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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.
Marking a significant step towards waste reduction and sustainability promotion in the Middle East, the Landmark Group has inaugurated the first textile recycling facility in the region in Dubai World Central.
The state-of-the-art facility was officially opened by Renuka Jagtiani, Chairwoman, Landmark Group alongwith Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri.
Known as Landmark Circulife, the new facility will convert discarded textiles and fabrics into valuable recycled fibers that can be used again to create new items. To be utilised to manufacture a variety of products, from clothing to home furnishings, this facility will help the area reduce its dependence on virgin materials and stop the textile waste loop.
To have a major impact on the environment, this facility will prevent thousands of tons of garbage from getting into landfills, with an initial capacity of 2,000 metric tons of textile waste annually.
The facility will drive the larger sustainability initiatives of Landmark Group. With an aim to be climate-positive across its entire value chain by 2050, the Group aims to establish a closed-loop system to give used textiles a second chance at life.
Landmark Circulife’s introduction is in line with the UAE’s larger Circular Economy Policy, which seeks to minimise waste, maximise resource utilisation, and promote sustainability in all sectors of the economy. The facility is projected to handle approximately 11,000 metric tons, or 5 per cent of the UAE’s textile waste, which is set to grow significantly.
As a major contributor to the UAE’s efforts to reach its sustainability goals, the facility will help reduce 140,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions over time, save 107 GWh of electricity, and conserve millions of liters of water.
Kim Glas, President and CEO of the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), released a statement supporting the Biden administration’s Section 301 investigation into Nicaragua’s human rights, labor rights, and rule of law violations under the Ortega-Murillo regime.
“The US textile industry strongly condemns the actions of President Ortega and Vice President Murillo,” Glas stated, emphasizing the importance of enforcing human rights and labor standards in trade agreements. She called for carefully measured responses that promote reforms without destabilizing the USCentral American textile supply chain.
Glas highlighted Nicaragua’s significant role in the USCAFTA-DR trade agreement, with the US exporting nearly $350 million in textile and apparel products to Nicaragua in 2022. She noted that the interconnected supply chain, spanning countries like Honduras and Guatemala, supports $1.5 billion in trade and sustains jobs across the region.
The textile sector, a major employer of women in Nicaragua, could face adverse impacts from penalties such as Section 301 tariffs, which might inadvertently benefit China by undermining CAFTA-DR’s competitive position. Glas cautioned against actions that harm workers while failing to address human rights violations effectively.
NCTO pledged to collaborate with the US Trade Representative’s office throughout the investigation and public comment process to ensure a balanced policy approach that upholds fairness, economic stability, and shared regional values.
Sokkar Mecca, an Egypt-based manufacturer of sewing machines unveiled its latest range of high-quality machines in partnership with Jack Technology.
Projected to boost productivity and quality in Egypt’s RMG sector, these machines were unveiled during a conference showcasing the company’s latest innovation –C7 URUS overlock machine. Attended by prominent figures in the textiles and garment industry, the conference was also participated by major industrial sewing machines distributors and leading RMG manufacturers. It focused on the machine’s advanced features and transformative capabilities.
Moataz Sokkar, General Manager, highlighted, the company addresses the growing needs of the Egypt’s RMG sector by providing efficiency and precision enhancing equipment, enabling them to meet local and export market demands.
The company plays a crucial role in driving growth within Egypt’s RMG industry, Sokkar added further noting, possessing an ability to sew all types of fabrics, these machines are equipped with advanced artificial intelligence technologies. This allows them to sense fabric thickness and automatically adjust accordingly. Sarah Sokkar, Commercial Director, ‘Sokkar’ Sewing Machines, notes, the launch of this new machine is a part of the company’s efforts to foster innovation in Egypt’s RMG sector and support manufacturers to achieve new productivity and quality levels. Praising the company’s partnership with ‘Sokkar, Steven Chen, General Manager-Marketing and Planning, Jack Technology, says, the machine helps deliver latest technologies developed by the Chinese company for factories including new advancements in various types of sewing machines. These innovations help factory owners improve production quality and efficiency by reducing waste and saving time by 10.8 per cent, thanks to key features like the ‘pressure foot converter’ and ‘smart feeding speed.’ Dr. Mohamed Abdel Salam, Head - RMG and Home Textiles Chamber, Federation of Industries, points out, an increase in Egypt’s RMG exports necessitates ongoing improvements in the quality of equipment and technology used. These new generation of sewing machines address technical and production challenges, commending the partnership between ‘Sokkar’ and ‘Jack Technology’ in supplying equipment and machines to Egyptian factories, he adds. In 9MFY24, Egypt’s RMG exports rose by 18 per cent to $2.04 billion, as per the Ready-Made Garments Export Council. The council aims to increase Egypt’s textile and garments exports to $1.4 billion by 2025-end.
Driven by low production costs and subdued consumption across major regions, Viscose Staple Fiber (VSF) prices remained stable in H2, FY2024. Prices in Europe, particularly Germany stabilised at US$ 2,350/MT FOB Hamburg as of November 29, 2024. This stagnation was a result of declining production costs and a weak demand in end-use industries, largely influenced by economic uncertainties in the Eurozone.
