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Better Work initiative has launched its operations in Egypt to enhance working conditions in the ready-to-wear (RTW) industry, and foster business growth. The program had successfully launched a preliminary pilot phase between July 2017 and December 2018. It now aims to enhance its presence for a long term in Egypt, particularly in Umm Al Donia.
Better Work aims to not only improve the laborers’ working conditions in Egypt but also promote compliance with both national and international core labor standards. To kickstart its operations, Better Work will provide factory assessments, advisory services, and training programs to promote responsible business practices. The initiative will, initially, focus on collaborating with 30 factories, with plans to expand its reach as progress is achieved.
A part of the International Labor Organisation, Better Work operates in 1,700 factories across various countries such as Bangladesh, Jordan, Nicaragua, Haiti, and Cambodia, benefiting approximately 2.4 million workers. Its expansion in Egypt will enable the initiative to continue improving working conditions and driving positive change in the RTW industry.
As part of its accelerated growth strategy in the United States, renowned Japanese apparel giant, Uniqlo plans to open over 20 new stores in North America this year.
Uniqlo will inaugurate 11 new stores across Texas and California in 2024. In Texas, the brand’s stores will be established in Houston and Dallas while in California its outlets will be launched in San Diego and Sacramento.
These forthcoming openings will help Uniqlo to boost its North America store count to 200 by 2027 as the brand concentrates on both regions where it already has a presence and emerging markets across the nation. Presently, Uniqlo operates 74 locations across North America.
Yoshihide Shindo, CEO, Uniqlo USA, says, there is positive demand for UniqloLifeWear products in Texas as they perfectly serve the needs of the diverse lifestyle and climate across Houston and Dallas. The brand also remains committed to the West Coast as it responds to the robust interest from consumers in regions such as San Diego and Sacramento, he adds.
In North, Uniqlo’s operations attained profitability in fiscal year 2022, followed by significant growth in the fiscal year ending on August 31, 2023.
Globally, Uniqlo operates more than 2,400 stores, including 74 locations in North America. As part of Fast Retailing Co, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Uniqlo contributes to the company's substantial global sales, which reached approximately $18.92 billion for the fiscal year 2023. Fast Retailing stands as one of the world's largest apparel retail companies.
To redefine the conventional limits of denim while spearheading eco-conscious initiatives in 2024, Twin Dragon Marketing Inc (TDMI) plans to showcase its Cashmere Denim collection at Kingpins Amsterdam from April 24-25, 2024.
Launched earlier this year, the Cashmere Denim line comprises garments crafted from 100 per cent recycled polyester fibers. It boasts a dtex finer than cashmere for a plush, opulent texture, describes Stephanie Poon, Director-Marketing and Merchandising, TDMI. While the collection doesn't contain actual cashmere wool, it offers the same luxurious softness and comfort, uniquely blended into denim.
Moreover, its anti-see-through feature ensures confidence and modesty, particularly for white clothing, while integrated ultraviolet (UV) protection and moisture-wicking properties provide coolness and comfort, even in warmer climates.
Poon emphasises. the Cashmere Denim collection embodies a commitment to sustainability. As an extension of TDMI's AtmoS concept—a line dedicated to incorporating innovative recycled fibers—the collection epitomises responsible fashion. Comprising a blend of cotton, recycled polyester, and spandex, it not only reduces environmental impact but also offers durability that stands the test of time.
For environmentally-conscious consumers, Cashmere Denim offers a guilt-free indulgence. Its versatility makes it suitable for all seasons and occasions, from daytime activities to evening events, reducing the need for multiple wardrobe changes and promoting conscious consumption.
Whether it's a casual outing or a formal event, Cashmere Denim seamlessly transitions from day to night, offering versatility without compromising style or sustainability, remarks Poon. By choosing Cashmere Denim, fashion enthusiasts not only embrace luxury but also advocate for a brighter, more sustainable future for the planet and its inhabitants, he adds.
As the festival fashion season approaches, denim brands are embracing bohemian flair and laid-back vibes to cater to attendees' style needs.
Online fast-fashion giant Shein plans to sponsor the renowned country music festival Stagecoach that will be held from April 26-28, 2024 in Indio, California.
