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Skechers has roped in Spanish football star Isco Alarcón, currently playing for Real Betis Balompié, as its new brand ambassador. Alarcón will help boost Skechers’ presence in Spain and beyond by sporting Skechers Razor 1.5 Elite boots on the field and featuring in the brand's marketing campaigns.
A great football player with a significant track record, Alarcon’s record fully aligns with the brand’s profile and will help players across Spain and Portugal discover Skechers Football and the signature Comfort That Performs offers by its boots, says Txerra Díaz, Country Manager, Skechers Iberia.
A top midfielder, known for his time with Valencia CF, Málaga CF, and Real Madrid, where he won five UEFA Champions League titles, Alarcon joins other Spanish footballers wearing Skechers boots, including Iker Losada (Celta), Antonio Sánchez (Real Mallorca), and Pere Milla (Espanyol). Other top athletes wearing Skechers Football boots include Baris Alper Yilmaz (Turkey), Mohammed Kudus (Ghana & West Ham United), Oleksandr Zinchenko (Ukraine & Arsenal), and Anthony Elanga (Sweden & Nottingham Forest).
Since launching its football division at the start of the 2023/24 season with Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane, Skechers has quickly grown its presence in the sport. The Skechers Football range includes three Elite styles for men and women, and a line of Academy boots for all skill levels.
Karl Mayer has introduced the 26 B batching device, designed to enhance efficiency and reliability for its special Raschel machines. Manufactured in-house, the device ensures timely production while maintaining durability through proven standard parts and innovative design.
Sascha Cron, Head of Customized Raschel Machinery Development at Karl Mayer, highlights the advantages: “We are now more resilient with suppliers and can accelerate further developments.”
The 26 B integrates seamlessly with Kamcos 2, allowing operators to manage settings directly on the machine interface rather than an external display. This unified control system reduces errors and enables remote software updates. Work safety is also improved with advanced light barriers and protective grills preventing injury risks during operation.
Additional features, such as an optional ejection system for heavy fabrics and a traversing device for even selvedge build-up, can be integrated upon request. A pressure roller option ensures optimal fabric tension from the start of production.
Released in January, the 26 B has already attracted multiple orders and is available as a standard feature on new machines or as a retrofit for existing models, including those with Kamcos 1. Karl Mayer’s Care Solutions team is ready to assist customers in upgrading to this latest innovation.
India's innerwear industry is struggling due to its dependence on Chinese raw materials. Rising prices of essential inputs like cotton yarn, spandex, synthetic fibers, and elastics, largely sourced from China, have caused a sharp decline in exports over the past three fiscal years (FY22-FY24). The costs of the inputs have risen by over 20 per cent due to global supply chain disruptions, increased demand, and fluctuating energy prices in China.
Data reveals, exports of men's and boys' innerwear including underpants, briefs, pyjamas declined by 24 per cent, from $720.86 million in FY22 to $548.28 million in FY24. Women's and girls' innerwear exports also decreased by 20.37 per cent, from $627.74 million to $499.86 million. Exports of support garments segment including bras, corsets, suspenders witnessed a massive 35.30 per cent contraction, from $95.14 million to $61.56 million. Exports of leading innerwear manufacturers like Rupa have decined by 42.38 per cent.
The Men's Underwear Index (MUI), which links innerwear sales to consumer spending and economic health, reflects the situation in India. Abhash Kumar, Economics Professor, University of Delhi, explains, this decline in innerwear exports signals broader economic stress, supporting the MUI’s idea that lower sales of essential goods indicate pressure on the economy.
Despite a projected 10 per cent annual growth rate for India's domestic innerwear market, reaching Rs 1.07 trillion by 2029, the export decline remains a serious concern. Rahul Mehta, Chief Mentor, Clothing Manufacturing Association of India (CMAI), points out, as the production of innerwear garments in India is largely dependent on raw materials imported from China, the rise in raw material prices have led to a slowdown in production, resulting in a decline in exports.
