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Karl Mayer Group will showcase its latest technologies at ITMA ASIA + CITME, from October 14 to 18, 2024, in Shanghai. Concurrently, an in-house event at Karl Mayer (China) in Changzhou will highlight warp knitting and flat knitting machines, beginning October 13. The opening day will feature the inauguration of the company’s new showroom, displaying solutions from all technology segments.
Visitors will witness the performance of seven warp knitting machines, including models from the HKS and TM series, such as the HKS 3-M ON Plus and the new Textronic Lace MT 84/1/40 S. A new mid-range DM 6/2-6 EN double Raschel machine will be launched, focusing on excellent price-performance.
An exclusive textile show will inspire new business opportunities, featuring products like sun protection textiles, casual wear, and shoe fabrics. For flat knitting, the Stoll lineup will be on display, including the versatile CMS 703 ki knit and wear, capable of producing fully-fashioned articles.
Karl Mayer’s digital solutions, such as Digital Production Management and the Quality Monitoring System, will be presented, offering advancements in production and quality management. The Stoll PPS system and Create software solutions aim to enhance efficiency and speed up the design-to-market process.
The new showroom in Changzhou, spanning 480 square meter, will exhibit textile innovations, trend themes, and technological advancements across all Karl Mayer business units.
The integration of Style3D, Assyst with KM.ON’s Create Design software offers apparel companies a streamlined solution for 3D fashion and knitwear design. This new tool allows designers and product developers to create and visualize complex knitwear patterns, including techniques like Cable, Aran, Pointelle, Jacquard, and Intarsia, directly in KM.ON. Digital yarns can be used, and the designs are transferred seamlessly to Style3D Studio using a custom plugin.
In Style3D Studio, these knitwear designs can be simulated in 3D on avatars, incorporating features like styling, animations, and style sharing via QR code or link. The AI rendering module also enables digital photoshoots, making it ideal for eCommerce and showroom promotion.
This integration helps fashion companies reduce time-to-market and cut costs, as they can now visualize and produce knitwear collections more efficiently. The solution is available with Style3D Studio 7.0 and 7.1, as well as all levels of the Create Design software.
In just over a decade, Shein has transformed the fast fashion landscape, becoming a global phenomenon known for its ultra-cheap clothing, vast online selection, and trend-driven styles. The company's business model hinges on a lightning-fast supply chain that leverages AI technology to predict consumer demand and rapidly produce new designs.
This ‘ultra-fast fashion’ approach has given a boost to Shein’s revenue that reportedly exceeded $30 billion in 2023. The company has an estimated 600,000 items available for purchase at any time, with an average price of $10. Its appeal to Gen Z consumers is undeniable, with 44 per ent of American Gen Zs making at least one Shein purchase per month.
The environmental cost of speed
Indeed, Shein's extraordinary success comes at a steep environmental cost. The sheer volume of clothing it produces, combined with its reliance on fossil fuel-based materials and rapid shipping practices, contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. Critics argue Shein's business model, while efficient and profitable, is inherently unsustainable.
The release of Shein's third annual sustainability report recently has intensified concerns about the company's environmental impact. The report revealed a near doubling of Shein's carbon dioxide emissions between 2022 and 2023, highlighting the challenges the company faces in balancing its growth with sustainability commitments.
Highlights on some concerns
Carbon footprint: The production and transport of Shein's vast inventory generates a significant carbon footprint. Estimates suggest Shein's annual carbon emissions could range from 6.3 million to 12.6 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent, rivaling the emissions of entire countries. The company's heavy reliance on synthetic fibers, primarily derived from fossil fuels, further contributes to its emissions.
Water usage: The textile industry is a major consumer of water, and Shein's high production volumes inevitably translate to substantial water usage. It is estimated that Shein's operations could consume upwards of 70 billion liters of water annually, enough to fill nearly 28,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Waste generation: The short lifespan of fast fashion garments contributes to a global waste problem. Many Shein items end up in landfills after just a few wears. Shein's waste generation is estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands of tons per year, adding to the mounting problem of textile waste.
