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Birla Cellulose has announced its plans to participate in Bharat Tex, scheduled to take place in New Delhi from February 26-29, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam. At the event, the company will showcase Birla EcoSoft, a bamboo viscose fiber renowned for its exceptional breathability, moisture management, and durability compared to conventional viscose. Sourced from sustainably managed forests, Birla EcoSoft sets new benchmarks for comfort in the fashion industry, reflecting the company's dedication to transparency and consumer trust.
Furthermore, Birla Cellulose will introduce its revolutionary Circular Yarn Blend crafted from recycled mechanical textile waste using cutting-edge technology. This breakthrough product boasts a remarkable 50 per cent mechanical recycled fiber content while maintaining high-strength yarn for various fabric and garment applications. The chemical-free, energy-efficient mechanical recycling process addresses environmental concerns, boasting minimal energy consumption, eco-friendliness, low greenhouse gas emissions, and reduced water usage. In-situ coloration eliminates the need for additional dyes or pigments, further minimizing the environmental footprint.
The company will also highlight its Carbon-disulphide Adsorption plant in Kharach, Gujarat that employs closed-loop technologies to mitigate carbon disulphide and hydrogen sulfide emissions. Another innovation by Birla Cellulose is Livaeco fibers that contain a unique molecular tracer for source verification across the value chain..
ManMohan Singh, Chief Marketing Officer, says, Birla Cellulose’s participation in Bharat Tex will enable the company to exchange new ideas and forge new partnerships with industry leaders.
Messe Frankfurt is expanding its presence in the rapidly growing Central Asian market by introducing three new textile events in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
These exhibitions will encompass Heimtextil Uzbekistan for the home textiles sector, Texworld Tashkent for the fabric industry, and Apparel Sourcing Tashkent.
Messe Frankfurt sees Uzbekistan's strategic positioning at the crossroads of Europe and Asia as pivotal for trade facilitation and economic growth in neighboring countries and the broader region.
Wolfgang Marzin, CEO, Messe Frankfurt Group, says, the group’s move into Central Asia underscores the potential for increased global economic integration. The region serves as a bridge between Asia and Europe, aligning with China’s Belt and Road initiative aimed at fostering economic connectivity.
Uzbekistan's burgeoning consumer market, evolving political landscape, and favorable geographical location make it an appealing investment destination and trading partner.
Messe Frankfurt highlighted the region's potential amid evolving global supply chains and trade dynamics. Uzbekistan's government recognises the significance of investing in infrastructure to establish efficient transit routes, supported by initiatives like China's Belt and Road and Europe's commitment to diversify transport corridors.
Stephan Buurma, Board Member, Messe Frankfurt Group, emphasises, the group’s extensive sales network spanning 180 countries and regions positions it as an ideal partner for Uzbekistan to elevate its international standing. Uzbekistan's textile sector, already a major cotton exporter, presents opportunities for modernisation and investment.
Heimtextil Uzbekistan, Texworld Tashkent, and Apparel Sourcing Tashkent are scheduled to run concurrently from November 06-08, 2024.
Sympatex, the forefront supplier of sustainable high-tech functional materials, is set to revolutionize the footwear industry with its latest innovations. From February 20-22, 2024, at Lineapelle in Milan, the global stage for the leather and footwear sector, Sympatex will unveil two cutting-edge technologies, Moisture-Tech and Non-Woven.
Lineapelle, renowned for setting trends in the industry, provides the perfect platform for Sympatex to showcase its commitment to sustainability and technological prowess. Kim Scholze, CSMO at Sympatex, expresses enthusiasm about the event, highlighting Sympatex's dedication to creating eco-friendly yet high-performance membranes.
Moisture-Tech by Sympatex stands out for its rapid sweat absorption and quick drying properties, significantly reducing heat buildup in shoes by 45 per cent compared to other technologies, as demonstrated in the Heat Insulation Test.
Non-Woven by Sympatex offers unparalleled comfort while significantly reducing environmental impact. By replacing polyurethane foam with 100 per cent recycled polyester non-woven, Sympatex has slashed CO2 emissions by 10 per cent and water consumption by 15 per cent. Yasemin Malcolm, from Product Management at Sympatex, emphasizes the company's strides toward a mono-material and recyclable laminate, enhancing both sustainability and technical performance.
Sympatex's innovations signal a paradigm shift in the footwear industry, where sustainability and performance seamlessly converge, promising a greener and more comfortable future for footwear enthusiasts worldwide.
Seattle-based sustainable apparel brand, Arvin Goods has unveiled its latest socks collection crafted from Recover recycled cotton fiber.
