a reassessment of intensive production models. In this context, the sector is seeking to implement solutions that enable more sustainable, automated, and competitive processes, often without the need to replace existing machinery infrastructure.

New technological approaches, such as those developed by Care Applications S.L.u., are redefining processes in the fashion value chain, integrating principles of environmental commitment and social responsibility. The company conducts research into new techniques, processes, and non-polluting chemicals. All of this allows companies in the sector to advance toward a cleaner and more efficient production model, aligned with current environmental challenges.

The devices enhance existing machinery and are designed in a modular and customized manner, adapting to both the available space and the customer’s machines, in a safe environment for workers. with significant resource savings, always focusing on quality, industrialization, reproducibility, and process control in the final textile product.

In this innovative landscape, environmentally friendly systems already exist for executing traditional textile dyeing, washing, and finishing processes, or those that operate without the need for a large-volume bath. This method involves the direct application of chemicals and dyes to the fiber using a vertical washer without compartments, ensuring operator safety. This type of technology atomizes water droplets and applied products to mist-like dimensions, allowing for controlled and uniform diffusion. This technology enhances the performance of conventional machines, matching or exceeding the results obtained with traditional bath systems, transforming standard equipment into advanced and environmentally responsible solutions with a moderate capital investment.

A relevant technical attribute of this technology is the potential for finishing. Through direct application and the use of low-environmental-impact oxidizing agents, it is possible to induce controlled corrosion effects on the fiber, with the ability to achieve complete discoloration. This process allows the creation of fade-out gradients with high isolation and a minimal environmental footprint.

THE ADOPTION OF THIS DIRECT APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY RESULTS IN SUBSTANTIAL EFFICIENCY GAINS:

WATER SAVINGS:

Reduction of 50% to 90%, with average bath ratios of 1:1.

REDUCTION IN ENERGY CONSUMPTION:

50% to 85%, mainly due to the reduced need to heat large volumes of water.

ELECTRICITY SAVINGS:

Approximately 25%, due to the operation of the rotary machine without water in several phases, which reduces mechanical stress.

REDUCTION IN CHEMICAL PRODUCTS:

Up to 90%, due to optimized atomization and dosed reagents.

REDUCTION IN CONDUCTIVITY:

Between 90% and 100% in dyeing processes that use electrolytes.

LOWER LOAD ON THE EFFLUENT TREATMENT PLANT:

Contributes to water sustainability.

Advanced enhancement technologies are characterized by their modularity, combinability, and adaptability to existing customer facilities, enabling flexible and complementary integration that maximizes textile process efficiency. In particular, the synergy between a controlled atmosphere system and a multiparameter control unit offers a comprehensive solution for the automation and optimization of critical parameters, such as pH. This results in greater dyeing precision, reduced rework, and optimized production time.

A controlled atmosphere system allows operation in anoxic conditions, with additional nitrogen input capacity. This technology establishes the necessary environment for processing sulfur and vat dyes. Machine isolation through this system ensures that bound dyes are processed in a stable and controlled manner, maintaining their chemical state unchanged throughout the dyeing cycle. It is an accessory that can be installed on various dyeing machines already in operation, including parts, rope, and bobbin.

Polyamide dyeing with technology that reduces the use of chemicals

More sustainable washing and bleaching

Additionally, investing in a multiparameter control unit that simultaneously measures and records conductivity, pH (acidity/basicity), REDOX potential (degree of oxidation or reduction), and temperature values of the washing and dyeing baths allows for the automation of process parameters, comparing them with predefined reference values and triggering alarms if they are outside the programmed tolerance. Furthermore, it allows for automatic pH adjustment if the measured value exceeds the permitted range.

These integrated solutions currently on the market demonstrate the feasibility of transforming textile processes into a more responsible model without compromising operational efficiency or company competitiveness. The approach focuses on modular technology, resource optimization, process automation, and maintaining consistent quality.

Organizations seeking concrete solutions to mitigate costs, optimize processes, and advance toward sustainable production methodologies should seek technical advice on these advanced technologies.

By Romano Campese CTO at Care Applications romano@careapplications.com

TEXTILE RECYCLING IN FOCUS

WCEF ACCELERATOR SESSION AT ABIT MAPS PATHS TO CIRCULARITY IN

BRAZIL

BY LIGIA SANTOS

The transition to a circular economy in the global textile sector is a growing imperative, driven by the urgent need to mitigate the massive environmental impact of fashion production and consumption. With millions of tons of textile waste disposed of in landfills annually and the intensive use of natural resources in the manufacture of new garments, the industry is actively seeking innovative solutions to reuse, recycle, and regenerate materials. It is in this context that discussion and acceleration forums become crucial, such as the events promoted by the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF), a global initiative that brings together leaders and experts to shape the future of the circular economy.