AI's role: The use of AI to accelerate production and shipping processes could be exacerbating Shein's environmental impact by encouraging even higher consumption and turnover rates.
Despite facing criticism, Shein has publicly committed to reducing its environmental footprint. The company has set ambitious goals, including a 25 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Shein highlights several initiatives in its sustainability report.
Shein says it aims to transition its operations to renewable energy sources. The company is working with suppliers to implement energy-efficient practices. And Shein is researching ways to incorporate recycled materials into its products and encourage garment recycling.
Indeed, while Shein's sustainability commitments are laudable, the company faces significant hurdles in achieving these goals. Its business model remains fundamentally reliant on high consumption and rapid turnover, presenting inherent challenges to sustainability. The near doubling of its carbon emissions in a single year underscores the scale of the task ahead. Critics are skeptical about Shein's ability to reconcile its business model with meaningful environmental progress.
In fact, Shein’s ambitious sustainability pledges face touch challenges against its rapid growth and insatiable consumer demand. The fashion industry's future hinges on finding a balance between affordability, style, and environmental responsibility, and Shein's path forward will undoubtedly be closely watched.
The relentless rise of cheap fast fashion and ultra-fast fashion brands has impacted the global fashion industry in more ways than one. The consequences of this trend are far-reaching, affecting both consumer behavior and also the once-thriving secondhand clothing trade. The allure of trendy, disposable clothes at rock-bottom prices has led to a decline in demand for pre-loved garments, posing a significant challenge to the circular economy and sustainability efforts.
The shrinking secondhand market
As per industry estimates the secondhand clothing market has reduced by as much as 30 per cent in recent years, directly attributed to the proliferation of cheap fast fashion. The ease with which consumers can purchase new garments at a fraction of the cost of secondhand items has reduced the appeal of pre-loved clothing, leading to a surplus of unsold inventory and a decline in the value of secondhand goods.
The impact of this shift is felt most acutely in developing countries, which have traditionally relied on the secondhand clothing trade as a source of affordable clothing and economic opportunity. The influx of cheap fast fashion has disrupted local markets, displacing small businesses and contributing to unemployment. The following table illustrates the impact on key regions:
Table: Impact on key regions
|
Region |
Estimated decline in secondhand trade |
Key impacts |
|
Sub-Saharan Africa |
40% |
Loss of livelihoods, increased textile waste, dependence on imported clothing |
|
South Asia |
30% |
Decline in local textile industries, environmental concerns |
|
Latin America |
25% |
Reduced economic opportunities, increased consumerism |
Role of government policy
Government policies play a crucial role in mitigating the negative impacts of cheap fast fashion and supporting the secondhand clothing trade. Several policy interventions can be considered:
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Holding fast fashion brands accountable for the end-of-life disposal of their products can incentivize them to adopt more sustainable practices and reduce waste.
Taxation and incentives: Imposing higher taxes on fast fashion brands and offering incentives to secondhand businesses can help level the playing field and promote a more circular economy.
Consumer awareness: Educating consumers about the environmental and social costs of fast fashion can encourage more mindful consumption habits and support for secondhand clothing.
The continued dominance of cheap fast fashion has several long-term side effects. The production and disposal of fast fashion garments contribute significantly to pollution, resource depletion, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Moreover, the decline of secondhand trade increases economic disparities between developed and developing countries. What’s more the homogenization of fashion trends erodes cultural diversity and traditional textile practices.
The rise of cheap fast fashion has had a profound impact on the secondhand clothing trade, with far-reaching consequences for the environment, economy, and society. Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach involving government policy, industry action, and consumer awareness. By promoting sustainable consumption habits and supporting the circular economy, we can mitigate the negative impacts of fast fashion and build a more equitable and resilient fashion industry.
