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Storm Creek, a pioneer in sustainable apparel within the promotional products sector, has announced its partnership with Bluesign as a system partner, making it the first brand in the industry to do so. This collaboration underscores Storm Creek's commitment to sustainability, with a pledge to exclusively use Bluesign Approved fabrics by 2025.
Storm Creek’s 2025 product catalog will showcase items crafted entirely from Bluesign certified fabrics, reflecting their commitment to minimizing environmental impact and endorsing responsible production. Doug Jackson, Founder and President of Storm Creek, highlighted that the partnership enhances their sustainability efforts. The company seeks to motivate promotional product distributors to adopt eco-friendly practices, thereby increasing the positive effects on end buyers. Storm Creek is dedicated to setting a benchmark for sustainability in the promotional products industry.
Storm Creek’s commitment to Bluesign standards aligns with their mission to deliver high-performance, eco-friendly apparel, ensuring both product safety and sustainability. The inclusion of Storm Creek in the Bluesign System marks a significant step forward. Daniel Rufenacht, CEO of Bluesign Technologies AG noted that Storm Creek’s pledge to use 100 per cent Bluesign Approved fabrics by 2025 sets a strong example for sustainability within the industry.
This partnership highlights Storm Creek’s role in driving a sustainable transformation in the promotional products market.
A damning new report, ‘What Fuels Fashion?’, has exposed the fashion industry's abysmal track record on climate action. The report, which analyzed 250 of the world's largest fashion brands, reveals a shocking lack of transparency and ambition in addressing the industry's significant carbon footprint. The report, a special edition of the annual ‘Fashion Transparency Index’, grades brands on their disclosure of climate and energy-related data, primarily focusing on supply chain emissions. The average score was a dismal 18 per cent, with a 13 per cent of major brands receiving a zero rating, highlighting the industry's overall failure to prioritize climate change. In fact, a staggering 32 brands scored a zero, indicating a complete absence of climate-related disclosures.
Highlights of the study
Lack of commitment to decarbonisation: Nearly a quarter of brands disclosed no information on decarbonisation, while less than half had Science-based targets covering their entire value chain.
Missing climate targets: Almost 86 per cent companies lacked a public coal phase-out target, and 94 per cent had no public renewable energy target.
Transparency gap: Most brands (89 per cent) did not disclose annual clothing production, and nearly half failed to reveal raw material emissions.
Focus on false solutions: While many brands touted sustainable materials, only a fraction disclosed their supply chain's energy sources.
Supplier burden: Despite being major emitters, 94 per cent of brands failed to disclose investment in supply chain decarbonisation, often shifting costs onto suppliers.
Worker neglect: Almost no brands engaged with workers affected by climate change, with 94 per cent lacking disclosure on such efforts.
Renewable energy advocacy failure: Only 13 per cent brands disclosed renewable energy advocacy in their supply chains, and just 2 per cent shared the outcomes.
Supply chain reliance on coal: Despite 96 per cent of fashion's emissions originating in manufacturing, only 8 per cent of brands had a renewable electricity target for their supply chain.
Just transition overlooked: The majority (96 per cent) of brands lacked a public commitment to a Just Transition strategy, with only 4 per cent disclosing efforts to support supply chain workers.
Table: Key performance indicators
|
Average Brand Score |
18% |
|
Brands with 0% Rating |
32/250 (13%) |
|
Brands with Decarbonization Disclosure |
75% |
|
Brands with Science-Based Targets (SBTs) |
47% |
|
Brands Disclosing Progress Against SBTs |
42% |
|
Brands with Public Coal Phase-Out Target |
14% |
|
Brands with Public Renewable Energy Target |
6% |
|
Brands Disclosing Annual Clothing Production |
11% |
|
Brands Disclosing Supply Chain Energy Sources |
11% |
|
Brands Investing in Supply Chain Decarbonization |
6% |
|
Brands with Public Commitment to Just Transition |
4% |
|
Brands Disclosing Renewable Energy Advocacy |
13% |
Industry experts point out, these findings are deeply concerning. The fashion industry is a major contributor to climate change, yet it's failing to take responsibility. Brands must prioritize decarbonisation, invest in supply chain sustainability, and support workers affected by the crisis. Some others say, the fashion industry is in a state of climate denial. This report is a wake-up call. We need urgent action to decarbonise the sector and protect both the planet and the people who make our clothes.