In Brazil, efforts to integrate the country into this global movement have gained momentum. On May 15th, at the headquarters of the Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Associa-

tion (Abit), a significant Acceleration Session of the World Circular Economy Forum 2025 (WCEF) was held. This event, which is part of broader debates on the circular economy in Brazil and around the world – the World Circular Economy Forum 2025 (WCEF) took place that same week in May, at Ibirapuera Park, in São Paulo – focused primarily on the urgency of scaling textile recycling. Participants discussed the numerous challenges that need to be overcome for recycled volumes to achieve a truly significant impact on both the environment and the development of a more circular economy.

The discussions and proposed solutions were structured into three main panels, which brought together representatives from different links in the production chain and the government:

RECYCLERS’ PANEL

This panel featured the participation of Claudia Cicolo (Confecção T.Christina), Paulo Sensi Filho (Eurofios Group), and Alessandro Gadelha (Wolf Group). The main challenge unanimously highlighted by recyclers is the proper separation of waste. Unfortunately, contamination is still a widespread problem, with the presence of organic waste and, in some alarming cases, even hazardous waste, such as broken glass and syringes. The panelists were emphatic in stating that intensifying information and training, from the cutting table to all levels of the company, is an ongoing but essential effort that must be led by management. It was emphasized that the task is feasible, as there are already exemplary companies in waste segregation. Another crucial challenge is the accurate classification of scraps, distinguishing pure fabrics from blended fabrics, which directly impacts the quality and usability of recycled material.

RETAIL PANEL

With Cyntia Kasai (C&A), Thays Rosini (Renner), and Taciana Abreu (Riachuelo), the retail panel presented the goals and progress of major brands in the field of sustainability,

in addition to identifying the obstacles that most hinder the expansion of recycling. All participants confirmed that creative teams are already being guided to prioritize materials with lower impact and purer compositions. However, rapidly adapting weaving and garment factories to these new production paradigms is complex, often requiring new machinery and substantial investment. On the consumer side, a persistent challenge is overcoming the perception that sustainable clothing made with recycled yarns is not as good as conventional clothing—a arduous task of raising awareness. Furthermore, the ability to reduce production costs and offer sustainable options at affordable prices is fundamental to the democratization of circular fashion. Retailers emphasized the importance of collaboration, especially in the collection of used clothing from consumers, as the only way to effectively scale recycling.

PUBLIC POLICY PANEL

Strategically positioned at the end, this panel brought together Talita Daher (ABDI - Brazilian Industrial Development Agency), Sissi Alves da Silva (MDIC - Ministry of Development, Industry, Commerce and Services), and Eduardo Rocha Dias Santos (MMA - Ministry of the Environment). A central demand

Cyntia Kasai, Thays Rosini e Taciana Abreu

Talita Daher, Sissi Alves e Eduardo Santos

of the panelists, especially the recyclers, was the need for tax incentives for companies that practice the circular economy, as a major accelerator for the sector. ABDI announced that a detailed study of the textile and apparel supply chain is scheduled for this year. The goal is to gather accurate data on waste volumes (both production waste and clothing in landfills) to support, in conjunction with the Ministry of Industry and Development (MDIC) and the Ministry of the Environment (MMA), the development of an incentive plan and timeline for the sector. Issues related to the New Industry in Brazil (NIB), which includes and encourages the circular economy, were also addressed. Planning comprehensive re-

verse logistics for the textile sector will be a crucial step within the study to be conducted by ABDI, aiming to close the product life cycle and reduce waste.

In short, the session at Abit reinforced the complexity, but also the immense potential, of the circular economy in the Brazilian textile sector. With collaboration between industry, retail, and government, and alignment with global initiatives such as WCEF, Brazil is on its way to building a more sustainable future for fashion.

From Left: Alessandro Gadelha, Claudia Cicolo, Paulo Sensi Filho, Camila Zelezoglo e Fernando Pimentel

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY THAT TRANSFORMS

When I received the invitation to write this article, I saw an opportunity to do what has most moved me at this point in my life, having dedicated over 40 years to Confecções T.Christina. I enjoy bringing good news, especially in recent years, in a world marked by rapid change, crises, and technological revolutions.

