Being held from June 04-08, 2024 at the Tuyap Fair and Congress Center in Turkey, the International Textile Machinery Exhibition (ITM) 2024 brings together nearly 1,300 domestic and foreign companies and company representatives from more than 70 countries. It also attracts textile investors from countries such as Pakistan, Uzbekistan, India and Egypt. It provides world-class textile machinery manufacturers and leaders an opportunity to launch their latest products.

Focusing on the motto, ‘Discover the Future,’ the exhibition provides exhibitors an opportunity to network with diverse visitors and boost their business volume.

Being held in partnership with Tüyap Tüm Fuarcilik Yapim Inc and Teknik Fairs Inc in cooperation with Textile Machinery and Accessories Industrialists Association (TEMSAD), ITM 2024 also facilitates interactions between company owners and experts on new technologies to be used in their factories; develop their products and direct their investments.

Visitors to the ITM 2024 Exhibition will be able to learn about every field of textile from weaving to knitting, from yarn to digital printing, and from finishing to denim will discover innovative, nature-protecting, pioneering technologies in digitalisation for a sustainable future.

One of the focal points of ITM 2023 will be digitalisation, artificial Intelligence, and automation. The exhibition will showcase machines and equipment designed to reduce environmental impact and manufactured from sustainable materials.

ITM 2024 will be held alongside Hightex 2024 International Technical Textiles and Nonwovens Exhibition. This exhibition will accelerate development in the technical textile sector by showcasing nonwoven products and raw materials used in production of technical textiles.

A Japanese operator of internet services for the online shopping and clothing industry, Makip has launched a new advanced online sizing technology known as FaceChange A development of Makip’s highly accurate online sizing technology, Unisize, FaceChange leverages AI to offer precise online sizing recommendations.

To use this technology, users need to upload a photo of their face, which is then placed on the model displaying the clothing, helping them visualise the fit more accurately. This approach not only personalises the shopping experience but also significantly boosts conversion rates by over four times.

Aligning with the industry’s shift towards sustainability, this technology minimises the carbon footprint associated with multiple shipments and returns. It enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty by ensuring they receive the correct size on their first purchase. Retailers using FaceChange have reported significant boosts in sales and reductions in return rates. The personalised experience provided by the technology fosters a stronger connection between the consumer and the brand, leading to higher levels of customer satisfaction and repeat business.

Incorporating more sophisticated AI and machine learning algorithms, digital sizing technologies are poised to evolve in future. They could offer more immersive and accurate fitting experiences by integrating technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). This will help transform the online retail landscape, providing consumers with enhanced tools to make informed purchasing decisions.

India's cotton sector, once a global leader, is struggling to hold onto its position. Policy decisions like the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for cotton and the Cotton Seeds Price (Control) Order, 2015 (CSPCO) are creating a tangled mess for the industry.

How MSP is sowing trouble

The government sets an MSP for raw cotton (kapas) to shield farmers from price fluctuations. However, this seemingly helpful policy becomes a double-edged sword when coupled with a Maximum Sale Price (MSP) for cotton seeds. This squeezes profit margins for seed companies, discouraging investment in crucial research and development (R&D) for high-yielding varieties.

The MSP for seeds acts as a disincentive for seed companies, say experts. Investment in R&D for better seeds suffers, hindering India’s ability to compete in the global market. We need cutting-edge seed technology to thrive.

Production in decline, imports on the rise

India's cotton production peaked at a staggering 390 lakh bales in 2013-14. Since then, it has witnessed a concerning decline of nearly 100 lakh bales annually. This shortfall is forcing textile mills to rely heavily on imports, which reached a value of Rs 10,353.96 crore in 2021-22. This import dependence weakens India's cotton export potential.

Is the CSPCO stifling innovation?

The CSPCO, by controlling seed prices, is seen as a potential roadblock to innovation. The order discourages companies from developing new Bt cotton varieties that can combat the ever-evolving pest landscape, explain experts, a seed industry representative. However, complete deregulation of the CSPCO raises concerns of exploitation by seed companies. Some farmer associations fear that without regulations, seed prices could skyrocket.

A market-driven approach

Countries like China and the US have adopted successful models that India can learn from. China's market-driven approach, coupled with strong intellectual property (IP) protection, fosters a thriving seed development ecosystem. This has resulted in high-yielding, pest-resistant varieties that give them a competitive edge.

Experts suggest a nuanced solution: delisting cotton seeds from the Essential Commodities Act (ECA) 1955. This would remove central control over seed pricing, paving the way for a market-driven system. Additionally, states could introduce regulations to ensure fair seed prices for farmers.

The revival of India's cotton sector hinges on a multi-pronged approach. The government should incentivize research in new technologies and promote Integrated Resistance Management (IRM) practices to combat pests. By fostering innovation, ensuring fair prices for farmers, and promoting a globally competitive seed industry, India can reclaim its rightful place as a cotton powerhouse.

