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A global chemical company, Huntsman has secured Bluesign approval for ten of its Irogran thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) products, widely used in the textile and apparel industry. A part of Huntsman’s Irogran film and sheet portfolio, these products enhance the production, performance, and comfort of stitchless, seamless garments such as underwear, sportswear, and outdoor clothing.
The Bluesign-approved Irogran products help manufacturers create practical, comfortable, and stylish stitchless and waterproof garments. Designed for barrier and adhesive film applications, Irogran’sTPUs combine abrasion and friction resistance with elasticity and a soft touch, while also offering strength and temperature flexibility for a seamless, high-performance finish.
A globally recognised sustainability solutions provider, Bluesignensures sound environmental practices and products throughout the textile value chain. Products bearing the bluesignapproved label meet strict ecological and toxicological standards as set out by bluesigncriteria. For textile and apparel manufacturers,this endorsement significantly reduces the time and cost associated with verifying environmental credentials of products.
Dr. Anja Weismann, Senior Leader-Global Materials & Industry Sustainability, Huntsman Polyurethanes, states, a hallmark of qualityBluesign is actively changing the impact that textiles have on the planet, for good. Huntsman’scollaboration with Bluesign reinforces its commitment and efforts to manufacture polyurethane and TPU products with the lowest possible impact on people and the planet.
Already struggling with export market competition from Bangladesh and China, the Tiruppur knitwear industry now faces challenges in the domestic market as well. This year, knitwear production for the Indian market, valued at Rs 30,000 crore, plummeted by nearly 60 per cent.
Garment manufacturersare highlighting the lower production costs in states like Punjab and Gujarat, which are closer to man-made fabric (MMF or synthetic) manufacturers.
Production costs in these states are at least Rs 80 per garment cheaper than in Tamil Nadu. They are urging the state government to establish a special committee to protect the domestic industry and encourage synthetic fabric production within the state.
MPMuthurathnam, President, Tiruppur Exporters and Manufacturers Association, states, typically, most orders come from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. However, this year, the orders have shifted to Gujarat, Punjab, Bihar, and Odisha, mainly due to the cost of production differences.
He notes,domestic production is dominated by garments made from MMF rather than cotton. The association is compelled to source these fabrics from cities like Surat and Ludhiana before it processes, stitches, and dispatches finished garments from Tiruppur.
With the emergence of large-scale domestic production units in other states, demand for garments from Tiruppur has decreased. The rise in labor wages and zero-discharge of effluents has led to an increase in production costs in the state. Transportation alone costs Rs 18 per kg. Therefore, the state government needs to promote synthetic or MMF fabric production locally, urges Muthurrathnam.
MG Kumar, Vice-President, Tiruppur Seconds Baniyan Owners’ Association, adds, there is a massive stockpile of knitwear in Khadarpet, Tiruppur’s domestic knitwear trade hub. However, orders from Delhi and Mumbai have declined. The demand for pure cotton garments is decreasing as polyester ones are Rs 170 cheaper per piece.
Cheap synthetic fabric from China and Bangladesh is being imported to Kolkata, Kumar adds urging for a ban such imports.
The Lycra Company unveiled its latest innovation, a new patent-pending bio-derived Lycra fiber, at MarediModa, held as a part of Milano Unica.
Hosted for the first time in Milan, MarediModa showcased premium fabric collections from Europe for beachwear, athleisure, leisure, outdoor, citywear, and upper casual segments.
The new fiber is claimed to be the world's first sustainable and renewable elastane produced on a large scale and will be available globally in early 2025. Made from renewable field corn, this bio-derived Lycra fiber is estimated to reduce the carbon footprint by up to 44 per cent compared to standard Lycra fiber made from fossil-based raw materials, according to a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Cradle-to-Gate Screening study by Ramboll Americas Engineering Solutions, Inc. conducted in June 2022.
Alistair Williamson, Vice President-EMEA, The Lycra Company, says, the bio-derived fiber will enable Lycra to reduce carbon footprint by providing a sustainable alternative without compromising quality and performance.
In addition to the bio-derived Lycra fiber, the company presented new fabrics and swimwear made with Lycra Xtra Life fiber, which offers resistance to chlorine, heat, and creams while maintaining excellent comfort levels. They also showcased Lycra Adaptiv fiber, which adapts to different body shapes and provides comfortable fits even during physical activities.
Esteemed Italian wool fabric specialist, LanificioSuccessoriReda (Reda) is embarking on several new projects to expand its operations. These include the launch of contemporary cashmere fabrics and a wider collaboration with Vilebrequin for men’s bathing suits, alongside a partnership with Eurojersey for a new series of double-strata sporty-chic fabrics.