I enjoy bringing good news because, obviously, cracks are everywhere, and we need resilience and optimism for necessary and fair transformations. In this context, corporate social responsibility requires new efforts, whether through simply raising managers’ awareness of emerging ESG issues or even through regulations that point to a future scenario.

Before we reflect on these efforts—yes, this article is an invitation to joint reflection, based on what I have been studying and experiencing with a large, engaged team and my management partners, Cláudio Cicolo and Igor Crivellari—I would like to share a definition of corporate responsibility for the impact they have on society.

In 2011, the European Commission proposed that companies should create processes with the “aim of integrating social, environmental, and ethical concerns, respect for human rights, and consumer concerns into their activities and strategies, in close collaboration with stakeholders” (RIBEIRO, L. G. G.; SAMPAIO, J. A. L. Corporate Social Responsibility: Between Senses and Nonsense).

Complex and challenging. The homework for entrepreneurs has not been easy, but the benefits can be rewarding, or rather, gratifying. Rethinking our businesses from the perspective of how we impact people and the planet gives some butterflies; in others, it sparks enthusiasm and purpose. I have seen these feelings contagious in organizations, as they function like small universes with their inhabitants, planets, and satellites. And so it has been with our stakeholders. The more we move toward socially responsible practices, the more we feel the engagement in our relationships and in the day-to-day operations of the factory.

We began by updating our purpose and vision and creating our shared values, which we live daily in every choice and which are the foundation of our culture. From policies to behavior and actions, we revamped our recognition program, updated positions and salaries, conducted organizational climate surveys, and promoted events and training on topics such as sustainability, nonviolent communication, human rights, diversity, and inclusion.

We also believe in bringing visibility to our employees, creating opportunities for this with poetry contests and clothing contests made from our textile waste. We’ve even seen one of our seamstresses on the runway at a major fashion week, thanks to a partnership with ABVTEX. We launched with an exhibition of pieces made by our employees at Senac Lapa Faustolo, and we were recognized on TV, in magazines, and on the social media of important brands and institutions.

We tell our stories at home and abroad, in Brazil and beyond (last September, we went to London with our ORICLA ELÁSTICO project). We published the guide “T.Christina Method in Search of Greater Sustainability: Sharing to Multiply,” with FEA-USP researcher Letícia Galatti, who met us during a factory tour during Fashion Revolution Week in 2024. We open our doors to students, businesspeople, journalists, and researchers. We exchange knowledge, promote meetings, and strengthen ourselves as a large value chain.

Through activities like the “New Look” Journey, when we go out to see fashion in the streets, stores, and museums, and classes at the “Sewing for a Cause” school, in partnership with SENAI, we develop people within the company and the surrounding area. We are a community, and this perception has transformative and positive potential.

All of this directly impacts productivity, reduces absenteeism and turnover rates, and significantly increases the attractiveness of new employees, precisely at a time when the sector has reported significant labor shortages.

According to a CNI survey presented by Fernando Pimentel at the III Seminar on Competitiveness of the New Textile and Apparel Industry, sponsored by SENAI, this issue represents the fourth-largest challenge facing Brazilian industry. Furthermore, according to a survey of textile and apparel industry entrepreneurs conducted by the Superintendence of Industrial and Economic Policies, 95% of respondents stated they have difficulty hiring, and 51% cited a general labor shortage. Another noteworthy fact is that the leading cause of absences today is health, with depression and anxiety leading the way in mental health.

It is urgent to consider measures for these times. One of them is to look at this “workforce”—an expression that encompasses the whole human being, with subjective needs and creative abilities—and unite our purposes in pursuit of better working conditions, so that they are safe, healthy, productive, and prosperous. It’s a driving force for our internal economy.

I recently saw the excitement surrounding the arrival of NR-1, the fear surrounding the end of the 6x1 work shift, but, in fact, we spend most of our lives at work, and it’s there that we can make a difference. Companies are made of people, and companies can be citizens. Corporate social responsibility requires action and encouragement.

The good news is that, with this perspective, we can transform a formal Occupational Accident Prevention Week into an excellent opportunity to strengthen bonds, to see eyes light up with small discoveries, to access valuable knowledge for work, family life, and society, to forge our common ground, and to believe that we are strong, adaptable, and competitive.

By Cláudia Cicolo Director T.Christina comunicacao@tchristina.com.br

OUR COLUMNIST

IS THE FORMAL EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT DEAD?

