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Europe plans to introduce several new laws for the fashion industry in 2025. On January 1, 2025, it passed the new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulation that requires the European Union to collect end-of-life textile products separately. Besides restricting the destruction of items that could still be used, the regulation also paves the way for large-scale textile recycling in the EU.
On December 30, 2024, the EU passed a law against deforestation. Targeting large corporations for the time being, the law will be applied to SMEs in H2, FY25. Passed in 2023, the law bans the sale of products associated with deforestation and forest degradation in the European market.
In 2025, EU also commenced the test phase of issuing the Digital Product Passport (DPP). The industry will test the first digital solutions in 2025 to enable consumers to access product information. A phased implementation of the DPP law will occur after 2025, with the goal of applying it to as many products as possible by 2030.
The European Forced Labor Regulation is also expected to be formally adopted by the European Commission in 2025. Meanwhile, the directive on environmental (green) claims (‘green product’, ‘biodegradable’, etc), is due to be negotiated this year between the European Parliament, the EU Commission and the Council of the European Union.
YKK Corporation, a leading global fastener manufacturer, announced today that its long-term goal of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by FY2050 has been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This achievement places YKK among the most ambitious companies in the Textile, Apparel, Footwear, and Luxury Goods sector, demonstrating its strong commitment to combating climate change.
The SBTi, a global body that guides corporate climate action, recognizes targets as ‘science-based’ when they align with the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. YKK’s long-term targets include reducing absolute scope one and two GHG emissions by 90 per cent and scope three emissions by 90 per cent from FY2018 levels by FY2050. The remaining 10 per cent of emissions will be addressed through carbon absorption and removal.
This milestone builds on YKK’s earlier SBTi validation in 2021 for near-term goals, which include a 50.4 per cent reduction in scope one and two emissions and a 30 per cent reduction in scope three emissions by FY2030.
“YKK’s validation reflects our commitment to sustainability and our philosophy of the Cycle Of Goodness,” said Minoru Maeda, Executive Officer. “Through technological innovation and collaboration, we aim to create better products while achieving net-zero emissions.”
Under its YKK Sustainability Vision 2050, the company continues to integrate environmental responsibility across all operations, reaffirming its dedication to a sustainable future.
Spring Fair, the UK's leading event for home, gift, and fashion, has renewed its exclusive partnership with Faire, the world’s largest global wholesale marketplace. This collaboration will offer UK independent retailers year-round support, bridging the gap between online and offline wholesale to help them trade more efficiently and faster.
Expanding on the success of their 2024 partnership, Spring Fair and Faire will now empower up to 20,000 independent retailers by offering seamless access to both in-person and online brands. Retailers will benefit from a continuous 12-month connection, allowing them to source products, discover new brands, and manage orders outside the confines of the physical trade show.
The extended Spring Fair-Faire partnership, coinciding with the event’s 75th anniversary, brings exciting new offerings for 2025. Retailers will have Always-On Access to connect and trade with brands year-round, reflecting modern retail's 24/7 nature.
Additionally, Exclusive Incentives such as 50 per cent off first orders for new Faire users and free shipping with the code Springfair will be available. Faire will also offer Increased Visibility & Education, including a dedicated stand and MasterClass sessions to help retailers optimize the hybrid wholesale model.
Charlotte Broadbent, UK General Manager at Faire, emphasized, "This partnership gives independent retailers the best of both worlds, year-round online access combined with the tactile experience of Spring Fair."
With over 200 brands on the Spring Fair collection at Faire.com, this expanded collaboration aims to streamline the buying process and foster a more connected, future-proofed retail industry.
Spring Fair 2025 will take place from February 2-5 at the NEC Birmingham, where retailers and exhibitors can connect with Faire before, during, and after the event.
Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris will return to the Paris-Le-Bourget Exhibition Centre from February 10 to 12, 2025, bringing with it exciting innovations and an enhanced visitor experience. Over 1,200 weavers and garment makers will showcase their products in Halls 2, 3, and 4, marking a new chapter for the event as it adopts a redesigned layout to better serve attendees.
