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The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) has appointed Gregg Woodcock as its new Executive Director, beginning November 11. A graduate of the Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science and the Institute of Textile Technology, Woodcock has built a notable career in textiles, starting with Burlington Industries and advancing to his current role as Senior Manager of Product Quality/Safety at Hanes brands Inc.
An active AATCC member, Woodcock has led and contributed significantly to research committees. Currently, he chairs the RA88 committee on Home Laundering Technology and frequently speaks at AATCC workshops, including the recent Textile Testing Workshop for Specifiers.
Woodcock will assume the role from John Y. ‘Jack’ Daniels, who temporarily returned as Executive Vice President after Diana Wyman’s departure. Daniels, who served over 20 years in AATCC’s leadership, will be named Executive Vice President, Emeritus and will continue on select committees. AATCC expressed its gratitude to Daniels for facilitating a smooth leadership transition.
Birla Cellulose, part of the Aditya Birla Group’s Grasim Industries, has formed a strategic partnership with Circ, a US based recycling innovator, to advance recycled fibre production in textiles. Through this five-year agreement, Birla Cellulose will procure up to 5,000 tons of Circ's pulp annually from its first commercial-scale plant. The recycled pulp will be processed into lyocell staple fibre, reinforcing sustainable practices and supporting Circ’s scale-up efforts.
Circ CEO Peter Majeranowski highlighted the partnership as a significant step forward in promoting circular economies in the fashion industry. Aspi Patel, Chief Technology Officer of Grasim, noted that the collaboration would play a key role in fostering sustainable innovation. Patel emphasized that integrating Circ’s advanced recycling technology with Birla Cellulose's cellulosic fibres strengthens efforts toward building a fully circular economy.
As demand for eco-friendly materials grows, this partnership allows brands to access high-quality recycled lyocell, promoting environmental stewardship. The collaboration underscores the critical role of supply chain cooperation in scaling sustainable solutions amid increasing demand for recycled content.
Aligned on fostering a circular economy, Birla Cellulose and Circ aim to set new standards in textile sustainability, driving down environmental impact through innovative fibre reuse. The partnership is set to enhance the availability of recycled materials, meeting both consumer expectations and industry needs for sustainable solutions.
RE&UP Recycling Technologies has unveiled aninnovative solution to address the global textile waste crisis. Their proprietary technology produces high-quality, durable, and traceable Next-Gen raw materials that compete in cost and performance with both recycled and virgin fibers. This innovation aligns with the Textile Exchange Conference's theme, ‘Case for Change,’ emphasizing the need for resource efficiency and environmental accountability in the textile industry.
Andreas Dorner, General Manager of RE&UP, expressed enthusiasm for participating in this influential event, highlighting the importance of bringing their experience and innovations to a key platform for promoting sustainable practices in the textile industry. The Conference offers RE&UP a valuable opportunity to engage with industry leaders and collaborate on developing best practices for a sustainable future.
As a sponsoring partner, RE&UP aims to demonstrate how its technology can transform pre- and post-consumer textile waste into innovative, durable products. Their recycling process is feedstock agnostic, effectively handling various textile waste, including cotton, polyester, and excelling in polycotton recycling. With this approach, RE&UP is committed to addressing one of the most pressing recycling challenges in the industry, promoting a more circular economy.
At the Textile Exchange Conference 2024 in Pasadena, Eastman highlighted its commitment to sustainability by showcasing Naia Renew ES, a cellulosic fiber made with 60 per cent Global Recycle Standard (GRS)-certified recycled content. Composed of 40 per cent certified recycled waste, 20 per cent recycled cellulose, and 40 per cent sustainably sourced wood pulp, Naia Renew ES is gaining traction with eco-conscious brands like Reformation, as it supports high sustainability standards without compromising style or quality.
Eastman’s innovative carbon renewal technology underpins Naia Renew fibers, breaking down waste to molecular building blocks to create traceable, biodegradable fibers that reduce reliance on virgin materials. This process is helping Eastman set new industry standards in circularity, offering brands a ‘Runway-Ready’ solution that meets environmental goals with fashion-forward looks.
