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At first glance, the infographic from Eco TLC (now Refashion) looks like something out of an engineer’s fever dream, a maze of arrows, boxes, loops, and branching paths. “Have you understood anything? Me neither!” read a recent social media post alongside the diagram, echoing the bafflement of many first-time viewers. Yet behind this visual labyrinth lies a powerful truth: the textile recycling ecosystem especially for specialized, “technical” fabrics is complex, often inefficient, and urgently in need of a circular overhaul.
The evolution of the refashion map
The diagram in question, developed by Eco TLC before its transformation into Refashion, France’s official eco-organization for managing the end-of-life of textiles, linens, and footwear, is far more than a jumble of lines. It is, in fact, a meticulous map of textile afterlives, reflecting years of research, stakeholder collaboration, and data gathering. Its complexity mirrors reality. From humble cotton shirts to fireproof industrial uniforms, each textile follows its own journey once discarded. And that journey is rarely straightforward.
Zone 1, sorting for a second life
The infographic’s first ‘zone’ is all about preparation the moment when collected textiles are given a fighting chance at survival.
Sorting and categorization is the first stop where materials are separated by fiber type, blend, and condition. This isn’t busywork; accurate sorting dictates whether a textile can be reused, mechanically recycled, or must face more energy-intensive processes.
Reuse channels offer the greenest path garments in good condition become second-hand clothes, industrial wiping rags (‘hiffons d’essuyage professionnels’), or creatively upcycled goods (‘assemblages de coupons’). For items that can’t be worn again, there’s fibre preparation or shredding (effilochage) or defiberizing (défibrage) them to recover usable fibers for the next stage.
Zone 2, transformation into new materials
Once prepared, textiles enter the second zone that is transformation. Here, technology takesover.
Mechanical recycling: Processes like carding (cardage) and spinning (filature) turn old fibers into new yarns for clothing, geotextiles, or insulation.
Chemical recycling: Depolymerization and enzymatic dissolution can break synthetic fabrics back into their molecular building blocks, producing virgin-quality fibers, which is a lifeline for polyester-heavy waste streams.
Composite & industrial uses: Recycled fibers can be pressed, molded, or granulated into everything from building insulation to automotive interiors. In some cases, textile waste is even used as solid recovered fuel, a less sustainable last resort.
The circular loops at the diagram’s heart show the gold standard that is textile-to-textile recycling, where fabrics are reborn indefinitely without depleting virgin resources.
When the fabric fights back, the PPE problem
The system already strains under the complexity of conventional garments. Add technical textiles like PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) fire-resistant jackets, waterproof workwear, multi-layered safety gear and things get far harder. These materials, engineered to be nearly indestructible, stubbornly resist breakdown. As a result, almost 90 per cent of PPE ends up incinerated or landfilled despite its durability. The very qualities that make them life-saving in the workplace make them a nightmare for recyclers.
Beyond infrastructure a culture shift
The Refashion diagram’s accompanying text asks a deceptively simple question: “What if we thought before throwing it away?” This reframes the conversation. Recycling isn’t only about high-tech facilities; it’s also about frontline responsibility from individuals to corporations. Practical steps include:
• Inventory your waste which means know what’s being discarded.
• Think internal reuse that is could a uniform too worn for public use, be repurposed for in-house tasks?
• Repair first as it extends an item’s life before replacing it.
• Transform creatively this involves upcycling materials into different products, even for unrelated uses.
Thus the textile economy today largely follows a take-make-dispose path. The Refashion diagram however intimidating at first is a visual blueprint for change. Moving toward a viable circular model means designing for end-of-life from the start, creating infrastructure for hard-to-recycle materials, and embedding repair, reuse, and upcycling into corporate and consumer habits.
The map may look chaotic, but its message is crystal clear: every arrow represents a choice, every loop a chance to keep fibers alive. In the textile world’s complex web, the challenge isn’t just to untangle the threads — it’s to keep them spinning forever.
The upcoming edition of Gartex Texprocess India Expo will feature over 200 exhibitors and 600 brands including international companies from China, Japan, Italy, Germany and Singapore.
Scheduled to be held from August 21-23, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, the expo will be organized by MEX Exhibitions and Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India. It will provide a major platform for the garment, textile, leather, and denim industries.
Spanning across 150,000 sq ft, this year’s event will have several dedicated ones like The Denim Show, the Fabrics andTrims Show and Screen Print India. Around, 35 per cent of the exhibitors will be participating for the first time.
This the scope of the show will be broadened by two new additions. The inaugural LeatherX Pavilion will create new opportunities for collaboration in sectors like leather processing, fashion accessories, and footwear. This new zone is a strategic move to integrate complementary industries and meet a wider range of industry needs.
Another key feature is the Textile Care Forum, a knowledge session organized in partnership with the Drycleaners and Launderers Association of India. Scheduled for the second day of the expo, this forum will focus on sustainable practices, including how washing and finishing processes affect a garment's lifecycle and environmental footprint. Discussions will also cover EPR guidelines, green chemistry, and smart automation in the laundry and dry-cleaning industry.