The report calls for increased transparency, ambitious climate targets, and fair financing for the transition to a low-carbon fashion industry. It also emphasizes the importance of including workers and communities in the decision-making process to ensure a just transition.
The recent Munich Fabric Start, along with its associated formats The Source, Keyhouse, and Bluezone, concluded on a positive note, reinforcing its position as a vital event in the European textile and fashion industry. Despite facing challenges, including a 10 per cent drop in attendance, the show drew key decision-makers and influencers from major brands such as adidas, Hugo Boss, Chloe, and Marc O’Polo. The event featured over 1,000 collections, highlighting fabric trends and material innovations for Autumn/Winter 2025/26, underscoring its importance in shaping industry direction.
Strategic adjustments and efficiency gains In a move to enhance efficiency, the tradeshow was compressed into two days, a decision that was met with approval from both exhibitors and attendees. The reorganization of the Fabrics and Studios areas and the integration of Keyhouse into Bluezone shortened walking distances and created new synergies, making the event more manageable and focused.
Sebastian Klinder, Managing Director of Munich Fabric Start, expressed satisfaction with the strategic changes, noting that the condensed format and restructured areas were well-received. He emphasized the show’s importance to the industry, particularly in a challenging economic environment, where collaboration and innovation are crucial.
Innovative concepts and sustainable practices
A significant theme throughout the event was collaboration, with numerous talks and workshops focusing on industry-wide cooperation to tackle challenges such as sustainability and recycling. The lecture program featured around 40 talks, with a strong emphasis on new network structures, cooperation platforms, and holistic approaches to problem-solving. DrishtiMasand, a Circular Economy Expert at Adidas, highlighted the importance of innovative phases in the industry, noting that different concepts can coexist to address specific niches.
Keyhouse, which played a central role in linking designers, researchers, and industry stakeholders, showcased cutting-edge developments in digital printing and sustainability. Exhibitors like Trace Momentum and tex. tracer presented solutions for clean data collection along the value chain, advancing the industry's move towards a digital product passport. The focus on AI-driven and individualized printing processes further underscored the event's commitment to reducing waste and enhancing sustainability.
Bluezone: Denim's future in focus
Bluezone, the dedicated denim segment of the tradeshow, attracted significant attention with over 70 international denim mills presenting their latest innovations. The event highlighted the industry's ongoing evolution, particularly in sustainable practices and digital advancements. The theme "Denimined" set the tone for the show, with trend directions such as "Digital Denim Art" and "Tech it Easy" pointing to the increasing integration of technology in denim production.
Amy Leverton, a trend forecaster from Denim Dudes, praised the show's ability to bring the denim community together, noting that Munich Fabric Start offers a unique platform for cross-pollination between different sectors of the textile industry. She highlighted the importance of events like Bluezone in expanding the industry's horizons, particularly through innovations like 3D-printing onto denim.
Industry sentiment and future outlook The sentiment among attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the event's organization and the opportunities it provided for meaningful exchanges. Frank Junker, Creative Director at Munich Fabric Start, emphasized the need for the industry to pull together in these challenging times, a sentiment echoed by several other participants. The show's ability to foster connections and drive business forward, even in a condensed format, was widely appreciated.
As the industry continues to navigate economic challenges, Munich Fabric Start has reaffirmed its role as a critical platform for innovation, collaboration, and sustainability in the European textile sector. The strategic decisions made this year have positioned the tradeshow well for future success, ensuring it remains a key event on the industry's calendar.
Modtissimo 60+4, scheduled for September 12-13, is showcasing cutting-edge sustainability in textiles, with a strong focus on the iTechStyle Green Circle, curated by Citeve and Paulo Gomes. The exhibition will feature 28 innovative designs that highlight eco-friendly materials, natural dyes, and energy-efficient processes, emphasizing eco-design principles.
Cristina Castro, Citeve’s public relations officer, notes that this year’s showcase will introduce advancements not only in materials but also in sustainable finishes and processes. The event aligns with European regulations on Digital Product Passports, encouraging participating companies to share their dataa significant step toward transparency and sustainability.