Eastman’s ‘Recycled and Runway Ready’ showcase at Booth 18 highlights collections made from recycled content, creatively displayed through AI-enhanced photography. This exhibit emphasizes Eastman's aim to bring sustainable beauty to mainstream fashion and inspire consumer choices.
In collaboration with partners like Debrand and Patagonia, Eastman is pioneering textile-to-textile recycling, demonstrating how pre- and post-consumer waste can be transformed into new garments. Furthermore, Eastman fosters sustainability in fashion education, engaging institutions like Barcelona’s Escola Superior de Disseny and the Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology to prepare the next generation of eco-focused designers.
Eastman’s Carolina Sister Cohn will join leaders from Circ, Circulose, and Syre for a panel on October 31st, addressing how textile innovation can drive widespread adoption of sustainable solutions.
Pacific Jeans Ltd, a leading denim manufacturer, will showcase its latest sustainable collections at the Denim Lounge during the 17th Bangladesh Denim Expo, scheduled for November 4-7 at ICCB’s Hall-4 in Dhaka. Known for its world-class denim since 1984, Pacific Jeans has become a key supplier for major fashion brands worldwide, exporting to over 50 countries.
Committed to innovation and sustainability, the company aligns its practices with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, underscoring a responsible approach in the global apparel supply chain. Its LEED certification further reflects this dedication, establishing Pacific Jeans as a frontrunner in ethical manufacturing.
At the Denim Lounge, Pacific Jeans will showcase a collection that blends innovative design, functionality, and sustainability, highlighting Bangladesh's advancing role in denim innovation. Syed M Tanvir, Managing Director of Pacific Jeans Ltd, noted that participating in the Bangladesh Denim Expo offers a platform to display the strengths of Bangladesh’s denim industry to an international audience, with an aim to establish the country as a leading force in the global denim supply chain.
Pacific Jeans has previously showcased its design and technological achievements at Bangladesh Denim Innovation Nights and represented Bangladesh at the Best of Bangladesh event in the Netherlands in 2022. The Bangladesh Denim Expo, organized by the country’s apparel industry, is held biannually and focuses on advancements in sustainable fabric technology, furthering the nation's position as a leader in responsible fashion.
Carbios, a pioneer in bio recycling technologies, has collaborated with global brands On, Patagonia, PUMA, Salomon, and PVH Corp., the parent company of Calvin Klein, to create the world’s first polyester garment entirely made from enzymatically recycled textile waste. Unlike conventional recycled polyesterlargely derived from PET bottles—this T-shirt represents a breakthrough in ‘fiber-to-fiber’ recycling, converting discarded textiles back into high-quality polyester through Carbios bio recycling technology.
The collaboration aims to establish a closed-loop production system, where polyester fibers from discarded fabrics can be fully recycled into new garments. The demonstration piece, a white T-shirt, was chosen intentionally to emphasize the recycled material's purity, made from complex textile waste mixes that include various dyes, cotton, and elastane, which are challenging to recycle through traditional methods. Carbios technology deconstructs polyester using enzymes into fundamental components (PTA and MEG) which are then repolymerized and spun into yarn.
This innovation in Carbios Clermont-Ferrand pilot facility showcases how textile waste can replace petroleum-based raw materials to produce virgin-quality polyester, significantly lowering the environmental impact by reducing landfill reliance and carbon emissions.
Production began with consortium brands contributing textile scraps, which Carbios processed and converted into monomers, showcasing the technology’s seamless integration with standard textile manufacturing. This garment reflects a critical step toward sustainable practices in the apparel industry, especially as only 1 per cent of current fiber waste is recycled back into fibers.
Carbios commitment to scaling biorecycling includes a new industrial facility under construction in Longlaville, France, and agreements with PET producers in Asia and Europe. Consortium members, including PUMA and Salomon, emphasized the importance of advancing circular solutions for polyester, targeting a more sustainable industry.
As stated by Carbios CEO Emmanuel Ladent, the technological advancement reflects the collective efforts to surmount recycling challenges and push the textile industry toward a circular future, one biorecycled garment at a time.