Over the past decade, Gartex Texprocess India has expanded significantly, moving from a focus on garment machinery to a more comprehensive scope that includes knitting, embroidery, digital printing, sewing technologies, trims, and e-commerce solutions. This year's expanded format, with the addition of the LeatherX Pavilion and the Textile Care Forum, offers a 360-degree view of the industry, from raw materials to finished goods.
With the Indian denim market showing strong growth - projected to reach USD 3.86 billion by 2030 - the co-located Denim Show will be a critical hub for industry stakeholders to network and drive business. The expo aims to highlight Indian capabilities on a global stage, solidifying its role as a key sourcing and networking destination.
In a meeting with Mahmund Hasan Khan, President, BGEMA, a delegation from the US Embassy in Dhaka reiterated the importance of aligning Bangladesh's labor laws with international standards .This expectation was shared earlier by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the European Union, and other development partners.
The US delegation included Leena Khan, Labor Attaché; Paul G Frost, Foreign Commercial Service Attaché; and Erin Covert, Foreign Agricultural Service Attaché. Both sides agreed to maintain close communication on labour-related issues to ensure clarity and avoid misunderstandings.
Discussions also focused on strengthening bilateral trade and expanding Bangladesh's exports to the US market. A key topic was a recent US executive order allowing garments from Bangladesh to receive a proportionate exemption from an additional 20 per cent duty - provided that at least 20 per cent of raw materials used are sourced from the United States.
Welcoming the initiative, Khan said the industry is keen to access this facility. He also sought clarification on the formula for calculating the US-origin raw material content and emphasised the need for transparency and traceability across the supply chain.
BGMEA leaders proposed setting up a warehouse near Chattogram Port to facilitate the import of US cotton. To be initiated by Bangladesh, the United States, or as a joint venture, the proposed facility aims to reduce lead times in the country's readymade garment (RMG) sector.
In addition to cotton, BGMEA expressed interest in importing man-made fibers such as polyester and nylon, if available from the US textile industry. Frost assured, the embassy would engage relevant US departments and share further information.
The meeting also touched on collaboration with the US Cotton Council and addressed domestic challenges, including gas and electricity shortages. BGMEA leaders voiced optimism about potential future imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States. Khan said since assuming office, his board has engaged with 81 workers' federations to promote harmonious industrial relations and has advanced legal reforms to safeguard workers' welfare.
The US side also encouraged BGMEA to participate in SelectUSA, a major investment promotion event scheduled for May 2026, as a platform to boost exports and connect with American buyers.
The Board of Directors of Gap Inc has approved a dividend of $0.165 per share for Q3, FY25. The dividend is payable on or after October 29, 2025, to shareholders of record at the close of business on October 8, 2025.
Gap Inc. is the largest specialty apparel company in the US and a purpose-driven house of iconic brands. Its brands - Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta - offer clothing, accessories, and lifestyle products for men, women, and children. These products are available worldwide through company-operated and franchise stores, as well as e-commerce sites. Since 1969, Gap Inc. has been creating products and experiences that shape culture while committing to doing right by its employees, communities, and the planet.
Asics has reported strong financial performance in its EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) region, with quarterly sales increasing by 26.6 per cent in Q2, FY25. The growth was seen across all channels, with a particularly strong performance in wholesale, which saw a year-on-year increase of 36.8 per cent.
Asics' sales in North West Europe grew by 58.4 per cent in Q3, FY25 while sales in North East Europe increased by 36.6 per cent. The company's success in EMEA was driven by profitable growth across all categories, with SportStyle seeing particularly strong growth of 52.9 per cent Y-o-Y. Asics remained the top premium performance-running brand in Europe. The brand saw growth across all sales channels, including wholesale, its own retail stores, and e-commerce.
Following the strong quarterly results, Asics revised its financial targets for its Mid-Term Plan 2026 (MTP 2026), now aiming for an operating profit of at least ¥130.0 billion as against the previous target of ¥80.0 billion and an operating margin of at least 17 per cent (up from around 12%). This indicates a strong confidence in continued growth.
A sweater unit of Team Group, South End Sweaters has been granted LEED Platinum certification by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).
This achievement makes the company, the 258th USGBC-certified green garment factory in the country. Of these, 109 have Platinum status, 133 are Gold, 12 are Silver, and 4 are Certified.
To achieve Platinum status under USGBC standards, factories must score at least 80 out of 110 points. South End Sweaters earned 85 points. A score of 60–79 is needed for Gold, 50–59 for Silver, and 40–49 for Certified status.
With South End Sweaters, Team Group now operates three LEED-certified factories. The others are its outerwear unit, 4A Yarn Dyeing (LEED Platinum), and its woven unit, Brothers Fashion (LEED Gold).
Notably, 4A Yarn Dyeing is the world’s first outerwear manufacturing company to become a signatory to the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, which was convened by the UNFCCC.
Abdullah Hil Nakib, Deputy Managing Director, Team Group, says, the company has always aimed to set benchmarks not only in business standards but also in sustainability. Their efforts to achieve LEED certifications are a testament to their commitment to environmental sustainability.
