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Montane has partnered with Allied Feather + Down (AF+D) to feature ExpeDRY ultra-dry down in its fall 2025 down apparel collection. ExpeDRY represents a breakthrough in performance down, replacing chemical treatments with gold particles permanently bonded to down clusters. This innovation prevents water vapor from condensing into droplets, enhancing real-world performance and drying faster in home laundry with reduced energy usage.
Montane will use ExpeDRY in all its down jackets, becoming the first in the industry to do so. Matthew Betcher, Creative Director at AF+D, explained that while traditional water-resistant down performs well against direct water exposure, it struggles with condensation inside insulation chambers. ExpeDRY solves this issue by enabling water vapor to evaporate through the shell, keeping the down drier and more effective.
This technology removes the need for harmful chemicals like PFAS, supporting environmental sustainability. Matthew Betcher emphasized the importance of eliminating unnecessary chemicals to reduce environmental impact.
Montane’s Materials Manager, Liam Steinbeck, highlighted the collaboration, stating that ExpeDRY reflects the brand’s dedication to introducing innovative, high-performance technologies designed for extreme environments.
Developed with Fuze Technologies, ExpeDRY delivers superior performance compared to conventional water-resistant treatments, offering a cleaner, permanent, and eco-friendly solution. It promises unparalleled comfort and warmth with significantly lower environmental impact, setting a new standard for insulated apparel.
Partly driven by the political instability in Bangladesh, India's textile hub, Tiruppur, is experiencing a growth in orders from the US and UK after nearly two challenging years. The region's 5,000 apparel export units are now operating at 95 per cent capacity, a significant jump from 60-65 per cent capacity witnessed a few months ago.
KM Subramanian, President, Tiruppur Exporters Association (TEA), notes, new buyers from the UK are actively seeking samples from the region’s exporters with talks set to resume early next year. US-based companies are also redirecting orders to India, especially for the upcoming Spring season, as they diversify away from Bangladesh.
From Rs 35,000 in FY 2024, Tirupur's revenue is projected to rise to Rs 40,000 crore in FY 2025. India's apparel exports rose by 35 per cent to $1.22 billion in Oct’24 compared to $908.78 million a year earlier, signaling a broader trend of increased demand.
Punit Lalbhai, Vice Chairman and Executive Director, Arvind Ltd, affirms, credible garment manufacturers are experiencing high demand, making India a preferred sourcing destination for global buyers. Sanjay Jain, Chairman, Indian Chamber of Commerce's National Committee on Textiles, adds, US demand is bouncing back, following a period of reduced imports post-pandemic. Apparel exports are likely to grow to $18.5-$19 billion in FY25 up from $16 billion in FY24, with momentum expected to continue over the next two years, he projects.
Sudhir Dhingra, Owner, Orient Craft, observes, while many orders are shifting from Bangladesh to India, smaller Indian manufacturers may struggle to handle the volume. The government needs to introduce new incentives, such as a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) for garment manufacturing, and a better access to working capital loans for smaller units to capitalise on the opportunity, he adds.
The current political unrest has prompted many global brands to diversify supply chains, with India emerging as a key alternative, avers Lalbhai. UK clients are already increasing their sourcing from India in anticipation of the FTA, which could eliminate the current 12 per cent duty differential favoring Bangladesh, adds Sivaramakrishnan Ganapathi, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Gokaldas Exports.
Indian exporters are witnessing a positive trend as US brands recover from excess inventory and start purchasing again, notes Ganapathi. Inventory levels have reached a low, prompting renewed demand, and the uptick in US apparel imports, benefitting Indian manufacturers, he adds.
Sympatex will present its innovative sustainability solutions at ISPO 2024, located in the Sustainability Hub (Hall A2). The company will highlight its Digital Fabric Library and Fiber2Fiber initiative, both key elements in driving a sustainable future for the textile industry.
The Digital Fabric Library offers transparent, digital access to material data, empowering sustainable product development decisions. This tool supports Sympatex’s fiber-to-fiber strategy, setting new industry benchmarks for circularity in textile production. By providing virtual access to a wide range of materials, it reduces physical resource consumption and carbon dioxide emissions related to fabric shipping.
