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Cotton prices in India are increasing continuously due to an acute shortage in the market. This season, cotton prices have increased by 3 percent above the Minimum Support Price (MSP), with experts predicting further increases in the near future.
The price hike is being driven by several factors including a decline in cotton cultivation by 11 lakh hectare in the current Kharif season. A significant damage caused to the cotton due to heavy rains in key cotton-producing states like Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh is another factor driving this price rise. Additionally, cotton sowing in Punjab has also reduced compared to last year.
Last season, farmers faced heavy losses due to a caterpillar pest outbreak that severely impacted cotton yields, making it difficult for them to recover production costs. This has disheartened many farmers from cotton cultivation this year, leading to a noticeable decrease in sowing.
According to the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, by Sep 2, 2024, cotton cultivation across India declined to 111.74 lakh hectarefrom 123.11 lakh hectare recorded last year.
Cotton prices are rising sharply in the wholesale markets. In Surat and Rajkot, the average cotton priceshave reached between Rs 7,525 and Rs 7,715 per quintal. In Amreli Mandi, cotton is priced at Rs 7,450 per quintal, while in Chitradurga Mandi, the maximum price has touched Rs 12,222 per quintal.
The central government has raised the MSP for cotton by Rs 501 for the 2024-25 Season. The MSP now stands at Rs 7,121 per quintal for the medium staple category and Rs 7,521 per quintal for the long staple category.
Currently, the average market price for cotton exceeds MSP by Rs 300-400. With this gap further widening, cotton prices are likely to increase even further, creating new challenges for both farmers and the market.
Held in Samarkhad, Uzbekistan, the ITMF Annual Conference and the IAF World Fashion Convention showcased the transformative potential of Uzbekistan’s textile and apparel (T&A) industry.
The event brought together leading Uzbek textile manufacturers, international investors, and representatives from public and regulatory bodies to discuss the sector’s future.
Focusing on the theme, ‘Innovation, Cooperation and Regulation-Drivers of the Textile and Apparel Industry, the ITMF Annual Conference and IAF Fashion Convention 2024attracted over 500 industry experts. The event explored the future of textiles, showcased cutting-edge innovations, and stressed the importance of global collaboration.
From January to July this year, Uzbekistan exported textiles worth over $1.7 billion to 85 countries. It plans to triple this figure to $6.5 billion by 2026. Driven by recent reforms and modernisation efforts, Uzbekistan’s textile industry has made significant strides. A few of the industry’s key milestones include the establishment of cotton-textile clusters in 2017 and the lifting of the cotton boycott in 2022, aligning the industry with global standards. Uzbekistan’s participation in initiatives such as the Better Cotton Initiative and the Better Work program has further boosted its international export capabilities.
Government support has played a crucial role in attracting foreign investment in Uzbekistan. Kihak Sung, Chairman, Youngone Corporation, highlighted his company’s success in the country including a $55 million investment and the creation of over 5,000 jobs.
Taking note of Uzbekistan’s rising influence in the textile industry, Karim Shafei, International Partner, Gherzi Textil Organisation, emphasisedon the country’s potential to disrupt the global market. Mirmukhsin Sultanov, Acting Chairman, Uztextileprom, highlighted the country’s goal to reach $10 billion in textile exports by 2030 and its focus on technology, innovation, and sustainability.
A global trade association, the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) promotes collaboration and communication among textile manufacturers to support industry growth and sustainability. The International Apparel Federation (IAF) is the leading global association for the apparel industry, fostering international cooperation and dialogue to drive development.
Sohail Pasha has been unequivocally elected as the new Chairman of the Pakistan Textile Exporters Association (PTEA) while Mahmood Ahmad and Ameer Ahmed assumed their roles as the new Senior Vice Chairman and Vice Chairman, respectively. The Executive Committee of PTEA elected twenty-four members for the upcoming two-year term.
Muhammad Idrees, Vice Chairman, PTEA, affirmed, working diligently, the new members would help enhance the association’s performance and advocate for the textile industry’s growth. The association needs to lobby for innovations solutions to maintain the viability of the textile sector in Pakistan, he emphasised.
With over 30 years of industry, Pasha is aProfessional Management Executive engaged with Riaz Enterprises. He is also an active contributor to various charitable, health, and educational institutions.
Acknowledging the challenges of leading the association during difficult times, Pasha emphasised on the urgent need to introduce remedial measures for addressing the high cost of doing business and regional production disadvantages. He urged both the sector and value-added associations to come together to overcome the economic challenges.
The newly elected team will officially assume their roles on Oct 01, 2024.
Glo-Djigbe Industrial Zone (GDIZ) has made its first export of ‘Made in Benin’ ready-to-wear clothing for the American brand US Polo Assn. The shipment, produced in partnership with Incom SPA, is destined for the European market, particularly Italy. US Polo Assn is a globally recognized brand offering a variety of apparel and accessories in over 130 countries.
