
Berger Textiles Wins EcoVadis Platinum for Sustainability
A pioneer in sustainable textile solutions, Berger Textiles was among the first to integrate recycled PET fabrics into its product range through the EVO series. In a bold move announced at this year's FESPA Global Print Expo, select textile products will now only be available in their EVO (sustainable) versions.
Berger's dedication to sustainable practices is also reflected in its certifications, including GRS, OEKO-TEX, and GOTS. Its holistic sustainability framework, the 'we.respect' manifesto, guides every aspect of the business—from sourcing and manufacturing to delivery—prioritizing both environmental and social responsibility.
CEO Alessandro Lanfranconi shared:
'This Platinum certification affirms our belief that product performance and sustainability go hand-in-hand. It reflects how deeply we've integrated responsible practices into our core operations and workplace culture.'
EcoVadis evaluates companies across 21 criteria in four key areas: Environment, Labour & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement, based on leading global standards including the UN Global Compact, ILO, GRI, and ISO 26000.
In addition to soft signage, Berger Textiles also offers architectural, home, and fashion textiles, all organized in a visually intuitive periodic table-style catalogue to simplify application-based selection.
Learn more: Berger Textiles Sustainability
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News18
an hour ago
- News18
Europe Made Travel Easier: Schengen Visa To Go Fully Digital, What It Means For Indians
Last Updated: The new rules will make Schengen visa process fully digital. That means no more physical visa stickers in passports and no more long queues at consulates to submit paper forms For millions of Indians, the process of securing a Schengen visa has long been a necessary — but often tedious — part of planning a European holiday or business trip. But that's about to change. The European Union has officially announced that the Schengen visa system will go fully digital, making visa applications easier, faster, and more secure. Here's everything you need to know about the digital Schengen visa rollout, how it works, and what it means for Indian travellers heading to Europe. What Is A Schengen Visa? The Schengen visa is a short-term visa that allows non-EU nationals to travel across 29 European countries (as of 2024) without needing separate visas for each. This includes popular destinations like France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. In 2023 alone, Indians filed over 600,000 applications for Schengen visas, with the highest number going to countries like France and Germany. What's Changing? Under the new rules approved by the European Council and set to be implemented by 2026, the Schengen visa process will become completely digital. That means no more physical visa stickers in your passport and no more long queues at consulates just to submit paper forms. The only exception will be first-time applicants or those with expired biometric data (more than five years old). They will still need to visit a consulate or visa application centre to submit fingerprints and get their photo taken. For repeat travellers, the entire process could become 100% virtual. Why Is The EU Going Digital? There are several reasons behind this major shift: Efficiency: The new system will drastically cut down processing times and reduce errors caused by manual handling. Security: A digital system helps prevent fraud and misuse of visa stickers, which can be forged or altered. Convenience: Travellers can apply from anywhere, eliminating the need to visit embassies or third-party visa centres for every trip. Cost Savings: Governments and applicants alike will benefit from streamlined operations and fewer administrative bottlenecks. How Will The New Digital Schengen Visa Work? Once the platform is live, Indian applicants will go through the following steps: Create an Account on the EU Visa Portal: Enter personal details, travel history, and upload necessary documents (passport, itinerary, proof of accommodation, insurance, etc.) Select The Destination Country: If you are visiting multiple Schengen countries, you must apply to the one where you'll spend the most time. Pay the Visa Fee Online: Currently, the Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults and €40 for minors. The amount remains unchanged for now. Submit Biometric Data (If Required): First-timers must still visit the visa application centre for fingerprints and a photograph. Once submitted, the biometrics remain valid for five years. What This Means For Indian Travellers For Indian citizens — especially frequent flyers, business professionals, and holidaymakers — this is welcome news. Last year, nearly 3 crore Indian nationals went to foreign countries, an 8% increase from 2023 that saw a 29% year-on-year jump to 2.79 crore, crossing the pre-pandemic peak of 2.69 crore that was achieved in 2019, as per Ministry of Tourism data. In the first two months of 2025, 50.9 lakh Indians travelled abroad, up 6% from the corresponding period last year, tourism ministry data showed. Europe continues to be the top travel destination for Indians, with Switzerland, France, Austria, Germany leading the pack, and Eastern European countries like Czech Republic, Hungary, and Croatia gaining popularity, the report said. Currently, the visa process involves collecting multiple documents, physically submitting them to VFS or consular offices, and waiting weeks for updates. The digitisation will: Avoid issues like misplaced passports or delayed courier returns However, Indian travellers must still meet all the existing requirements: sufficient financial proof, confirmed return tickets, travel insurance, and a genuine purpose of travel. Will Visa Rejections Still Happen? Yes. A digital system does not mean relaxed rules. Visa officers will still assess the credibility of each application. Currently, Indian applicants face rejection rates between 15% and 25%, depending on the country. Strong documentation and financial clarity will still be critical. That said, digital processing could help avoid rejections caused by administrative errors or missing forms — a common complaint with physical submissions. When Will This Be Implemented? The European Commission has stated that the digital