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Cellulose Fibres Conference 2025 is generating excitement in the industry as six pioneering products have been nominated for the prestigious innovation award, set to take place in Cologne on March 12-13. This annual award, organized by nova-Institute and sponsored by GIG Karasek, honors companies that demonstrate creativity, technological advancement, and ecological impact. The award’s goal is to recognize not only innovative products but also the courage to innovate for a sustainable future.
The six nominees, selected by a jury of experts, are set to showcase their solutions at the conference, where attendees will vote live for the top three winners. Over 220 participants are expected to join the event, which will include presentations and the award ceremony on March 12.
The nominees include Fibers365 (Germany), with its ‘hemp365’ material made from regional, chemical-free hemp fibres that reduce reliance on fossil-based binders. Releaf Paper France (France) transforms urban fallen leaves into sustainable cellulose fibres for eco-friendly packaging, while SA-Dynamics (Germany) presents cellulose aerogel textiles as a biodegradable alternative to fossil-based insulation materials. Sci-Lume Labs (USA) introduces Bylon, a renewable, waste-derived biosynthetic fibre that is biodegradable and recyclable.
TMG Automotive (Portugal) offers Refiber, a sustainable automotive material made from biopolymer and cellulose waste for car interiors. Lastly, Uluu (Australia) is developing biodegradable textiles made from seaweed-derived materials, replacing plastics in fashion and reducing microplastic pollution.
These innovations are expected to set new standards in sustainability across multiple industries.
The Life Cycle Assessment Sum`mit (LCAS-2025), held on January 9-10 at SASMIRA, Mumbai, championed sustainability in India’s technical textiles sector. Inaugurated by Sanjay Savkare, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister of Textiles, Maharashtra, the event underscored the importance of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in driving a sustainable future for the nation’s textile and infrastructure industries. Savkare emphasized innovation and sustainability as pillars of growth for India’s textile ecosystem.
Organized under the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) and supported by the Maharashtra Government’s Department of Textiles, the summit featured notable attendees, including Rajeev Saxena, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, and Roop Rashi, Textile Commissioner. SASMIRA unveiled Circular Weaving Technology for Seamless Tubular Geotextiles, developed with Lohia Corp Ltd, to strengthen weak soil. Eve Essential, a SASMIRA-supported start-up, launched reusable hygiene products, advancing sustainability in personal care.
Key industry leaders, including Yogesh K Kusumgar, Raj Kumar Lohia, and Anjani Prasad, were honored for their contributions, while Manish Raval was lauded for transformative achievements. Savkare awarded Sanjay Saini of SASMIRA for Excellence in Research & Innovation.
With sessions led by global experts and support from organizations like Reliance Industries and ICT, the summit emphasized LCA’s potential to align Indian industries with global sustainability standards. LCAS-2025 set the stage for integrating LCA practices, positioning India as a leader in sustainable technical textiles.
Retailers across the United States are reassessing supply chains after Mexico announced significant tariff hikes on textiles and apparel. On December 19, the Mexican government revealed protective measures imposing a 15 per cent tariff on textiles and up to 35 per cent on finished apparel imports.
These tariffs aim to shield Mexico’s textile industry from low-cost Chinese goods, a critical move to support nearly 500,000 workers, according to Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard.
The new tariffs also challenge US e-commerce brands that have relied on Section 321’s de minimis provision, which exempts customs duties on shipments valued under $800. Many companies had been routing goods from China through Mexico before shipping them to the US, a strategy now in jeopardy.
Ryan Martin, president of ITS Logistics, highlighted a significant increase in inquiries from businesses as they work to navigate the new tariffs. He noted that many companies are in the early stages of assessing their options and gathering information to determine the best path forward amidst the uncertainty.
Adding to the uncertainty, President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to impose a 25 per cent tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada and an additional 10 per cent on Chinese goods. These measures, aimed at curbing illegal immigration and drug trafficking, could further disrupt trade flows.
The Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF), founded by Michael Otto, has developed an advanced e-learning platform to ensure effective implementation of The Good Cashmere Standard (GCS). This platform supports knowledge transfer to improve conditions for producers, animals, and the environment.
The platform offers free, automated access to training for trainers, auditors, and producers, featuring courses on GCS fundamentals and animal welfare. A knowledge library, containing the full standard and other essential documents, complements the program. “The positive feedback from users highlights the platform’s importance for an impact-driven organization like ours,” says Figo Li, GCS’s China representative.
With interactive elements, videos, quizzes, and a modular system, the platform emphasizes user-friendly, customized learning. Vanessa Löwenich, GCS training project manager, highlights the system’s adaptability, enabling trainers to create courses tailored to local conditions and individual needs.
Since its launch in 2022, the platform has grown, becoming central to all AbTF standards. It empowers users to address sustainability challenges in cashmere production, including biodiversity preservation and supply chain transparency.
Attendees of the 2025 Good Cashmere Conference in Hamburg can delve deeper into these topics. Virtual reality tours of Inner Mongolian model farms, alongside international speakers, will provide insights into biodiversity, animal welfare, and sustainable practices.
The innovative platform cements AbTF’s reputation as a leader in sustainable solutions, equipping partners with tools to meet evolving challenges in the cashmere industry.
The Indian Textile Accessories and Machinery Manufacturers Association (ITAMMA) has successfully organized 26 Product-cum-Catalogue Shows across India’s textile hubs. These events have provided members with a platform to connect with customers, address industry challenges, and enhance product quality.
Based on growing demand from members and the user industry, ITAMMA announced a new format extending the show to two days and introducing larger stalls for better product displays. This decision aims to enhance engagement and accessibility for stakeholders.
The latest event was inaugurated by Chief Guest Darshana Jardosh, Former Minister of State for Textiles, and Guest of Honour Mukeshkumar Chandrakaant Dalal, MP, BJP, Surat. Other dignitaries included Ketan Sanghvi, Chairman of India ITME Society, Manubhai Patel, MLA, Udhana, and Ashok Jirawala, President of FOGWA. The event also marked the release of ‘ITAMMA Voice’ Volume 14, themed ‘Technology and Innovations: The Strength of Atmanirbhar Bharat Towards Viksit Bharat.’
Jardosh emphasized the importance of innovation in textile machinery to add value to the industry, urging students to explore entrepreneurship and technical advancements. She highlighted the promising future of Indian technical textiles, driven by the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM).
Manubhai Patel and Ashok Jirawala highlighted the opportunity for FOGWA members to interact with industry stakeholders and access the latest innovations in textile machinery and components.
India ITME Society, a sponsor of the event, promoted its upcoming Global Textile Technology & Engineering Show (GTTES 2025) exhibition, scheduled from February 21-23, 2025, in Mumbai. Chairman Ketan Sanghvi shared details about the exhibition, with brochures and an informative video available at their stall.
Summing up the event, ITAMMA Vice-President Omprakash Mantry noted Surat’s dominance in synthetic textiles, producing 65 per cent of India’s man-made fabrics. The show provided a crucial platform for buyers to explore innovative spare parts and accessories essential for high-performance machines.
ITAMMA’s partnership with Sambuq.com further underscores its digital transformation, creating a marketplace and ecosystem to support members in the competitive global market of sustainability and responsible manufacturing.
The once-booming European textile recycling industry is facing an unprecedented crisis, with far-reaching implications for the global fashion landscape and the environment. For years, Europe led the way in textile recycling, diverting millions of tons of used clothing from landfills and incinerators. However, recent global disruptions have severely impacted the sector, pushing it to the brink of collapse.
What went wrong?
Several factors contributed to this perfect storm for the industry.
The war in Ukraine
The conflict in Ukraine has disrupted supply chains and significantly reduced demand for used clothing in Eastern Europe, a key export market for European recyclers. This instability has compounded logistical challenges and created economic uncertainty.