On December 3, Carmen Keim, Colorist and Digital Pioneer at Sympatex, and Helena Gillerblad, PR and Communication at Sympatex, will lead the Greenroomvoice Sustainability Tour. Together with Greenroomvoice, they will showcase ten innovative partners presenting sustainable solutions at the hub.
A major highlight is Sympatex’s Fiber2Fiber concept, designed to close the loop on textile waste. This initiative recycles polyester fibers from discarded clothing, transforming them into high-quality materials for new fabrics. By embracing circular economy principles, Sympatex reduces resource consumption and supports the transformation of textile waste into valuable resources.
Kim Scholze, CSMO at Sympatex, emphasizes that sustainability is essential for the textile industry's future. The company remains committed to innovation by introducing new Fiber2Fiber products annually, advancing efforts toward a greener and more sustainable industry.
Sympatex invites all ISPO visitors to explore its Sustainability Hub poster and learn about its innovative solutions for a circular, digital, and sustainable textile future.
In a meeting held on Nov 18, 2024 in Uttara, Dhaka with Alexandre Saus-Salas, Head – Sourcing, C&A, Anwar Hossain, Administrator, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) explored the possibility of a collaboration between the two parties to enhance the global competitiveness Bangladesh’s RMG sector.
Both leaders also discussed about the current status of the Bangladesh's ready-made garment (RMG) industry, shifting global market trends, and potential opportunities for business expansion.
Providing an overview of the significant transformations within the country's apparel sector, Hossain emphasised on Bangladesh's leadership in global decarbonisation initiatives and its dedication to ethical sourcing practices. The nation currently holds the title for the highest number of green garment factories globally, with 230 factories certified by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) under the LEED program, he said. Additionally, more than half of the top 100 LEED-certified factories worldwide are based in Bangladesh.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s strategic move toward high-value fashion items, including synthetic fiber garments, Hossain encouraged C&A to expand its sourcing of premium products from the country. He also informed the company’s delegation about the ongoing investments in Bangladesh’s backward linkage industry, which are strengthening the competitiveness of the RMG sector.
Nike has launched a new sneaker collection tilted, ‘Air Max Muse’ for women. Embodying futuristic boldness, this collection has been developed using computational design by Nike footwear teams.
Can Eldem, Footwear Designer, Women’s Sportswear, Nike says, the brand’s aim was to design an entirely new Air Max model focusing on both expression and comfort. It aimed to make the silhouette sleek, beautiful and bold — while offering the kind of innovation and cushion that women expect from the Air Max franchise.
Sported by Nike athletes Jordan Chiles and Qinwen Zheng along with stylist Veneda Carter, these new sneakers have softly exaggerated proportions with their shape drawing attention to the iconic Air technology in the heel. The Air unit of these shoes is surrounded by a sleek, semi-gloss finish to further train focus on its namesake technology. A heightened arch adds a further distinctive, fashion-forward touch to them.
Serving as a foundation for diverse design expression, a molded synthetic leather overlay allows the Air Max Muse to adapt to ever-changing style trends. The upper showcases a mix of textures and finishes, creating a striking contrast that makes the shoe pop. Blending soft touch points with technical details, the Air Max Muse is a versatile sneaker suitable for any occasion. The collection will initially launch with a striking silver metal colorway, with a wider range of colors and textures set to follow throughout 2025, offering a spectrum of styling possibilities.
The brand aimed to explore how the finishes of the Air Max Muse could enhance the design while giving women a variety of choices that reflect their evolving style and mood, starting with the silver metal colorway, explains Marya Chan, Materials Design Director, Nike Sportswear.
The Air Max Muse will be available at select Nike retail partners starting Dec 11. The collection will be launched globally on SNKRS on Jan 10, 2025, with more colorways and styles to be introduced throughout 2025 and beyond.
An Italian innovation hub dedicated to reducing denim industry’s environmental footprint, Pure Denim has launched Komorebi, a unique denim capsule collection featuring silk yarns.
The collection was launched in collaboration with Cosetex, a company known for transforming silk waste into yarns and other textile materials.