The iTechStyle Showcase, another key attraction, will present finalists for the iTechStyle Awards across Fabrics, Accessories, and Products categories, with a growing emphasis on sustainability. Home textiles, traditionally absent from Modtissimo, are also beginning to seize this platform as an opportunity.
Citeve will promote several mobilizing projects at their stand, including Be@t (Bio economy in Textiles), Texpact (Digitalization of Textiles and Clothing), and RDC (Roadmap for Decarbonization). At the European level, the Resotex project will be highlighted, aiming to foster sustainable entrepreneurship in the textile sector.
Leading industry participants include ASampaio & Filhos, Tintex, Polopique, and Lameirinho, among others, covering fabrics, products, and accessories categories.
Superdry has launched its maiden kids wear collection in partnership with retailer Next. The collection will be available on Next's online platform and select UK stores. Under this licensing agreement, the retailer Next will design, manufacture, and distribute the 95-piece collection, created in collaboration with Superdry's design team. The range will include outerwear, T-shirts, sweatshirts, polos, and dresses for children aged two to ten, drawing inspiration from Superdry's iconic archive styles.
The collection will debut online at Next.co.uk next month, with a physical launch in five selected Next stores in November. Julian Dunkerton, CEO, Superdry, shares, while Next will primarily focus on the UK market, it will also offer the collection to its agents and distributors across Europe starting from January 2025.
Next has been expanding its childrens wear licensing portfolio in recent years, bringing in brands like Clarks, Reebok, and Paul Smith in 2023/24, with All Saints and Superdry joining this year. According to its latest financial results, the retailer’schildrens wear licensing division experienced a 27 per cent increase in full-price sales, reaching £32.7 million for the year ending Jan 27, 2024.
India will export technical textiles worth over $10 billion annually by 2030, said Giriraj Singh, Union Minister for Textiles, Giriraj Singh at the inauguration of a conference and exhibition on technical textiles in New Delhi.
The conference and the exhibition were organised by the Ministry of Textiles along with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and the Indian Technical Textiles Association.
Emphasising on the growing demand and significance of man-made fibres (MMF) and technical textiles both globally and within India, Singh said, to boost this sector, the government has launched the National Technical Textiles Mission and introduced a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for MMF, apparel, and technical textiles. Additionally, it has also sanctioned 156 research projects under the Mission.
Pabitra Margherita, Union Minister of State for Textiles, highlighted the initiatives taken by various state governments to attract investments, including Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), in technical textiles.
Rachna Shah, Union Textiles Secretary, noted, the global trade in technical textiles is valued at approximately $300 billion, with India’s domestic market accounting for $25 billion and annual exports reaching $2.6 billion.
Rajeev Saxena, Joint Secretary added, the government has issued Quality Control Orders for 57 technical textile items, such as fire retardant furniture fabrics. It has also introduced 37 new Harmonised System (HS) Codes to enhance regulation and standardisation of technical textile products.
Despite receiving a higher bid of £215.5 million from fast-fashion giant Shein and Authentic Brands Group (ABG), Asossold the 75 per cent stake it held in the brands Topshop and Topman to Heartland for £135 million. An investment company, Heartland is the largest shareholder in the online fashion retailer Asos.
Asos opines, its partnership with Heartland will benefit from positive sales of Topshop under its new ownership as the brands will continue to be sold on the Asos website. As part of the joint venture, Asos will retain ‘certain design and distribution rights’ for Topshop and Topman and receive a royalty fee for marketing and selling the brands online.
José Antonio Ramos Calamonte, CEO, Asos, says, the joint venture will help the company strengthen its strategy to offer customers the best of fashion while driving sustainable, profitable growth. The joint venture is a testament to the brands’ potential and will help introduce Topshop and Topman to more customers globally, he states.
With the brand continuing to focus on designing top-quality fashion and being a leading style destination, the joint venture will also open new opportunities for Asos, both online and offline, while securing the best value for its shareholders.
The New York Fashion Week kicked off on Sep 06, 2024 with five menswear designers showcasing their collections, inspired by varied sources such as Zanzibar’s beaches, the 1970s, and personal dreams.
Among these was the debut collection of the Minnesota-based brand Earthling. Titled ‘Doves Cry,’ the collection majorly featured leather and denim. The collection’s designs were shaped by the 1970s and the brand's hometown icon, musician Prince.
