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Record attendance and strong feedback highlight Expo’s growth
The Global Sourcing Expo (GSE) in Melbourne has concluded with outstanding success, attracting more than 4,700 visitors and showcasing a diverse array of Australian fashion and retail brands. The event, held from November 19 to 21, demonstrated significant growth, with total visits increasing by 29 per cent compared to 2023, and unique visits rising by 24 per cent. The Expo, which featured over 1,000 exhibitors from 20 countries, has proven to be a key platform for international suppliers and local buyers to network, share insights, and strengthen business relationships.
According to the Expo’s organizers, 95 per cent of visitors held decision-making authority or could make recommendations, highlighting the event's value for industry leaders. Moreover, 83 per cent of attendees attended to discover new manufacturers, products, or sourcing regions, reinforcing the event's relevance in today's globalized marketplace.
Marie Kinsella, CEO of the International Expo Group, emphasized the growing demand for an event that unites global suppliers and buyers. "The steady year-on-year increase in visitors is a clear indication of the value that the Expo provides in bringing the industry together for networking, knowledge-sharing, and relationship building," Kinsella said. "Even just days after the event, we’ve already received several repeat exhibitor inquiries for the 2025 Expo, with participants providing positive feedback on their return on investment."
Exhibitor and attendee feedback reflect event’s success
Exhibitors and attendees alike praised the organization and value of the event. One exhibitor noted, "The event was exceptionally well-organized, and the support from the team was outstanding. The venue was excellent, and the foot traffic was great, leading to valuable interactions and exposure." Another attendee shared their appreciation for the Expo's diverse range of international exhibitors, saying it was "a great platform for sourcing goods and connecting with suppliers from various marketsall under one roof."
The event also included the co-located Footwear & Accessories Show and the China Clothing Textiles Accessories Expo, which further expanded the range of exhibitors and products. Visitors appreciated the opportunity to meet suppliers face-to-face, allowing for more personalized interactions and a deeper understanding of product quality and offerings.
Additionally, industry trade associations such as the Handloom Export Promotion Council India and the Taiwan Textile Federation were present, offering valuable insights and resources for both exhibitors and visitors. These partnerships highlight the Expo’s role in fostering connections across multiple sectors within the fashion and retail industry.
Global Sourcing Seminars provide insight into key industry trends
The Expo's success was further enhanced by its Global Sourcing Seminar program, which brought together over 30 industry experts to discuss pressing issues and trends, such as AI in manufacturing, clothing recycling, and sourcing strategies. Kinsella noted, “Each session was well-attended and provided invaluable perspectives from the best in the industry.”
These seminars allowed attendees to gain crucial knowledge on the future of sourcing, equipping them with the tools needed to stay ahead of evolving market demands.
Looking ahead to the 2025 Global Sourcing Expo
As the 2024 GSE event calendar concludes, the focus now turns to the 2025 expos. The International Expo Group has already announced the dates for the 2025 events: Sydney will host the Expo from June 17–19 at the ICC, while Melbourne will follow with its event from November 18–20 at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.
Kinsella concluded, "It’s our goal to continue to offer the Expo as a destination where the sourcing and buying market can find global partners, suppliers, and innovative products to enhance their supply chains and business strategies." The 2024 Expo's success has set the stage for even greater things in 2025, ensuring the event remains a vital component of the global sourcing and fashion industries.
Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, a pioneer in spider silk-based fibers, announced aninnovative achievement of producing over 1,200 pounds of recombinant spider silk cocoons in the past year. This milestone exceeds the cumulative production of all previous years, highlighting significant advancements in scaling sustainable spider silk production.
This record output was made possible by Kraig Labs innovative hybrid spider silk production strain, which reengineers silkworms to generate spider silk-based fibers. The breakthrough showcases the Company’s ability to transition laboratory innovations into scalable manufacturing solutions.
“We are thrilled to announce this major production milestone, reflecting our team’s dedication to optimizing spider silk production,” said Kim Thompson, Founder and CEO of Kraig Labs. “This achievement marks a pivotal step toward meeting the global demand for performance fibers in diverse consumer markets.”
Kraig Labs continues to focus on developing a scalable and sustainable production model, reinforcing its leadership position in recombinant spider silk manufacturing. The Company’s success paves the way for expanded production capabilities and the commercialization of eco-friendly, high-performance silk fibers designed for a wide range of applications.
This milestone affirms Kraig Labs' role in shaping the future of sustainable performance materials, aligning innovation with growing global demand.
