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Spinnova, a trailblazer in sustainable textile materials, has enlisted Rejlers Finland Oy as its partner to craft a comprehensive process design package. This collaboration marks a pivotal step in planning the expansion of Spinnova fiber production, underscoring a commitment to sustainable innovation in the textile industry.
The partnership entails expert consultation, design, and plant sizing for upcoming phases of production-scale unit development, devoid of geographic constraints. The versatile process design package is adaptable globally, facilitating the scaling of production regardless of the raw material base.
Of notable significance is Spinnova's patented technology, capable of producing textile fibers from various sources including wood and waste streams, without resorting to harmful chemicals. Teemu Lindberg, Executive Vice President at Spinnova, emphasizes the package's role in formalizing insights gleaned from previous endeavors, positioning it as a cornerstone for future plant implementations.
For Rejlers Finland Oy, this collaboration aligns seamlessly with their strategy of championing circular economy initiatives. Samuli Kyttälä, Senior Vice President of Industry at Rejlers, sees the partnership as a testament to their prowess as a project partner for technology developers, solidifying their foothold in advancing novel technologies.
Anticipated to commence in the first half of 2024, this collaboration signifies a concerted effort towards sustainable innovation, poised to reshape the textile landscape.
SaXcell, a pioneering textile recycling innovator, showcased its fabric and garment samples at PV Paris alongside Birla Cellulose, a major player in man-made cellulosic fiber manufacturing. This collaboration, displayed from February 6 to 8, highlights their joint effort in producing recycled man-made cellulosic fibers. SaXcell's innovative textile waste pulping technology, paired with Birla's advanced wet spinning expertise, has yielded high-quality sustainable "SaXcell" recycled fibers, meeting the circular textile demands on a commercial scale.
Süleyman Kocasert, CMO of SaXcell, emphasized the global importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the textile industry's social and environmental challenges. He highlighted the urgent need to transition from a linear to a circular economy, stressing the impact of SaXcell and Birla's joint innovation and production capabilities.
Aspi Patel, Chief Technology Officer of Aditya Birla Group and Birla Cellulose, expressed the firm's commitment to expanding circular fiber offerings through partnerships with innovators, recognizing the crucial role such collaborations play in advancing circularity in the global textile value chain.
SaXcell B.V., founded by researchers from Saxion University in 2015, specializes in recycling used textiles into feedstock for sustainable man-made cellulosic fibers. With a pilot factory established in 2020, SaXcell plans further expansion with a Small-Scale Production plant in Enschede, The Netherlands, by 2024.
Birla Cellulose, a sustainability-focused MMCF producer, operates 12 manufacturing sites with environmentally efficient closed-loop technologies. Recognized for its commitment to sustainability, Birla Cellulose collaborates actively with partners to enhance the sustainability of its value chain.
In a pioneering collaboration, Tencel, the pioneering textile brand by Lenzing, partnered with Intimasia for its 6th edition, signaling a transformative leap forward for India's intimate wear sector. The fusion of these industry leaders sparked a wave of innovation, showcased at the Tencel x Intimasia event held in Mumbai from January 22 to 24, 2024, solidifying its status as South Asia's premier B2B fashion expo for intimate wear.
Spanning 120,000 sq ft, the event featured over 250 exhibitors and 300+ brands, attracting more than 20,000 retailers, distributors, and 500 delegates. Tencel intimasia served as a nexus for industry players, offering a platform for product demonstrations, collection unveilings, and networking opportunities.
The surge in demand for Tencel lyocell, modal fibers, and Lenzing Ecovero viscose fibers within the Indian market was palpable, evidenced by the diverse collections on display and the keen interest from manufacturers and retailers. Renowned for their eco-friendly credentials, derived from sustainable wood sources with significantly reduced carbon emissions and water consumption, these fibers meet stringent environmental standards.
Endorsed by leading brands and designers, Tencel's cellulosic fibers have redefined intimate wear, boasting superior moisture absorption, breathability, and lasting softness, ensuring optimal comfort and hygiene.
The inaugural Lingerie Fashion Week, a highlight of the event, showcased a spectrum of intimate, loungewear, and sportswear products. Collaborations with Direct-to-Consumer and mainstream brands like Bummer, XYXX, and Red Rose unveiled cutting-edge innovations, reaffirming Tencel's influence on contemporary fashion trends in India.
Avinash Mane, Senior Commercial Director of Textile Business at Lenzing AMEA & NEA, emphasized the brand's commitment to enhancing the Indian intimate apparel market through premium quality and consumer-centric solutions.
Running concurrently, Source NXT provided a vital sourcing platform for global manufacturers, suppliers, and buyers in the hosiery and knitwear sector. Lenzing's spotlight on Tencel and Lenzing Ecovero fibers facilitated a global dialogue on manufacturing trends and innovations, further cementing its position as an industry leader.
Sri Lanka's Textile Manufacturers' Association (STMA) is urging the government to extend a value-added tax (VAT) exemption currently enjoyed by handloom textile producers to power loom manufacturers as well. The association argues, this move will ensure e survival of the local industry and the livelihoods of thousands of workers.