For this festival, the e-commerce company will unveil a western-inspired clothing collection epitomising cowboy chic and desert glam aesthetics. The lineup will include fringe tops, bedazzled denim pieces, metallic boots,etc, designed to capture the essence of the event.
As part of their sponsorship, Shein will introduce the Shein Saloon, a vibrant activation crafted from shipping containers. Attendees can indulge in gifting opportunities and engage in activities like karaoke, mechanical bull riding, and refreshments at the bar. George Chiao,President, Shein US, says, a synergy between music and fashion, the festival will endorse western-inspired styles.
Another noted denim player, Lucky Brand will launch its Festival Finds collection that will play a homage to the western theme. The women's collection will feature Bermuda denim shorts, denim maxi skirts, and a denim corset dress, complemented by ruffled tops and boho dresses. Men's options will include denim Western shirts, bootcut jeans, and bolo ties. Lucky Brand will also offer one-of-a-kind upcycled pieces, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and artisanal craftsmanship.
Meanwhile, Levi’s will launch a collection of loose-fitting tops and relaxed jean fits. Their collection includes unisex tops, tropical-print resort shirts, open-knit button-down shirts, and rugby stripe polos. For women, Levi’s will introduce the Ingrid shrunken jacket and a variety of bottoms, from miniskirts to Mom jean shorts. Men's options will feature zip-off utility pants and striped tees, reflecting a casual yet trendy aesthetic.
The ‘Festival Shop’ collection by teen specialty retailer Pacsun will embrace Southern Californian vibes with its collection stocked with boho essentials. The brand’s women’s range will offer sustainably sourced denim shorts and loose-fitting jeans, complemented by retro tops and crochet bikinis. The men's lineup will include graphic tees, cargo pants, and soccer-style shorts. Pacsun will also launch a special Festival Shop for Stagecoach, aligning with its commitment to catering to festival-goers' fashion needs.
Pacsun will present a captivating music video featuring Ronnie Watts' original song ‘Fast, Fast, Fast.’ This initiative is part of Pacsun Collective, a new endeavor that invites various creatives to shape the brand's campaigns and merchandise, fostering self-expression and unity among its audience.
Firmly establishing itself as a frontrunner in sustainability, textile stalwart Nahar Group aims to be coal-free by 2024-end, thus affirming their commitment to a greener future.
Nahar Group’s commitment to sustainability is evident through diverse energy generation initiatives. Nahar Industrial Enterprises alone produces a substantial 25.8 MW of electricity, supplemented by contributions from sister companies and wind turbines in Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka. This reduces dependence on conventional power sources by an impressive 12 percent.
Aligned with the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals, Nahar Group is actively involved in creating sustainable communities, promoting health, education, gender equality, fostering job growth, economic development, and encouraging responsible consumption.
Nahar's sustainability commitment is ingrained in its operations, evident in initiatives such as adopting green chemistry in processing plants, supporting social responsibility efforts, and transitioning transportation fleet to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to reduce diesel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Furthermore, Nahar is working to reduce plastic consumption in packaging and actively embraces technological advancements to reduce energy consumption. Initiatives like salt-free dyeing and water recycling underscore their dedication to sustainable practices.
In the short term, Nahar's focus lies in developing value-added fabrics and technical products like flame retardant and antistatic materials, aligning with the vision of 'Made in India' and supporting the Prime Minister's 5F vision.
Looking ahead, Nahar aspires to create a network with domestic and export customers based on shared values and sustainability principles, fostering long-term partnerships and elevating India's standing in the global market.
Marking a significant milestone in its commitment to corporate responsibility and community engagement, prominent premium footwear and apparel provider, Rocky Brands, Inc has unveiled its inaugural Environmental, Social, and Governance Report (ESG Report).
Led by the senior management with a robust backing from the Company’s Board of Directors, the ESG Report outlines ten key priorities guiding the day-to-day operations of Rocky Brands.'
Ranging from chemicals management and climate change to diversity, equity, and inclusion, these priorities reflect the company's comprehensive approach to sustainability and ethical business practices.
Jason Brooks, CEO, Rocky Brands, says, these ESG initiatives are the key factor driving long-term value for stakeholders while also positioning sustainability as a strategic imperative for the company's future success.