Parkdale, a global leader in spun yarns, continues to enhance its 50+ year collaboration with Trutzschler, a pioneer in textile machinery and card clothing solutions. Their shared focus on innovation, quality, and sustainability has led to the adoption of Trutzschler’s advanced Supertip card clothing wires, further solidifying their partnership.
Founded over 108 years ago in Gastonia, North Carolina, Parkdale has grown into the largest consumer of cotton in the US, producing over 8,000 tons of yarn weekly across 21 facilities in the Americas. Parkdale’s diverse portfolio includes fiber blends like cotton, polyester, rayon, and nylon, serving industries worldwide.
Trutzschler, entering the US market in 1969, has collaborated closely with Parkdale to navigate major shifts in the textile industry. Recently, Parkdale ordered 34 carding machines featuring Supertip wires on the licker-in, cylinder, and doffer rollers. Supertip wires boast 30 per cent longer service life and 25 per cent reduced maintenance, ensuring smoother, cost-effective operations.
With over 300 Supertip variations available, Parkdale benefits from tailored solutions for its wide-ranging applications. Supertip also eliminates the need for grinding new clothings, extending maintenance intervals.
Charles Heilig, CEO of Parkdale Textile Division, lauded Trutzschler Card Clothing’s commitment to quality and innovation, highlighting their vital role in Parkdale’s operations. Greg Duncan, VP of American Trutzschler, emphasized the importance of collaboration and long-term trust between the companies.
As Parkdale and Trutzschler continue to push textile manufacturing boundaries, their partnership exemplifies the power of innovation and shared vision in driving industry progress.
The Winter 2025 edition of Texworld NYC will mark the debut of the Industry Insight Series, a one-day event crafted to deliver cutting-edge knowledge and foster meaningful connections within the global textile and fashion community. Scheduled for January 2025, the series will be held in collaboration with Business of Fashion and other prominent industry leaders.
This premier initiative is tailored for professionals seeking to gain valuable insights and engage with the visionaries shaping the future of fashion and textiles.
One of the highlights of the event will be an exclusive keynote address by Nick Blunden, President, Business of Fashion. Blunden will delve into findings from the State of Fashion 2025 report, developed in partnership with McKinsey & Co. Renowned as a go-to resource for industry decision-makers, the report offers a comprehensive analysis of critical trends, macroeconomic developments, and emerging growth opportunities. It blends rigorous research with expert insights to provide an actionable guidance for navigating the rapidly evolving fashion landscape.
The agenda will also feature a thought-provoking panel session, moderated by Brittany Sierra, Founder & CEO, Sustainable Fashion Forum and host of the Green Behavior podcast. The discussion will explore the transformative role of sustainability in fashion, offering attendees practical strategies for integrating sustainable practices into their operations.
In addition to the knowledge-sharing sessions, the series will include a complimentary networking lunch, creating an ideal platform for attendees to connect with peers and industry leaders.
The series is designed to help professionals not only keep up but stay ahead, avers Eileen Small, Market Development, Fashion & Apparel Textiles.
The Indian textile and apparel sector, a significant contributor to the country's economy, recorded mixed performance in the first half of the fiscal year 2025 (H1 FY25). While certain segments exhibited robust growth, others faced challenges that impacted overall profitability.
Key performance indicators, as reflected by the Wazir Textile and Apparel indices, highlight the sector's positive trajectory.
Wazir Textile Index: A strong performance
The Wazir Textile Index, which tracks the performance of leading textile companies, recorded significant growth in H1 FY25 compared to the same period in the previous year. Key highlights include:
Sales surge: The sales index increased by 13 per cent, indicating robust demand for textile products both domestically and internationally.
Profit boost: The EBITDA index witnessed an impressive 43 per cent increase, signaling improved operational efficiency and cost management.
Consolidated growth: Consolidated sales of selected top textile companies grew by 8 per cent, while consolidated EBITDA improved by 1 percentage point.
The Wazir Apparel Index, which monitors the performance of leading apparel companies, also showed positive trends in H1 FY25. The sales index grew by 25 per cent, reflecting strong consumer demand for apparel products. The EBITDA index increased by 17 per cent%, indicating improved profitability despite rising input costs. Consolidated sales of selected top apparel companies grew by 25 per cent, while consolidated EBITDA remained relatively stable.
Considering the performance of all listed textile and apparel companies, the sector as a whole demonstrated solid growth in H1 FY25. Consolidated sales for all listed companies increased by 8 per cent compared to the same period last year. However, consolidated EBITDA declined by 1 per cent due to factors such as rising input costs and competitive pressures.