The crux of the issue lies in the uneven playing field created by the current VAT structure. Locally produced fabrics face a 15 per cent VAT, making them more expensive compared to imported textiles that are exempt from the tax. This price disparity discourages consumers from choosing domestic products, putting the local industry at a significant disadvantage.
EANS Perera, Chairman, STMA, emphasises, the decision to levy VAT only on local manufacturing textiles has jeopardized the livelihoods of around 50,000 people, especially those in the power loom sector. Currently, imported handloom and power loom textiles are VAT-exempt, while domestically produced power loom fabrics are not, he adds. .
He urged the government to extend the VAT exemption to power loom manufacturers. This will level the playing field and create a fairer market environment for the local industry, he adds.
Making a bold statement, Donna Karan New York launched a star-powered Spring 2024 campaign titled ‘In Women We Trust.’
Featuring eight iconic women including Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, Amber Valletta, Shalom Harlow, Carlyn Murply, Imaan Hammam Karlie Kloss and Liya Kebede, the campaign, shot by Annie Leibovit, celebrates the timeless elegance, female empowerment, and accessible luxury, inherent qualities of the Donna Karan brand.
These are the qualities reflected in the brand’s new collection featuring classic silhouettes and signature pieces like the crisp cotton shirt dress, bodysuit, draped dress, and lightweight blazer.
The campaign emphasises the importance of women leading the way besides Donna Karan's pioneering approach to power dressing that continues to resonate today.
To be rolled out across all Donna Karan social channels, the campaign will be amplified through a comprehensive media mix across North America, including digital, print, and outdoor platforms.
The latest edition of denim industry event, Kingpins New York, concluded with positive results, marking a promising start to 2024.
Held at the Basketball City, the show saw a 11 per cent increase in visitors compared to July 2023 and a 27 per cent compared to January 2023. The event was attended by over 85 exhibitors who showcased their products to 700 visitors from over 300 companies representing 17 countries. It was attended by leading industry giants like American Eagle Outfitters, Calvin Klein, and Tommy Hilfiger, etc.
Kingpins New York will celebrate its 20th anniversary from 17th -18th July, 2024 along with the tenth anniversary of Kingpins Amsterdam on April 24-25, 2024.
This will be followed by Kingpins China in Hangzhou from May 23-25, 2024. The trade show will cater to both B2B and B2C audiences, with a dedicated area featuring DIY activities, retail, and seminars on sustainability and denim culture.
Issuing a warning for the fourth quarter, popular kids' clothing store, The Children’s Place is urgently seeking new funding.
Operator of over 500 stores in North America, The Children’s Place, now expects a fourth-quarter adjusted operating loss to reach 9 per cent to 8 per cent of sales. Its prior guidance had called for adjusted operating income of about 2 per cent of sales.
The company expects net sales to range from approximately $454 million to $456 million, compared to its prior guidance of $460 million to $465 million.
For its third quarter, ended Oct 28, The Children’s Place’s net sales decreased 5.7 per cent to $28.9 million, comparable retail sales decreased 7.3 per cent. The company’s adjusted net income was $40.6 million, or $3.22 per share, compared to $43.8 million, or $3.33 per share, in the comparable period last year.
The company's global retail and wholesale network includes four digital storefronts, more than 500 stores in North America, wholesale marketplaces and distribution in 16 countries through six international franchise partners.
The Children’s Place designs, contracts to manufacture, and sells apparel, accessories and footwear predominantly at value prices, primarily under its proprietary brands: The Children’s Place, Gymboree, Sugar & Jade and PJ Place.
Global economic slowdown combined with local production hurdles led to over 25 per cent decline in Bangladesh's apparel exports to its biggest export market, the United States in 2023.
Official figures from the Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA) show, Bangladesh's RMG exports to the US dropped by 25.07 per cent to $7.28 billion in 2023 compared to the $9.72 billion earned in 2022.The volume of apparel imports by the US from Bangladesh dropped by 27.94 per cent to 2.25 billion sq m in 2023.
Faruque Hassan, Presiden , BGMEA, says, the decline in demand is due mainly to the negative effects of the Russia-Ukraine war, which has driven up inflation and interest rate. It has also resulted in high inventory levels and reduced work orders throughout last year, he adds.
Fazlul Hoque, Former President, Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) adds, the decline can be attributed to a sluggish demand amid an internal economic crisis and high inflation in the US.
The volume of US’ overall apparel imports from across world also decreased by 22.05 per cent to $77.84 billion from $99.85 billion in 2022, according to OTEXA data.
As per OTEXA data, China's apparel exports to the US declined by 24.98 per cent to $16.31 billion in 2023. China's share in the US apparel market declined from 37.32 per cent in 2013 to 20.96 per cent in 2023.
Similarly, US apparel imports from Vietnam and India dwindled by 22.29 per cent and 21.42 per cent, respectively, reaching $14.17 billion and $4.46 billion in in 2023.
