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To be held in Phnom Penh from March 31-April 1, 2024 by the Textile, Apparel, Footwear, and Travel Goods Association in Cambodia (TAFTAC), the ‘Cambodia Global Textile Summit 2025’ will help catalyze sustainable innovation and policy development within Cambodia’s burgeoning textile sector.
To be organized under the theme ‘Shaping the Future: Competitiveness and Sustainability,’ the two-day event, at Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, will be presided over by prominent Cambodian officials, including Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and Heng Sour, Minister of Labor and Vocational Training. The summit will provide a platform for networking, access to crucial industry data, and insights into sector forecasts and governmental policies.
Primary focus of the summit will be on strengthening collaboration between industry and civil society, fostering partnerships that support due diligence across the supply chain, and ensuring responsible manufacturing practices within Cambodia. The summit will convene government leaders, international brands, industry stakeholders, employers, and organizations to drive advancements in sustainability, innovation, and policy development.
Furthermore, the summit will address Cambodia's transition from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, highlighting the government’s strategic approach and its potential industry impact. Sustainability will be a central theme, with discussions covering responsible sourcing, compliance with emerging regulations, and best production practices.
Ultimately, the summit aims to foster multi-stakeholder collaboration, connecting government, industry, and civil society to ensure the apparel sector's competitiveness, sustainability, and inclusivity. The Cambodia Global Textile Summit 2025 is co-organized by TAFTAC, Better Factories Cambodia (BFC), GIZ, EuroCham Cambodia, and the Skills Development Fund (SDF).
Sportswear giant Puma has joined forces with RE&UP Recycling Technologies to advance a fully circular textile solution, transforming waste into Next-Gen Recycled Cotton Fibers and Recycled Polyester Chips. This collaboration aligns with Puma’s Vision 2030 sustainability goals, reinforcing its commitment to textile-to-textile recycling.
PUMA has already expanded its Re:Fibre program, producing millions of football jerseys with an increasing share of recycled textiles. RE&UP now plays a crucial role in this initiative, supporting Puma’s goal of reducing its reliance on bottle-recycled polyester and achieving true circularity. The partnership, which has already shown significant success, is now evolving into a broader global commitment.
As part of this expansion, Puma will introduce Re: Fibre to the Americas, integrating RE&UP’s recycled raw materials into its regional supply chain. By 2030, Puma aims to incorporate 30 per cent fiber-to-fiber recycled polyester fabric into its apparel products. RE&UP’s advanced recycling technology enables the processing of diverse textile feedstocks, including post-consumer and post-industrial waste, as well as complex blends like polycotton and polyester-elastane materials traditionally difficult to recycle.
RE&UP’s process is powered by 100 per cent renewable energy and employs cutting-edge technologies such as decolorization, setting new industry benchmarks for sustainable, low-impact recycled fibers.
“As part of our Vision 2030 goals, we want 30 per cent of our polyester fabric in apparel to be fiber-to-fiber recycled,” said Howard Williams, Director of Global Innovation Apparel & Accessories at Puma. “Our collaboration with RE&UP opens exciting possibilities for integrating high-performance, recycled materials into our products.”
Ozgur Atsan, Chief Commercial Officer at RE&UP, emphasized the significance of the partnership: “Puma shares our vision for closing the recycled material gap. With our 80,000-ton annual capacity and commitment to renewable energy, we aim to establish circularity as the industry standard.”
This partnership marks a major step toward sustainable textile solutions, pushing the industry closer to a fully circular future.
Powerloom weavers have asked the state government of Tamil Nadu to pass a resolution in the legislative assembly urging the national government to create legislation for their sector similar to The Handloom (Reservation of Articles for Production Act) of 1985.
This act prevents other sectors from producing goods made by handlooms. The Tamil Nadu Federation of Powerloom Associations has sent a letter to Chief Minister M.K. Stalin requesting this action.
B. Kandavel, Joint Coordinator of the federation, states, the powerloom industry is the second-largest employer in India, following agriculture. There are approximately 2.5 million powerlooms across India, with about 540,000 operating in Tamil Nadu alone. Over one million workers, primarily women from rural areas, directly and indirectly depend on this industry for their livelihood.