The positive performance of the textile and apparel sector in H1 FY25 was due to strong domestic demand. Robust domestic consumption, rising disposable incomes and changing consumer preferences, drove growth. Increasing global demand for Indian textiles and apparel, particularly in key markets like the US and Europe, too boosted export revenues. And government support, including schemes like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, provided a significant boost to the sector. To add to it adoption of advanced technologies in manufacturing and supply chain management improved efficiency and reduced costs.
Outlook for the future
While the short-term outlook for the textile and apparel sector remains positive, certain challenges such as rising input costs, global economic uncertainties, and geopolitical tensions could impact future growth. However, the long-term growth prospects for the sector remain strong, driven by increasing domestic consumption, favorable government policies, and the potential for further export market penetration.
As the sector continues to evolve, companies that focus on innovation, sustainability, and brand building are likely to emerge as leaders. By adapting to changing consumer preferences and leveraging emerging technologies, the Indian textile and apparel industry can solidify its position as a global manufacturing and export hub.
Despite political instability and labor unrest, Bangladesh's ready-made garment (RMG) sector has witnessed a remarkable 12.34 per cent year-on-year growth in exports, reaching $16.12 billion between July and November 2024. This increase is due to the pre-holiday rush in Western markets and a backlog of orders, raises questions about the factors contributing to this resilience and the industry's future prospects.
Growth amidst uncertainty
There are several reasons for this unexpected growth. Pent-up demand is one of them. A backlog of orders from August and September, combined with increased demand for the holiday season in key export markets like the US and Europe, have driven significant growth. Meanwhile Bangladeshi manufacturers have invested in expanding production capacity, enabling them to complete larger orders and cater to growing global demand. And despite rising production costs, manufacturers have been compelled to accept orders at lower rates due to higher competition and the need to utilize expanded capacity. This has made Bangladeshi garments more attractive to price-conscious buyers. The dedication and resilience of Bangladeshi garment workers too has played a crucial role in maintaining production levels despite challenges.
While export growth is encouraging, it has come at a cost. Mahmud Hasan Khan, a former vice-president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), notes manufacturers have been compelled to accept orders at reduced rates due to increased competition and the need to utilize expanded production capacity. This pressure on pricing poses a challenge to the long-term profitability and sustainability of the sector.
According to EPB vice-chairman Md Anwar Hossain, the labor situation in the RMG sector has improved, with most factories operating at full capacity. However, concerns remain about potential unrest due to the recent political instability and economic challenges faced by workers.
Sectoral and country-wise Exports
Both knitwear and woven garment sub-sectors have shown robust growth.
Table: Sector wise growth
|
Sub-sector |
July-November FY25 |
Growth (%) |
|
Knitwear |
$8.96 billion |
12.23% |
|
Woven Garments |
$7.17 billion |
12.48% |
Major export destinations for Bangladeshi RMG products include the US, the European Union, and Canada. Reports suggest that major US retailers have increased sourcing from Bangladesh due to competitive pricing and the country's ability to meet large-scale production demands. In fact, some international buyers have reportedly shifted orders from competing nations like China and Vietnam to Bangladesh due to factors such as political stability and favorable trade agreements.
Future outlook
Despite recent growth, the Bangladesh RMG sector faces challenges.
• Maintaining price competitiveness: Balancing competitive pricing with ensuring fair wages and profit margins remains a key concern.
• Political and economic stability: Ensuring political stability and a conducive business environment is crucial to attract and retain foreign investment.
• Enhancing product diversification: Expanding into higher-value garments and diversifying product offerings can help mitigate risks associated with price fluctuations in the global market.
• Sustainability and ethical concerns: Addressing environmental and social sustainability concerns is essential to meet the evolving demands of international buyers and consumers.
Mahmud Hasan Khan warns, "The aftershocks of recent political instability and labor unrests could surface in the coming months, as buyers might reconsider placing orders if the instability persists." Therefore, addressing the challenges of political instability, pricing pressures, and sustainability concerns is crucial to ensure the sector's long-term growth and competitiveness in the global market.
The Board of Directors of Rieter Holding Ltd has announced the appointment of Emmanuelle Gmur to the Group Executive Committee as Chief Human Resources Officer, effective January 1, 2025. Gmur succeeds Tom Ban, who is pursuing opportunities outside the company.
With extensive expertise in human resources, strategic leadership, and organizational development, Gmur brings significant international experience and in-depth knowledge of the textile industry. From 2013 to 2024, she served as Chief Human Resources Officer, Global Head of Communication, and a member of the global management board at Triumph Group, based in Bad Zurzach, Switzerland. Additionally, she held supervisory roles at Triumph France SA and Triumph Austria AG, where she served as deputy chairwoman from 2015 to 2024.