Remember that time when having a formal employment contract was synonymous with stability and fulfillment? Much has changed since then, not because the CLT lost its value, but because ways of living and working have transformed. Today, more than the type of employment relationship, what matters is ensuring dignity. After all, no one should work just to survive. Work has to fit into life—not the other way around.

Recent surveys by Datafolha and the Locomotiva Institute reveal an unexpected scenario: 59% of Brazilians now prefer to be self-employed, a number that jumps to an impressive 68% among young people aged 16 to 24. For the São Paulo textile industry, these figures come like a storm in the middle of summer.

The numbers leave no doubt. According to a recent Fiesp survey, 77% of São Paulo industries face serious difficulties hiring workers. We’re not talking about complex positions, no. We’re talking about basic labor. The irony is that, at a time of booming market conditions, with unemployment at a historic low (6.2% in São Paulo), many companies look around and find no one available to fill positions.

“But Renato, why is this happening?” Well, let’s understand together. For starters, today’s young people don’t see the value in punching in, facing authoritarian bosses, and following rigid routines. But it’s not just

a matter of preference: many no longer see the CLT as the promise of security and stability it once represented. Faced with a market that offers little in exchange for a lot of commitment, the instability of entrepreneurship or self-employment has come to seem, for many, a more realistic risk than a formal job that doesn’t guarantee a future. For them, a formal employment contract has become like that old, sturdy, and reliable cell phone that no one wants to use anymore.

Consider the story of Bruno, 27, a former employee of a chemical plant in Guarulhos. Bruno saw the advantages of a steady salary, but weighed the costs: waking up early every day, clocking in, and facing hours in traffic. Today, he works as a ride-hailing app driver. He says: “The money is similar, but I can eat lunch at home, choose when to take time off, even if it means facing the risk of getting a ticket every week or facing heavy traffic all day.”

Another striking example is that of Mariana, a young mother of two young children. She turned down a formal job in a textile factory because the salary offered, combined with the costs of daycare and transportation, wasn’t worth it. She decided to open her own online clothing store. The result? She earns roughly the same as she would have in the industry, with the invaluable advantage of being present at her children’s school meetings. “Formal employment these days,” Mar-

RENATO MEIRELLES

iana jokes, “only if it comes with full-time schooling for the kids.”

These stories are a vivid portrait of a market undergoing profound transformation. It’s as if the formal market were that old vinyl record, beautiful and nostalgic, but difficult to listen to without a proper record player. Young people, on the other hand, were born in the streaming era. They want agility, flexibility, and above all, control over their time.

There’s a hidden side to this trend, of course. Despite the freedom that self-employment brings, it’s not all rosy. Research from the Locomotiva Institute shows that dissatisfaction among freelance workers is four times higher than in the formal industry—27% compared to just 6% in the industry. Many face excessive work hours and recognize a lack of social protection, health insurance, or pensions.

This is precisely the challenge the industry needs to face: how to reconnect with a generation that no longer believes in the traditional employment model? The solution may lie in rethinking the value proposition of industrial work. It’s no longer enough to offer conventional salaries and benefits; it’s necessary to reclaim the promise of meaningful stability—with opportunities for growth, a respectful environment, and recognition of the professional as part of a collective project.

Amidst this complicated scenario, there is still hope. The textile industry, for example, can and should invest in valuing people, ongoing professional development, and, most importantly, in models that allow greater employee autonomy. As I often say, it’s time for the industry to trade its old “rotary phone” for a modern, agile smartphone packed with apps. Only then will it be able to speak the language of those it desperately needs to attract.

The formal employment contract isn’t dead, but it certainly needs a serious software update. Otherwise, we’ll continue to see young people joke on social media that “CLT is like SMS texting: everyone used it, but nowadays nobody can stand it anymore.”

*Renato Meirelles

A communications expert and writer, Renato has conducted hundreds of studies on behavior, consumption, culture, and opinion since 2001, leading diagnostics and business strategies for major companies operating in Brazil. Considered one of the country’s leading experts on consumption and public opinion, he is the founder of the Locomotiva Research Institute.

SHORTS

This section of Abit Review Magazine will highlight some initiatives by companies that are investing in actions within the ESG agenda, such as events, certifications, awards, best practices with communities, employees, and other initiatives.

