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Nemo’s best-selling Dagger Osmo tent is now more spacious and sustainable, earning the Bluesign Product designation. This marks a major milestone in eco-friendly tent design, reinforcing Nemo’s commitment to clean chemistry and responsible manufacturing.
The 2025 Dagger Osmo is crafted with solution-dyed, 100 per cent recycled, PFAS- and flame-retardant-free fabrics, reducing environmental impact while maintaining high performance. Traditionally, backpacking tents rely on chemical treatments for durability, but Nemo’s Osmo fabric delivers lightweight, water-resistant, and UV-resistant performance without harmful substances.
The updated tent features a more livable interior without added weight, thanks to Nemo’s custom Elements hardware. The Axial corner anchor streamlines setup, while the Stash volumizing strut expands vestibule storage by 22 per cent. The Divvy Cube makes packing easier and more efficient for shared loads. Available in 2- and 3-person models, the Dagger Osmo weighs just 3 lbs., 5 oz (2P) and retails at $499.95.
“In 2023, our team set out to push Dagger’s sustainability further, creating the industry’s first Bluesign tent,” said Gabi Rosenbrien, Product Development Director at Nemo. “This required working closely with suppliers to meet strict performance and chemical standards.”
Daniel Rufenacht, CEO of Bluesign, praised Nemo for setting a new sustainability benchmark in outdoor gear. “By prioritizing clean chemistry, Nemo proves that performance and responsible manufacturing can go hand in hand.”
Sportswear and footwear retailer, Foot Locker projects its comparable sales will rise between 1 per cent and 2.5 per cent in 2025. The company plans to either open or convert additional 80 reimagined stores by the end of the year.
In Q4, FY24, Foot Locker’s sales declined by 5.8 per cent to $2,243 million as compared to sales worth $2,380 million in Q3, FY23.
The retailer’s comparable sales increased by 2.6 per cent during the quarter. The combined comparable sales of its brands Foot Locker and Kids Foot Locker rose by 3.6 per cent while sales of Champs Sports expanded by 1.8 per cent. However, these gains were partially offset by the 3.3 per cent decline in comparable sales of WSS.
Foot Locker’s net income from continuing operations increased to $55 million during the quarter as against a net loss of $389 million in the prior-year period.Foot Locker opened seven new stores while closing 47 stores during the quarer. It either remodeled or relocated 21 of its stores while renovating 160 stores to updated design standards.
The company currently operates 2,410 stores in 26 countries across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as 224 licensed stores in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.
In Q4, FY24, Foot Locker exceeded its previously revised expections with investments and execution driving positive comparable sales and also improving gross margins compared to the prior year, says Mary Dillon, President and CEO.
Enhancing its in-store experience for customers, Foot Locker introduced reimagined doors and store refresh program in 2024. The company upgraded its digital and mobile capabilities, expanded engagement with the FLX Rewards Program, and enaged into brand building through compelling campaigns and partnerships, adds Dillion.
Edana has announced the three finalists for the Filtrex Innovation Award 2025, recognizing innovative advancements in the filtration industry. The nominees are:
Gessner introduces an eco-friendly filter media replacing fossil-based resins with renewable lignin, reducing crude oil use by up to 100 kilograms per ton. Designed for engine air, oil, and fuel filters, it offers high performance, durability, and lower formaldehyde emissions.
NanoWave ESA is a 3D all-synthetic media designed for high-efficiency respiratory protection. PFAS-free and stretchable, it enables breathable, drapable garments while minimizing media processing and extending filter life.
Johns Manville’s innovative recycling process transforms HVAC bio-soluble glass microfiber waste into pellets for injection molding. With 30 per cent glass fiber content, these pellets create durable second-life products, reducing landfill waste and carbon dioxide emissions.
Each finalist will present their innovation at Filtrex 2025, held on March 25-26 in Vienna, Austria. Attendees will vote for the winner, announced at the end of the first day.
Since 2004, Filtrex has been a premier event for the filtration sector, bringing together industry leaders to discuss market trends, advanced materials, and testing developments.
Reinforcing their commitment to promoting sustainably produced cotton, Better Cotton and Cotton Australia have renewed their strategic partnership until 2027. This agreement ensures continued collaboration and alignment between the two organizations.
Cotton Australia's ‘my Best Management Practice’ (myBMP) Standard has been recognized as equivalent to the Better Cotton Standard System (BCSS), since 2014, allowing Australian farmers to market their cotton as ‘Better Cotton’ globally. In the 2023/24 season, Australian farmers produced over 400,000 metric tons of Better Cotton, representing 40 per cent of the nation's total cotton output.