Gmur’s career also includes leadership roles at Qualintra SA in Geneva as Head of Consulting and at British Telecom plc in London, where she specialized in organizational development and business transformation.
Thomas Oetterli, Chairman of the Board and CEO of the Rieter Group, highlighted Emmanuelle Gmur’s extensive expertise in human resources and proven leadership, emphasizing her role in advancing the HR department. He noted that her international experience and business acumen would significantly contribute to the Group Executive Committee’s efforts to implement the company’s new strategy.
Gmur holds a Core MBA from Helsinki University of Technology and a Master of Science in Business from Ecolesuperieure de commerce de Reims, France. Born in 1976, she is a French citizen.
Rieter, a global leader in textile machinery and components, is confident that Gmur’s appointment will strengthen its executive team and advance its strategic goals.
Concerned that the UK-based fashion brand PrettyLittleThing might lose with its customers, Umar Kamani, Founder and Former CEO, has rejoined the company after an 18-month hiatus.
On the other hand, Nicki Capstick has quit from his position as the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at the brand. Having assumed the responsibility in July 2023, as part of various leadership changes in the company, Capstick departure is being attributed to the Kamani’s earlier departure from the company.
A member of the marketing team of the Boohoo-owned business since 2011, Chapstick held several management positions in the company over the years. He was the marketing director of a renowned company in 2020 and head - marketing in 2017. Capstick assumed his responsibilities as a CEO alongside Tom Binns, who had been appointed COO besides being promoted to CMO.
Bangladeshi textile recycling mill, Cyclo is expanding its closed-loop production approach by launching a collection of sustainable denim fabrics.
Launched at the Kingpins Amsterdam in October 2024, the Cyclo Denim fabric range comprises blends of upto 95 per cent Cyclo recycled cotton. These include a 95 per cent recycled cotton with 5 per cent recycled polyester fabric, and a 90 per cent recycled cotton with 10 per cent Tencel lyocell blend, designed for improved hand feel and enhanced recyclability.
To address the denim industry's demand for stretch fabrics, Cyclo integrates recycled cotton in the warp and pairs it with spandex-containing yarn in the weft. This approach achieves over 50 per cent recycled cotton content, even in stretch garments. Cyclo’s yarn production accommodates various counts to create light and heavy-weight fabrics.
Mustafain Munir, President, Cyclo, highlights the environmental benefits of their process, which avoids water, dyes, and chemicals by using mechanical recycling. The company invests in customised machinery and advanced processes to extend fiber length, a key challenge in achieving high recycled content. The company makes collaborative efforts with mills, laundries, and designers to refine the product’s ability to endure denim’s rigorous washing and finishing processes.
To emphasise on the importance of achieving virgin-like quality, the company collaborated with Dreüss Worldwide, a Dhaka-based design and virtual manufacturing firm, to develop its debut collection.
Currently producing 200 tons of fiber monthly in Bangladesh, Cyclo plans to expand operations to Pakistan by 2025. To set new benchmarks in sustainable denim production, the company aims to double its denim recycling capacity in 2025.
A flagship company of the LNJ Bhilwara Group and one of India’s largest textile manufacturers, RSWM has appointed Rajeev Gupta as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). With over 30 years of transformative leadership across various industries, Gupta boasts of an unparalleled expertise in operational optimisation, strategic vision, and technological advancement.
Known for his proficiency in driving operational excellence, Gupta has successfully applied Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, and TQM methodologies to streamline processes and enhance productivity. Having experience across the textile, home textile, and pulp & paper industries, he has played leadership roles at leading organisations including Reliance, Trident, and Vardhman. At these companies, he led several initiatives resulting in substantial EBITDA and revenue growth.
RSWM is expected to accelerate its transformation initiatives under Gupta’s leadership. The company will particularly leverage advanced technologies to improve efficiencies. Gupta’s strategic approach will help consolidate RSWM’s reputation for innovation, particularly as the textile industry faces rapid changes and evolving consumer demands.
Reflecting on his new role, says, he is committed to advancing this foundation by adopting modern technologies and practices, driving efficiency, and meeting the evolving needs of the industry while reinforcing its dedication to sustainable value for stakeholders.
Riju Jhunjhunwala, Chairman and Managing Director, RSWM, adds, Gupta’s industry knowledge and exceptional leadership abilities will help the company realise its business objectives. Along with his operational expertise, his strategic mindset will help strengthen the company’s operations and expand into new markets.
With a history spanning over six decades, RSWM continues to prioritise growth through market expansion, product diversification, and sustainability. Gupta’s appointment will help enhance the company’s competitive edge significantly, reinforcing its leadership position in the industry.