He further explains, over the past 20 years, there has been a growing influx of imported, used automatic looms from countries like China. Instead of producing high-value textiles, these automatic looms are producing fabrics that traditionally come from power looms. This has led to a decline in the powerloom industry, forcing many units to close. Currently, about 30 per cent of power loom units in Tamil Nadu are shut down due to a lack of work, severely impacting workers' livelihoods.
Kandavel emphasizes, both the central and state governments need to take steps to protect the powerloom industry. The government should allocate specific textile varieties for powerlooms by introducing a separate legislation for powerlooms, as textile varieties are already allocated for handlooms.
At SaigonTex 2025, running from April 9-12 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Monforts is highlighting its cutting-edge finishing technologies for denim. With over 900 Thermex hotflue dyeing systems in operation worldwide, many dedicated to denim production, the company is showcasing the benefits of its Econtrol and Econtrol T-CA processes.
Econtrol is a one-step continuous dyeing process that fixes reactive dyestuffs into woven cotton and cellulosic fabrics using a controlled mix of steam and air. The pad-dry process is completed within two-to-three minutes at 120-130°C with 25-30 per cent relative humidity, ensuring efficiency and high-quality results.
Monforts denim range solutions also enable gentle stretching and skewing, enhancing fabric reproducibility. Its ‘double rubber’ Thermex system, with two compressive shrinkage units and two felt calenders, is ideal for super elastic and bi-elastic materials. The ThermoStretch unit further optimizes drying, stretching, and skewing, integrating the EcoApplicator for minimal chemical use.
“These latest Monforts lines offer unmatched versatility and fast production turnaround,” says Hans Wroblowski, Monforts Head of Denim. He will be at the exhibition with Peja Vietnam, the company’s regional partner, at stand 1L01 in Hall A1.
Vietnam’s textile and apparel exports surged to $44 billion in 2024, surpassing Bangladesh. The industry is set for further growth in 2025, driven by lower labor costs and competitive tariffs. “Vietnam is a key market for us, and Peja Vietnam has been instrumental in supporting our success,” Wroblowski adds.
An artisanal lifestyle brand from Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail, Jaypore has increased its store count across India to 26 with the launch of a new EBO in Greater Kailash. This new store strengthens the brand’s strategy to make ethically sourced, artisan-crafted products more accessible while supporting rural artisans
Spanning 2,360 sq ft across two levels, the store blends contemporary design with traditional Indian aesthetics. Its design integrates architectural elements that help create a functional shopping environment. Inspired by Punjab’s Phulkari craft, the store’s façade features a perforated geometric lattice that illuminates at night. Finished in terracotta red, the store’s arched entrance, leads into a space focused on craftsmanship.
Manu Gupta, Vice President and Brand Head, Jaypore states, the opening of this flagship store in Greater Kailash marks a pivotal milestone in Jaypore’s journey of growth and evolution. The store is a testament to the brand’s commitment to bringing India’s finest handcrafted products to a wider audience while creating an immersive retail experience.
The launch of this new store’s also boosts Jaypore’s omnichannel strategy besides strengthening s customer accessibility and extending support to over 30 craft clusters across India.
The store’s interiors feature an earthy material palette that complements its artisanal collections. The store boasts of dedicated spaces that highlight the brand’s new collections and artisan stories, while textured wall finishes add a layered dimension. Traditional motifs inspired by Phulkari and Ikat are incorporated into the display units, reinforcing the brand’s connection with Indian crafts.
A staircase with handcrafted Chettinad-inspired tiles connects both levels. Additional design elements of the store include vintage Suzani textiles, hand-painted Mughal butas, and Rabari mirror work. The space is illuminated by natural light streaming through the double-height ceiling, enhancing the contrast between textures and artisanal details. A large display screen showcases visuals and videos highlighting the artisans behind the collections.
The store offers a selection of handcrafted apparel, jewelry, and home décor, with designs incorporating floral block prints, nature-inspired motifs, and handcrafted silver and gold-plated jewelry.
A leading company in advanced textiles and chemical products, Hyosung TNC has collaborated with lifestyle wear expert Gritti to launch new and innovative materials in the intimate apparel market. The two companies signed a technical research business agreement at Gritti's headquarters on March 24, 2024 initiating a collaborative effort to improve product offerings through state-of-the-art fabric technology.