The ESG Report aligns Rocky Brands' goals with the investors’ expectations, and industry standards. They demonstrate the company’s commitment to transparency and accountability. A few of the key highlights of this report include innovations that need to be made in the products’ design, development and production to foster a healthy and a positive work environment and ensure responsible resource management, transparency and accountability.
Commissioned by the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, (BGMEA), a new Pwreport urges Bangladesh to develop the required ecosystem to enhance competitiveness in MMF products. It emphasises the importance of positioning Bangladesh as a supplier of value-added MMF-based products for key markets such as the EU, US, UK, Japan, and South Korea.
Conducted by Public Works Commission /(PwC), the report projects, around 60 per cent of ready-made garments (RMG) designated for global exports will be made from man-made fibers (MMF) by 2030.
Titled ‘From Shirts to Shores: Blueprint for Bangladesh RMG Industry,’ the report forecasts global garment exports will rise to $1,121 billion by 2030, from $953 billion in 2022.
Faruque Hassan, President, BGMEA, emphasises, it is important to navigate challenges and seize opportunities in the global RMG exports. He urges stakeholders to enter into more collaborations with industry leaders for effective implementation of the outlined strategies.
As reported by the Daily Star, the findings of the report indicate, MMF and MMF-rich items accounted for a significant portion of Bangladesh’s total garment exports in 2022, with exports to China, Vietnam, and Italy leading.. However, Bangladesh's share in segments like activewear, swimwear, jackets, suits, and blazers remained relatively modest.
The study recommends the establishment of an investor-friendly framework by Bangladesh to access external commercial debt and foreign direct investment. The framework should have clear guidelines on loan terms, interest rates, collateral requirements, and an expedited approval process for specific projects to attract more external borrowings, adds the report.
To boost its garment exports to $100 billion by 2030, Bangladesh needs to improve its customs, ports, and bonds services, opines the report. It also needs to diversity exports to newer destinations such as India, Japan, China, South Korea, etc, the report adds.
In addition, the study recommends embracing automation, digitalisation, resource-efficient technologies, and circularity to foster sustainability in Bangladesh's textile and apparel sector. Hassan underscores the importance of research-driven strategies to maintain competitiveness amid evolving global dynamics.
Supported by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the study led to the launch of additional reports by BGMEA to establish a virtual marketplace platform for the RMG sector and promote fiber diversification in Bangladesh's apparel industry.
Around 400 participants from nearly 40 countries attended the 37th International Cotton Conference Bremen from March 20 to 22, marking yet another successful gathering of industry leaders and experts. The event, which featured a blend of on-site and online sessions, hosted nearly 70 speakers across eleven sessions, presenting the latest research findings and innovative applications within the cotton sector.
Bremen parliament hosts inaugural event
For the first time, the Bremen Parliament served as the venue for the conference, setting a historic backdrop for the occasion. Welcoming the international participants, Antje Grotheer, President of the Bremen Parliament, highlighted the significance of the event in bringing together stakeholders from across the globe. Jean-Paul Haessig, President of the Bremen Cotton Exchange, emphasized the conference's pivotal role in facilitating exchange within the cotton community, showcasing the industry's advancements and fostering collaborative efforts.
Keynotes set the tone
The keynote sessions, a focal point of the conference, featured esteemed speakers who provided valuable insights into current market trends and regulatory landscapes. Colin Iles, Executive Manager Cotton & Sugar at Viterra, offered an engaging overview of commodity market developments and their implications for the cotton sector. Analyst Veronica Bates Kassatly delved into forthcoming legislative regulations, sparking discussions on their potential impact on the industry. Commerzbank representatives Manuel Hochemer and Lennert van Mens complemented these insights with practical strategies for navigating sustainability reporting regulations within the European Union.
Regional Spotlight: Vietnam
A panel discussion under the theme 'Region in Focus' shed light on the dynamic cotton and textile industry in Vietnam. Representatives from the Vietnamese Cotton and Spinning Association, Long Van Yarn Ltd, and USDA analyst provided valuable perspectives, fostering a lively exchange among industry experts.