This milestone marks a significant integration of GDIZ into global supply chains. The partnership with Incom S P A is expected to yield over a million pieces of clothing in the coming years. The initial shipment includes hooded sweatshirts, polos, and T-shirts, all crafted to US Polo Assn's stringent quality standards.
GDIZ has already supplied major international brands like The Children’s Place and KIABI, reinforcing its status as a growing textile hub in Africa.
Letondji Beheton, Managing Director of Societed' Investissementet de Promotion de l' Industrie (SIPI-Benin), called the export a proud moment for GDIZ and Benin, showcasing the country’s ability to produce world-class textiles. Francesco Gozzini, Production Director of Incom Italy, praised the partnership, highlighting the craftsmanship and attention to detail present in Benin’s textile industry, which aligns with Incom’s commitment to quality.
This export emphasizes GDIZ’s expanding role in the global ready-to-wear industry.
The fashion industry's environmental impact is undeniable, with tons of textile waste ending up in landfills each year. For example, the global fashion industry produces an estimated 92 million tons of textile waste annually. Less than 1 per cent of clothing is recycled into new clothing, highlighting the vast untapped potential for textile recycling. Recycling textiles can save significant amounts of water, energy, and resources compared to producing new garments. To combat the growing problem, governments and organizations worldwide are implementing innovative regulations to shift the industry towards a circular model, where garments are recycled instead of discarded.
EU leads the way
The EU has emerged as a frontrunner in textile recycling regulations, with its Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles aiming to make textile products more durable, repairable, reusable, and recyclable. By 2025, the EU will require separate collection of textile waste, paving the way for increased recycling rates. The strategy also encourages eco-design practices and aims to curb the release of microplastics from textiles. France has already implemented its Anti-Waste Law for a Circular Economy, which includes Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes for textiles. Under EPR, producers are financially responsible for the end-of-life management of their products, incentivizing them to design for recyclability.
US taking action
In the US, legislation on textile recycling is gaining momentum. Several states have introduced bills aimed at reducing textile waste and promoting circularity. California, known for its environmental leadership, passed the Textile Recovery Act of 2023. This law establishes an EPR program for textiles, requiring producers to finance and manage the collection and recycling of their products. It also sets targets for increasing textile recycling rates, with the aim of diverting 75 per cent of textile waste from landfills by 2030.
New York is also taking steps to address textile waste. The Fashion Sustainability and Social Accountability Act, introduced in 2022, aims to hold large fashion companies accountable for their environmental and social impact. It requires them to disclose their supply chain and set targets for reducing their carbon footprint, water use, and waste generation.
Other countries in the lead
Sweden: Offers tax breaks for clothing repairs and incentivizes reuse and recycling through its EPR system for textiles.
Japan: Promotes textile recycling through its Act on the Promotion of Sorted Collection and Recycling of Containers and Packaging, which includes provisions for textile waste management.
Australia: The National Clothing Product Stewardship Scheme aims to establish a nationwide EPR system for clothing and textiles, promoting recycling and responsible waste management.
Impact on industry
The impact of these new laws and regulations is already being felt. In France, the ban on destroying unsold textiles has led to a 40 per cent increase in textile recycling in just one year. In California, the Textile Recovery Act is expected to create thousands of new jobs in the recycling sector and divert millions of tons of textiles from landfills.
Companies too are also responding to the changing regulatory landscape. Several major fashion brands have launched take-back programs, allowing customers to return old clothes for recycling. Some companies are even experimenting with innovative recycling technologies, such as chemical recycling, which can break down textiles into their original building blocks for reuse. For example, Patagonia's Worn Wear program encourages customers to repair, trade in, or recycle their old garments. The Renewal Workshop partners with brands to renew and resell damaged or returned items, extending their lifecycle. These initiatives showcase the potential for circular business models within the fashion industry.
Indeed, while regulations are essential, the textile recycling industry faces challenges, including the complexity of textile blends, the need for advanced recycling technologies, and the lack of consumer awareness. However, the growing momentum for sustainable practices and the increasing pressure on the fashion industry to reduce its environmental impact suggest a promising future for textile recycling. As more countries and companies embrace circular models, we can expect to see a significant shift toward a more sustainable and responsible fashion industry.
Allied Feather + Down and Nemo equipment have joined forces to create a more sustainable future for down insulation. Allied, a global leader in ethically sourced and recycled down, is supplying it’s down to Nemo'sendless promise sleeping bag collection, which recently won the Good Design sustainability award.
The Disco and Riff down sleeping bags are designed to be fully recyclable. At the end of their lifespan, they can be returned to Allied, where the down insulation will be removed, cleaned, and recycled into Renu:Trace. This innovative program is the world's first and only fully traceable recycled down offering.