The first product launched by the joint venture company includes AquaFresh25, a high-performance fabric that blends Hyosung TNC's cooling nylon yarn, ‘Creora Aqua-X,’ and functional spandex, ‘Creora Fresh.’ This material has been successfully used in Gritti's Gamtan Bra, demonstrating the partnership's capability to deliver exceptional comfort and functionality in intimate apparel.
Expressing his excitement over the partnership, Kim Chi-hyung, CEO, Hyosung TNC, says, the company will continue to strengthen its collaboration with Gritti in the field of technical research, new product development, and launches.
The agreement focuses on incorporating Hyosung TNC's high-performance fabrics into Gritti's key brands, including Wonderbra, Playtex, and Just My Size. This strategic move aims to broaden the use of innovative materials across Gritti's entire product range, providing consumers with enhanced comfort and performance.
The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) is expanding its innovation efforts by forging key partnerships with leading mainland research and technology institutions. The institute has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Donghua University and a Letter of Intent on a Co-operation Framework with the Pudong-Hong Kong Institute for Technology Transfer and Innovation Limited and Pudong New Force Incubator. These agreements aim to enhance research collaboration, technology transfer, and industry incubation.
HKRITA Chairman Teresa Yang highlighted the significance of these partnerships, emphasizing their role in facilitating knowledge exchange, fostering technology incubation, and accelerating industry applications. "Our goal is to create an ecosystem that fuels innovation, inspires breakthroughs, and expands advanced technologies in the global market, ensuring sustainable growth and shared success," she stated.
Donghua University, formerly China Textile University, has been a major contributor to China’s textile industry since its establishment in 1951. Under the direct administration of the Ministry of Education, the university will collaborate with HKRITA on research projects focused on textile material circularity, microplastics solutions, and functional fibres. Donghua University President Prof. Xiang Yanxun noted that the collaboration would support China’s carbon neutrality goals and drive industrial transformation in both Shanghai and Hong Kong.
The Pudong-Hong Kong Institute for Technology Transfer and Innovation Limited, backed by the Hong Kong Biotechnology Organisation, and Pudong New Force Incubator will work with HKRITA to develop an innovation platform focusing on bio-renewable materials with low carbon emissions. This partnership aims to incubate sustainable technologies and integrate artificial intelligence with the fashion industry.
Chan Yi Ngok, a representative of the Pudong-Hong Kong Institute, stressed the framework's importance in expanding HKRITA’s presence in Shanghai and fostering deeper industry exchanges. Li Chenfei, Strategic Director of Pudong New Force Incubator, highlighted the collaboration’s role in advancing green technologies and accelerating their commercialization.
A global backlash is intensifying against the rapid proliferation of duty-free, low-value parcel shipments, predominantly originating from China's fast fashion hubs like Guangzhou. These shipments, which have increased exponentially in recent years, are facing scrutiny and regulatory changes in major markets, including the US, Europe, and other developing nations, while simultaneously, the rise of ‘micro-sweatshops’ continues to plague the industry.
US restrictions on certain goods
President Donald Trump recently ordered a halt to the duty-free entry of parcels valued up to $800 into the US, citing concerns over the unchecked flow of potentially dangerous goods, such as fentanyl. This move, temporarily suspended, to allow for the development of inspection protocols, signals a potential shift in international trade and could significantly impact e-commerce giants like Shein, Temu, and Amazon's Haul, which heavily rely on the "de minimis" exemption.
As per The New York Times report the de minimis rule, which allows low-value parcels to bypass customs inspections and tariffs, has led to the explosive growth of fast fashion, with duty-free shipments to the US increasing tenfold since 2016, reaching four million parcels per day last year. Similar shipments to the EU have grown to 12 million parcels daily.
The European Commission has also proposed ending duty-free treatment for packages worth up to €150, citing concerns about product safety, counterfeit goods, and unfair competition. And South Africa has imposed 45 per cent tariffs on all clothing imports, regardless of value, and Thailand has ended its sales tax exemption for low-value parcels.