The newest launch showcases crew socks composed of 79 per cent recycled materials, with 43 per cent being recycled polyester and 36 per cent derived from
Recover recycled cotton fiber. According to Recover, their proprietary recycled fiber is among the most environmentally friendly options available, significantly reducing the carbon and water footprint of the apparel supply chain. It's estimated that manufacturing just one pair of Arvin Goods socks made with 36 per cent Recover fiber saves up to 18 gallons of water compared to conventional cotton pairs.
Boris Mercier, SVP Marketing, Recover, avers, the brand’s continued collaboration with Arvin Goods stems from a shared dedication to circular fashion that upholds quality, comfort, and style.
Dustin Winegardner, Managing Partner, Arvin Goods, adds, the company’s partnership with Recover and the Ferre family has been integral since its inception. It advances its mission to provide the ‘The Cleanest Basics on the Planet’ by sourcing materials from Spain and manufacturing in nearby Portugal.
Paqui Ferre, Director-Sales and Marketing Director, Ferre, adds, the company’s iconic FBlue yarn, known for its circularity, performance, and color accuracy is used by Arvin. This along with Recover recycled cotton addresses the growing demand for sustainably sourced yarns while offering vibrant colors for Arvin Goods products.
A prominent apparel manufacturer based in the United States, HanesBrands reported a 9.6 per cent decline in revenue to $5.63 billion during FY23 from $6.23 billion in FY22.
The company’s sales during Q4 FY23 declined by 12 per cent to $1.3 billion compared to the previous year. On an organic constant currency basis, net sales experienced a decline of approximately 10 per cent.
The global Champion brand, a crucial segment for HanesBrands, faced a 23 per cent decrease in sales on a reported basis in Q4 FY23 and a 24 per cent decline on a constant currency basis compared to the prior year. Sales in the US saw a significant 30 per cent decline, while international sales decreased by 14 per cent on a reported basis and 15 per cent on a constant currency basis. Despite witnessing sales growth in China and Latin America, declines in Europe, Japan, and Canada overshadowed these gains, as stated by HanesBrands in a press release.
In Q4 FY23, gross profit amounted to $494 million, marking a slight decrease of about 2 per cent, while gross margin significantly improved by 400 basis points to 38.1 per cent. Adjusted gross profit stood at $495 million, with an adjusted gross margin of 38.2 per cent, indicating an improvement of nearly 395 basis points compared to the same quarter in 2022.
Operating profit and margin for the fourth quarter improved to $96 million and 7.4 per cent, respectively, up from $60 million and 4.1 per cent in the previous year. Adjusted operating profit increased to $111 million from $83 million in Q4 FY22, with the adjusted operating margin up approximately 295 basis points over the prior year.
In terms of segments, innerwear sales decreased marginally by about 1 per cent, while activewear sales experienced a 24 per cent decline. International sales decreased by 9 per cent, including a $6 million impact from unfavorable foreign exchange rates.
HanesBrands surpassed its 2023 inventory and operating cash flow goals, ending the year with inventory under $1.4 billion, exceeding the company’s $1.5 billion target and marking a 31 per cent year-over-year improvement in inventory management.
Steve Bratspies, CEO, says, though the company’s Q4 performance did not meet expectations, it got several positive indicators that shows margins and leverage have reached a positive inflection point.
A specialised textile manufacturer from Dhaka, Bangladesh, NZ Denim launched a new range of low-impact denims fabrics for S/S 2025 during the last edition of Texworld held in Paris.
The company aims to expand its denim fabric range besides increasing its annual productive capacity from the present 36 million meter to 72 million meter by developing new weaves, new surface effects and lower impact materials.
Amongst the new styles launched by the company includes the pro-biotic denim fabric treated with biochemical based substances produced by Proclean, an Indian chemical company, used to age fabrics. The company has also dyed its fabrics with natural indigo substances by AMF Herbal, another Indian chemical company that develops bio-based and vegetable origin dyeing substances.
NZ Denim has also launched a new fabric made with 83 per cent cotton, 1 per cent spandex and 16 per cent Spinnova, a natural fiber developed by a Finnish company that obtains special cellulosic fibers from wood pulp through a mechanical process that requires no water and only uses a very low energy amount, mostly from solar power.
Other products launched for the S/S 2025 collection include fabrics made with Tex2Tex Earth Protex, special polyester that can also be recycled through melting. It can be reused up to a 40 per cent percentage and can be added to virgin cotton for new denim and cotton fabrics.
A part of NZ Tex Group, NZ Denim is a vertical mill-setup including four integrated business units employing 7,000 workers.
