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In a virtual meeting, key associations representing spinning mills in Southern India, including SIMA, TASMA, SISPA, ISMA, RTF, RSF, APTMA, and TSTMA, discussed strategies to address the severe financial crisis plaguing the region's textile industry. The Southern States, comprising Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, which contribute to 55% of the nation's spinning capacity, have been grappling with an 18-month recession exacerbated by global economic slowdown, domestic market sluggishness, and import-related challenges.
The industry has witnessed a sharp decline in cotton yarn exports, plummeting by 56% from April to September 2023 compared to the previous fiscal year. Contributing to the woes are increased power costs, up to Rs.2.50 per unit, making Southern States less competitive globally. Unlike other states like Maharashtra and Gujarat, which offer substantial incentives, the Southern textile industry faces volatility in cotton prices, surplus production capacity, and reduced exports.
The ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, Israel-Hamas war, and issues related to Man-Made Fiber Quality Control Order have further strained the financial health of spinning mills nationwide, particularly in the South. Adding to the predicament is an abnormal surge in imports, with a notable increase in cotton and viscose fiber, cotton and polyester yarn, polyester fabrics, garments, and made-ups from China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka.
In response, Dr. S. K. Sundararaman, Chairman of SIMA, issued a press release outlining urgent appeals. These include requests to the Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana to roll back recent power tariff hikes for a year, and to the Prime Minister for a one-year moratorium on loan repayments, conversion of ECLGS loans, financial assistance for working capital, removal of the 11% cotton import duty, and addressing QCO-related issues.
The associations also urged all state governments to suspend incentives for spinning capacity expansion until oversupply issues are resolved. To emphasize their plight, they proposed a one-week production stoppage and advised a 35% reduction in production across the spinning sector. The crisis, if unaddressed, could lead to the closure of large-scale spinning mills in the region.
The global lingerie market, estimated at $92.871.6 million in 2024, is projected to grow to over $163,207.4 million by 2034, at a robust 5.80 per cent CAGR, says a Future Market Insights report. This growth is fueled by dynamic consumer preferences and an increasing demand for inclusive and body-positive designs.
The briefs segment is poised to dominate with a substantial 53.40 per cent share in 2024. Geographically, China is anticipated to lead with a commendable 7.10 per cent CAGR until 2034, followed by India at 6.40 per cent and Australia at 6 per cent. The global lingerie industry stands to gain significantly from strategic marketing campaigns resonating with diverse customer bases, emphasizing empowerment and self-expression.
Yhe industry's growth is propelled by the integration of sustainable practices and eco-friendly materials. Some brands are already adopting this trend, with examples such as Reformation incorporating organic cotton and recycled materials, and CUUP utilizing Oeko-Tex certified fabrics and compostable packaging. This eco-conscious approach not only aligns with consumer values but also contributes to the overall expansion of the global lingerie market.
In its debut sustainability report, Pakistan’s AGI Denim, has set an ambitious target: a 50 per cent absolute reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across Scope 1, 2, and 3 by the close of this year. Looking towards 2050, AGI is resolutely committed to achieving net-zero GHG emissions company-wide.
To realize this vision, AGI Denim has taken various steps, initiating a groundbreaking carbon sequestration project in collaboration with WWF Pakistan. The company is embracing cleaner technologies, integrating renewable energy, implementing green infrastructure, and optimizing operational efficiency. A pivotal move was AGI's active participation in the Carbon Leadership Program, spearheaded by the Apparel Impact Institute, Reset Carbon, and other key partners, where the company absorbed innovative GHG reduction strategies. Notably, the program's scope expanded to include AGI's garment factory and laundry facilities in 2022.
As part of its comprehensive sustainability approach, AGI is also intensifying its use of sustainable and low-impact materials, with a bold target of reaching 90 per cent this year. A significant development in 2022 was AGI's collaboration with Oritain, a product verification company, to launch a traceability pilot, providing verifiable confirmation of the country of origin for randomly selected materials.
The sustainability narrative extends beyond environmental considerations, as AGI highlights its commitment to social responsibility. Initiatives such as sign language training for employees and collaboration with NOWPDP underscore AGI's dedication to ensuring equitable job access for disabled individuals. This comprehensive and forward-thinking strategy positions AGI Denim at the forefront of sustainable and socially responsible business practices.