In a landmark collaboration, the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) and global technology leader Seiko Epson Corporation have teamed up to develop a new fiber recycling solution. This partnership aims to tackle the growing challenge of textile waste in the fashion industry by leveraging HKRITA's expertise in textile recycling and Epson's innovative dry fiber technology.
Building upon an MoU signed in March 2023, this collaboration will see Epson utilise its dry fiber technology to develop a defibrating process for elastic blended and tightly woven fabrics. HKRITA will provide technical support and evaluate the performance of the new solution in terms of material properties.
This joint venture will help create a commercially viable recycling solution that can be readily adopted by the textile industry. Edwin Keh, CEO, HKRITA, says, the collaboration will enable the company to develop an integrated solution that transcends industry boundaries and unlocks new opportunities for sustainable fashion.
Satoru Hosono, Deputy General Administrative Manager, Technology Development Division, Epson, adds, the partnership will allow Epson to address the needs of a more sustainable future by developing new recycling solutions.
This collaboration marks a significant step forward in the quest for a more circular fashion industry. By combining their expertise and resources, HKRITA and Epson are poised to deliver a game-changing solution that addresses the environmental impact of textile waste while promoting the use of recycled materials in fashion.
The China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (FTA), implemented in 2020, has become a game-changer for both nations, particularly in the textile, apparel, and fashion industries. Bilateral trade has soared, with data highlighting significant growth in both imports and exports especially in textiles and apparel segment. This trend is poised to reshape Asian trade dynamics and holds promising prospects for the future.
Impact on trade
The FTA has given a huge push to trade between the two nations. As per Trade Development Authority of Pakistan stats, textile, apparel and fashion (TAF) exports from Pakistan went up 23 per cent in 2023, reaching $5.8 billion. Similarly, as per China’s General Administration of Customs, textile and apparel exports to Pakistan increased 18 per cent in 2023, reaching $4.2 billion.
The impact of the FTA is evident in the rising trade figures
| Year | China's Exports to Pakistan (TAF) | ($ billion) | Pakistan's Exports to China (TAF) | ($billion) | Growth in Pakistan's Exports to China (%) | ||
| 2021 | 4.2 | 2.5 | - | ||||
| 2022 | 5.1 | 3.2 | 28% | ||||
| 2023 (estimated) | 5.8 | 4.0 | 25% |
The textile and apparel sectors are the primary drivers of this growth. Pakistan's exports to China in these categories increased 37.5 per cent from 2020 to 2022, driven by competitive pricing, high-quality cotton, and skilled labor. Meanwhile, China exports textile machinery, synthetic fibers, and other raw materials to Pakistan, fostering a mutually beneficial partnership.
Pakistan's fashion exports to China witnessed a remarkable 35 per cent jump in 2023, exceeding $1.2 billion states Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. Chinese investment in Pakistani fashion brands and manufacturing is on the rise, with several notable collaborations announced in 2023.
Key growth drivers
The boost in trade is due to many factors. The FTA phased out tariffs on most TAF products, making them more competitive in each other's markets. Over 7,000 Pakistani products are now tariff free, in the Chinese market. This has empowered Pakistani TAF businesses to gain market share and diversify their export portfolio.
Chinese investments in Pakistani textile infrastructure and joint ventures too are fostering deeper integration along the TAF value chain. Pakistani TAF exports benefit from preferential access to China's vast consumer base. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) offers efficient land and sea routes for trade. Meanwhile the China-Pakistan TAF trade boom might reshape Asian trade dynamics. Pakistan could emerge as a strong competitor to established textile hubs like Vietnam and Bangladesh in the Chinese market.
Challenges and considerations
However, while trade may have got a boost the ongoing political tensions between regional players could disrupt trade flows and hinder long-term cooperation. Pakistan needs to further develop its infrastructure and logistics to fully capitalize on the FTA's benefits. Also, ensuring fair labor practices and environmental sustainability will be crucial for the long-term success of the China-Pakistan TAF partnership.
Regional trade dynamics
This burgeoning China-Pakistan trade relationship has the potential to reshape Asian trade dynamics. As it will result in reduce dependence on traditional western markets. Both nations can diversify their export destinations and lessen reliance on developed economies. It will also boost regional integration. Increased trade flows within Asia could lead to further economic cooperation and infrastructure development. Increased collaboration between China, Pakistan, and other Asian nations could strengthen the regional TAF industry.
It will also create new opportunities as the rise of a combined China-Pakistan textile and apparel powerhouse could attract new investments and create jobs across the region. However, other Asian TAF producers might face pressure to adapt and diversify their offerings.
Meanwhile experts predict sustained growth in China-Pakistan TAF trade, fuelled by increasing demand, favorable trade policies, and ongoing investments. And Pakistan's focus on textile automation and skill development, coupled with Chinese technological expertise, could lead to a more advanced and competitive TAF industry. Another point to ponder is growing consumer awareness regarding sustainable practices is pushing both countries to adopt eco-friendly production methods, creating opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
The China-Pakistan FTA is weaving a stronger Asian TAF trade landscape, with potential benefits for both countries and the region. Addressing existing challenges and capitalizing on future opportunities will be key to unlocking the full potential of this growing partnership.