A Japanese word, Komorebi is inspired by sense of suspended time and harmony between nature and poetry. The yarns used in this collection blend the ruggedness of denim with the refined qualities of silk. The fabric combines the strength of denim with the elegance, performance and natural quality of silk to achieve a perfect balance between durability and lightness, explains Silvio Mandelli, Owner, Cosetex.
The denims in this collection have been integrated with silk threads to give them a soft and natural glow. Their unique texture gives the fabric a warm and balanced luminosity, as well as a softness and light-reflecting surface that is unlike traditional denim. The denims contain up to 40 per cent silk, resulting in fabrics that are both elegant and authentic, while remaining durable. Furthermore, Cosetex's silk is cruelty-free, sustainable, and circular, holding certifications such as Oekotex, GRS, and GOTS, aligning with Pure Denim's commitment to responsible fabric production.
Komorebi denims also prioritise the comfort of the wearer, as the silk components prevent chafing and irritation, notes Mandelli. This advantage is due to the presence of silk proteins like sericin and fibroin, which are known for their compatibility with human skin. Sericin is widely used in cosmetics for its moisturising properties, while fibroin has applications in medicine for sutures and the reconstruction of blood vessels and ligaments.
A pioneer in silk innovation, Cosetex has developed various specialised silk yarns, T Silk paddings, and the T Silk Collection—products made and padded entirely with silk. The company recently collaborated with Casati Flock to create flock material by grinding leftover silk. They have also introduced g_Silk, a line of silk fabrics dyed using an exclusive process that incorporates recycled graphite powder. Developed in partnership with Alisea—a non-profit Italian ‘Società Benefit’ focused on material recovery, this dyeing method enhances the fabric's UV protection, representing a step forward in sustainable and innovative textile practices.
The Lenzing Group, a global leader in wood-based specialty fibers, made a significant impact at OSH India 2024, held at the Bombay Exhibition Centre. The event served as an ideal platform for Lenzing to highlight its advancements in sustainable and innovative safety solutions.
Lenzing showcased its Tencel fibers for workwear and Lenzing fibers with FR (flame-resistant) technology for protective wear. These products, designed for industries requiring stringent safety standards, combine superior comfort, durability, and flame resistance with environmentally friendly production processes.
Through interactive displays and expert consultations, Lenzing demonstrated how its fiber solutions address modern workplace challenges, such as ensuring worker safety and compliance with protective wear standards. The presentations reinforced the company’s dual commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.
Avinash Mane, Senior Commercial Director for AMEA & NEA of Commercial Textiles at Lenzing Group, highlighted the importance of their participation in OSH India 2024. He emphasized Lenzing's dedication to providing high-performance solutions for industrial safety, focusing on innovative advancements in workwear and protective wear. Mane also underlined the company’s goal to drive the transition towards safer and more sustainable workplaces, noting that events like OSH India offer valuable opportunities to engage with industry leaders and demonstrate Lenzing's capabilities.
Lenzing expressed its gratitude to the organizers of OSH India 2024 for fostering a collaborative environment that promotes innovation in workplace safety and sustainability. The company remains committed to driving advancements that benefit both people and the planet.
N Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister, Andhra Pradesh has urged Central Government to address the cotton procurement issues in the state. CCI officials are intentionally refusing to buy cotton stock from the state’s farmers to benefit private buyers, allege farmers, Naidu alleges.
The Corporation has set up around 60 procurement centers at ginning mills and 11 more at market yards, but procurement levels remain lower than anticipated due to a high number of rejections.
Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) has refused to procure cotton stocks from farmers in Andhra Pradesh, citing high moisture content. The Corporation’s move is leading to middlemen and private cotton traders purchasing the rejected produce at significantly lower prices, resulting in heavy financial losses for the farmers
Faced with CCI’s rejection, many farmers are selling their cotton to local traders at discounted prices, unable to bear the transport costs of taking unsold produce back home. The Central Government had promised to procure cotton at Rs 7,521 per quintal this season. However, private traders are buying the rejected stock at just Rs 5,000 to Rs 5,500 per quintal, causing farmers to lose Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500 per quintal.
K Atchannaidu, Agriculture Minister has urged the CCI to expedite the procurement process without causing further hardship to farmers. Naidu has already brought the issue to the attention of Giriraj Kishore, Union Agriculture Minister, requesting immediate action.