By 2034, the stain-resistant fabric market is set to touch $72,853.80 million, with an impressive 18.5 per cent CAGR rising from its current $13,301 million valuation, as per Future Market Insights, Inc.
Major players in the stain-resistant fabric arena are strategically expanding their product portfolios and aggressively promoting their offerings on the global stage. Their roadmap includes active participation in international exhibitions and corporate events.
In 2018, Crypton LLC wowed the market with a slew of new stain-resistant fabric collections unveiled at the June Showtime fabric event. Fast forward to 2016, and Crypton Home Performance everydalylinen™ was introduced, a testament to its commitment to softness, durability, and stain resistance. Crypton's sought-after products are conveniently available at a variety of retail outlets, catalogs, and online platforms.
The government has extended the deadline for new applications under the PLI scheme for textiles to December 31, 2023. Approximately 64 selected applicants are expected to set up 84 units in 14 states and one union territory, including one in Odisha and 10 in Maharashtra.
The scheme specifically targets MMF apparel, fabrics, and technical textile segments. With the support of the PLI scheme for textiles and the National Technical Textiles Mission, the MMF and technical textiles sector are experiencing significant growth in India, contributing substantially to the country's total textile and apparel exports each year.
In a bid to address China's ongoing reliance in cotton imports due to insufficient domestic production, Winner Group, a prominent cotton products manufacturer, is planning to collaborate with Pakistan, a key cotton-producing nation. As per Zhang Yan, Interim CEO of Winner Medical, China currently is not self-sufficient in cotton production, necessitating import. Winner Group adopts platforms like China Cotton to navigate global supply chains and select optimal sources rather than directly procuring from farmers.
To strengthen its commitment to cotton research and development, Winner Group's subsidiary, Purcotton, has partnered with Huazhong Agricultural University's National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement to establish a Cotton Research Institute. Over the past 14 years since Purcotton's inception, Winner Group has successfully procured 250,000 tons of cotton. This initiative has not only contributed to a remarkable 53 per cent growth in Xinjiang's cotton planting area but has also led to a substantial 95 per cent increase in production.
The unique business model of Winner Group, encompassing the dual brands 'Winner Medical' and 'Purcotton,' has positioned the company as a trailblazer in the global cotton industry. Notably, Winner Group stands out as one of the few large health enterprises that have achieved 'end-to-end connectivity of the cotton cultivation and production chain.'
Shahi Exports, India's leading apparel manufacturer and exporter, unveiled its second Sustainability Report for FY 2022-23, spotlighting robust initiatives across key focus areas. The report underscores Shahi's commitment to environmental stewardship, emphasizing Energy and Emissions Management, Water Efficiency, Chemical and Materials Stewardship, Waste Towards Circularity, Empowered Workforce, Employee Health and Well-being, Fair and Respectful Workplace, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
Anant Ahuja, Head of ESG at Shahi Exports, highlighted the transformative shifts in the sustainability narrative within the fashion industry. The Sustainability Report serves as a vital tool for tracking progress and identifying avenues for further improvement, aligning strategies with long-term growth objectives.
Key report highlights showcase Shahi's significant strides in environmental targets, notably achieving 92.5MW in renewable energy capacity and eliminating coal from garment factories. The company's commitment earned international and national recognition, including the International Green Apple Environment Award and the Excellence in Performance Award.
On the social front, Shahi's dedication to employee development is evident through investments in upskilling, soft skills training, and initiatives supporting migrant workers. Harish Ahuja, Managing Director and Chairperson, expressed confidence that sustainability efforts will underpin Shahi's success as it approaches its 50th year, advocating for industry-wide transformation through collaboration and shared best practices.
Birla Cellulose, a trailblazer in sustainable fiber solutions, orchestrated a pivotal hub-meet at The Residency in Karur, spotlighting the revolutionary potential of sustainable Man-Made Cellulosic Fibers (MMCF) within the Home Textiles sector. Attended by 175 influential exporters and company owners from the Karur cluster, the event sought to catalyze sustainable innovation in the industry.