Stockholm-based and Unilever-owned company, Blueair has teamed up with New Zealand’s Lanaco to revolutinise indoor air quality by developing advanced air filters using electrostatic wool and plant fibers.
Aligning with Blueair’s growth strategy, this collaboration follows the recent launch of its ‘Air Designed for a Better Life’ campaign highlighting the health benefits of clean indoor air for sleep, mood, and overall well-being.
Lanaco’s EcoStatic filter technology leverages the natural properties of wool combined with innovative, data-driven technology to create highly efficient filters with minimal airflow resistance. Crafted entirely from wool, the EcoStatic media uses positively and negatively charged fibers to capture particles while maintaining optimal airflow due to its porous structure. Wool’s natural fire-resistance and water-repellent qualities also prevent clogging from moisture, setting it apart from conventional synthetic filters.
Marking the first use of natural wool fiber in air filtration, Andy Lu, CEO, Blueair terms this partnership with Lanaco as a pioneering move for the industry. The wool filter technology sets a new performance standard,he states noting the rigorous testing process behind the filter, including trials in space exploration. Nick Davenport, CEO, Lanaco, adds, the company’s partnership with Blueair underscores its shared commitment to enhance air quality and make a meaningful impact on indoor environments.
With Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO describing it as a ‘market with unparalleled potential,’ India has become the primary focus for expansion for Italian luxury brand Bvlgari. To tap into India’s rapidly growing luxury segment, Bvlgari launched its first digital boutique through a partnership with Tata CLiQ Luxury.
Babin acknowledges, while China led luxury market growth over the past decade, its growth has begun to slow due to market maturity and an oversupply across sectors, including real estate. This normalisation is pushing Bvlgari to pursue double-digit growth globally, positioning India as its ‘growth booster.’ The market’s unique attributes, from robust GDP growth and rising incomes to high education levels, set it apart globally.
India’s vast diversity in wealth distribution, makes luxury e-commerce a particularly promising avenue, notes Babin. Bvlgari's new digital boutique on Tata CLiQ Luxury will feature India-inspired pieces, such as the B.zero1 Kada bracelet and the Bvlgari Mangalsutra, as well as popular global collections like Serpenti Viper bracelets, B.zero1 rings, and the OctoFinissimo and Octo Roma watches, alongside leather goods and accessories.
Gopal Asthana, CEO, Tata CLiQ, terms the company’s collaboration with Bvlgarias a monumental step in expanding the platform's luxury portfolio. Currently Tata CLiQ generates 55 per cent of its revenue from non-metro markets, underscoring the significant demand for luxury beyond India’s major cities. The company partnership with Bvlgari gives it a wider access to a brand known for Italian craftsmanship and heritage, adds Asthana. To ensure a seamless shopping experience to customers, Tata CLiQ Luxury will also provide a concierge experience with staff trained by Bvlgari.
India, a major player in the global textile industry is no longer just a manufacturing hub, it is fast emerging as a leader in textile innovation, driven by a dynamic startup ecosystem, government initiatives, and a growing awareness of sustainability.
This shift is critical, as highlighted by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) in its ‘Innovative Technologies for the Textile and Apparel Sector in India’ (ITASSI) report. The report underscores that innovation is crucial for India to maintain its competitive edge. Driving this wave of change is a dynamic startup ecosystem, fostered by initiatives like Startup India. India now boasts of over 140,000 registered startups, and ranked 40th in the 2023 Global Innovation Index. This signifies a cultural shift towards entrepreneurship.
From waterless dyeing to algae-based leather
A wave of cutting-edge technologies is sweeping across the Indian textile landscape. Startups and established companies are focusing on sustainable practices with innovations viz.
Waterless dyeing: Companies like Alchemie Technologies are pioneering waterless dyeing solutions that drastically reduce water consumption and pollution. This technology uses a supercritical carbon dioxide process to dye fabrics, eliminating the need for water and harmful chemicals.
Microbial dyes: Naturezyme, a Pune-based startup, is producing dyes from microbes, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional synthetic dyes. These dyes are biodegradable and require less water and energy to produce.