At Drupa in Dusseldorf, BW Converting unveiled a fresh branding identity following its incorporation of leading print and industrial technology company Baldwin into its portfolio. Renamed from BW Converting Solutions, the company boasts a formidable lineup including Paper Converting Machine Company (PCMC), Winkler+Dünnebier (W+D), Hudson-Sharp, STAX Technologies, and Northern Engraving and Machine Company.

The rebrand emphasizes BW Converting's commitment to societal betterment beyond factory floors. Simon Blake, VP of Marketing, articulates their mission to bridge knowledge gaps and facilitate positive change. The new branding aims for a visually cohesive architecture, showcasing the company's comprehensive capabilities.

Stan Blakney, Group President, underscores the strategic fusion of knowledge, scale, and global reach across six robust product brands to support customer growth. This rebranding initiative aims to provide customers with clarity and recognition, facilitating easier access to BW Converting's diverse technologies and expertise.

The ASEAN International Fashion Week (AIFW) is set to make its triumphant return to Singapore from June 7th to 9th, 2024, with an innovative collaboration between Epson and the ASEAN Fashion Designers Showcase (AFDS). Hosted at Singapore's iconic ArtScience Museum, this year's event promises a fusion of high fashion and technological innovation.

Showcasing a diverse range of styles from avant-garde to haute couture, AIFW 2024 aims to push the boundaries of fashion while championing sustainability and circular fashion practices on a global scale. The three-day extravaganza will feature up to 40 international fashion designers from over 15 countries, including 11 ASEAN designers partnering with Epson to create sustainable fashion using cutting-edge digital textile printing technology.

Beyond the runway, AIFW will host a panel discussion on sustainability in the fashion and technology industries on June 8th. Led by industry experts such as Desmond Gay, Regional Manager of Epson Southeast Asia, and Hayden Ng, President and Founder of AFDS AIFW, the discussion promises valuable insights into the future of sustainable fashion.

Lenzing Group, a prominent supplier of regenerated cellulose fibers, clinched the prestigious Vienna Stock Exchange Vonix Sustainability Award, securing the top spot in the 'Industrials' category. This accolade, a testament to Lenzing's exceptional sustainability performance on the capital market, underscores its commitment to fostering sustainable practices within the textile and nonwovens sectors.

Christian Skilich, a member of Lenzing's Management Board, expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing Lenzing's unwavering dedication to catalyzing the shift from a linear to a circular economy model in the textile industry.

Renowned environmental organizations and rating agencies have lauded Lenzing's sustainability endeavors. For three consecutive years, Lenzing secured a coveted spot on the 'A list' across all categories by CDP, a global non-profit environmental organization.

Additionally, Lenzing maintained platinum status in the EcoVadis CSR rating, ranking among the top one percent of companies evaluated worldwide. Furthermore, MSCI conferred an 'AA' rating on Lenzing for the third consecutive year, positioning the company within the top eight percent of rated peers.

These accolades underscore Lenzing's steadfast commitment to sustainability and its leading role in driving environmental stewardship within its industry.

Fashion for Good Museum, in reflecting on its impactful journey, celebrates achievements in transforming perspectives on clothing and inspiring sustainable change in the fashion industry. With 115,000 visitors, including 8,000 students from 200 schools, the museum curated 13 exhibitions and hosted over 75 events. Alongside launching four educational programs, Fashion for Good reached current and future generations, evidenced by its 250,000 social media followers and 15,000 newsletter subscribers.

Albert Brenninkmeijer, chairman of the board, notes the museum's mission to spark a global movement towards sustainable fashion, aiming to inspire and educate visitors. With an earned media value of over 46 million Euros, Fashion for Good's influence has been substantial. Brenninkmeijer envisions the museum's legacy enduring, motivating others to challenge the fashion industry's status quo for the planet's betterment.

Reflecting on the museum's journey, six key lessons emerged: First, there is a recognition of a broader shift towards sustainability within museums. Second, cultural institutions play a crucial role in driving societal change through storytelling. Third, embracing organizational limitations can lead to innovation. Fourth, understanding and expanding core audience engagement is essential for sustainability initiatives. Fifth, measuring impact presents challenges for socially-driven organizations, necessitating clear success criteria. Lastly, defining sustainability within an organizational context is fundamental for sustainability efforts.

As the museum transitions into a versatile space integrating various functions, Fashion for Good remains committed to revolutionizing the fashion industry. With a renewed strategy, the museum intensifies efforts in brand engagement, supplier integration, financing, and impact assessment through its Innovation Platform. This strategic evolution highlights Fashion for Good's dedication to fostering collaboration among sustainable fashion changemakers.

Katrin Ley, Managing Director, expresses pride in the museum's achievements and its enduring legacy. Despite physical doors closing, the spirit of Fashion for Good lives on, ensuring its vision for a more sustainable fashion industry inspires future generations.

The Q1, FY24 revenues of US-based PVH Corporation, parent company of globally recognised brands such as Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein, decreased by 10 per cent to $1.952 billion from $2.158 billion revenue reported during the same period last year.