The Brazil Government has launched a new plan to support local exporters impacted by the 50 per cent tariff imposed by US President Donald Trump. Named ‘Sovereign Brazil,’ the plan includes a series of measures designed to help companies endure the economic shock.
President Luiz Incio Lula da Silva introduced the initiative as a crucial first step to assist affected businesses. The highlight of the plan is a substantial credit of 30 billion reais ($5.5 billion) to provide financial stability for exporters. Additionally, the government will postpone tax charges for companies hit by the tariffs and offer 5 billion reais ($930 million) in tax credits specifically for small and medium-sized businesses until the end of 2026. The plan also expands access to insurance against canceled orders, offering another layer of protection for exporters.
Lula emphasizes, the tariffs are an opportunity for the country to innovate, stating, the crisis will help them create new things.
Beyond financial aid, the ‘Sovereign Brazil’ plan encourages public institutions to prioritize purchasing goods that can no longer be exported to the US. This measure aims to create a domestic market for products that would otherwise struggle to find a buyer, helping to maintain production and employment levels.
With these comprehensive measures, the Brazil Government hopes to mitigate the economic fallout from the US tariffs and support its export-driven industries during this period of trade uncertainty.
The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) and a Kaixi Group subsidiary Kaixi Garments Bangladesh have signed a $40.05 million agreement to build a new intimate garments and accessories facility. This new factory will be located in the BEPZA Economic Zone (EZ) at the BEPZA Complex in Dhaka.
To produce 18 million pairs of lingerie and undergarments and 20 million bra foams and cups annually, the new facility is expected to create 3,003 local jobs.
Major General Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman, Executive Chairman, BEPZA, states, Kaixi Group’s decision to reinvest just over a year after beginning its first operations shows increasing confidence from foreign investors in the zone.
Approved in November 2022 with a $60.85 million investment, Kaixi’s initial BEPZA EZ venture started production in June 2024 and employs about 3,700 workers. With operations now in both the Dhaka EPZ and the BEPZA EZ, the group supports around 6,000 jobs in total. The authority’s largest initiative, the BEPZA EZ has so far attracted more than $1 billion in investments from 45 companies, with four already in commercial production.
Continuing the declining trend seen in recent years, US textile and apparel (T&A) exports fell by 2.7 per cent Y-o-Y in value to $11.2 billion during H1 FY25 spanning January-June 2025.
The decline wasn't uniform across all product types. While apparel exports increased in volume, fabric and yarn exports declined, suggesting a shift in the composition of US exports.
A significant factor contributing to this volatility and decline is uncertainty surrounding tariff policies. Recent tariff hikes, particularly those targeting a major export partner like India, have been cited as a cause for concern among exporters, leading to a halt in some production and orders.
In contrast to the exports decline, the US’ T&A imports rose by 4.3 per cent in value to $51.4 billion during the period. This indicates a growing trade deficit for the sector.
Despite the overall decline, T&A exports by some countries like Bangladesh, Vietnam, and India to the US saw robust growth in H1, FY25. This highlights a shift in global supply chains and sourcing patterns.
In summary, the US textile and apparel sector faced headwinds in H1, FY25, with a notable decline in exports driven by factors like trade policy uncertainty and a shift in global market dynamics. At the same time, imports into the country grew, widening the trade deficit in this sector.
UK retail sales rose by 2.5 per cent Y-o-Y in July 2025 accompanied by a strong’ consumer card spending, particularly in clothing. However, industry leaders say, the growth ‘barely touches the sides’ of the £7 billion in new costs from the latest budget.
The uptick in UK retail sales was against the 0.5 per cent growth observed last July and the 12-month average growth of 1.9 per cent, according to British Retail Consortium (BRC)-KPMG data.
Helen Dickinson, CEO, BRC, says, with sales growth at these levels, it is barely touching the sides of covering the £7 billion new costs imposed on retailers at the last Budget.
If the upcoming Autumn Budget sees more taxes levied on retailers’ shoulders, many will be forced to make difficult choices about the future of shops and jobs, and ongoing pressure would push prices higher.
Ultimately, this means more families struggling, particularly those on lower incomes, reduced consumer spending and a drag on economic growth.
Separate figures from Barclays show, consumer card spending grew 1.4 per cent Y-o-Y in July 2025 up from a decline of 0.1 per cent in June 2025 - with discretionary spending up 2.4 per cent as changeable weather led shoppers to both sunny and rainy day activities and items.
Barclays found clothing performed strongly, rising by 4.2 per cent, while growth in online retail spending excluding groceries reached 4.9 per cent, up from 2.4 per cent in June, as shoppers made the most of discounted items and sales events including Prime Day.
However, confidence in the UK economy’s strength dipped once again in July, falling three points 22 per cent M-o-M to 22 per cent, the lowest level seen since January.
Karen Johnson, Head-Retail, Barclays, says, the summer sales, changeable weather and shoppers seeking the 'feel-good factor led' to a strong July for retailers, particularly among beauty, clothing and furniture stores.
While confidence in the UK economy remains subdued, prudent money management, supported by the growing popularity of AI tools to help with budgeting, is contributing to a continued resilience in personal and household finances, she adds.