Allied's partnership with Nemo is a major step towards creating a circular economy for down. Daniel Uretsky, Allied's President, stated that down is one of the most sustainable insulations because it is recyclable and biodegradable. He also emphasized that Renu:Trace guarantees that recycled down is fully traceable and ethically sourced.
Allied's commitment to ethical sourcing and traceability is unwavering. Every down feather is traced back to its region of origin, guaranteeing that it comes from ethical sources. The Renu:Trace program is a game-changer, as it allows brands to focus on both post-consumer recycled material and ethically treated animals. While Nemo is the first to participate, the program is open to all of Allied's partner brands.
Pakistani exhibitors garnered significant recognition at the recently concluded Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics and Yarn Expo 2024, held from August 27th to 29th. This 30th anniversary edition of the expo saw robust participation from 16 Pakistani companies, showcasing a diverse range of apparel and yarn products.
Positive response amidst global participation
The expo was a grand affair, drawing nearly 4,000 exhibitors from 26 countries and regions and attracting over 95,000 trade visitors. Pakistani companies, including Kohinoor, Mahmood Textile, Sapphire Diamond Denim, Abtex International, Indus Dyeing, Xiamen Naseem, and Sardar Corporation, showcased their products, receiving a positive response from potential buyers.
Mahmood Textile celebrates a decade of participation
A highlight of the event was the recognition of Mahmood Textile for its 10 years of participation at Intertextile. This underscored the enduring partnerships and commitment to excellence that the expo fosters. Mr. Akmal, Marketing Manager at Mahmood Textile, expressed his appreciation for the platform and the support provided by Messe Frankfurt Karachi.
Optimism for future engagement
Despite challenging market conditions, Pakistani exhibitors expressed optimism about the future. Mr. Adnan Butt, Director of Sales and Marketing at Yarana Textiles, was particularly encouraged by the strong interest from potential buyers, highlighting the promising prospects in the Chinese market.
In a nutshell, the participation of Pakistani companies at Intertextile Shanghai 2024 was a success, demonstrating the country's growing influence in the global textile and apparel industry.
Thai Acrylic Fibre Co. Ltd. (TAF), an Aditya Birla Group company, made a strong impression at the recently concluded Yarn Expo –China International Trade Fair for Fibres and Yarns, held in Shanghai from August 27-29, 2024. The company showcased its innovative range of acrylic fibres, emphasizing its commitment to sustainability and quality.
Among the highlights of TAF's exhibit were:
Radianza- This eco-friendly fibre, produced using gel-dyeing technology, reduces the consumption of natural resources and pollution. It's a popular choice among eco-conscious consumers and manufacturers.
Regel- A recycled acrylic fibre made from post-industrial waste, Regel offers the same quality and performance as virgin acrylic fibres while supporting a circular economy. It's available in 50% and 75% recycled content variants.
Pilbloc- Known for its anti-pilling properties, Pilbloc ensures durability and long-lasting softness, making it ideal for high-quality apparel and home textiles.
"Our participation in Yarn Expo underscores our commitment to driving global growth and innovation within the acrylic fibre sector," said Karuna Changmai, Vice President, Global Sales Head, TAF. "We are excited to showcase our sustainable and high-performance solutions and invite visitors to explore how our new offerings can elevate their product basket."
TAF is one of the largest players in the global acrylic fibre market, renowned for its high-quality products and commitment to sustainability. As a subsidiary of the Aditya Birla Group, one of the world's largest conglomerates, TAF benefits from a strong financial foundation and extensive global reach.
Key strengths of TAF include, Product Innovation, constantly investing in research and development, Quality Assurance, Global Presence and Environmental Sustainability TAF's acrylic fibres are widely used in various applications, including Apparel( such as Sweaters, blankets, scarves, and other clothing items), Home textiles (Carpets, rugs, upholstery, and curtains) and Technical textiles ( Industrial fabrics, filters, and geotextiles).By leveraging its expertise, innovation, and global presence, Thai Acrylic Fibre Co. Ltd. continues to strengthen its position as a leading supplier of acrylic fibers in the international market.
Yarn Expo is a premier sourcing platform for the textile industry, attracting exhibitors and visitors from around the world. Suppliers showcase their latest collections of natural and blended yarns, including cotton, wool, flax, and man-made fibres.
The CENTRESTAGE fashion exhibition in Hong Kong recently concluded ( Sept 4-7, 2024), leaving a trail of optimism and innovation in its wake. Despite facing temporary disruptions due to Typhoon Yagi, the event attracted over 8,500 buyers from 82 countries and regions, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of the fashion industry.
Key takeaways and highlights
• Optimistic industry outlook: A survey conducted during the event revealed a positive sentiment among industry players, with 34.8% of respondents expecting sales to increase in the next six to 12 months. Emerging markets were identified as a significant growth opportunity, and the growing popularity of online channels was evident, with 52% of respondents utilizing both online and offline sales channels.