A significant contributor to the economy, the Australian cotton industry employs over 10,000 people and generating more than AU$3.5 billion annually in export revenue.
Cotton Australia has successfully aligned its myBMP Standard with Better Cotton's updated Principles & Criteria (P&C) v.3.0. The revised myBMP Standard will be fully implemented by the 2025/26 cotton season.
Better Cotton requires regular reassessment and realignment of partner standards to maintain equivalence with the BCSS. This ensures that both standards evolve to support farmers in meeting the increasing market demand for sustainable cotton.
The 2nd edition of Best of Bangladesh in Europe is set for April 17-18, 2025, at Beurs van Berlage, Amsterdam, showcasing the country’s economic progress, industrial excellence, and investment opportunities. Organized by Bangladesh Apparel Exchange (BAE) and powered by PDS Limited, the event is backed by The City Bank PLC, KDS Group, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).
This premier platform highlights Bangladesh’s rapid economic growth, manufacturing strength, and sustainability-driven innovations, positioning the country as a leading global investment destination. With Bangladesh now ranked as the 37th largest economy, the event fosters direct collaboration between European entrepreneurs and Bangladeshi private sector leaders.
Visitors will engage with 50 leading companies across 8 industries, gaining insights into sustainability, circularity, and technological advancements. The two-day event features a grand opening ceremony, industry exhibitions, panel discussions, and fashion shows, offering a dynamic view of Bangladesh’s evolving business landscape.
The event boasts 40+ global speakers and expects over 1,500 participants, providing a strategic networking platform for investors, policymakers, and business leaders. Founder and CEO of BAE, Mostafiz Uddin, emphasized:
“This event is an unparalleled opportunity to engage with industry leaders and explore Bangladesh’s immense potential. Through exhibitions, networking, and panel discussions, we aim to foster real collaborations that drive meaningful impact.”
The event will feature key panel discussions on Bangladesh’s economic growth and investment potential, its rise as a global sourcing hub, worker empowerment through innovation, sustainable agricultural advancements, and the country’s expanding digital landscape.
Prominent exhibitors include Pacific Jeans, Fakir Group, Paragon Group, Knit Asia, PDS Limited, Leatherina Pvt Ltd, Rising Group, City Bank PLC, and many more.
With its focus on sustainability, innovation, and cross-border partnerships, Best of Bangladesh in Europe 2025 promises to be a landmark event for driving investment and shaping the future of Bangladesh’s industries.
The global luxury industry, synonymous with exclusivity and opulence, is changing as is revealed in Bain & Company's 23rd Annual Luxury Report. It highlights a nuanced landscape marked by shifting consumer behavior, regional disparities, and evolving market dynamics.
What is driving change?
Macroeconomic uncertainty: Global economic instability, due to geopolitical tensions and fluctuating markets, has affected consumer confidence. This uncertainty has led to more cautious spending, particularly on high-end discretionary items.
Pricing strategies: In recent years, luxury brands have implemented substantial price increases. While intended to increase brand prestige and offset rising operational costs, these hikes have, in some cases, alienated consumers, especially younger demographics who question the value proposition.
Evolving consumer values: There's a shift towards experiential luxury over material possessions. Consumers are increasingly prioritizing unique experiences such as travel and fine dining, reflecting a broader change in what is deemed valuable.
Current scenario of state of luxury
In 2024, the global luxury market saw a slight drop, with overall spending estimated at €1.48 trillion, which was 1 to 3 per cent decrease compared to 2023. This decline is viewed as a normalization following after robust growth in 2022 and 2023, with performance still exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
The personal luxury goods segment which includes fashion, accessories, and beauty products, saw its first drop in 15 years (excluding the COVID-19 period), declining by 2 per cent to €363 billion. This was due to lower consumer spending amid economic uncertainties and resistance to continued price increases.
Regional insights
Asia-Pacific: Japan emerged as a bright spot, leading global luxury sales growth due to favorable currency exchange rates and a rise in tourist spending during the first half of 2024. Conversely, mainland China faced a sharp slowdown, with a significant 18-20 per cent year-on-year decline in luxury spending. This is linked to low consumer confidence and increased overseas shopping as international travel resumed. In fact, the Chinese luxury market's downturn highlights the impact of economic uncertainty and consumer pushback against frequent price increases. Brands are now focusing on footprint consolidation and performance improvement rather than expansion.