Hailing from Biella, Redaaims to reinvent wool beyond traditional uses while emphasising its sustainable identity. Since 2020, Reda has been B Corp certified, reflecting its adherence to the highest social and environmental standards.
The company boasts several specialised divisions: Reda Active focuses on high-performance fabrics ideal for physical activity and daily challenges, while RedaFlexospecialises in smart stretch fabrics made from an environmentally friendly next-generation polymer. Rewoolution is dedicated to producing high-performance sports and leisure wear from pure Merino wool. Lanieri Italia offers made-to-measure clothing through an e-commerce platform that combines technological innovation with traditional tailoring.
At the latest Milano Unica, ErcoleBottoPoala, CEO, presented ‘The Goat,’ a collection of cashmere fabrics aimed at contemporary, street-inspired total looks. Named after the acronym ‘Greatest of All Time,’ the collection features garments far removed from classic formal schemes, characterised by oversized, comfortable, and functional fits. The high-quality cashmere ensures unparalleled softness and durability, with optional water-repellent treatments for added practicality.
In collaboration with The Woolmark Company, Reda has also developed high-performance, low-impact wool swimwear for Vilebrequin. Since Spring/Summer 2022, this partnership has produced men's swim shorts made from Reda’s Super 120's Merino wool Active. The capsule collection for Spring/Summer 2024 includes new color variants and additional garments like shirts and drawstring pants, all benefiting from Merino wool’s hypoallergenic, breathable, and thermoregulating properties.
Additionally, Reda has teamed up with Eurojersey to create Techblend, a fabric that combines Eurojersey’s Sensitive Fabrics with Reda Active’s Merino wool jersey. This innovative material offers comfort, stretch, odor absorption, and breathability, suitable for tailored styles. The fabric features a bio-wicking treatment for greater breathability and rapid drying.
The company behind the Onitsuka Tiger brand, Asics has raised its net profit and sales forecasts for the fiscal year ending December 2024. The company expects a record operating profit of ¥95 billion ($596 million) during the year.
The company has benefited from the weakening yen. Demand outside Japan surged in the second quarter, with a 38 per cent increase in Greater China, a 30 per cent rise in Southeast and South Asia, and a 16 per cent growth in the United States compared to the same period last year. Domestic sales also climbed by 24 per cent.
The company attributes its recent success to the popularity of resurrection models like the Gel-1130 and Gel-Kayano 14, favored by fitness enthusiasts and celebrities such as Hailey Bieber, which are expected to continue performing well in the future.
Glo-Djigbe Industrial Zone (GDIZ) proudly announces its first export of "Made in Benin" garments to Europe. The initial shipment includes 80,000 children's leggings for the French brand Kiabi. This milestone signifies the start of a promising collaboration between Sipi-Benin and Kiabi, with plans to deliver two million garments in 2024 and 4 million in 2025.
The two-year negotiation culminated in this significant achievement, highlighting Benin's ability to meet international quality standards. Kiabi joins other prestigious brands like The Children’s Place and US PoloAssn in partnering with GDIZ, reinforcing its position as a key textile hub in Africa.
LetondjiBeheton, Managing Director of Sipi-Benin SA, expressed pride in this accomplishment, emphasizing the commitment to promoting Benin's textile industry globally. He noted Kiabi's growing collaboration with Africa for garment production and plans to expand retail presence on the continent.
Penagos Juan, CEO of Kiabi Sourcing, highlighted the alignment with Kiabi's strategy to produce closer to its sales points and praised the partnership with Arise and Benin. Kiabi aims to produce 30 million pieces in Africa, emphasizing sustainability and the use of 100 per cent Made in Africa cotton.
Language’s new hand-painted shoe collection epitomizes luxury and craftsmanship. Each pair is meticulously handcrafted from premium leather, ensuring both quality and a luxurious feel. The collection's hallmark lies in its striking two-tone details and intricate, hand-finished highlights that showcase pure artisanal excellence.
Designed for the sophisticated urban man, these shoes are perfect for any formal occasion, from grand festivities to business events. They offer unparalleled style, confidence, and grace, helping you make a lasting impression.
Every pair is a unique embodiment of dedication and passion, crafted by skilled artisans who infuse their heart into every shoe. These shoes are more than just a fashion statement; they are a testament to impeccable taste and timeless allure.
Discover Language’s hand-painted shoe collection at exclusive brand outlets in Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kochi, Ludhiana, Kozhikode, Patiala, and Bathinda, or at over 250 multi-brand outlets across the country including Metro Shoes, Mochi, and Regal Shoes.