Schengen visa platform will be ready for rollout by 2026. This gives time for IT infrastructure to be built, personnel to be trained, and countries to harmonise their visa policies on the new platform. Some pilot programmes may begin as early as late 2025, particularly in high-volume countries like India, China, and Turkey. Could This Mean Easier Visas In The Future? Digitisation could open the door to multi-entry and longer-validity visas for travellers from trusted countries like India. Already, several EU nations are pushing for 'trusted traveller" programmes that would offer 3- or 5-year visas to applicants with a clean travel history. A digital system makes it easier to track, monitor, and reward such applicants. There is also potential for integration with India's own digital platforms (like DigiLocker) to allow for faster documentation verification. The move to a fully digital Schengen visa system marks a major shift in how Europe manages its borders — and how Indian travellers plan their trips. While challenges remain around biometric verification and high rejection rates, the digitalisation promises faster service, greater transparency, and fewer logistical headaches. For Indian students, professionals, and families dreaming of strolling through Paris, skiing in the Alps, or closing deals in Berlin, the future just got a little easier — and more digital. top videos View all About the Author Shilpy Bisht Shilpy Bisht, Deputy News Editor at News18, writes and edits national, world and business stories. She started off as a print journalist, and then transitioned to online, in her 12 years of experience. Her More tags : Europe Indian Passport Schengen Visa view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: August 01, 2025, 12:32 IST News zip Europe Made Travel Easier: Schengen Visa To Go Fully Digital, What It Means For Indians Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


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NDTV
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Unlike a tourist visa, which restricts work, or a work visa that depends on a full-time employer, this option gives qualified individuals the freedom to run their own professional practice. It is structured around liberal professions-meaning it is ideal for creatives, educators, scientists, and consultants whose work is not bound to a traditional office. The visa is typically granted for one year, with the possibility of extension. If you meet the conditions-ongoing freelance work, proof of income, tax registration-it can be extended for up to three years. After five years of continued stay and fulfilment of requirements, applicants may become eligible for permanent residency. Why It Matters To Indian Travellers For Indian citizens, navigating European visas often comes with a long list of constraints-employer sponsorship, tight visa durations, and little flexibility. Germany's freelance visa breaks that mould. 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Here is a checklist of the key documents required: A valid passport (issued within the past 10 years and with at least two empty pages) Proof of income: approximately 1,280 euros per month (Rs 1.27 lakh) as a minimum Proof of professional qualification (such as a university degree) Proof of freelance work or client contracts-letters of intent or ongoing projects Detailed freelance business plan or project outline A comprehensive CV Health insurance valid in Germany Proof of address/accommodation in Germany Two passport-size photographs (taken within the last six months) Pension plan documentation for applicants over 45 Visa fee payment receipt (75 euros or about Rs 7,500) Tip: Double-check which documents need to be submitted in German or translated versions. Many consulates require official translations. How To Apply From India Applying for this visa involves a combination of paperwork in India and follow-ups in Germany. Here is a step-by-step guide tailored for Indian travellers: Fill out the National D visa application form and print a copy for submission. Book an appointment with the German Embassy or Consulate in India. Prepare your documents, including income proof, business plan, and health insurance. Attend the in-person appointment, where your biometric data will be collected. Wait for the visa to be processed-this can take between 6 and 10 weeks. Once in Germany, register your address (Anmeldung) within two weeks. Visit the local Auslanderbehorde (Foreigners' Office) to apply for your freelance residence permit. Remember, the National D Visa is your entry pass. The residence permit is what allows you to live and work long-term. Can You Afford To Live In Germany On A Freelance Visa? While the visa fee itself is nominal, living costs are not. Germany is not the cheapest destination in Europe, but it offers value in terms of quality of life, infrastructure, and access. Here is a monthly estimate to help plan your finances: Shared housing (WG or flatshare): 300 to 600 euros Groceries: 150 to 200 euros Transport pass: 49 to 90 euros Internet/phone/utilities: 100 euros Miscellaneous personal expenses: 100 to 200 euros Total estimated monthly budget: 800 to 1,200 euros In addition to this, you must show proof of funds for one year-around 11,208 euros, which is close to Rs 10 lakh. What Life In Germany Could Look Like For A Year This visa is not just about work. It opens up a different kind of European life-one that involves living like a local. No two months will feel the same: Winter: Christmas markets, hot chocolate, snow-covered old towns Spring: Bike rides through parks, blooming cherry trees, weekend trips to neighbouring cities Summer: Beer gardens, lakeside picnics, outdoor cinema screenings Autumn: Foliage trails, wine festivals, and local Oktoberfest celebrations You could also take up: Volunteering at local cafes or co-working spaces Enrolling in a neighbourhood language school Shopping at weekly farmers' markets Living without a car-most cities are built for walking and cycling Adjusting to Sunday quiet-most shops are shut, so it is your day to slow down What Happens After One Year? If you have maintained your freelance work and financial self-sufficiency, your visa can be extended. Some freelancers also use the opportunity to: However, if your income is not consistent or the freelance work dries up, you may need to return to your home country.