Logistical challenges in Africa
African nations, once major importers of used clothing from Europe, are grappling with logistical barriers and economic downturns. These issues have led to declining demand, further squeezing the European recycling sector.
The rise of ultra-fast fashion
The increasing popularity of ultra-fast fashion has flooded the market with cheap, disposable clothing. This oversupply of low-quality garments has made recycling more challenging as such textiles are often unsuitable for reuse or upcycling.
The numbers tell the story
The decline in textile exports paints a stark picture.
Table: EU used textiles exports
|
Year |
EU used textile exports (tons) |
|
2022 |
464,993 |
|
2023 |
430,185 |
Source: EuRIC Textiles
This sharp decline, coupled with rising operational costs, has severely impacted profit margins for recycling companies. “The current crisis is unprecedented and threatens to undo years of progress in textile recycling,” says Mariska Boer, President of EuRIC Textiles. “We need urgent action to prevent a complete collapse of the sector.”
For example, Germany, one of Europe’s leading exporters of used textiles, has seen a marked drop in exports to key markets like Ghana.
|
Year |
German used textile exports to Ghana (tons) |
|
2020 |
7911.2 |
|
2023 |
4532.9 |
Source: German Federal Statistical Office
The decline underscores the challenges recyclers face in identifying viable export destinations.
The ongoing crisis has triggered a cascade of adverse effects. With declining demand and rising costs, many recycling facilities are overwhelmed by the influx of used textiles, leading to overflowing warehouses and logistical bottlenecks. As storage capacity reaches its limit, unsold textiles are increasingly at risk of incineration. This process releases harmful pollutants, further exacerbating environmental concerns. The crisis threatens to derail Europe’s efforts to reduce textile waste and promote a circular economy. Failure to address this issue could have long-lasting environmental repercussions.
What can be done?
Industry experts and policymakers are advocating for immediate interventions to mitigate the crisis. Proposed solutions include:
Lowering VAT on recycled textiles: Reducing value-added tax on recycled textiles could improve their competitiveness against virgin materials, encouraging more widespread adoption.
Taxing petroleum-based materials: Introducing taxes on petroleum-based textiles could disincentivize the production of non-recyclable clothing, while promoting the use of sustainable alternatives.
Investing in recycling technologies: Greater funding for innovative recycling technologies can unlock new possibilities for creating high-value products from textile waste while addressing the oversupply of low-quality garments, say experts. As Emily Macintosh, a sustainable fashion advocate puts it, “Consumers have a crucial role to play in reducing textile waste. By choosing durable, high-quality clothing and supporting brands that prioritize recycling, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future.”
Italian contemporary fashion fair, White Milano, is gearing up to hold its next edition, from February 27 to March 2 in Tortona Fashion District, Milan This year’s event will showcase over 300 brands, with 55 per cent from Italian companies and 45 per cent from international labels, reflecting its global appeal.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, M Seventy, the company behind White Milano, is expanding its reach with new initiatives in strategic markets. These include pop-up events and dedicated spaces in flagship stores outside Italy, designed to introduce participating brands to new audiences, strengthen retail distribution, and engage directly with customers.
The first of these international pop-ups will debut in Saudi Arabia in February 2025, in collaboration with the Al Malki Group, a leading player in the Middle Eastern market. The exclusive pop-up will be located in the renowned Westerly department store in Riyadh and will run until May. This pilot project will feature a curated selection of brands, chosen from White Milano’s regular exhibitors, as a B2C-focused effort to bring contemporary Italian and global fashion directly to consumers. It’s the first in a series of similar events planned throughout 2025.
To support foreign buyers from top boutiques and concept stores, White Milano has partnered with key markets, including Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Eastern Europe, Japan, Benelux, Spain, and the Middle East/GCC. These collaborations aim to facilitate the participation of international buyers and broaden the reach of White’s showcased brands.
