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Moda x Pure will make its highly anticipated debut at Spring Fair 2025, running from February 2–5 at Birmingham NEC. This dynamic event unites four key fashion sectors -Womenswear, Clothing & Footwear, Fashion Accessories, and Jewellery & Watchalongside an engaging programme of trend-led catwalks, seminars, and innovative collections.
Event Director Soraya Gadelrab shared, “We’re excited to launch Moda x Pure, offering a curated selection of brands and destinations under one roof. With sustainability, style, and inspiration at its core, this is a must-attend event for fashion buyers.”
The Womenswear, Clothing & Footwear section will welcome new exhibitors like Nova of London, MooChuu, Luxtyle, and AX Paris, alongside returning favourites Yumi, Lighthouse, and Luella.
Fashion Accessories will showcase eco-friendly innovations such as Miss Milly’s recycled leather handbags and Pachamama’s fair-trade knitwear, alongside staples from Jess & Lou and Miss Sparrow.
Jewellery & Watch will highlight ethical craftsmanship with standout collections from Daughters of the Ganges, Zsiska, and Dainty London Jewellery.
The Moda x Pure Catwalk, curated by Cult of Fashion, will present three daily shows featuring key trends and inspiring collections. Panel discussions will explore topics like sustainability and technology, with insights from industry leaders, including Andrew Xeni of Nobody’s Child.
Visitors can relax at the Moda x Pure Fashion Cafe, a hub for creative inspiration and in-store activation ideas.
Bringing together brands, buyers, and industry professionals, Moda x Pure promises to be the ultimate destination for fashion innovation in 2025.
The UK’s leading sourcing event, Source Home & Gift, returns to NEC Birmingham from 2nd–5th February 2025, highlighting Egyptian manufacturers and artisans. The Egyptian Pavilionwill showcase exceptional quality, sustainability, and competitive advantages offered by Egyptian producers.
With proximity to Europe, reduced lead times, and competitive costs, Egyptian manufacturers provide a cost-effective alternative without compromising quality. Many factories comply with international ethical standards, including BSCI, WRAP, and OEKO-TEX certifications. Favorable trade agreements like the EU-Egypt Association Agreement further enhance affordability and global competitiveness.
Suzanne Ellingham, Event Director, shared, “Egypt is emerging as a sourcing hotspot due to its blend of tradition, innovation, and sustainability. We’re excited to connect UK and European buyers with responsibly audited Egyptian suppliers.”
Making its UK debut, LNZYS, founded by Nadine Helmy, transforms natural materials into innovative furniture and artwork while empowering over 50 artisans. “Exhibiting at Source Home & Gift is a unique gateway to reviving our heritage and growing our community,” said Helmy.
Also exhibiting is Threads of Hope, co-managed by Farida Elkalagy, which supports 300 women in Cairo through handcrafted embroidery. “This is an opportunity to share our story of craftsmanship and social impact with the world,” said Elkalagy.
Social enterprise KendakaUpcycle, led by Amin Safwat, focuses on empowering women in Badr City through upcycling. Safwat remarked, “We’re excited to showcase products that tell a story of empowerment and environmental responsibility.”
Veteran exporter Almeerath, founded by Nivine Mohamed Sobhi Hassan, offers handmade decorative items and is eager to enter the UK market.
Running alongside Spring Fair, Source Home & Gift unites global manufacturers with retailers and brands, providing responsibly sourced products. All exhibitors undergo rigorous audits, ensuring ethical business practices. The 2025 show promises to be a hub for innovation, quality craftsmanship, and sustainability.
Birla Cellulose, the sustainability-driven MMCF business of the Aditya Birla Group, has secured the top ranking in Canopy’s Hot Button Report 2024 for the fifth consecutive year. Retaining its prestigious ‘Dark Green Shirt’ rating, the company solidifies its status as a global leader in responsible wood sourcing and sustainable practices.
The Hot Button Report, released annually by Canopy, evaluates MMCF suppliers on their forest fibre sourcing practices, guiding fashion brands and retailers towards deforestation-free supply chains.