Experts stress the need for action to reverse this trend and strengthen India's global market position. Ajay Srivastava, Founder, Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), emphasizes, as the data highlights a concern downward trend, it is crucial to address these challenges
High tariff and non-tariff barriers on raw material imports compound the problem, increasing production costs and hindering competitiveness. Mihir Parekh, Associate Partner, Foundation for Economic Development, argues, these trade barriers, along with ‘sub-optimal policy choices related to labor and trade,’ prevent India from fully utilizing its abundant manpower and achieving its economic goals. India's major innerwear export destinations include Bangladesh, Congo, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Mauritius, Myanmar, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the US.
According to a recent analysis by the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI), India's textile and apparel exports experienced robust growth in January 2025. Textile exports surged by 16.14 per cent compared to January 2024, while apparel exports saw a significant jump of 11.45 per cent. This positive trend resulted in a cumulative growth of 13.88 per cent for textile and apparel exports in January 2025 compared to the same period last year.
The table below provides a detailed breakdown of the export figures:
|
Particulars |
Jan-24 |
Jan-25 |
% Change |
Apr'23-Jan'24 |
Apr'24-Jan'25 |
% Change |
|
Cotton Yarn/Fabs./Made-ups, Handloom Products etc. |
892.13 |
1,038.55 |
16.41% |
9,562.20 |
9,954.57 |
4.10% |
|
Man-made Yarn/Fabs./Made-ups etc. |
379.71 |
425.82 |
12.14% |
3,808.05 |
4,036.10 |
5.99% |
|
Jute Mfg. including Floor Covering |
24.87 |
34.99 |
40.69% |
283.8 |
318.92 |
12.37% |
|
Carpet |
114.86 |
135.58 |
18.04% |
1,152.80 |
1,285.08 |
11.47% |
|
Handicrafts excl. handmade carpet |
135.03 |
161.35 |
19.49% |
1,307.25 |
1,480.37 |
13.24% |
|
Textiles |
1,546.60 |
1,796.29 |
16.14% |
16,114.10 |
17,075.04 |
5.96% |
|
Apparel |
1,441.36 |
1,606.42 |
11.45% |
11,583.03 |
12,922.23 |
11.56% |
|
Textile and Apparel |
2,987.96 |
3,402.71 |
13.88% |
27,697.13 |
29,997.27 |
8.30% |
|
All Commodities |
37,323.80 |
36,425.71 |
-2.41% |
3,53,973.67 |
3,58,906.54 |
1.39% |
|
% of T&A in Total Exports |
8.01% |
9.34% |
7.82% |
8.36% |
The data reveals that the growth in textile and apparel exports has outpaced the overall growth in Indian exports. This strong performance can be attributed to several factors, including increasing demand from key export markets and the industry's efforts to enhance competitiveness.
The CITI analysis also highlights the contribution of various segments within the textile and apparel sector. Cotton yarn, fabrics, and made-ups, along with handloom products, registered a significant increase of 16.41 per cent in January 2025 compared to the previous year. Man-made yarn, fabrics, and made-ups also showed healthy growth of 12.14 per cent. Other notable segments include jute manufacturing, carpets, and handicrafts, which have all contributed to the overall positive performance of the sector.
The growth in textile and apparel exports is a positive sign for the Indian economy, as it contributes to employment generation, foreign exchange earnings, and overall industrial development. The government's initiatives to support the textile and apparel industry, such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, are also expected to further boost the sector's growth in the coming years.
The rise of circular economy has brought in a wave of innovative business models designed to minimize waste and maximize resource utilization. However, a new study reveals these circular business models can have unintended consequences, potentially undermining their environmental benefits.