Italian fashion brand Fila has launched a new campaign and collection to celebrate its Italian heritage and highlight a renewed focus on combining beauty and sport performance.
The Bellissimo campaign and the AW24 Casa Fila Collection signify the beginning of a new era for the brand, aiming to reshape its identity and perception among consumers. Inspired by its rich heritage, Fila emphasises its commitment to style and performance, embodying the brand’s belief in balancing both elements seamlessly.
Designed for the modern club sport athlete, the collection features elevated takes on Fila classics, such as the BB1 Polo now made with performance materials, and tennis apparel that merges the brand’s classic design DNA with contemporary twists.
Todd Klein, Fila's Global Brand President, says,the campaign and new collection set the tone for Fila’s future. The campaign reimagines the traditional country club scene as the Bellissimo Country Club, a place in which anyone and everyone is invited to indulge in la vita bella through a delightful mix of sport and play, he adds.
The campaign can be viewed across Fila-owned and operated channels, through paid media, influencer content, out-of-home (OOH) advertising, streaming, and e-commerce platforms. Its hero film will be adapted for social media channels, with imagery from the film used in OOH and retail locations.
Led by the Taliban, Afghan Golden Cotton Company signed a $25 million contract with a Chinese company Shanghai Khuban Textile Company for the export of cotton thread. The contract entails exporting 10,000 tons of cotton thread to China. The contract was signed in Kabul during the celebration of National Export Day.
The Taliban's Ministry of Commerce highlighted this deal as a significant step towards boosting Afghanistan's export sector. Taliban officials have consistently urged local investors to channel their investments into Afghanistan to stimulate economic growth. However, the private sector faces numerous obstacles that hinder such investments. These challenges include banking restrictions, high tariffs, steep taxes, political instability, security concerns and infrastructure challenges.
In related developments, the Taliban recently appointed Noor Ahmad Agha, a sanctioned Taliban member, as the governor of Afghanistan’s Central Bank. This appointment has raised concerns among international observers about the governance and financial stability of the country. Despite these challenges, the Taliban continues to push for economic self-sufficiency and growth through initiatives like the recent cotton thread export contract.
India, the world's 5th largest economy by GDP (Gross Domestic Product), holds a significant position in global trade. In 2023, its total trade value surpassed $1 trillion, a remarkable feat for a developing nation. But a closer look reveals an interesting dynamic between its import and export partners.
Import Powerhouses: China, UAE, and US lead the pack
As per Ministry of Commerce and Industry stats China reigns supreme as India's import giant, supplying nearly $100 billion worth of goods in FY23. This is almost double the combined import value from the UAE ($53 billion) and the US ($50 billion), ranking second and third respectively. Consumer electronics, computer hardware, and electrical machinery are some of the top imports from China. Russia, at number four ($46 billion), stands out as the sole European representative in the top 10, catering to India's massive crude oil import needs.
A growing trade gap, a cause for concern
However, a closer look reveals a trade deficit of $268 billion, highlighting the country's reliance on imports. The US is India's biggest export market ($78.5 billion), with textile, apparel, and fashion (TAF) goods potentially contributing to this figure. India enjoys a trade surplus with the US, unlike its major trading partners like China. Other promising export destinations include the UAE, Netherlands, and Bangladesh. China remains India's top import partner overall ($98.5 billion), with consumer electronics, computer hardware, and electrical machinery likely including TAF machinery. Other major import sources include the UAE ($53 billion) and the US ($50 billion).
India's trade deficit has steadily widened over the past six years, reaching a record $268 billion in FY23. This can be attributed to factors like a large and growing domestic demand that is not entirely met by its manufacturing base, and a heavy reliance on external crude oil supplies.
Table: Top import and export partners
|
Rank |
Country |
FY23 imports (mn $) |
FY23 exports (mn $) |
Trade difference (mn $) |
|
Imports |
||||
|
1 |
China |
98,506 |
15,306 |
-83,200 |
|
2 |
UAE |
53,232 |
31,609 |
-21,623 |
|
3 |
US |
50,864 |
78,543 |
27,679 |
|
Exports |
||||
|
1 |
US |
78,543 |
||
|
2 |
UAE |
31,609 |
-21,623 |
|
|
3 |
Netherlands |
21,618 |
15,657 |
India's trade presents a fascinating picture of a growing economy with immense potential. To bridge the trade gap, India might focus on sectors like textiles, apparel, and fashion, where it has a strong comparative advantage. By strategically promoting exports and potentially reducing reliance on certain imports, India can work towards a more balanced trade scenario in the coming years.