Through its different divisions the group produces dyed yarns and linen fabrics. As the only Bangladesh company manufacturing 100 per cent linen fabrics it exports to Belgium, France, Japan and Korea.
Colorado-based footwear company Crocs expects Q1 FY 2024 revenues to decline by 1.5 per cent Y-o-Y. The company plans to reinvest in several key areas as it continues to gain durable market shares.
During Q4 FY23, Crocs; revenues increased by 1.6 per cent to $960 million Y-o-Y with direct-consumer-revenues increasing by 6.8 per cent. The company’s sales surged by 11.5 per cent to $4 billion during the quarter.
By brand, Crocs revenues surged by 10 per cent to $732 million, while HeyDude revenues declined by 18.5 per cent to $228 millionfrom the same period last year.
During the three months, the brand’s net income grew to $253.9 million, up from $137.7 million, in the prior-year period.
Capped off by a strong fourth quarter that exceeded expectations across all metrics, Crocs Inc delivered a record year in FY23, says Andhrew Rees, CEO. The company’s revenues grew by 11 per cent to $4 billion underpinned by industry-leading operating margins and double-digit earnings per share growth. The brand
Crocs grew across all regions and channels, highlighting the power of the company’s strategy and disciplined execution. The HeyDude Brand returned to a pull-market position resulting in improved gross margins and healthy inventory levels exiting the year, he adds.
Marks & Spencer will introduce a range of products from Puma and Reebok to The Sports Edit platform on M&S.com to strengthen its third-party offering.
Home to five out of the top ten global sportswear brands, M&S.com will have 140 products from the two sportswear brands throughout February and March, including a range of performance and lifestyle apparel and footwear. Currently, the platform houses 90 third-party brands.
This year The Sports Edit will also celebrate its first year of partnership with the platform that saw 110 per cent growth in sportswear searches during the period.
Estimated to be worth over £15.3 billion in 2022, the UK sportswear market is expected to continue to grow by 16.3 per cent between 2022 and 2027.
Nishi Mahajan, Director - Third-Party Brands, M&S, says, the platform has been carefully curated to cater for every style, energy level and price point, complementing and completing the strength the brand has in its Goodmove range.
Nick Paulson-Ellis, Founder and CEO, The Sports Edit, adds, carefully curated edit of sportswear partners on The Sports Edit platform on M&S.com now includes five out of the top ten global sportswear brands, with more to follow later in the year.
The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) has urged the government to temporarily suspend an order permitting the trans-shipment of Bangladesh export cargo through the Delhi Air Cargo complex, citing logistical and cost concerns.
In a communication to the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBIC), AEPC highlighted the strain caused by the Red Sea crisis, which has escalated transportation costs for domestic exporters and prompted a shift from sea to air freight.
Sudhir Sekhri, Chairman, AEPC expressed concern over the daily arrival of 20-30 loaded trucks in Delhi, slowing cargo movement and facilitating undue advantage-taking by airlines. This situation has resulted in soaring air freight rates, processing delays, and severe congestion at the Cargo Terminal of the IGI Airport, making Indian apparel exports less competitive, he said.
AEPC petitioned the CBIC to suspend the implementation of a circular issued on February 7, which expanded the trans-shipment permissions to the Delhi air cargo complex. Previously, such trans-shipments were restricted to the Kolkata Air Cargo complex. Bangladesh's significant presence in the textile sector poses a competitive challenge to India.
The Central Government has announced an extension of the Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) scheme for the export of apparel/garments and made-ups until March 31, 2026.
This scheme offers benefits of up to 6 per cent to exporters in these sectors. Initially set to conclude on March 31, 2024, the uncertainty surrounding its expiration hindered exporters from accepting new orders beyond that date.
Bharat Chhajer, Former Chairman, Powerloom Development and Export Promotion Council (PDEXCIL), says, the extension will ensure stability in the policy regime, lower the tax burden and provide a level playing field on the principle that “goods are exported and not domestic taxes. The decision is particularly significant for the textile industry in Gujarat, a prominent textile hub, he adds.
The RoSCTL scheme aims to offset state and central taxes and levies through rebates, alongside the duty drawback scheme, for exports of apparel-garments and made-ups. The central principle is to prevent the exportation of taxes and duties, fostering a level playing field for exports.
Rahul Shah, Co-chairman, Textile Committee, GCCI, highlights the challenges facing the textile sector. Citing a decline in India's textile and apparel exports from April to November 2023, he says, the extension of the RoSCTL scheme provides much-needed support to exporters of garments and made-ups, offering a potential boost to the industry.