Of this, the revenues of the brand Tommy Hilfiger decreased by 10 per cent compared to the prior year period. The brand’s revenues from international operations fell by 14 per cent with revenues from Europe declining. In contrast, Tommy Hilfiger’s revenues from North America increased by 2 per cent.

On the other hand, the revenues of Calvin Klein remained flat compared to the prior year period but increased by 1 per cent on a constant currency basis. The brand’s international revenues declined by 2 per cent while revenues from North America increased by 4 per cent.

Further, PVH Corp reported a significant 65 per cent decline in revenues from Heritage Brands including a 47 per cent decline resulting from the sale of the Heritage Brands women's intimates business.

PVH Corporation’s earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) increased to $205 million on a GAAP basis and $195 million on a non-GAAP basis, compared to $199 million in the prior year period. On a GAAP basis, its EPS increased to $2.59 from $2.14 in the prior year period. On a non-GAAP basis, EPS rose to $2.45, compared to $2.14 in the prior year period.

Besides strengthening its brand positioning and pricing power in the marketplace, PVH Corp generated growth for Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger combined in both North America and Asia Pacific in constant currency, while successfully driving strategic quality of sales initiatives in Europe, says Stefan Larsson, CEO.

Sri Lankan manufacturing giant MAS Holdings has committed to purchase 4,000 tons of recycled polyester from LA-based start-up Ambercycle over the next three years. This deal highlights the increasing engagement by suppliers in promoting recycling innovations in the market.

The agreement aims to support Ambercycle's expansion of textile-to-textile recycling capabilities besides ensuring a steady supply of the material for MAS. The process is viewed as a more environmentally sustainable alternative to recycling polyester from repurposed plastic bottles.

However, still in early stages, commercialising of such technologies faces many challenges. For example, Swedish textile-to-textile recycler Renewcell had to be recently saved from financial breakdown by private equity firm Altor.

To bring new materials to market, binding purchase commitments, such as the one between MAS and Ambercycle, are considered vital. It is also important for manufacturers to pledge their involvement in such initiatives. While big brands like H&M Group and Zara-owner Inditex have already announced investments in innovative fibers, suppliers are yet to make such commitments.

Hence, MAS views its deal with Ambercycle as strategic, aligning with the growing demand for recycled materials from its customers and its own goal to generate 50 per cent of its revenue from lower-impact.

Struggling against ‘uneven’ competition with foreign counterparts due to rising production costs, domestic textile millers, particularly spinners, have been losing yarn orders, even from local ready-made garment (RMG) exporters. These exporters now prefer importing raw materials, stalling the growth of the local spinning sector.

As per data from the Bangladesh Bank, Bangladesh’s yarn imports increased by double digits during the first nine months of the current fiscal year (FY), while imports of other raw materials like raw cotton, textiles, and staple fiber declined. From Jul-Mar’23-24, Bangladesh’s yarn imports increased by 10 per cent to $2.32 billion from $2.10 billion during the same period last fiscal year, according to data from the Bangladesh Bank.

The imports of other RMG inputs decreased by 9.1 per cent during the first nine months of the year. For instance, raw cotton imports declined by 24.9 per cent, imports of textiles and articles lowered by 8.2 per cent, staple fiber by 6.1 per cent, and dyeing and tanning materials by 3.1 per cent. Bangladesh’s imports expenditure also declined to $12.17 billion during the year from $13.39 billion the previous fiscal year.

Exporters attribute this rise in popularity of imported yarn to its lower cost compared to locally produced yarn. On the other hand, high utility costs and unreliable gas supply are driving up local yarn prices, add textile millers. Syed Nurul Islam, Chairman and CEO, Well Group, notes, a decrease in raw materials imports including raw cotton and staple fibers inevitably led to an increase in yarn imports during the year.

Also a director of the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), Islam emphasises, the rise in Bangladesh’s production costs due to high utility costs and gas shortages is preventing textile millers from utilising their full production capacities, thereby reducing the competitiveness of local yarn. Consequently, garment exporters continue to source cheaper yarn from India, Pakistan, and China under bonded warehouse facilities.

For the sustainability of the garment industry, Islam emphasises on the need for strong domestic supply chain support and government policy intervention. Faruque Hassan, Former President, BGMEA, agrees, the industry needs to boost local consumption and attract more garment work orders, he says.

SM Mannan Kochi, President, BGMEA, explains, the rise in prices of local yarn makes them less competitive despite cash incentives from the local market. Mohammad Ali Khokon, President, BTMA, alleges, various policy supports from their governments and their own cotton production enables foreign competitors to sell yarn at ‘dumping prices.’

To retain US dollars within the country, the industry needs to increase local yarn sourcing, affirms Khokon. Many local textile mills may be forced to close if the current trend continues, he warns. Currently, local textile mills supply about 80 per cent of knitwear sector’s demand for yarn and 35 per cent of woven sector’s need for the material in Bangladesh, reveal industry insiders.

During Jul-Mar’23-24, Bangladesh exported RMG products worth $37.20 billion. Of this, knitwear exports contributed $21.01 billion and woven products $16.19 billion, data from Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) shows. The country exported RMG products worth $47 billion in FY 2022-23.