Upcycling: Numerous entrepreneurs are leading the way in product innovation through upcycling, transforming textile waste into valuable products like fashion accessories and home décor.
Innovations beyond sustainability
Beyond sustainability, Indian innovators are exploring new materials and processes as well. Technology is revolutionizing various aspects of the textile industry. For example, the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) is supporting the development of smart textiles using nanomaterials. These fabrics have applications in healthcare, sports, and defense, offering benefits like temperature regulation, moisture management, and even health monitoring. Traceability in cotton is also high on the agenda. Kasturi Cotton, a public-private partnership, is leveraging blockchain technology to enhance traceability in the cotton supply chain. This ensures transparency and accountability, allowing consumers to verify the origin and quality of their cotton products. Algae-based leather is another innovation that is making a mark. This sustainable alternative to traditional leather is gaining traction, with startups like Phool.co creating bio-leather from temple flower waste. Startups are also developing digital solutions for inventory management, supply chain optimization, and workforce management, improving efficiency and productivity across the industry.
The ITASSI report emphasizes the growing acceptance of digital technologies within the Indian textile sector. Startups are leveraging digital tools to optimize various aspects of the industry.
Equipment monitoring: IoT sensors and data analytics are improving efficiency and reducing downtime in manufacturing processes.
Supply chain visibility: Blockchain and track-and-trace systems are enhancing transparency and accountability across the supply chain.
Workforce management: Digital platforms are streamlining workforce management, improving productivity, and ensuring fair labor practices.
Weaving a supportive ecosystem
The government too is playing a crucial role in fostering this culture of innovation through initiatives like Startup India for example, this flagship program provides incentives, funding, and mentorship to startups, including those in the textile sector. Similarly, the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) with a budget of Rs 1,480 crore, aims to position India as a global leader in technical textiles. Bharat Tex, the international textile machinery and technology exhibition provides a platform for startups to showcase their innovations. The 2024 edition saw over 80 startups participate in the Textiles Startup Grand Challenge.
While these advancements are promising, continuous innovation remains crucial for India's textile industry to thrive. Focus areas include:
Sustainability: Developing and adopting eco-friendly technologies to minimize environmental impact.
Skill development: Training the workforce to adapt to new technologies and processes.
Global Collaboration: Partnering with international players to access knowledge and markets.
By embracing innovation, India's textile industry is not only securing its future but also contributing to a more sustainable and responsible global textile landscape.
Marking the second consecutive year of growth after a previous two-year decline, Brazil’s imports of women's hosiery items, including socks and stockingsincreased by 25 per cent to 14 million pairs in 2023.
In terms of value, women's hosiery imports by Brazil rose to $89 million in 2023, as per IndexBox estimates. China emerged as Brazil’s top supplier in 2023, providing 9.3 million pairs, or 68 per cent of Brazil's total hosiery imports. This volume far surpassed the second-largest supplier, Paraguay, which supplied 3.9 million pairs. Argentina ranked third, with a supply of 105,000 pairs, representing a 0.8 per cent share. From 2013 to 2023, China’s exports to Brazil grew at an average annual rate of 17.8 per cent, while Paraguay experienced a higher growth rate of 39.1 per cent per year. Meanwhile, Argentina's volume remained stable.
In terms of value, Brazil’s main suppliers in 2023 included China with imports worth $43 million from the country. This was followed by Paraguay with $35 million imports, and Argentina with imports valuing $4.1 million. Together, these countries accounted for 92 per cent of Brazil’s total imports. Imports from Paraguay grew at a 47.8 per cent CAGR over the review period, while imports from other suppliers grew at more moderate growth rates.
In 2023, the average import price of women’s hosiery in Brazil declined by 5.2 per cent to $6.60 per pair (CIF) from the previous year. Import prices have generally trended downward since 2015 when they peaked at $14 per pair. Prices also varied significantly by country of origin, with Pakistan having the highest average price at $26 per pair, while Hong Kong had one of the lowest, at $3.10 per pair. From 2013 to 2023, Pakistan's prices rose by an average of 9.1 per cent annually, while prices from other major suppliers displayed mixed trends.