The exhibition will highlight a diverse range of global sourcing, with creative collections offered at competitive prices for the fashion industry. Traditional sourcing nations like China, Turkey, India, South Korea, and Taiwan will continue to play a key role, while new sourcing areas such as Malaysia, Singapore, the UK, Vietnam, the Netherlands, and Egypt enrich the show's offerings. Dutch exhibitors like Quality Textile, Nooteboom, and Verhees Textiles will present cutting-edge cotton collections, while Korean companies ONK and W-Tex will feature innovative knitwear.
Sustainability will also be a focal point at the show, with the new ‘Initiatives’ zone in Hall 4 showcasing eco-friendly solutions. Vietnamese company Bao Lan Textile, for example, will display fabrics made from pineapple leaf fibers, known for their natural antibacterial properties and UV protection. The China Textile Information Centre's trends forum and the Econogy Hub will also focus on sustainability in textiles.
Apparel Sourcing will see the participation of over 500 exhibitors, offering a broad range of finished products, clothing, and fashion accessories. A key highlight will be the focus on local and near-sourcing, with products from Africa, including companies from Ethiopia, Rwanda, and the Arise Integrated Industrial Platform in Togo, Benin, and Gabon. Ukrainian exhibitors, supported by their national textile association, will add to the Euromed offering.
The event will also feature new exhibitor itineraries to optimize the sourcing experience. These include the Econogy Finder trail for sustainable textiles, the Small Quantity trail for limited production runs, and the Hand Made trail for authentic, handcrafted products. With an expanded range of exhibitors and services, Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris 2025 promises to be a must-attend event for the global fashion and textile industry.
Source Fashion, Europe’s premier event for responsible sourcing, will return to Olympia London from 18th to 20th February 2025. The show has released its Exhibitor List, offering visitors a preview of the hundreds of makers and manufacturers from over 20 countries, including key sourcing regions like Turkey, Taiwan, Ethiopia, Egypt, China, India, and Portugal. High-profile brands such as ASOS, M&S, John Lewis, and Primark are among those pre-registered to attend.
Event Director Suzanne Ellingham highlights the show’s commitment to uniting global manufacturers with retailers and designers seeking sustainable and innovative products. "Every supplier is audited and accredited, ensuring visitors can confidently source materials, fabrics, trims, and design services," she said.
Exhibitors span a range of categories, from apparel to accessories and packaging. For instance, UK-based Dee Kay Knitwear offers custom wholesale solutions, while Portugal’s WonderRaw delivers premium organic cotton garments with a focus on sustainability. India’s Coton Code Garments specialises in high-quality knitted apparel, while Turkey’s ION Tekstil combines style and affordability in circular knitted apparel.
The event also champions ethical practices, with exhibitors like Egypt’s The Fashion Incubator promoting women’s empowerment and Madagascar’s Anaka supporting local artisans through education and skill-building. Visitors can explore everything from luxury silks by Modern Star Silk to Nepal’s Chyangra Pashmina, renowned for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship.
Source Fashion continues its collaboration with the International Trade Centre to spotlight exhibitors from Ethiopia, Madagascar, Tanzania, and Nepal, ensuring sustainability remains at the heart of the show.
With its new mid-week dates, the February 2025 edition promises an improved experience for visitors, bringing together raw materials, white-label solutions, and bespoke manufacturing services. This season’s curated floorplan includes Womenswear, Menswear, Footwear, Accessories, Source Luxury, and Technology & Services.
Source Fashion 2025 cements its role as a vital platform for international sourcing, helping brands bring their visions to life responsibly and sustainably.
United Legwear & Apparel plans to adopt TradeBeyond’s multi-enterprise platform to strengthen supply chain transparency and governance, reinforcing its commitment to ethical sourcing. The move highlights the company’s focus on maintaining high standards for sustainability and compliance amidst increasing regulatory demands.
