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Scheduled from November 6 to 9, 2024, Texcare International in Frankfurt am Main will showcase the latest innovations in automation within the textile-care industry.
The trade show will highlight the growing importance of RFID technology as a crucial tool for laundry management, offering comprehensive traceability. Tags embedded in textiles contain pertinent information, eliminating the need for manual barcode reading and enhancing operational transparency through wireless systems.
Innovations such as those from Denmark's Inwatec automate soiled laundry inspection and sorting. The intelligent technology separates, recognises, and classifies laundry items, while X-ray scanners automatically detect and remove unwanted items, minimising manual intervention and reducing the risk of injuries and contamination.
The exhibition will also highlight advancements in scanning technology that enable automated quality control for dry laundry, ensuring only flawless items proceed through the process.
Automation has revolutionised the folding and stacking process by using state-of-the-art equipment, including robots and intelligent control systems that streamline tasks such as terrycloth folding, improving efficiency and reducing reliance on manual labor.
Additionally, automation extends to the packaging stage, with systems like those developed by the Jensen Group facilitating the automated sorting and transport of clean laundry to the packing station, further reducing the need for manual intervention and enhancing overall efficiency.
While automation continues to revolutionise the textile-care industry, human skills remain indispensable for tasks requiring cognitive abilities, such as coding, individualisation, and quality control. However, as technology advances, it is likely that further automation will be seen in these areas, complementing human expertise and improving overall efficiency in textile care.
Renowned for its globally affordable clothing, online fast-fashion retailer Shein faces a mounting boycott campaign amid allegations of being involved in the forced labor of Uyghur Muslims in China. Chicago-based human rights organisation Justice for All has urged Muslim women to boycott Shein, citing concerns over its sourcing practices.
Arslan Hidayat, Leader, Save Uyghur Campaign, emphasises, Shein's alleged use of forced labor exacerbates the oppression faced by the Uyghur community. He urges Muslims to protest against such practices and demonstrate solidarity with the affected group.
However, Shein denies any involvement in forced labor and asserts a zero-tolerance policy regarding such practices. The company reiterates its commitment to human rights and compliance with US laws, requiring its contract manufacturers to source cotton only from approved regions.
Nevertheless, worries persist regarding Shein's use of Xinjiang cotton, prohibited under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. Despite US bans on Xinjiang imports, Shein's shipments often evade scrutiny through customs loopholes, allowing them to enter the US market unchecked.
In response to bipartisan calls for action against imports linked to forced labor, experts emphasise the need for more comprehensive measures. Yalkun Uluyol, a research consultant, advocates for a more inclusive entity list targeting companies with documented evidence of forced labor practices.
Despite the controversy, Shein continues to attract customers, especially during Ramadan, with its affordable Islamic clothing options. Social media influencers, including Muslim YouTubers, have partnered with Shein to showcase its products, further bolstering its popularity.
According to the latest update from the Committee on Cotton Production and Consumption, estimates for cotton crop production for the 2023-24 season have been revised to 323.11 lakh bales from the previous estimate of 316.57 lakh bales.
Subdued global demand and anticipation of a better crop in countries like Australia has resulted in a downturn in the cotton market lately. This downturn is reflected in the recent performance of the May cotton futures contract on the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), which peaked at 103.80 cents on February 28 but has since declined to 85.89 cents as of April 10. The December 2024 contract is hovering around 82 cents.
The decline in international cotton prices, approximately 17-18 per cent from recent highs, can be attributed to weak demand, particularly from China. Domestic prices in India have also decreased by 8-9 per cent.
Multinational traders in India have initiated selling for delivery in April, May, June, and July, primarily driven by the decline in ICE futures and subdued demand. Notably, companies like Viterra, COFCO International, and Louis Dreyfus Company are offloading their stocks, which are being absorbed by traders and mills.
Despite a slowdown in arrivals, there's an ample supply of cotton, with the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI), ginners, and traders maintaining sufficient stocks. Daily arrivals across various states are approximately 50,000-60,000 bales of 170 kg each. The CCI has procured 32.84 lakh bales at the minimum support price for the 2023-24 season and has sold 5.12 lakh bales so far, leaving stocks at 27.72 lakh bales.
However, farmers and ginners are expressing discontent this year due to unprofitable cotton prices, as highlighted by Pradeep Jain, Khandesh Gin Press Factory Owners Association. Arrivals are minimal, and demand is weak, with farmers possibly withholding stocks in anticipation of better prices.
While most North Indian cotton mills have secured their requirements for the next six months, they are exercising caution in their purchases due to limited demand for yarn at higher prices. Moreover, export opportunities are constrained due to a lack of price parity.