HK Agarwal, Managing Director of Grasim Industries Ltd., stated, “This recognition highlights Birla Cellulose’s dedication to sustainable wood sourcing, forest conservation, and supply chain transparency.”
Nicole Rycroft, Executive Director of Canopy, praised the company: “Congratulations to Birla Cellulose for leading the way in removing Ancient and Endangered Forests from the MMCF supply chain and advancing low-carbon Next Gen solutions.”
Birla Cellulose invests extensively in research and development, exploring alternative feedstocks and scaling Next Gen fibres to revolutionize the MMCF industry sustainably. Its 11 manufacturing sites employ closed-loop technologies to minimize environmental impact, while five advanced research centers drive innovation.
This achievement reinforces Birla Cellulose’s commitment to forest conservation and pioneering sustainable solutions in the textile industry.
The Lenzing Group, a global leader in regenerated cellulose fibers for textiles and nonwovens, has secured the top position in the prestigious 2024 Hot Button Ranking by Canadian non-profit Canopy. With an improved score of 33 out of 40, Lenzing has been recognized in the ‘Leading in CanopyStyle commitments’ category, symbolized by a dark green shirt, reflecting its outstanding leadership in sustainable practices and adherence to the highest environmental standards.
Canopy's Hot Button Ranking evaluates the performance of global cellulosic fiber producers in sustainable sourcing, transparency, and innovation. Lenzing's achievements underscore its dedication to environmental and social sustainability, cementing its role as a trusted partner for eco-conscious brands.
“We are delighted our efforts to tackle the pressing challenges of our time have been acknowledged,” said Rohit Aggarwal, CEO of Lenzing Group. “This recognition inspires us to continue driving a green and clean industry transformation while identifying areas for further improvement.”
In 2024, Lenzing was particularly lauded for protecting ancient and endangered forests and integrating next-generation fiber solutions into its production. By championing circular and resource-efficient systems, Lenzing has set a benchmark for innovation and sustainability, excelling in criteria such as supply chain traceability and reducing reliance on virgin resources.
The Chinese textile industry, a behemoth in the global market, has weathered a dynamic year in 2024. Recent reports and data released by the CCF Group, a leading authority on the Chinese textile sector, shows the resilience, adaptation, and shifting trends across China’s fiber, yarn, fabric, and apparel segments.
Performance overview
While the overall picture is complex, CCF Group data reveals a sector grappling with a cocktail of domestic and international pressures.
Growth slowdown: Compared to the robust growth seen in previous years, 2024 witnessed a moderation in production and export figures. This is largely attributed to a slowdown in global demand, particularly from key markets like the US and Europe.
Shifting domestic consumption: While export markets softened, domestic consumption showed signs of recovery, driven by a growing middle class and government initiatives to boost internal spending.
Raw material volatility: Fluctuations in raw material prices, especially cotton, impacted production costs and profitability across the industry.
Sustainability concerns: Increasingly, both consumers and regulators are demanding greater environmental and social responsibility from textile producers. This is pushing the industry towards sustainable practices and circular economy models.
Table: Segment-wise production
|
Indicator |
2024 |
2023 |
2022 |
|
Fiber Production (million tons) |
58.2 |
56.5 |
54.1 |
|
Yarn Production (million tons) |
45.8 |
44.1 |
42.5 |
|
Fabric Production (billion sq m) |
76.5 |
74.2 |
71.8 |
|
Apparel Exports (billion USD) |
285 |
298 |
292 |
CCF Group data highlights significant variations in performance across different regions and textile clusters within China.
Yangtze River Delta: This region, home to major textile hubs like Shanghai and Jiangsu province, continued to lead in terms of production and innovation. However, it also faced challenges related to rising labor costs and environmental regulations.
Pearl River Delta: Guangdong province, a key player in apparel manufacturing, experienced a more pronounced impact from the slowdown in export demand.
Central and Western China: These regions, traditionally focused on cotton production and basic textiles, are attracting investment and witnessing growth in higher-value segments like technical textiles.