TradeBeyond’s AI-powered traceability tools will enable United Legwear to navigate complex compliance requirements, ensuring transparency from raw materials to final product delivery. These tools include real-time document authentication and chain-of-custody tracking, simplifying adherence to laws such as the US Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) mandates in North America and Europe.
Chris Volpe, Chief Operating and Financial Officer, United Legwear & Apparel, emphasizes, TradeBeyond’s advanced traceability tools provides the company with a comprehensive view of its entire supply chain, ensuring responsible sourcing and strengthening supplier relationships.
The integration of TradeBeyond’s CBX platform is part of a phased deployment strategy aimed at automating critical compliance processes. This platform will improve collaboration with suppliers, many of whom are based in Asia, and reduce risks by validating essential compliance documentation.
The AI technology embedded in the platform analyzes vast amounts of supply chain data, identifying irregularities or compliance issues. These capabilities will help United Legwear meet stringent requirements while addressing upcoming regulations focused on recyclability and carbon footprint reporting.
Michael Hung, CEO, TradeBeyond says, the CBX platform empowers United Legwear to maintain compliance with evolving regulations while enhancing efficiency and transparency across their supply chain.
United Legwear & Apparel, a 25-year leader in designing and distributing legwear, bodywear, and accessories, collaborates with renowned brands like Puma, Scotch & Soda, and Skechers. This latest partnership with TradeBeyond reflects its ongoing commitment to ethical practices and innovative supply chain solutions.
The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) is inviting applications for the ITMF Awards 2025, featuring three distinct categories:
ITMF Sustainability & Innovation Award 2025
ITMF International Cooperation Award 2025
ITMF Start-up Award 2025
The deadline for submissions is April 30, 2025. Winners will be announced during the ITMF Annual Conference 2025, held from September 24-25, 2025, in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The conference will provide winners an opportunity to showcase their projects to a global audience.
Founded in 1904, ITMF serves as a leading international forum for the textile and related industries. Its members span over 40 countries, representing around 90 per cent of global production across the entire textile value chain, including fibers, textile machinery, chemicals, textiles, apparel, and home textiles.
The ITMF Awards celebrate innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurial spirit, furthering ITMF's commitment to driving progress in the textile industry.
Marking a significant expansion into the booming athleisure market, Irish fast-fashion retailer Primark has launched its largest-ever performance collection. Blending style with functionality, this new activewear range offers a broad range of athletic apparel for men, women, and children. It caters to the demands of both fitness enthusiasts and casual wearers.
Featuring a wide variety including technical sports bras, leggings, joggers, and tops, the collection is designed with performance in mind, It utilizes advanced fabrics that provide enhanced comfort and support. Key innovations in the collection include four-way stretch materials for flexibility, sweat-wicking technology to keep wearers dry, and breathable fabrics for maximum airflow during workouts. Apparel pieces in the collection have been made to go through rigorous testing to ensure they meet high standards of quality and longevity.
To elevate the shopping experience, Primark has introduced dedicated spaces in select stores to showcase the new performance line. These areas are designed to inspire customers, featuring ballet bar-inspired rails, gym-themed props, and informative panels highlighting the collection’s features. The immersive displays aim to create a dynamic environment that reflects the energy of the activewear collection.
Valued at $1.3B in 2023, global lyocell fiber market is likely to hit $3.42B by 2032. Explore Credence Report insights on growth drivers, Lenzing AG, Birla Cellulose, and more!
Valued at $1.3 billion in 2023, the global lyocell fiber market is expected to grow at a robust CAGR of 10.20 per cent, reaching $3.42 billion by 2032. According to a report by Credence Report Inc, this growth is being driven by lyocell’s increasing adoption in clothing, home textiles, and industrial products, thanks to its sustainability, biodegradability, and superior performance.