In the North Indian market, there's a noted shortfall in supplies, despite the lower domestic prices, according to Sushil Phutela, Indian Cotton Association.
The Federation of Labor Unions in Tiruppur attributes the current challenges faced by the knitwear industry in the city to the detrimental policies of the Union Government.
According to the Union, the adverse effects of demonetisation and the implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) have had a profound impact on the cotton and textile sector. The industry has been grappling with the repercussions since the introduction of GST in India on July 1, 2017.
Furthermore, the decision by the Indian government to permit imports of cotton garments from Bangladesh has exacerbated the situation. This shift has prompted traders and cloth merchants to favor cheaper garment imports, resulting in substantial losses for the Tiruppur knitwear industry, according to the unions.
The struggles faced by small garment units and labor unions have been evident for several months, with laborers and entrepreneurs alike keenly aware of the challenges. Despite Tiruppur's significant growth, driven by the diligent efforts of entrepreneurs and the support of laborers, the industry now faces a critical juncture.
The city has emerged as a hub for migrant workers from various districts and states, fueled by economic growth and employment opportunities. However, the landscape began to shift in the early 2010s with the ascent of the new Bharatiya Janata Party government. Their economic decisions directly impacted small units in Tiruppur, precipitating the challenges now faced by the industry.
The volatility in yarn prices has only compounded the hardships for small-scale garment units, leaving entrepreneurs grappling with an array of issues. The release underscores the pressing issues plaguing the industry, emphasising the urgent need for solutions to safeguard its future.
A comprehensive sustainability solution system for the fashion supply chain, Bluesign plans to extend its influence within the denim segment on a global scale.
During the upcoming edition of Kingpins Amsterdam from April 24-25, 2024, Bluesign plans to launch the Bluesign Talks Series that will serve as a platform to showcase its denim products and delve into discussions about the Bluesign Denim Concept, its advantages, and pertinent topics such as the product's carbon footprint, digital product passport, and compliance strategies for the forthcoming EU Regulation.
Guiding these talks will be Daniel Rufenacht, CEO of Bluesign, who will provide insights into the Bluesign Denim Concept and facilitate in-depth discussions on various sustainability-related topics.
In March 2023, Bluesign launched its Bluesign-approved Denim project, which brought together a multitude of denim brands, manufacturers, and materials producers, offering a diverse range of styles, prices, and availability.
In North America, Bluesign Denim collaborated with renowned brands such as Madewell, Everlane, and Reformation. Meanwhile, it forged partnerships with manufacturers like Pure Denim and ISKO in Europe and the Mediterranean region.
The company also teamed up with chemical suppliers like Officina 39, Rudolf, Zaitex, Soko Chimica, Dystar, Archroma, and CHT. Additionally, it joined forced with the laundry partner Sanko Tekstil Isletmeleri-Martelli Branch.
Venturing into Asia, Bluesign partnered with industry leaders such as Saitex, Advance Denim, and Prosperity Textiles, while also extending its reach to Indian Manufacturer Anubha Industries
Valued at $2 billion in 2022, the global athleisure market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2 per cent to reach $3.2 billion by 2032.
As per a report titled, ‘Athlesiure Market,’ by Allied Market Research, the female segment dominated the global athlesiure market in 2023 with their frequent purchases and adoration of athleisure wear.
According to the US Census Bureau, millennials, particularly in regions like Asia-Pacific, will soon outnumber baby boomers in the country. Similar trends will be seen throughout Asia-Pacific, particularly in nations like China, India, and Australia.
However, the industry continues to be threatened by counterfeit athleisure brands, especially in price-sensitive markets, hindering the growth of original brands. To combat this, the industry employs innovative marketing strategies, leveraging celebrity endorsements and social media to boost market penetration. Gaining popularity amongst male consumers, key items like bomber jackets and hoodies are expected to drive market growth.
The hoodies category is expected to register highest growth during the forecast period. Online sales channels will drive forth due to convenience and product variety they offer. North America will lead in sales revenue while Asia-Pacific is expected to witness rapid growth with the rise in consumer adoption.
Key players like Adidas, Nike, and Lululemon are employing various strategies to enhance market share and profitability. Their success is fueled by the athleisure trend's integration of fashion-forward designs, celebrity endorsements, and technological innovations in materials and manufacturing processes.
Swedish fast-fashion giant H&M has partnered Shanghai Fashion Week to release a collaborative collection with a Chinese fashion designer.
Having entered mainland China in 2007, H&M has been engaged with several local fashion creatives since 2015 when Ximon Lee scored the H&M Design Award. It later teamed up with brands Angel Chen and Pronounce to launch region-exclusive capsule collections.