Labor conditions in Guangzhou, Yiwu in focus
The heart of this industry lies in cities like Guangzhou and Yiwu, where networks of workshops and factories churn out inexpensive clothing, toys, and other goods for global consumers. Labor conditions within these workshops are often harsh, with workers like Wu Hua earning as little as $5 per hour, including overtime, for 10-hour workdays. They often reside in cramped living quarters above the factories.
Shein and Temu, major players in the de minimis industry, coordinate their supply chains from Guangzhou, collaborating with thousands of small factories across China. Shein, in particular, emphasizes its ability to connect consumers directly with manufacturers, minimizing the need for traditional retail infrastructure. However, some workshop owners are concerned about the demanding requirements and low prices offered by companies like Shein. They also face challenges due to rising labor costs and a shrinking pool of workers, as younger generations opt for higher education and less physically demanding jobs.
The if the US permanently ends the de minimis rule, imported apparel could face significant tariffs and customs processing fees, potentially disrupting the business models of e-commerce companies and impacting consumer prices. Shein claims their suppliers pay workers twice the local minimum wage, and Temu states that nearly 60 per cent of its US sales are now from domestic warehouses with tariffs paid. Thus the future of the de minimis industry remains uncertain as governments worldwide grapple with the challenges and implications of this rapidly evolving trade landscape.
Shifting its strategy away from acquiring struggling UK businesses, the Frasers Group has entered into a partnership with Sports Direct to bring the sportswear retailer to Southeast Asia and India.
Teaming up with MAP Active, a major sports, fashion, and distribution operator in South Asia, Frasers Group is launching Sports Direct in five new markets. This initiative supports the group’s ambitious growth plans, which include opening over 350 stores in the region over the long term.
Leveraging MAP Active’s infrastructure, local expertise, and established brand distribution, Frasers Group will position Sports Direct as a leading sports retailer in Indonesia as well as the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
Michael Murray, CEO, Frasers Group, states, the group aims to increase its footprint and offer top-tier brands to consumers by combining the proven sports retail model of Sports Direct with MAP Active’s market expertise.
VP Sharma, CEO, MAP Active, adds, the company’s shared vision for excellence in sports retail with the Frasers Group will allow it to create engaging brand experiences, drive customer interaction, and set new industry standards in this vibrant area.
Last month, Frasers Group entered into an agreement with retail conglomerate GMG to introduce British sportswear retailer Sports Direct to the MENA region, continuing its aggressive expansion plans.
This new partnership will enable Frasers Group to expand in the Gulf and Egypt, with a goal of opening 50 new Sports Direct stores in the region over the next five years. The first five stores are expected to open within the first year of the partnership.
Cotton USA, Textile Genesis oraganize workshop to address growing demand for US cotton in Bangladesh
To promote the US Cotton Trust Protocol and the Textile Genesis traceability platform, Cotton USA and Textile Genesis recently held a workshop in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The event aimed to address the growing demand for sustainable US cotton within Bangladesh’s thriving textile industry.
The workshop was attended by approximately 70 representatives from mills and manufacturers, who recently joined the US Cotton Trust Protocol. They learnt how to effectively use the TextileGenesis platform, the protocol’s digital traceability tool.
Ali Arsalan, Country Representative, Cotton USA, states, the inaugural US Cotton Trust Protocol and Textile Genesis™ workshop witnessed around 70 supply chain participants who are new USCTP members.
Feedback from these participants indicates, major brands like Levi’s, Next, KIABI, TESCO, and Target are consistently expanding their market share of US cotton-rich products sourced from Bangladesh. This workshop by Cotton USA will support these mills by facilitating their transition to this new platform, adds Arsalan.
In his remarks Arsalan focused on the importance of integrating high-quality, sustainable US cotton into Bangladesh’s textile industry. He reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening partnerships with spinning factories.
TextileGenesis™ aims to not only establish complete transparency from fiber to retail but also ensure the authenticity and origin of sustainable textiles compared to generic alternatives. This platform was specifically designed for premium and sustainable textiles, including wood-based fibers, sustainable cotton, recycled polyester, specialty filaments, silk, wool, and cashmere.
The workshop concluded with a lively Q&A session, allowing participants to engage with experts and exchange collaborative ideas. It was followed by a networking session which enabled attendees to explore potential partnerships and share insights on advancing sustainability within the textile industry.