Xinjiang, a major cotton-producing region, faced continued scrutiny over alleged human rights abuses. This led to sourcing challenges for some international brands and gave a push to alternative cotton sources. However, CCF Group data suggests that Xinjiang maintained its dominance in domestic cotton supply, highlighting the complexities of decoupling from the region.
Looking ahead
CCF Group analysts suggest the Chinese textile industry will go through a period of transformation. Key trends to watch out for:
Technological upgrading: Investment in automation, AI, and advanced manufacturing will be crucial for enhancing productivity and competitiveness.
Sustainability focus: Circular economy models, reduced emissions, and ethical sourcing will become increasingly important for market access and brand reputation.
Domestic market expansion: Growing domestic consumption will offer new opportunities for textile and apparel companies.
The Chinese textile industry is navigating a challenging but evolving landscape. While 2024 did have its share of headwinds, the industry's long-term prospects remain strong, driven by innovation, domestic market growth, and a shift towards sustainable practices. CCF Group's data and analysis provide valuable insights for businesses and policymakers alike as they chart a course through the changing tides of the global textile market.
A recent report, ‘The State of Sourcing Report: Sourcing and Sustainability in 2025’, reveals a significant shift in the global sourcing landscape. India is rapidly gaining prominence as a key sourcing region for UK retailers, challenging China's long-held dominance.
The report, published recently by Source Fashion, a leading fashion trade show, offers a comprehensive analysis of current sourcing practices and sustainability trends among UK retailers. The survey-based study, conducted in September-October 2024, gathered insights from a diverse range of retailers, both large and small.
Key findings
The report identifies India as the third most popular sourcing region among UK retailers, trailing only the UK itself and China. Notably, for larger businesses, India shares the second spot with the UK, underscoring its growing appeal.
Table: India’s emergence as popular sourcing region
|
Sourcing region |
All respondents |
Small companies |
Large companies |
|
UK |
42% |
44% |
35% |
|
China |
49% |
45% |
61% |
|
India |
37% |
37% |
35% |
|
Western Europe |
33% |
37% |
19% |
While China remains a significant player, the report reveals its attractiveness is gradually diminishing due to various pressures, including rising costs, political uncertainties, and supply chain disruptions.
The report attributes India's emergence to several factors:
Cost-effectiveness: India offers competitive production costs, making it an attractive alternative to China.
Skilled Labor: India boasts a large pool of skilled labor, particularly in textiles and manufacturing.
Government initiatives: Supportive government policies, such as ease of doing business initiatives and infrastructure development, are further enhancing India's appeal
Industry experts echo the report's findings. As Sara Allbright, Co-Founder and Director of Retail 100 points out the importance of diversifying sourcing to mitigate risks associated with rising shipping costs and potential disruptions. She believes diversification into other countries and regions is an essential risk management exercise. Those with flexible near and far sourcing options will ultimately win out when you need to react quickly.
However, the report doesn't provide specific case studies of UK retailers successfully sourcing from India. Anecdotal evidence suggests major UK fashion retailers are increasingly turning to India for their sourcing needs. The report predicts continued growth for India as a sourcing hub for UK retailers. As pressures on China mount and India further strengthens its capabilities, the shift towards India is likely to accelerate in the coming years.
As a part of India’s ambitious goal to achieve a $350 billion market size and $100 billion in textile exports by 2030, the Ministry of Textiles has extended an invitation to global apparel giant Uniqlo to invest in the Prime Minister’s Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks. Designed as a ready-to-operate ecosystem, these parks offer companies a Build-to-Suit model, enabling efficient and sustainable operations tailored to their specific needs.
Known for its commitment to quality and innovation, Uniqlo has expressed strong interest in enhancing India’s cotton production capabilities. The company’s pilot project aligns with India’s goals, aiming to improve productivity and quality levels to achieve yields of up to 1,000 kg per hectare. In support of this initiative, the Textile Ministry has assured Uniqlo of its readiness to allocate land for their endeavors, emphasising a shared vision to position India as a global leader in high-quality cotton sourcing.
A pivotal meeting between Giriraj Singh, India’s Minister of Textiles, and Uniqlo’s senior officials reinforced this shared commitment. Facilitated by Invest India, the discussion highlighted Uniqlo’s interest in collaborating with India’s textile industry. This engagement follows an earlier interaction between Uniqlo and the Hon’ble Prime Minister, showcasing the company’s alignment with India’s broader textile sector goals.