However, the brand had to terminate its association with the Chinese fashion industry as it got mired in Xinjiang controversy in 2021. Having reiterated its commitment to stop using cotton sourced from the region, the brand was temporarily blocked from major Chinese e-commerce platforms.
The brand later made great efforts to restore its relationship with the local market. Since 2021, the company has continuously attended the China International Import Expo.
India’s retail space leasing across shopping mall and hi-street locations is likely to dip by 15 per cent to 6-6.5 million sq ft in 2024, as per real estate consultant CBRE.
Supply of retail spaces, particularly development of high-quality malls, is expected to remain steady in 2024 with Tier I cities expected to witness approximately 5-6 million sq ft of investment-grade mall space during the year. In 2023, India’s retail space leasing grew to 71 lakh sq ft across major cities, according to the CBRE report titled ‘2024 India Market Outlook.’
Anshuman Magazine, Chairman & CEO, CBRE - India, South-East Asia, Middle East & Africa, avers, besides Tier I cities, Tier II markets are also expected to attract new mall developers during the year. Malls are likely to be expanded into experiential centers with entertainment, dining, and shopping facilities to meet consumer demands.
Leasing across luxury retail will increase during the year with both established brands deepening their presence and new international players entering the market. This expansion will extend beyond traditional hubs like Delhi and Mumbai to emerging markets such as Hyderabad and Ahmedabad.
In 2024, retailers, including anchor tenants and established brands, are expected to prioritise locations with high visibility, foot traffic, and favorable demographics for leasing. Growth in rents is anticipated to stabilise across primary and secondary locations.
Techtextil, slated for late April in Frankfurt, anticipates a robust showing from VDMA member firms, with over 50 companies poised to showcase cutting-edge smart technologies across diverse textile applications. Among these, seven will command attention at the VDMA group stand. A central theme for exhibitors will be the integration of automation and digitalization.
VDMA members are positioned to spearhead the textile industry's evolution, offering innovative, resource-efficient production technologies and advanced recycling equipment. Digitalization emerges as a linchpin, enhancing process efficiency and product quality while addressing workforce shortages. Already, automation and digital tools have matured, promising heightened process reliability and transparency.
Recognizing the imperative of collaboration, VDMA convenes a panel discussion at their stand on April 24th, exploring the "Product Passport" and its industry implications. This regulatory stride toward a Digital Product Passport (DPP) for textiles, slated for mid-2027 implementation, underscores the sector's trajectory towards digital integration.
Moreover, Techtextil will serve as a platform for nurturing future talent. On April 25th, the Walter Reiners Foundation, under VDMA, will honor six young engineers for their contributions to sustainability, reinforcing the industry's commitment to innovation and growth.
In a resounding call to action, members of the Renewable Carbon Initiative (RCI) have highlighted the pressing need for Europe to transition from fossil to renewable carbon sources. The comprehensive survey conducted by RCI encapsulates the collective voice of various sectors within the European chemicals and materials industry. Among the key challenges identified are soaring energy and raw material prices, alongside the imperative to curtail carbon emissions to meet ambitious environmental targets.
A pivotal issue underscored by RCI members is the absence of policies incentivizing the adoption of renewable carbon feedstocks in chemical and plastics production. They urge policymakers to craft a regulatory framework that not only encourages the shift away from fossil fuels but also encompasses measures targeting feedstock and polymer levels. The current regulatory landscape, predominantly characterized by restrictive policies like Reach and the Single-Use Plastics Directive, falls short in fostering innovation and incentivizing the adoption of renewable carbon technologies.
Proposed solutions by RCI members include implementing minimum quotas for renewable carbon content across various application sectors and introducing a fossil carbon tax on the chemical industry. Additionally, measures such as carbon accounting mechanisms, carbon dioxide border adjustments, and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes are touted as instrumental in driving the transition towards renewable carbon.
Overcoming barriers to sustainable carbon feedstocks, including acceptance issues with biomass and slow recognition of carbon capture and recycling technologies, is deemed crucial. The convergence of food and non-food biomass, carbon capture from biogenic and fossil sources, and mechanical and chemical recycling is emphasized as pivotal in achieving a closed-loop carbon cycle.
Furthermore, ensuring the availability of competitively priced green energy, including solar, wind, and hydrogen, is paramount for all production sectors to embrace sustainable practices. With Europe's robust educational infrastructure, cultural diversity, and advanced regulatory frameworks, the transition to renewable carbon presents an opportunity for the continent to solidify its position as a leader in sustainable innovation. Swift and decisive action, bolstered by supportive policies and incentives, is imperative for Europe to maintain its competitive edge and pave the way for a resilient renewable carbon economy.