In recent years, strong global demand for cotton had kept the CCI on the sidelines, as private players snapped up over 90-95 per cent of the crop at prices higher than the Minimum Support Price (MSP) set by the government. Cotton farmers benefited significantly, with market prices reaching Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000 per quintal. However, a sharp decline in prices to around Rs 5,000 per quintal this season has forced CCI to step in, only to disappoint farmers with mass rejections.
Pasam Ramarao, District Secretary, CPI (M) has accused CCI officials of working under pressure from private exporters and dealers. Their refusal to buy the stocks indicates a bias towards private interests at the expense of struggling farmers. In response to the growing concerns, Pemmasani Chandrasekhar, Union Minister for Rural Development, has urged officials to be more lenient in their procurement. Despite these appeals, CCI officials maintained that they are strictly adhering to the procurement norms set by the central government.
Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) plans to organise a series of training workshops for the MSMEs in the Ahmedabad Apparel Cluster from Nov 26-28, 2024.
Focusing on the topic, ‘Market Intelligence & Technological Development, these workshops will provide valuable insights on ‘Best Practices to Improve Productivity, Quality, Product Development and Competitiveness of Apparel MSMEs’. They will be held at the Ahmedabad Management Association, University Road in Ahmedabad.
Intended for the MSME apparel factory owners and key staff committed to adopting effective practices to enhance performance, competitiveness and profitability, these sessions will be delivered by Rajesh Bheda Consulting (RBC). Besides Dr Rajesh Bheda, Managing Director, RBC, the sessions will be attended by key speakers including Rahul Mehta, Chief Mentor, The Clothing Manufacturers Association; Deepika Diwan, Sourcing Strategist; Prof Sameer Sood, Director, NIFT, Gandhingar; Karin Kilian from Dürkopp Adler; Rakesh Kumar, VP, ABFRL; Prof. Asha Baxi; and Abhishek Gupta, Sr Consultant, RBC.
The workshops will cover a range of topics across three days. On Nov 26, 2024, they will focus on Product Development and Business Growth Opportunities, exploring opportunities for small apparel manufacturers, strategies for working with Western retailers, and tips for product development to foster business growth.
On Nov 27, 2024 a session on Productivity Improvement Fundamentals and Best Practices will be organised to address the global and domestic apparel industry landscape, technology trends, productivity improvement methodologies, and actionable case studies for immediate gains.
On the final day, Nov 28, 2024 a session focusing on Profitability Through Quality in The Apparel Industry will be held to discuss the connection between quality, profitability, and competitiveness, quality expectations of fashion brands, quality KPIs, quality tools and actionable case studies.
Abolition of sales tax has caused Pakistan’s cotton imports to rise sharply in the 2024-25 Cotton Year. The rise is also impacting local cotton and seed cotton (phutti) prices, causing grave concerns amongst farmers and cotton ginners
Ehsan-ul-Haq, Chairman, Cotton Ginners Forum, explains, the 2024-25 federal Budget exempted imported cotton and yarn—specifically for the export-driven textile sector—from the 18 per cent sales tax. However, cotton purchases made within the country remained subject to this tax.
Additionally, the excessive cultivation of sugarcane in traditional cotton-growing areas led to a degrading of the quality of domestically produced cotton. He adds, this is compelling textile mills to increase their reliance on imports, with projections of contracts for nearly 6 million bales of imported cotton being secured during this cotton year. Pakistan has already finalised contracts for around 3 million bales, say reports.
So far, Pakistan has imported over 1.3 million bales of cotton, causing local cotton prices to drop significantly. Over the past week, cotton prices have fallen by PKR 500 per maund, with prices now at PKR 17,500 per maund in Punjab and PKR 17,300 per maund in Sindh. Seed cotton prices have also declined sharply, leading to an accumulation of cotton stocks at ginning factories and a substantial rise in seed cotton stocks in the market.
Its record increase in cotton imports has made Pakistan the largest buyer of US cotton for the first time. The country is expected to import between 4.5 to 5 million bales from the US during the current season, while additional imports are coming from Brazil, Argentina, Tanzania, and Afghanistan.