Shifting consumer trends, supply chain disruptions, and a growing desire for sustainability and localized production has had its effects on US sportswear segment. As legacy brands like Nike and Adidas grapple with declining sales and a rapidly changing landscape, a new project in Portland, Oregon, aims to revitalize the US sportswear manufacturing scene and rewrite the industry's playbook.
The ambitious $125 million ‘Made in Old Town’ project in Portland seeks to revitalize domestic production, drawing lessons from past successes and failures. Spearheaded by startup Hilos and backed by industry veterans Nike and Adidas among others, the initiative aims to establish a stateside manufacturing hub, potentially creating 6,000 jobs by 2028. The initiative aims at bringing footwear and apparel production back to the US, offering brands faster turnaround times, greater control over quality, and the ability to respond swiftly to market demands.
The shifting landscape
Historically, the sportswear industry in the US has relied heavily on overseas manufacturing, particularly in Asia. This model, while cost-effective, has faced challenges in recent years, including supply chain disruptions, rising labor costs, and concerns about sustainability. The pandemic further exposed the vulnerabilities of this model, prompting a reevaluation of manufacturing strategies. As Elias Stahl, CEO of Portland-based Hilos, told Business Insider "Factory owners and suppliers need to be globally competitive in manufacturing and need to be able to be closer to brands."\
Lessons from Adidas' Speedfactory’ flop
The Made in Old Town project is not the first attempt to bring sportswear manufacturing back to US soil. Adidas' Speedfactory initiative, launched with much fanfare a few years ago, aimed to revolutionize shoe production with automated factories in Atlanta and Germany. However, the project ultimately failed due to its inability to keep up with fast-changing fashion trends and the lack of support from materials suppliers.
Eric Liedtke, former Adidas executive and current ‘Made in Old Town’ board member, emphasizes the importance of learning from past mistakes. He says, they gave Speedfactory their best effort. It just didn't work out. The model was partly flawed because the technology could not account for quickly changing fashion trends. Only one shape of footwear could be created at a time, limiting production efforts.
Made in Old Town aims to address these challenges by focusing on flexibility, adaptability, and fostering collaboration between brands, manufacturers, and suppliers. By creating an ecosystem where all players can work together seamlessly, the project aims to unlock innovation and accelerate the pace of production.
Positive side of localized production
Made in Old Town aims to address the challenges of sourcing from abroad by creating a collaborative ecosystem that fosters innovation and agility. The project envisions a campus where designers, manufacturers, and materials suppliers can work in close proximity, streamlining the product development process. The integration of 3D printing and other advanced technologies is expected to further accelerate production and enable brands to respond swiftly to market trends.
While the Made in Old Town project is still in its early stages, there are already examples of successful localized manufacturing initiatives in the sportswear industry. New Balance, for instance, continues to produce over four million pairs of shoes annually in the US, demonstrating that domestic production can be both viable and profitable. As Stahl explains, factory owners and suppliers need to be globally competitive in manufacturing and need to be able to be closer to brands.
Smaller brands are also embracing localized production to gain a competitive edge. For example, Unless, a plant-based footwear and apparel company, is leveraging 3D printing and sustainable materials to create products on demand, reducing waste and minimizing environmental impact.
It maybe noted that currently, nearly all shoes sold in the US are made abroad. The shift to overseas manufacturing led to a significant decline in domestic footwear jobs, from an estimated 76,000 in 1990 to just over 11,000 today. Legacy sportswear brands have faced challenges in recent years, with Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour reporting soft sales and announcing layoffs. While the US government has offered billions in subsidies to support manufacturing in other sectors, the apparel industry has largely been overlooked.
However, the US government has now shown support for domestic manufacturing, offering billions in subsidies to key industries. At the same time, the apparel sector has largely been overlooked, highlighting the need for private investment and initiatives like Made in Old Town.