The circular consumption conundrum
The study, which analyzed 30 real-life cases of consumer-facing circular business models, found consumer behavior can either enhance or diminish the sustainability gains. When consumers engage with circular models in a way that promotes sustainable consumption, it leads to "conservation effects." This includes behaviors like reducing overall consumption, choosing used products over new ones, and extending product lifespans.
For instance, customers using a pay-per-use washing machine service were found to reduce their laundry frequency and temperature, thus lowering their environmental impact. Similarly, a car-sharing service motivated some users to give up car ownership altogether, leading to a significant reduction in their carbon footprint.
However, the study also identified a range of ‘rebound effects’ where consumer behavior offsets the environmental benefits of circular models. These include behaviors like increased consumption due to lower prices, using shared products in addition to owned ones, and substituting eco-friendly options with less sustainable ones.
For example, some users of a clothing rental service increased their overall consumption by renting clothes without reducing their regular purchases. In another case, a laundry service led to increased consumption as it was primarily used for washing bulky items that wouldn't fit in home washing machines.
The complexity of factors
The study highlights that consumer behavior in circular models is influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including personal values, social norms, economic incentives, and business model design. While convenience and practicality were found to be the primary motivators for engaging with circular models, sustainability concerns often took a backseat.
Furthermore, the study found that the environmental impact of circular models can vary significantly across different consumer segments. For instance, in a boat-sharing service a small group of users generated more emissions than they saved, negating the positive impact made by other users.
Environmental impacts, a mixed bag
The findings on the environmental impact of circular models are sobering. While some cases showed significant emission reductions, others resulted in increased emissions or only marginal improvements. The average environmental savings were found to be relatively low, and in some cases, the negative impacts far outweighed the positive ones.
This study has important implications for businesses, policymakers, and researchers alike. It underscores the need for a more nuanced understanding of consumer behavior and the complex interplay of factors that influence it.
Businesses need to design circular models that not only promote convenience and practicality but also incentivize sustainable consumption. This can be achieved through user-centric design, co-creation, and the integration of elements that nudge users towards sustainable behaviors.
Policymakers need to recognize that market-based approaches alone are not sufficient to address the systemic issues that drive rebound effects. Policies should integrate efficiency and sufficiency measures, moderate consumer demand, and promote a shift in societal values towards mindful consumption.
Researchers need to adopt interdisciplinary approaches that combine qualitative and quantitative methods to gain a more comprehensive understanding of consumer behavior in circular models. This will enable the development of more effective strategies for mitigating rebound effects and maximizing the environmental benefits of the circular economy.
Thus the study reveals that circular business models are a double-edged sword for sustainable consumption. While they offer the potential for significant environmental gains, their success hinges on a deeper understanding of consumer behavior and the implementation of holistic strategies that address the complex interplay of factors driving both conservation and rebound effects.
Garment Tech Istanbul 2025, the leading exhibition for the garment and ready-to-wear industry, will bring together global brands and the latest sewing machine technologies. Major manufacturers like Juki, Yuki, Brother, Durkopp Adler, Pfaff Industrial, Pegasus, and Siruba will showcase a wide range of sewing machines, including industrial, household, automatic, zigzag, chain, overlock, and interlock models.
During the four-day event at the Istanbul Fair Center (June 25-28), visitors will explore innovative, high-efficiency sewing machines, interact with industry experts, and stay updated on the latest market trends.
The event is set to boost Turkiye’s sewing machine exports, which rose 10.15 per cent to $1.608 billion in the first half of 2024. Industrial machine exports reached 2.28 million units, with significant growth in Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Exports to Pakistan surged by 160.46 per cent, while sales in Europe and North America saw slight declines.
Garment Tech Istanbul 2025 will provide a platform for companies to expand global partnerships, strengthen brand visibility, and increase sales. The event will highlight the latest advancements in digital and smart sewing machines, featuring automated settings, IoT-enabled remote monitoring, and quieter electric motors.
Industry professionals seeking to optimize production, reduce errors, and boost efficiency will have the opportunity to experience cutting-edge technologies firsthand. The exhibition will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the sewing machinery sector, attracting buyers and investors eager to embrace innovation.