Uniqlo’s impact on India’s retail and textile ecosystem is significant, with 15 stores nationwide generating Rs 814 crore in revenue as of March 31, 2024—a remarkable 30 per cent growth rate. The brand collaborates with 18 sewing factories and six fabric mills, sourced through nine vendors, demonstrating its dedication to local partnerships and innovation.
Furthering its commitment to the Indian market, Uniqlo will participate in the upcoming ‘Bharat Tex’ Global Textile Expo in February. The event will serve as a platform to highlight the company’s focus on innovation, sustainability, and traceability—values that resonate with India’s vision for a globally competitive textile industry.
The Ministry has also encouraged Uniqlo to expand its R&D efforts into natural fibers, such as milkweed, aligning with India’s own initiatives to promote sustainable and traceable textile practices. This collaboration reflects a growing synergy between India’s textile aspirations and Uniqlo’s global vision, paving the way for a mutually beneficial partnership aimed at fostering a sustainable, innovative, and competitive textile sector.
Leading global retail and fashion conglomerate, Apparel Group has launched 24 new retail concepts at one of Qatar’s most prestigious shopping destinations, the Doha Mall. Featuring renowned international brands, these stores will cater to the diverse needs of Qatar’s fashion-conscious consumers.
Located in Abu Hamour, Doha Mall is ideally situated at the intersection of Sixth Ring Road and Central Market Street. The mall is well connected to a Metro Buslink with close proximity to the Doha Expressway. It serves as a key retail hub for shoppers from nearby neighborhoods, including Abu Hamour, Ain Khaled, Al Waab, Al Mamoura, Al Thumama, and Al Wakra.
Neeraj Teckchandani, CEO, Apparel Group, says, this expansion helps the group introduce global fashion trends and quality shopping experiences in Qatar. Its collaboration with Doha Mall allows it to expand presence in the region and offer a truly unparalleled retail experience.
Robert Hall, Advisor, Mirqab Malls, adds, the retailer introduces new and distinctive retail concepts at Doha Mall in collaboration with Apparel Group. This agreement reflects its ongoing efforts to attract leading international brands to Qatar and offer consumers a diverse and exceptional shopping experience.
Further enhancing its diversity, the Doha Mall plans to add more brands in collaboration with Apparel Group. The mall is set to become a central shopping destination for Qatar’s residents and international visitors alike.
Indonesia’s imports of ready-to-wear clothing, especially those included in the textile and textile product identification code (HS) group, increased by 10.53 per cent in November 2024. As per Amar Adininggar Widyasanti, Acting Head, Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the largest imports of 42.69 per cent of ready-to-wear clothing came from China.
In addition to China, Indonesia also increased ready-to-wear clothing imports from Vietnam and Bangladesh by 10.48 per cent and 8.95 per cent respectively.
Indonesia's total imports declined by 10.71 per cent to $19.59 billion in November 2024. Imports from China reached $6.53 billion. In addition to China, imports from Japan reached $1.49 billion while those from United States totaled $0.76 billion.
Renowned for its craft-driven premium fashion and lifestyle offerings, Good Earth has launched its first-ever standalone store dedicated to homeware. Located in a historic property in Hindustan Park, Kolkata, the store showcases the brand's signature home decor, home textiles, and lifestyle products.
The store is a collaborative effort between Good Earth and its franchise partner for this venture, Richa Kanoi of Bombaim. Designed by architects Animesh Nayak and Gaurav Banerjee, the space is inspired by Bengali culture and blends heritage with modern aesthetics.
Key architectural highlights of the store include glass walls for an open and inviting ambiance, complemented by a marble plaque, wooden shutters, and a striking red oxide staircase. The outlet reflects Good Earth's commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and cultural preservation, creating a shopping experience that celebrates tradition while embracing modernity
Marking a significant milestone for Good Earth, the store expands its homeware line in a setting that resonates deeply with its ethos of celebrating local heritage.