The dynamics of VSF feedstock played a crucial role in this trend with wood pulp inventories accumulating in European ports, adding pressure to the market. Meanwhile, contributing to lower input costs for VSF manufacturers, caustic soda prices declined by 3.9 per cent in Germany, Additionally, increasing from 2.0 per cent in October, inflation in the Euro zone was estimated at 2.3 per cent in November, according to Eurostat. These economic indicators suggest a cautious approach from downstream industries, further limiting demand for VSF.
Prices in the Asian VSF market, particularly in China, remained flat during the second half of November. This stability was attributed to low production costs and limited demand from both domestic and international markets. A critical feedstock for VSF, wood pulp exhibited mixed price movements. While softwood pulp prices initially rose and then declined, hardwood pulp prices continued a weak downward trend throughout November. Domestic wood pulp production increased, and high import volumes led to significant supply pressure in the market. A major consumer of wood pulp, the paper mill sector, showed limited offtake during this period. Similarly, driven by ample inventories and weak demand from end-use industries, caustic soda prices in China declined by 5.7 per cent.
The terminal textile sector in China underperformed as autumn and winter orders concluded, and raw material stocking remained lacklustre. Despite this, China’s textile and apparel exports demonstrated resilience. According to the General Administration of Customs, exports from January to October 2024 totaled 1.76 trillion CNY, reflecting a 3 per cent Y-o-Y increase. Textile exports grew by 5.8 per cent, while apparel exports rose by 0.7 per cent. Notably, exports in October alone increased by 8.5 per cent compared to the previous year, providing some optimism for the VSF market.
During this period, the VSF market in the United States remained balanced with prices holding steady at US$ 2040/MT CFR Texas. This stability was primarily due to steady import volumes from overseas markets and the low domestic production costs. Feedstock prices showed minimal fluctuations, with wood pulp prices remaining unchanged. However, caustic soda prices declined by 2.17 per cent, further easing production costs. Further, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the apparel manufacturing index declined by 0.2 per cent in October 2024 compared to the previous month, indicating weaker demand in the textile sector, which aligns with the flat VSF pricing trend.
Despite remaining stable during earlier forecasts, India's cotton production is projected to remain lowest in five years during the marketing year (MY) 2024/25 at 25 million 480-pound bales.
Driven by a reduced cultivation area of 11.8 million hectare, cotton production in the country is projected to decline despite improvement in yields to the highest levels in four years to 461 kg per hectare.
Over the past month, domestic ex-gin cotton prices have fallen by 9 per cent to 82 cents per pound, compounded by a 4 per cent dip in the Cotlook-A Index. Slow domestic demand, subdued export prospects, and lower international prices are pressuring farmgate prices, prompting many farmers to phase their market arrivals. To stabilise the market, the Indian government has ramped up procurement under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) program, purchasing 176,000 bales so far.
At the same time, global price competitiveness has spurred a notable increase in cotton imports, particularly from Australia and the United States. Shipments increased by 479 per cent in Oct’25 Y-o-Y in value, reflecting shifting trade dynamics and a preference for high-quality imports.
However, the textile industry continues to demonstrate resilience amid these challenges. Cotton-based yarn and garment exports have grown by 7 per cent and 35 per cent, respectively, signaling robust international demand. Yet, the sector faces headwinds domestically, with declining apparel production and higher input costs limiting mill consumption, which is forecasted at 25.5 million bales.
Looking ahead, the upcoming Bharat Tex event in February 2025 aims to spotlight the sector's adaptability and growth potential. While India’s cotton sector grapples with reduced production and subdued prices, government interventions and export opportunities are poised to offer critical support during this challenging period.
Bonneterie, a renowned Brazilian luxury knitwear manufacturer, has transformed its production process through the integration of the Production Planning System (PPS) powered by Stoll and KM.ON. Founded in 1987, the company has long been known for its sophisticated and high-quality garments. As part of its ongoing modernization efforts, Bonneterie sought to streamline its operations and improve efficiency, opting to implement the PPS alongside its ERP system.
Before adopting the PPS, production at Bonneterie was hindered by manual processes, including handwritten notes for production and yarn management, leading to errors, miscommunication, and excessive setup times. This inefficiency was exacerbated by operators managing multiple machines, resulting in increased downtime and reduced productivity.
The PPS system has brought significant improvements to Bonneterie’s production workflow. By providing real-time insights and automating key tasks, it eliminated the need for manual input, improving accuracy and allowing operators to manage more machines with ease. The system’s remote access feature also enables managers to oversee operations from anywhere, ensuring better decision-making and faster response times.
The results speak for themselves, efficiency has increased by 20 per cent, stockpiling has decreased, and production is more closely aligned with demand. With access to detailed reports and historical data, Bonneterie can now pinpoint inefficiencies and make data-driven decisions with confidence.
Thanks to its collaboration with Stoll, Bonneterie has successfully modernized its production processes, enhancing its ability to deliver high-quality knitwear with precision and reliability.