• Fashion Accessories and Urban Clothing in the spotlight: The survey also highlighted the growing potential of fashion accessories and urban clothing, reflecting the evolving consumer preferences towards style and comfort.
• Success stories: Local exhibitor YGM Group and Singapore brand Duxton reported exceeding expectations in terms of buyer interest and potential business deals, underscoring the effectiveness of CENTRESTAGE as a platform for brand exposure and market expansion.
• International participation: The event attracted buyers from diverse regions, including Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, showcasing its appeal as a key fashion trade destination in Asia.
• Fashion Show Extravaganza: The opening show, CENTRESTAGE ELITES, held at the Hong Kong Palace Museum, featured the triumphant return of acclaimed designer Robert Wun. Other notable fashion shows and events included the Fashion Hong Kong Runway Show, the Redress Design Award 2024 Grand Final Fashion Show, and presentations by local fashion brands.
• Circular Fashion draws the spotlight: The Redress Design Award highlighted the importance of sustainable practices in the fashion industry, with Hong Kong designer Tiger Chung emerging as the winner for her collection utilizing upcycled materials.
• Young Designers Shine: The Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest (YDC) showcased the creativity and potential of emerging local talent, with Tiger Chung claiming the Champion title for his collection "Rager."
Ashworth x Mountain Yam: A fusion of heritage and innovation
A highlight of CENTRESTAGE was the groundbreaking collaboration between US golf brand Ashworth and Hong Kong designer Mountain Yam. Their capsule collection, showcased at the event, successfully blended traditional golf wear with a contemporary aesthetic, reflecting the growing trend of athleisure fashion.
Robert Wun'striumphant homecoming
London-based designer Robert Wun's return to Hong Kong was met with great enthusiasm. His "Home" collection, presented at the Hong Kong Palace Museum, celebrated his personal journey and the influence of his Hong Kong upbringing on his designs. Wun's participation in CENTRESTAGE underscored the rising prominence of Hong Kong designers on the global stage.
Redress Design Awards: A showcase of circular fashion
The 14th annual Redress Design Awards celebrated the innovative work of emerging fashion designers committed to sustainable practices. Hong Kong designer Tiger Chung's winning collection, "The Wanderer," demonstrated the potential of upcycled materials and circular design.
YDC 2024: A celebration of young talent
The Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest (YDC) concluded with a grand finale, showcasing the creativity and originality of 10 local designers. Tiger Chung's collection "Rager" earned him the Champion title, highlighting the limitless potential of Hong Kong's fashion scene.
CENTRESTAGE 2024: Emerges as a vibrant platform
CENTRESTAGE 2024 successfully navigated challenges and emerged as a vibrant platform for fashion trade, brand promotion, and creative expression. The event showcased the industry's optimism, innovation, and commitment to sustainability, solidifying Hong Kong's position as a leading fashion hub in Asia.
The Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest 2024 (YDC) , also termed as Young Knitwear Designer Contest ( YKDC) concluded with a grand finale at CENTRESTAGE, showcasing the boundless creativity and potential of Hong Kong's emerging fashion talent. Under the theme "To Be Seen," 10 local designers presented captivating collections that pushed boundaries and challenged traditional norms.
Tiger Chung takes the crown
After a fierce competition, Tiger Chung emerged as the Champion with his collection "Rager," earning a cash prize, an overseas study trip, and a CASETiFY collaboration. Chung, inspired by subculture and music festivals, aimed to express the unique design ethos of the younger generation through his energetic and vibrant collection.
Other winners shine bright
K Ng received the Excellence Award for "Remnants of Light," while Yoyo Chan earned both the Best Art Direction Award and the "My Favourite Collection" Award for "Trouble X."
Judges impressed by quality and diversity
The YDC judging panel, comprising industry leaders and media representatives, praised the high quality and originality of the entries. VIP Judge Masayuki Ino expressed his excitement for the future of Hong Kong's fashion scene, stating, "All the works presented by the designers are fantastic... I am excited to see all 10 fashion designers from the next generation at YDC."
MINI x YDC Alumni collaboration
MINI HK, the major sponsor of YDC for the eighth consecutive year, collaborated with YDC Alumni designers Johnson Chong and Kinyan Lam to present a fashion collection inspired by the MINI Cooper and MINI Aceman. Singer Panther Chan added star power to the presentation, showcasing MINI's new-generation design aesthetics and sustainable concepts.
YDC 2024 highlights the limitless potential of Hong Kong fashion
The YDC 2024 grand finale not only celebrated the achievements of young designers but also underscored the vibrancy and innovation within Hong Kong's fashion industry. With their diverse and original fashion statements, these young designers are poised to make their mark on the global stage, solidifying Hong Kong's position as a leading fashion hub in Asia.