In addition to the core business events within the stands, White Milano will host entertainment initiatives open to the public. These will include art, fashion, and music events, creating opportunities for both industry insiders and consumers to engage with the fair.
White Milano’s innovative projects, including its international pop-ups, retain the DNA of the Milan event, offering the same high-quality brand selection. These efforts allow participating brands to tell their stories directly to buyers and consumers in targeted regions, reinforcing White Milano’s role as a dynamic platform for contemporary fashion on a global stage.
Epic Group and Creative Group signed a non-binding MOU to invest Rs 500 crore (approximately $60 million) to boost innovation and growth in the apparel sector besides creating 10,000 jobs.
A global leader in apparel manufacturing, Epic Group boasts decades of expertise and innovation. Known for integrating advanced technologies and sustainable practices, the group has state-of-the-art facilities in Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Ethiopia, Its New York design studio and worldwide customer base underscore its dedication to quality, creativity, and market responsiveness.
A prominent player in India’s textile industry, Creative Group contributes its extensive knowledge of the domestic market and proven operational excellence. By merging Epic Group’s global reach and cutting-edge solutions with Creative Group’s local insights, the venture aims to transform India’s role in the global apparel supply chain.
The partnership emphasizes advanced manufacturing technologies, eco-friendly practices, and design-focused solutions to meet evolving customer expectations. With a shared vision, Epic and Creative Groups are committed to position India as a vital hub for apparel innovation and sustainability while delivering exceptional value to customers and stakeholders.
A leader in textile machinery manufacturing, Reshmi Industries aims to achieve a revenue growth of 40 per cent in FY 2025. The company plans to expand its new manufacturing, including a machine shop and technology center set to open in January 2025.
Under the visionary leadership of KB Sajan, Chairman and Vishnu Sajan, Joint Managing Director, Reshmi Industries continues to address the dynamic needs of the textile industry with a portfolio of advanced, Industry 4.0-enabled products. Among its flagship offerings are the Ultiflex Precision Winders, Precithread Automatic Sewing Thread Winders, and Precitube Automatic Winders.
The company’s upcoming product launches include the Ultiflex TG, which features electronically adjustable traverse capabilities, ensuring Reshmi stays ahead of industry demands. To further enhance customer experience, the company recently inaugurated a state-of-the-art Customer Experience Centre in Coimbatore. This facility provides live demonstrations, workshops, and customized solutions to meet the specific needs of clients.
Reshmi Industries has also strengthened its global footprint by participating in renowned exhibitions such as ITMA Milan, ITM Istanbul, and Indo Intertex Indonesia. These events have cemented its position in international markets and driven substantial business growth. The company will further participate in upcoming exhibitions in Egypt (Egystitch) and ITMA Singapore to help penetrate emerging markets in the Middle East, North Africa, and Southeast Asia.
Sustainability remains a cornerstone of Reshmi’s operations. Approximately 70 per cent of its machinery is designed to reduce energy consumption, lowering operational costs and carbon footprints. The company’s manufacturing facilities employ eco-friendly technologies and energy-efficient systems to optimize resource usage, aligning with the global textile industry’s focus on sustainable practices.
The Karnataka Government has completed the land acquisition process for its planned Jeans Textile Park in Ballari.
To be set up across 154 acre, the Jeans Textile Park will be set up in Sanjeevarayanakote, under the supervision of the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB).
The initiative will help position Ballari as a global leader in denim production, leveraging the region’s rich history in jeans manufacturing. The park is expected to attract significant investments, create employment opportunities, and enable local manufacturers to compete on an international scale by incorporating advanced technology, sustainable practices, and world-class infrastructure.
Already recognized for its skilled workforce and high-quality denim product, Ballari will further be recognized as a key player in the denim industry globally with the establishment of this Jeans Textile Park.
The development underscores Karnataka Government’s commitment to support its textile and garment sectors while enhancing Ballari’s reputation as a premier destination for denim manufacturing.