At the core of the discussions was the deployment of sustainable MMCF solutions in the Home Textiles arena, providing a pathway to eco-friendly, high-quality products aligning with contemporary consumer preferences for sustainability. Esteemed value chain partners like AGT Mills, PKPN, Kumaran, and Ultimax actively participated, demonstrating a collective commitment to propel sustainable practices across the textile ecosystem.
Distinguished guests, including K. G. Prithvi and S. Gowrisankar, along with industry stalwarts Perumal and Kaliappan, graced the event, endorsing Birla Cellulose's initiative to guide the industry towards adopting the MMCF range. Industry leaders expressed enthusiasm for integrating Birla Cellulose's fibres into their regular product offerings, marking the commencement of an incubation process for sustainable and economical substitutes.
The spotlight was on Birla Cellulose's innovative Spunshades, featuring Color Lock Technology that prevents fabric fading even after multiple washes. The positive response from industry leaders and exporters reflects a promising trajectory for Birla Cellulose's transformative and responsible innovations, as articulated by Sheerish Kumar, Senior Vice-President of Business Development for Home Textiles at Birla Cellulose.
"Veritas," the Spring-Summer 2025 trend book, unveils a fashion landscape where personal truths take center stage, replacing the era of tribal fashion. The Parc des Expositions, Porte de Versailles, will host this revelation from February 5 to 7, 2024, promising an exploration of a world where individual commitment to one's truth is reflected in personal wardrobes.
Artistic directors Louis Gérin and Grégory Lamaud of Texworld Evolution Paris redefine humanity's future through four creative themes, integrating artificial intelligence into pattern designs. "Belief" exudes elegance and discretion with calm, mineral shades dominating, while "Immanence" asserts a talkative bohemian-chic universe, emphasizing new rules through expressive warm colors.
"Knowledge" draws inspiration from nature, transforming classics with strong, contrasting colors on futuristic textures. The most committed theme, "Experience," advocates trusting oneself, featuring bold colors and materials evoking urban and sporty codes.
The themes will debut in Trend Forums at Texworld Paris and Apparel Sourcing Paris, showcasing fabrics and finished products. Attendees can explore looks inspired by selected fabrics and products, with new areas featuring samples illustrating each theme: Highlights Texworld, Highlight Apparel Sourcing, Highlights Elite, and Highlights Denim. The fashion forecast for Spring-Summer 2025 thus presents a unique fusion of individual truths and artistic innovation.
Suedwolle Group is revolutionizing its approach with the launch of ACTIVEYARN, a groundbreaking seasonless corporate collection. More than just a range of yarns for sports applications, ACTIVEYARN signifies a paradigm shift—a call to "Get active" in adopting a novel mindset towards the company's extensive offerings. The collection, spanning weaving, knitting, hosiery, and technical yarns, boasts cutting-edge spinning technologies and features wool blends and traceable natural fibers.
Illustrating this transformative concept is the metaphor of a "kaleidoscope," symbolizing the dynamic change inspiring Suedwolle Group's creativity. ACTIVEYARN encourages individuals to forge new connections, adapt to evolving needs, and explore diverse patterns, colors, and stitches across various applications.
Underpinning this collection are six strategic pillars: innovation, sustainability, circularity, traceability, design, performance, and technology—guiding the entire design and production process. Notable yarns within ACTIVEYARN include Jasmin GOTS Nm 2/48, a GOTS-certified, sustainable wool, and Tirano Betaspun RWS FSC, a fully traceable high-performance yarn suitable for activewear.
Further exemplifying Suedwolle Group's commitment to sustainability is the OTW Midway GRS Nm 2/60, a circular production yarn made from recycled pre-consumer polyamide. The collection also introduces Wallaby Betaspun Nm 1/60, combining Betaspun technology with natural wool for added strength, and Banda TEC X-Compact Nm 2/47, a biodegradable yarn with innovative X-Compact technology.
Caprera GRS Nm 1/60 stands out for enhancing wool-based fibers with COOLMAX EcoMade polyester, derived from post-consumer PET bottles. This addition not only boosts performance but also promotes moisture evaporation, enhancing the comfort of activewear and urban garments. With ACTIVEYARN, Suedwolle Group aims to inspire a new era of creativity, sustainability, and innovation in the textile industry.