Europe and Americas: These regions maintained stability, with Europe benefiting from tourist inflows and the Americas showing improvement as 2024 progressed.
Looking ahead, the personal luxury goods market is forecasted to grow moderately in 2025, with projections ranging between 0 and 4 per cent. This outlook assumes sustained growth in Western countries and the Middle East, a gradual recovery in China gaining momentum in the latter half of the year, and normalization in Japan.
Long-term projections are more optimistic, with expectations of 4 to 6 per cent annual growth leading up to 2030, potentially reaching a market value between €460 billion and €500 billion. This growth is expected to be driven by emerging markets and a growing middle class, introducing over 300 million new consumers to the luxury sector in the next five years.
Shifts in consumer behavior
A notable trend is a decline in luxury consumer base, which has shrunk by approximately 50 million individuals over the past two years. This reduction is particularly evident among GenZ consumers, whose advocacy for luxury brands has reduced. Factors contributing to this shift include economic uncertainty, price sensitivity, and a growing emphasis on sustainability and ethical consumption.
Despite the overall reduction, affluent consumers continue to make up a significant portion of luxury spending. However, there's a growing sentiment among these top-tier customers that their luxury shopping experiences have become less exceptional, prompting brands to reassess and enhance their value propositions.
Claudia D'Arpizio, a partner at Bain & Company and lead author of the report, emphasizes the critical juncture at which the luxury market stands: "Luxury spending has shown remarkable stability this year, despite macroeconomic uncertainty, largely driven by consumers' appetite for luxury experiences." She further notes the imperative for brands to "readjust their value propositions" in response to the evolving consumer landscape.
Thus as the luxury industry transforms it is being influenced by economic factors, shifting consumer preferences, and regional variances. Brands that adapt to these changes by embracing digital innovation, prioritizing sustainability, and enhancing customer experiences are poised to thrive in this evolving landscape. As the market recalibrates, a renewed focus on authenticity, value, and consumer engagement will be paramount in securing future growth.
The Trump Administration’s decision to impose new tariffs on key trading partners has sparked concerns across the textile and apparel industry. Industry leaders argue that these tariffs overlook the deeply integrated Western Hemisphere supply chain, built over more than 30 years under regional trade agreements.
A garment’s journey is complex, far beyond its ‘Made in’ label. From raw material sourcing to production and distribution, the US textile sector is tightly linked with neighboring economies. The impact of these tariffs will be widespread, affecting farmers, retailers, and consumers alike. For instance, US cotton supplies about 60 per cent of Mexico’s textile needs, according to the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service. Additionally, US government data shows that in 2024, the US imported $3.1 billion worth of apparel from USMCA partners Canada and Mexico.
Apparel and textile products already face some of the highest US import tariffs, reaching up to 32 per cent. With an additional 20 per cent tariff on Chinese imports, costs are set to rise further, fueling inflation. China remains the top supplier of apparel to US consumers. US Customs and Border Protection reports that American businesses and consumers have already paid $220 billion in additional tariffs under the China Section 301 policy from the first Trump Administration.
Industry leaders urge the Administration to reconsider its tariff strategy. Instead of adding financial strain on American families and businesses, they advocate for policies that lower costs and enhance trade benefits.
TechnoSport has taken a significant leap in activewear manufacturing by integrating high-performance Karl Mayer tricot machines at its new mega factory in Perundurai, South India. This marks a milestone as the first activewear brand in the region to leverage such advanced warp knitting technology. With this investment, TechnoSport aims to enhance production efficiency, expand market reach, and uphold sustainability while delivering high-quality sportswear.
The new HKS 3-M high-speed warp knitting machines now complement TechnoSport’s state-of-the-art production facility. As an initial innovation, the company has successfully launched its ‘DuraCool+’ product line using these machines, catering to growing consumer demands for durable and high-performance sportswear. Building on this success, TechnoSport plans to introduce all-day pants that combine the strength of woven trousers with the comfort and flexibility of knitwear.
Successful open house event showcases innovation
To showcase the technological advancements, TechnoSport, in collaboration with Karl Mayer and A T E, hosted a joint open house event at its Perundurai mega factory in mid-February 2025. The event attracted over 100 industry professionals from key textile hubs, including Tirupur, Erode, and Coimbatore, providing them with valuable insights into warp knitting technology.
Live demonstrations of three HKS 3-M machines, paired with a DS-Warper, showcased specialized warp-knitted fabric production for activewear. The machines, operating at speeds of up to 2,800 rpm, captivated attendees with their efficiency and precision.