International fashion brand Mango plans to expand its presence in the United States by operating 65 company-owned stores in the country by 2025-end. Most of these stores will be located in Washington, Illinois, and Nevada.
Additionally, Mango also plans to launch debut stores in Connecticut, Arizona, Ohio, Oregon, and Louisiana, besides strengthening presence in California and Texas with new stores in the San Francisco area and Houston Galleria.
The brand recently opened its fourth store at 1976 Broadway in the centre of Lincoln Square. Spanning approximately 13,000 sq ft, the store will house the Women’s Men and Kids’ collection by Mango. Designed with Mango’s Mediterranean-inspired New Med Store concept, the space will be characterized by warm tones and neutral colors, combined with traditional, handcrafted and natural materials.
The opening of this new store reaffirms Mango deep commitment to the US market, which proves to the fundamental pillar of the brand’s growth strategy, says Daniel Lopez, Director-Expansion and Franchises, Mango.
Since entering the US market in 2006, Mango has significantly expanded its presence to over 40 locations. The company has opened stores in key cities across Florida, California, Texas, and Georgia, and also collaborated with institutions like Parsons School of Design in New York.
Seven fashion and packaging companies, including Boden, Nobis, and Finisterre, have committed to eliminating Ancient and Endangered Forests from their textile and paper packaging supply chains. They joined Canopy’s CanopyStyle and Pack4Good initiatives, reinforcing industry efforts to protect climate-critical forests and global biodiversity.
These brands are joined by Next Gen material innovators Circulose, Palouse Fiber Packaging, and Medoola, which produce packaging and viscose from recycled textiles, wheat straw, and food waste. Packaging producer Checkpoint Systems has also signed on.
By adopting CanopyStyle and Pack4Good policies, the companies pledge to shift toward low-carbon, circular alternatives such as recycled textiles and agricultural residues. Their commitment reflects a broader industry push to transform supply chains and reduce environmental impact.
CanopyStyle now includes 578 brands with a combined revenue of $2.029 trillion, while Pack4Good has reached 466 brands worth over $341.4 billion. The pledge comes as demand for man-made cellulosic fiber (MMCF) textiles and paper packaging continues to rise, with over 3.4 billion trees logged annually for these industries.
“Boden and our customers recognize the vital role forests play in our everyday lives,” said Helen Webb-Carter, Head of Fabric at Boden. Canopy’s Executive Director Nicole Rycroft added, “These brands are taking a vital step in keeping forests standing, species thriving, and carbon safely stored.”
By joining Canopy, these companies contribute to a global movement of over 1,000 brands driving innovation and sustainability. Their commitment helps reshape the fashion and packaging industries, ensuring they become part of the solution to the climate and biodiversity crises.
The world is drowning in plastic. Non-biodegradable polymers, primarily derived from petroleum, clog landfills, pollute oceans, and disrupt ecosystems. The search for sustainable alternatives has led to a rise in interest in biodegradable polyesters. But do these materials truly offer a solution, or are they another case of greenwashing?
The plastic problem and the biodegradable promise Traditional plastics, such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), can take centuries to decompose, resulting in widespread environmental damage. Microplastic pollution, especially from synthetic textiles, poses severe risks to marine life and human health. A 2024 report found that 28 per cent of post-consumer garments in the US were primarily polyester, contributing significantly to landfill waste, incineration, and pollution. Compounding the problem, the release of microfibers during washing and wear has been identified as a major source of pollution, with studies suggesting that micro and nanofibers are even more toxic than other microplastics.
Biodegradable polyesters promise a way forward. Designed to break down into natural substances like carbon dioxide, water, and biomass under specific conditions, these materials offer hope in sectors such as fashion, where polyester dominates. However, the reality of their biodegradability, effectiveness, and environmental benefits remains under scrutiny.