Growing environmental awareness among consumers and industries is fueling demand for lyocell fiber. Leading innovation in this sector are companies like Lenzing AG and Birla Cellulose. Lenzing’s Tencel™ Lyocell fibers recycle over 99 per cent of solvents and water, while their Lenzing™ Lyocell Dry fiber enhances moisture management in hygiene applications, reducing reliance on plastic fibers.
Birla Cellulose has developed Nullarbor fiber, which is finer than silk and significantly stronger than conventional lyocell. Lenzing also sources wood from certified sustainable forests and plans to increase its production capacity to over 100,000 tons annually by 2025. These advancements underscore the industry’s commitment to eco-friendly innovation.
Lyocell’s high tensile strength, moisture management, breathability, and softness make it a preferred material in various applications. In apparel, lyocell is being widely used in activewear, casual wear, and intimate wear, thanks to its hypoallergenic and skin-friendly properties. The growing demand for luxurious yet sustainable home textiles, such as bed linens and curtains, is also boosting the fiber’s adoption in home décor.
The healthcare and hygiene sectors are leveraging lyocell fiber’s biodegradability for single-use products. Lenzing’s recent developments allow for innovative, sustainable alternatives to plastic-based materials, further broadening its market appeal.
Rapid urbanization and rising disposable incomes in Asia-Pacific and Latin America present significant growth opportunities for the lyocell fiber market. E-commerce platforms are also enhancing visibility and accessibility for lyocell-based products in these regions.
Sustainability-focused regulations and industry policies are creating favorable market conditions. Companies adopting zero-waste production and carbon-neutral operations are gaining a competitive edge. Moreover, blending lyocell with other fibers, such as cotton and polyester, is enabling manufacturers to create unique, high-performance textiles for fashion, technical, and medical applications.
As political tensions simmer between India and Bangladesh, the intricate textile trade relationship between the two South Asian neighbors hangs in the balance. Here is a look at the interwoven textile supply chain, the stakes, indispensable links, and potential vulnerabilities for both nations.
A symbiotic relationship
India and Bangladesh share a deeply intertwined textile trade relationship, characterized by complementary strengths. India dominates the upstream segment, providing raw materials like cotton, yarn, and fabrics to Bangladesh. Bangladesh, in turn, leverages its competitive labor costs to focus on downstream garment manufacturing, exporting finished apparel globally, including to India.
Table
Trade flow 2022-23 Value (% bn) Key items India to Bangladesh Exports $11 Cotton, yarn, fabrics, dyes, chemicals India from Bangladesh Imports $1.89 Ready-made garments, knitwear, home textiles
The two countries have some indispensible links. For example, Bangladesh's reliance on Indian inputs for garment industry, a cornerstone of its economy, means any disruptions in supply could cripple production and impact export commitments. Also, Bangladesh provides a significant market for Indian textile products, particularly yarn and fabrics. Losing this market share would deal a blow to Indian manufacturers. Bangladesh also has lower labor costs that make it an attractive destination for garment manufacturing. This benefits global brands and retailers, contributing to the affordability of clothing.
However, the country is seriously vulnerable now. These vulnerabilities include the political volatility. The current political climate has led to uncertainty and risk, potentially disrupting established trade flows. Any disruption in cross-border movement of goods could lead to delays, shortages, and increased costs for both nations. Moreover, both countries also face competition from other textile and garment producing nations, particularly in Southeast Asia.
What's at stake is their economic growth as the textile industry significantly contributes to the GDP and employment in both countries. Trade disruptions could have adverse economic consequences. Both nations also risk losing their hard-earned positions in the global textile and garment market if the current situation persists. And supply chain disruptions and increased costs could ultimately lead to higher prices for clothing and textiles globally.
Therefore, while certain aspects of the textile trade relationship are indispensable, both countries possess some flexibility. India could seek alternative export markets, and Bangladesh could explore sourcing raw materials from other suppliers. However, such shifts would likely involve higher costs and logistical challenges. Thus the current situation underscores the importance of diversification and resilience in textile supply chains. It also highlights the need for political stability and cooperation to ensure continued growth and prosperity for both India and Bangladesh.