The event featured expert presentations, including a welcome address by Navin Agrawal, Senior Vice President of A T E Enterprises Private Limited. Mark Smith, Deputy Vice President Sales at Karl Mayer, delivered an insightful presentation on warp knitting technology, while Franziska Guth, product developer at Karl Mayer, along with the A T E sales team, engaged attendees with fabric samples and finished garment displays.
Expanding market reach with cutting-edge sportswear
Reflecting on the significance of the collaboration, TechnoSport’s Co-founder, Sunil Jhunjhunwala, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Karl Mayer. “We are proud to bring this cutting-edge technology to India. With the increasing demand for synthetic materials in both domestic and export markets, we anticipate growing interest in warp knitting. Through partnerships with A T E and Karl Mayer and events like this, we aim to drive that momentum.”
Mark Smith echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the potential of warp knitting in India. “We look forward to hosting more such events to expand warp knitting capabilities across the country.” He also extended his gratitude to Sunil Jhunjhunwala and the TechnoSport team for their support, as well as the A T E Coimbatore team for organizing the successful event.
By embracing advanced technology and sustainability, TechnoSport is set to redefine activewear standards globally. As the brand continues to innovate and expand, it remains committed to making high-quality sportswear accessible to all, promoting an active and healthier lifestyle.
The T2T Alliance - Powering Policy for a Textile-to-Textile Future officially launches today, uniting key recyclers Circ, Circulose, RE&UP, and Syre to advocate for their sector within EU policy. The Alliance aims to ensure textile-to-textile (T2T) recycling is central to Europe’s circular economy.
With the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) set to define 2025’s textile policy, the T2T Alliance is pushing for stronger requirements on recycled textile content. The Alliance provided expert input on:
The T2T Alliance is advocating for the prioritization of textile-to-textile (T2T) recycled content in the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) to drive circularity in the textile industry. It supports a closed-loop recycling model that includes post-industrial, pre-consumer, and post-consumer textile waste to maximize sustainability.
Additionally, the Alliance aims to correct misconceptions about the industry, such as the assumption that allowing post-industrial waste to meet recycled content targets would incentivize overproduction. To ensure transparency and efficiency, it also advocates for a wide range of verification methods to accurately trace recycled materials throughout the supply chain.
“Less than 1 per cent of textiles come from recycled fibers, while most end-of-life products are landfilled or incinerated,” said Syre CEO Dennis Nobelius. “We are at a tipping point, and EU policy must accelerate textile circularity.”
The T2T Alliance, facilitated by consultancy 2B Policy, will act as a hub for advocacy, collaboration, and policy engagement. It aims to remove industry barriers and ensure recyclers’ perspectives shape legislation.
“We applaud the EU’s steps toward circularity, but current proposals risk overlooking practical challenges,” said Circ CEO Peter Majeranowski. “We can recycle polycotton blends, but we need well-informed policies to scale impact.”
By uniting industry leaders, the T2T Alliance seeks to secure recognition for textile-to-textile recyclers, influence sustainable policies, and drive systemic change in the textile industry.
Manufacturers facing outdated machinery can now opt for Karl Mayer’s electrical retrofit, a cost-effective alternative to purchasing new equipment. The upgrade modernizes the control and drive systems of older multiaxial and warp knitting machines with weft insertion, ensuring production reliability while minimizing downtime.
Karl Mayer’s solution targets machines running multiple shifts daily, where mechanics remain sound but electrical components become obsolete over time. “Breakdowns due to outdated electronics lead to costly downtimes. Our retrofit prevents this,” explains Falk Preibisch from Karl Mayer Technische Textilien’s Care Solutions Team.
The retrofit package includes a new control cabinet, a modern user interface, and the latest control technology. It also comes with all necessary components for dismantling old motors and cabling. Warp knitting machines with weft insertion require around two weeks for conversion, while multiaxial machines take approximately three weeks. One or two service technicians handle the process, ensuring minimal disruption.
The upgrade standardizes machine operation, making it easier for personnel to adapt, regardless of machine age. Additionally, serviceability improves, with guaranteed spare parts availability something often challenging for older systems. Retrofitted machines can also be networked for enhanced efficiency.
Introduced in 2016, the retrofit has been ordered 55 times, mainly for machines between 15 and 25 years old. “Demand is strong,” says Preibisch. The upgrade extends machine life without costly replacements or environmental waste, making it a smart investment, especially in tough economic conditions.