Innovations in biodegradable polyester
Numerous initiatives are accelerating the development and adoption of biodegradable polyesters. Governments are enacting regulations to reduce plastic waste, research institutions are exploring new bio-based monomers, and companies are investing in sustainable alternatives. Some key innovations include:
CiCLO: Developed by Intrinsic Textiles Group, this additive creates "biodegradable spots" in polyester and nylon, attracting bacteria to accelerate breakdown.
PrimaLoft Bio: Made from recycled PET water bottles, this polyester features an additive that facilitates biodegradation, especially for applications such as puffy coat insulation.
Amni Soul Eco: A modified polyamide (nylon) designed to degrade within five years in landfills.
ROICA V550: A partially degradable elastane fiber offering stretch without persistent microplastic pollution.
CELYS Compostable Polyester: Developed by Intimiti, this polyester incorporates chemical modifications to enhance biodegradability in wet conditions.
These materials offer a promising pathway to reducing landfill waste and microplastic pollution. However, challenges remain in terms of cost, performance, and the real-world effectiveness of biodegradation claims.
Barriers to widespread adoption
Despite promising innovations, biodegradable polyester technologies have yet to see widespread adoption, largely due to the following challenges:
Cost: Biodegradable polyesters are generally more expensive than conventional plastics, making them less attractive for cost-sensitive brands and consumers.
Performance limitations: Questions persist about durability, fabric feel, and strength, particularly in performance wear.
Biodegradability verification: Independent verification is crucial to confirm whether these materials truly break down as promised. Environmental conditions play a major role in degradation, and simply adding an additive does not guarantee complete breakdown in all settings.
Microfiber shedding: Even if these materials biodegrade eventually, they still release microfibers during washing and wear, necessitating further research into their environmental impact.
The future of biodegradable polyesters
While challenges exist, ongoing research and development efforts aim to enhance the performance and affordability of biodegradable polyester technologies. Consumer awareness of sustainable fashion is increasing, creating demand for greener alternatives. Partnerships between material innovators, brands, and research institutions will be crucial in scaling these technologies.
However, biodegradable polyesters are not a magic bullet. A holistic approach is essential, including reducing consumption, designing for durability, and promoting recycling. Additionally, further studies are needed to assess the long-term effects of biodegradable polyester additives on ecosystems and human health.
The journey toward truly sustainable textiles is complex. While biodegradable polyesters represent an important step, they must be part of a broader strategy to minimize the environmental footprint of the fashion industry. Only through rigorous testing, transparent communication, and systemic change can we move toward a more sustainable future.
Eight leading Peruvian fashion brands, including Balkanica, Carla Testino, De Loreta, Estrafalario, Fringe Mod, Hera Concept, Kero Design, and Kuna, are showcasing their collections at Coterie New York, a prestigious international fashion trade show.
Being held from February 18-20, these brands will demonstrate Peru's unique textile capabilities, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design.
A global leader in premium raw materials like the alpaca fiber and pima cotton, Peru offers compelling advantages to international fashion brands. The country benefits from the luxurious texture of alpaca fiber while pima cotton offers unparalleled comfort and durability.
Providing a significant competitive advantage, the US-Peru Free Trade Agreement allows duty-free garment exports to the US market. This enables brands to maintain high quality while reducing costs.
With sustainability being the core strength of the country’s fashion industry, manufacturers in Peru prioritize responsible sourcing, including organic cotton farming, humane alpaca shearing, and collaborations with rural knitting cooperatives.
Peru's textile industry uses an integrated, full-package manufacturing approach, covering everything from fabric sourcing and design to final production, ensuring efficiency and quality. This flexibility allows them to serve both emerging designers and established international brands.
Peru’s participation in Coterie New York is being facilitated in partnership with Promperu. Showcasing top brands, the event highlights Peru's ability to combine tradition and modern trends, meeting the demands of international markets.