Indeed, the Made in Old Town project is still in its early stages, but it represents a significant step towards reshaping the sportswear manufacturing landscape. By learning from past mistakes and embracing innovation, Portland aims to create a model that benefits both brands and consumers. The success of this initiative could inspire similar efforts across the country, potentially leading to a resurgence of domestic manufacturing.
H&M Hennes & Mauritz AB reported net sales of SEK 59,011 million for the third quarter of 2024, compared to SEK 60,897 million in the same period last year, with flat sales in local currencies. Gross profit for the quarter stood at SEK 30,133 million, translating to a gross margin of 51.1 percent, up from 50.9 percent last year. However, operating profit dropped to SEK 3,507 million, down from SEK 4,739 million, impacted by currency effects and winding-down costs.
For the nine-month period ending August 31, 2024, H&M’s net sales were SEK 172,285 million, marginally lower than the SEK 173,385 million recorded in the previous year. Gross profit improved to SEK 91,357 million, resulting in a higher gross margin of 53 percent compared to 50.3 percent last year. Operating profit rose to SEK 12,682 million, with a 7.4 percent margin, driven by better cost management.
Despite a challenging start, the company expects an 11 percent sales increase in September, fueled by a well-received autumn collection and investments in physical and digital store upgrades. Notable initiatives include the opening of the first H&M Beauty flagship store in Sweden, and upcoming launches on Chinese e-commerce platforms Douyin and Pinduoduo.
CEO Daniel Erver highlighted the strategic focus on strengthening the H&M brand through enhanced product offerings and marketing efforts, while addressing external challenges like high consumer costs and global instability. The board has authorized a share buyback program worth SEK 1 billion, set to commence on September 26.
H&M is set to open its first store in Brazil in Sao Paulo by late 2025, aiming for long-term growth and improved profitability.
Ukrainian denim brand Kseniaschnaider, founded by Ksenia and Anton Schnaider, has been honored with PETA Germany’s 2024 Vegan Award. The brand’s Chewbacca jeans, featuring their signature ‘denim fur,’ won in the category of Best Vegan Pants. This unique material is made from reworked vintage denim and frayed offcuts, offering a sustainable and animal-friendly alternative to traditional fur.
PETA Germany praised Kseniaschnaider for its dedication to sustainability and its refusal to discard even the smallest fabric scraps. Harald Ullmann, co-founder of PETA Germany, applauded the brand’s commitment to ethical fashion, stating that the collection exemplifies how vegan fashion can benefit animals, people, and the planet.
The PETA Vegan Award, now in its 11th year, celebrates brands like Kseniaschnaider that create innovative, animal-free fashion. Other 2024 winners include GmbH, Armedangels, and Amina Muaddi for their eco-conscious designs.
Giordano has unveiled its fully revamped ‘Store of the Future’ at Dubai's Mall of the Emirates, showcasing a modern design concept aimed at enhancing customer experience. The 1,500 square foot store emphasizes a sleek, minimalist aesthetic, with features such as wider entrances, LED screens, spacious fitting rooms, seating areas, and improved signage. This transformation is part of Giordano’s commitment to innovation and staying ahead of competitors.
The store’s design focuses on simplicity, blending white wall paneling with warm, wooden fixtures to create a contemporary yet timeless atmosphere. Ishwar Chugani, Managing Director of Giordano Middle East, said the new store design reflects the brand's ‘Customers In Mind’ philosophy, aiming to elevate customer engagement and shopping ease.
For over 30 years, Giordano has been a trusted brand in the region, known for its focus on craftsmanship, quality, and exceptional service. With recent store openings in countries like Algeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Kenya, Egypt, and Canada, the brand continues its global expansion. Chugani added that as the retail landscape evolves, Giordano’s customer-centric approach ensures its accessibility across different geographies and cultures.
The revamped stores underscore Giordano's dedication to offering a welcoming, customer-first environment, where timeless design and quality craftsmanship meet modern retail needs.