Sustainability takes center stage
Sustainability emerged as a central theme throughout the conference, permeating discussions across the supply chain. Presentations highlighted innovative approaches to sustainable cotton production, including research on biological materials and discussions on environmental impacts and circular economy initiatives. The conference also addressed issues such as traceability, transparency, fair incomes for cotton farmers, and the effects of climate change.
Emphasis on recycling
A dedicated session focused on the critical role of recycling in the cotton industry, exploring opportunities and challenges in the recycling process. The discussion underscored the importance of collaboration between research and practice in advancing recycling initiatives. Additionally, the Spinning & Textile Seminar, held in conjunction with the conference, provided insights into the use and challenges of fibers in textile recycling systems, emphasizing the value chain from clothing sorting to new product creation.
The 37th International Cotton Conference Bremen showcased the industry's resilience and commitment to sustainability, bringing together global stakeholders to exchange knowledge and drive innovation. With its diverse program and high-level discussions, the conference reaffirmed its position as a vital platform for advancing the cotton industry's agenda.
A leading provider of technology solutions driving the transition to Industry 4.0 in the fashion, automotive, and furniture sectors, Lectra has appointed Antonella Capelli as the President of the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region, effective May 1, 2024. A member of the Executive Committee since January 1, 2024, Capelli will succeed Fabio Canali, who is retiring.
Capelli's appointment comes at a pivotal moment as Lectra continues to expand its presence in the EMEA region, which currently operates in 74 countries with over 500 employees across 17 locations and serves 4,000 customers. With the EMEA region contributing 33 PER CENT of the group sales in 2023, it remains a key driver for Lectra's growth and innovation initiatives, particularly in advancing the deployment of Industry 4.0 solutions.
Capelli, who began her career at IBM Global Business Services, brings extensive experience in IT project management, digital innovation, and consultative sales in the fashion sector. Since joining Lectra in 2013 as Professional Services Manager for Italy, she has progressively assumed greater responsibilities, culminating in her appointment as President of the EMEA region. Capelli holds a master's degree in management and production engineering from the University of Milan-Politecnico.
In her new role, Capelli aims to support Lectra's success in addressing the diverse challenges faced by customers in the EMEA region. She emphasised her commitment to collaborate with EMEA teams to deliver innovative solutions that facilitate digital transformation across the fashion, automotive, and furniture industries. Capelli's ambition is to foster collective success and empower organizations to thrive in an increasingly digitised landscape.
A recent study conducted by global accounting giant PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC urges Bangladesh to shift its focus towards manufacturing man-made fiber (MMF) apparel in order to retain its position in the global clothing market.
Commissioned by the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), the study is titled. ‘From Shirts to Shores: A Blueprint for Bangladesh RMG Industry.’ Conducted in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation, the study charts a path for the country's post-COVID-19 recovery and its ambition to achieve $100 billion in apparel exports by 2030.
According to the findings, in 2022, half of the global ready-made garments (RMG) were made from man-made fibers, a figure expected to exceed 60 per cent by 2030. However, Bangladesh's RMG exports currently consist of less than 30 per cent man-made fibers, lagging behind its competitors.
Key competitors such as China, Vietnam, Turkey, and Italy already have a significant portion of their apparel exports comprised of man-made fiber items, ranging from 44 per cent to 62 per cent. In contrast, only 27 per cent of Bangladesh's total RMG exports are man-made fiber products.
The study underscores the urgency for Bangladesh to accelerate its production of garments from man-made fibers to meet the evolving global demand and maintain its competitiveness in the export market.
Highlighting the industry’s progress at a press conference held at the BGMEA office, Faruque Hassan, President, noted, since April 2021, 393 new factories have registered in Bangladesh. He urged people to invest in the importance of investing in the backward linkage industry, especially in light of Bangladesh's impending graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2029.
The meeting also discussed the industry’s Efforts to mitigate carbon emissions and promote renewable energy in the sector with plans for collaboration with international partners such as H&M and BestSeller on a 500 MW wind energy project in Bangladesh.
Additionally, the BGMEA is actively exploring investment opportunities and business models in the recycling industry to further enhance exports, with proposals submitted to the government aimed at boosting exports by $5 billion over the next three years.