CEDRO

Cedro Têxtil presents the launches of Collection #01, focusing on performance, versatility, and sustainable practices (ESG). Fabric production follows the company’s signature sustainable standards of effluent treatment, lower water consumption than the industry average, and the ongoing pursuit of reducing CO² emissions. Among the highlights, Arizona Stretch features 1% elastane and pure indigo dyeing, offering comfort and a wide variety of laundry effects with excellent yield. Arizona Black and its Stretch version, with super black dyeing, guarantee color depth and multiple finishing possibilities, combining style and durability. Mila fabric, weighing 8.5 oz and 60% power, is recommended for fitted styles and provides optimized laundry performance, reinforcing the concept of conscious consumption.

ESG

“ESG: Challenges and Opportunities” was the theme of the workshop held by Abit in June. The idea was to present ways for companies in the sector to align their practices with ESG standards. The hybrid event addressed strategies to ensure sustainability and corporate responsibility, focusing on essential practices in the global and local scenarios. It aimed to provide practical support for businesspeople and industry professionals to transform the challenges of the ESG agenda into opportunities for innovation and competitiveness.

C&A

C&A Brazil, on its ESG journey, announces its goal of reducing its direct and indirect CO₂ emissions by 42% by 2030—a progress validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which exceeds the previous agreement by 12 percentage points. Aligned with the challenges and opportunities of the Brazilian market, the retailer already operates with 100% renewable energy in stores, distribution centers, and offices, avoiding the annual emission of 10,000 tons of CO₂. In logistics, its green fleet— with electric and hybrid vehicles—contributed to a reduction of 286 tons of CO₂ last year. A pioneer in circularity in fashion retail, C&A is strengthening its ReCiclo program, which has already collected more than 350,000 pieces, now used as raw material for a new recycled denim collection. By 2030, the company plans to use 80% sustainable raw materials, cut plastic use in half, and develop 50% of its products based on circularity principles. C&A’s inclusion in the B3 Carbon Efficient Index (ICO2) reinforces its commitment to transparency and sustainability leadership in the sector.

SUSTAINABLE FASHION

Abit was present at the France Mission, an initiative of ApexBrasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency), which took place from June 4th to 6th. The Brazilian delegation included the President of the Republic, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, First Lady Janja Lula da Silva, and ApexBrasil President Jorge Viana. Abit was represented by Lilian Kaddissi, Superintendent of Marketing and Business. The Mission highlighted Brazil’s leading role in sustainable fashion and the vast business potential of the French market. The opening event, held at Café de l’Homme in Paris, featured an exclusive fashion show by five Brazilian signature brands, all led by women and focused on sustainability. On the last day of the mission, the agenda focused on strategic discussions on sustainability. Topics such as decarbonization of the economy, the energy transition, and the fundamental role of the private sector in COP30, which will take place in Belém, Pará, in November 2025, were discussed.

AGROECOLOGICAL

Renner launches its new collection with Brazilian agroecological cotton, uniting fashion, innovation, and social and environmental responsibility. A pioneer in the use of this raw material in Brazilian retail, the brand presents its fifth collection with this material and, for the first time, incorporates a striking urban design with versatile pieces. Highlights include revisited denim, tops with strategic cutouts, and elements such as utility, balloon, and cut-outs, combined with a color palette that blends vibrant seasonal tones with sophisticated neutrals. The cotton used is grown without pesticides in Minas Gerais and Ceará by women farmers supported by the Lojas Renner Institute—a project that promotes income, female empowerment, and strengthening family farming. Since 2017, the initiative has benefited more than 330 families and harvested approximately 65 tons in two harvests. By connecting these producers to the textile chain, Renner promotes circular and low-carbon practices, aligned with its ESG goals for 2030. Currently, 80% of the brand’s pieces are made with materials or processes that have a lower environmental impact.

AR.VOREE

Malwee – a brand of the Malwee Group, a global leader in sustainable fashion – has launched the Ar.voree t-shirt, made with Brazil’s first fabric with technology capable of capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the environment and eliminating it during the washing process. The result of an unprecedented partnership with the Singaporean startup Xinterra, using COzTERRA technology, a single piece of the t-shirt can capture the same amount of CO2 as a full-grown tree after 25 washes. The t-shirt’s innovative fabric captures carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which, when it comes into contact with liquid or powder detergent during washing, is transformed into sodium bicarbonate, safely eliminated. This process also recharges the t-shirt’s CO2 capture agents, allowing it to continue functioning as a “carbon filter” with each use.