The Natural Fibre Connect (NFC) conference, held at the Città Studi Conference Centre in Biella from September 19 to 20, 2024, emerged as a vital platform for stakeholders in the natural fiber industry to discuss and collaborate on strategies for sustainable growth and innovation. The event brought together growers, processors, brands, NGOs, and certifying bodies to address pressing challenges and explore opportunities in the alpaca, cashmere, mohair, and wool sectors.
The conference kicked off with three days of immersive mill visits, providing attendees a firsthand look into the intricate processes involved in transforming raw animal fibers into high-quality textiles. Tour stops included prominent companies like the Schneider Group, Lanificio Cerruti, and Zegna Baruffa Lane Borgosesia, offering a valuable glimpse into the latest technological advancements and sustainable practices adopted by industry leaders.
Sustainability at the forefront
The conference emphasized the critical importance of sustainable practices throughout the natural fiber supply chain. The Sustainable Fibre Alliance (SFA) and the Good Cashmere Standard provided updates on their efforts to promote animal welfare, environmental responsibility, and social equity. Panel discussions highlighted the need for greater transparency and traceability to ensure that natural fibers are produced and processed in a responsible manner. It maybe noted that as per SPF Annual Report, their membership has grown by 20 per cent in the past year, reflecting the increasing commitment of brands and retailers to sustainable sourcing.
Focus on innovation and collaboration
Stakeholders showcased innovative technologies and approaches to enhance the quality, performance, and sustainability of natural fibers. The need for innovation and technological advancements to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact was a recurring theme. The conference fostered collaboration between growers, processors, and brands to develop new products and expand market opportunities. The mill visits provided valuable insights into the latest manufacturing processes and techniques.
Empowering growers
A dedicated panel session provided a platform for growers from Australia, South Africa, and other producing countries to voice their concerns and aspirations. Discussions centered on the importance of fair pricing, access to markets, and the need for collaborative efforts to address the challenges faced by growers at the grassroots level.
Highlighting trends and challenges
The Textile Exchange reports the global market for preferred fibers, which include alpaca, cashmere, mohair, and wool, grew by 10 per cent in 2023. The conference thus addressed the challenges posed by volatile market conditions, shifting consumer preferences, and competition from synthetic fibers. Speakers emphasized the importance of building consumer awareness and appreciation for the unique qualities and benefits of natural fibers. The event also highlighted the need for greater collaboration across the industry to promote the value and sustainability of natural fibers.
Thus NFC 2024 served as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of the natural fiber industry and the urgent need for collective action to ensure its sustainable future. The conference fostered a spirit of collaboration and innovation, setting the stage for a more responsible and ethical approach to the production and consumption of alpaca, cashmere, mohair, and wool.
Archroma, a leader in specialty chemicals for sustainable solutions, has launched ‘Planet Conscious+,’ a comprehensive roadmap aimed at helping brands and mills advance their sustainability initiatives.
Mark Garrett, CEO of Archroma, emphasized the importance of adapting to growing global challenges such as climate change, economic shifts, and geopolitical pressures. He explained that the ‘Planet Conscious +’ initiative represents the company's commitment to realigning its vision to address these issues and drive meaningful change in the industry.
The initiative includes six pillars, four of which were previously introduced: Super Systems+, Safe Edge+, One Way+, and Color Management+. These focus on end-to-end solutions, cleaner chemistry, resource savings, and enhanced color management.
The newly introduced pillars, Innovation+ and Communication+, emphasize the company’s commitment to developing innovative solutions and promoting transparency across the value chain. Archroma’s global research teams are driving innovation to improve environmental impact, while the company ensures stakeholders can communicate their sustainability efforts confidently.
Paul Cowell, VP of Innovation at Archroma, emphasized the critical role of accountability in driving innovation. He noted that the company provides tools enabling brands to measure their environmental impact and confidently share their sustainability achievements, supported by verifiable data.
Archroma’s ‘Planet Conscious +’ solidifies its dedication to transforming the apparel and textile industry through sustainable innovation.