Designer Aaron Potts showcased a collection inspired by the natural beauty of Zanzibar’s beaches. The brand also incorporated iridescent organza fabrics to symbolize the shimmering fish found in the waters.
Taking a more introspective approach, designer Clara Son presented a collection that indicated the transformation of her negative emotions into artful fashion.
Other highlights of the fashion week included the debut of a nautical-themed menswear range from the brand, The Salting.
To run till Sep 11, 2024, New York Fashion Week is set to feature approximately 60 designers on the official calendar.
Leading Japanese computerised flat knitting technologist Shima Seiki, in collaboration with its Indian sales representative Universal MEP Projects & Engineering Services, will showcase its advanced Mach2XS Whole garment Knitting Machineat the upcoming Garfab-TX Surat exhibition. To be held from Sep 13-15, 2024 in Surat, India, this international trade showwill focus on embroidery, apparel technology, fiber, yarn, fabrics, and accessories.
Equipped with 4 needle beds and Shima Seiki’s innovative Slide Needle, the Mach2XS, is designed to produce high-quality fine gauge Whole garment products using all needles, representing a breakthrough in seamless garment knitting. Additionally, Shima Seiki will also display its N.SVR123SP machine featuring a loop presser bed for inlay techniques. This machine allows for the creation of hybrid fabrics that combine both knit and woven characteristics, while its i-Plating inverse-plating capability enhances patterning possibilities, enabling the production of jacquard-like patterns in lightweight plain jersey stitch.
Both machines boast a range of Shima Seiki’s cutting-edge innovations, including the DSCS Digital Stitch Control System (enhanced with ‘intelligence’ on the Mach2XS), a spring-type moveable sinker system, stitch presser, yarn gripper and cutter, and takedown comb. Renowned for their Made-in-Japan quality, reliability, and productivity, these machines are designed to meet the high expectations of the textile industry in Surat and beyond.
Also featured at the event will be Shima Seiki’s SDS-O APEX4 3D design system, which will offer demonstrations on the creative side of fashion. This system covers everything from planning and design to colorway evaluation, realistic fabric simulation, and 3D virtual sampling. Virtual sampling, an accurate digital version of physical samples, reduces time, cost, and waste materials, transforming the sample-making process. The SDS-ONE APEX4 supports digital prototyping across various applications, including flat knitting, weaving, pile weaving, circular knitting, and embroidery, helping to drive sustainable manufacturing in the fashion supply chain.
The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) is set to host the 3rd Sustainable Textile Summit on Sep 17, 2024, at the Lakshmipat Singhania Auditorium in New Delhi. This annual flagship event aims to bring together key stakeholders from the textile industry to explore innovative solutions for creating a more sustainable future.
The summit is expected to attract over 200 participants, including representatives from textile and apparel manufacturers, exporters, traders, supply chain managers, compliance officers, environmental consultants, research institutions, technology providers, retailers, and leading brands.
The keynote address for the inaugural session will be delivered by Rohit Kansal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. Titled, ‘The Urgency for Sustainable Textile Solutions and Future Opportunities,’ this session will explore the economic and environmental impacts of the current textile industry, global sustainability trends, consumer demands, government policies, and the challenges and opportunities in building a sustainable textile future.
Prajakta L Verma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, will deliver a special address in Session 1 titled, ‘Innovation and Technology for Sustainable Textiles,’ focusing on sustainable raw materials, clean technologies, and circular economy practices.
The 3rd Sustainable Textile Summit is backed by leading organisations dedicated to promoting sustainability within the industry. Key partners for the event include RSWM as the Premium Partner; Ecocert Group, Oerlikon Textile India., Filatex India, Polyester Textile and Apparel Industry Association as Associate Partners; Fairtrade India and CSM as Delegate Kit Partners; Wazir Advisors as the Knowledge Partner and CPD India as the Sustainability Partner.
In addition to the keynote and special addresses, the summit will feature a panel discussion on ‘Ethical Sourcing, Labor Practices, and Reducing Carbon Emissions for a Sustainable Textile Future.’ Another session titled ‘Building Sustainable Supply Chains for a Sustainable Fashion Future’ will further explore key strategies for achieving a greener, more ethical textile industry.