RE-AWAKENING

NEW GENERATION

Vicunha hosted a 27-look fashion show at its São Paulo showroom, featuring creative and authentic denim and denim pieces. Approximately 15 brands and creatives participated in the show, including Alexandre Herchcovitch, DOD, LED, Essense Company E`C, Gefferson Vila Nova, Open Studio, Amapô Jeans, Reptilia, Bold Strap, Isaac Silva, MNMAL, Working Title, Marcelo Zantti, Ufo Way, UMA, and CAZUHÊ. Each designer brought looks to the runway that interpret the new directions of jeanswear fashion through technological, sustainable materials with appealing design and comfort.

Under the theme “Re-Awakening,” Canatiba Têxtil presented its Winter 2026 collection at Denim City in São Paulo, reinforcing its commitment to ESG practices through the integration of tradition, innovation, and social and environmental responsibility. The brand offers a new take on denim, with fabrics that combine contemporary design, sensory appeal, and reduced impact—such as Selvagem Denim, developed by Nelsinho Nevada and Romeu Covolan, and Jacquard Denim Onça, exclusive to the national market. Also noteworthy are the Pima (no-wash) and Nebraska (snow effect) items, which reinforce the concept of optimizing processes and preserving resources. The collection also includes the Circular Collor line, made with regenerated fibers and focused on thermal comfort, and specialty fabrics such as Viscolino Éko, Mirror Lustre, and Danúbio Collor, which combine technology, aesthetics, and versatility. Proceeds from items sold at the on-site Experience Store were donated to the local APAE (Economic and Social Assistance Program), strengthening Canatiba’s Social Care pillar and its connection with the community of Santa Bárbara d’Oeste, São Paulo.

COVOLAN

Covolan Denim presented its new collection during Launch Week at Denim City SP 2025, highlighting transformations in consumption, the production chain, and the aesthetics of jeanswear. At the event, the brand held a lecture discussing the evolution of consumer expectations and the integration of product, technology, and sustainability. The collection features 15 new releases displayed on mannequins, exploring different textures, weights, and finishes—from ultralight to structured—to expand the creative possibilities of denim. The program also included a technical talk with experts from CHT Brasil and the ZDHC Foundation, addressing practices for eliminating hazardous chemicals in the textile chain, with a focus on implementing the Roadmap to Zero program. Covolan shared solutions and initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impacts and adopting safer and more efficient processes in the textile sector.

SANTISTA

Santista Jeanswear launched its Winter 26 collection during Launch Week at Denim City São Paulo, a moment to consolidate its creative trajectory and strengthen sustainable practices. The collection’s theme reflected the duality between artificial intelligence and artisanal know-how, addressed in the talk “Denim: Between Weave and Algorithms,” featuring names such as Dudu Bertholini, Olivia Merquior, and Dario Mittmann. The brand presented five new releases and four redesigns, highlighting the Legacy 95 in a new blue-black (Galaxy) shade, the Astra in Pacific Blue with 47% stretch, and the Iza line, which brought versatility and freedom of movement. Established pieces also underwent technical improvements, such as the Blue No Wash, which maintained its raw and sustainable approach by eliminating laundry processes. All fabrics used BCI-certified cotton and incorporated eco-friendly finishes, such as biogum from food waste and technologies that reduce the use of water, energy, and chemicals. The collection also included collaborations with ten designers and brands invited to reinterpret Santista classics as part of the company’s 95th anniversary celebrations.

PORTUGAL

Through Texbrasil—a partnership between Abit and ApexBrasil—Abit held the Portugal 2025 Business Mission from May 26th to 30th in Porto. The initiative brought together 15 entrepreneurs from the textile and apparel sector for a strategic agenda focused on internationalization, innovation, and sustainability. The group also participated in the iTechStyle Summit, an international conference hosted by Citeve, which covered topics such as artificial intelligence, advanced materials, and digitalization. On the first day, Abit’s CEO, Fernando Pimentel, participated in a panel on regulatory challenges in the sector. The mission’s agenda also included technical and networking visits with Portuguese companies and institutions.

GREENHOUSE EFFECT

The workshop “Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory and Decarbonization Strategy” was held by Abit and aimed to support companies in the sector in preparing their GHG emissions inventories and developing effective decarbonization strategies. During the online workshop, Higor Turcheto, Consulting Manager at WayCarbon—a leading sustainability consultancy—presented steps for preparing a GHG inventory and how to evaluate scenarios for decarbonizing processes, among other topics.

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