FW
Two Vienna-based entrepreneurs Bettina Steinbrugger and Annemarie Harant and founders of Erdbeerwoche (Strawberry Week) have won the Organic Cotton Round Table (OCRT) Innovation Award. Their initiative aims to leverage the power of female consumers to make feminine hygiene products healthier and sustainable, using only organic cotton.
The annual Textile Exchange Organic Cotton Round Table Innovation Award in collaboration with Change Agency was held this year in Hamburg, Germany. The awards attracted entrepreneurs with new ideas from all segments of the industry, ranging from a foundation to support organic cotton production to innovative crop combinations, a new traceability system, to an app for farmers, and streamlining the way organic premiums reach farmers.
A panel of judges headed by Helen Crowley, Head of Sustainable Sourcing Innovation at Kering, heard six finalists give their innovation pitches. The runner-up prize went to SmartFarming Cotton app and the first prize of $3000 to Erdbeerwoche.
Erdbeerwoche aims to raise awareness to encourage women to use their purchasing power to make feminine hygiene more sustainable. So far, more than 1 million conventional hygiene products have been replaced by organic cotton alternatives. Post winning the award, Bettina and Annemarie welcomed their award and said that winning the Innovation Award meant a lot to them as it is an important recognition for their work in breaking the taboo of menstruation and educating women about organic and sustainable feminine hygiene. They said that they were convinced that with the support of the OCRT community we can give Strawberry Week another significant boost and reach even more women globally.
The runner-up SmartFarming delivers a smartphone application for organic farmers with real-time, locally specific data and advice on inputs and farming practices. The app comes with a ‘management dashboard’ for cotton companies with field activities. The Organic Cotton Round Table, now in its fifth year, acts as the platform for collective action and incubator for great ideas in the organic cotton community. This year over 200 attendees joined the OCRT in Hamburg. Next year, the OCRT would take place in the USA in Washington, DC, during the week of October 9.
Myanmar’s garment sector is expected to earn two billion dollars in this fiscal year 2016-2017. Exports from the garment sector earned nearly 1.7 billion dollars last year. The sector is likely to grow five times more than its current status and employ between 3,00,000 and a million laborers by 2024. The aim is to reach a garment export value of ten billion dollars by 2024.
Japan, Europe and South Korea are the main export markets of Myanmar’s garment enterprises and the next target is the United States.
Myanmar’s garment sector is flourishing as the last low-cost production frontier for factory relocation and diversification in southeast Asia.
With a competitive minimum wage, GSP trade privileges in the EU market and a strategic location at the China-India intersection, Myanmar is becoming increasingly popular among manufacturing companies burdened by the upward cost spiral in China.
The country is having a strong emphasis on economic reforms to attract FDI, harmonisation of investment regimes, and the development of special economic zones and the needed infrastructure.
In 2014, Japan and Korea were Myanmar’s major export destinations, accounting for 38 per cent and 31 per cent of its total garment exports.
The EU has become an increasingly important driver of garment export growth for Myanmar.
Vietnam's textile and garment industry needs to motivate itself and attract foreign investors to top ASEAN member states in the field, feels the chairman of the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS), Vu Duc Giang. Giang was speaking at a conference themed ‘Strengthening the supply chain in the ASEAN textile sector towards sustainable development’ in Hanoi.
The country has targeted an export turnover of $29 billion this year, $2 billion higher than 2015 Giang says that there were more than 6,000 textile and garment businesses operating in the country, creating stable jobs for more than 2.5 million workers. Vietnam happens to be the largest exporter of textiles and garments in the region. This production sector developed thanks to its wide and deep integration into the region and the world. From a sector that mainly served domestic consumption, it has become a leading force in the country's export turnover.
It has also helped Vietnam become one of the largest five exporters of textiles and garment in the world, he added. Vietnam has been a member of the ASEAN Federation of Textile Industries (AFTEX) since 2001. AFTEX has initiated two big programs - the alliance of the ASEAN supply chain and the ASEAN professional skills standards - which have resulted in many advantages for the region.
"With inherent advantages such as skilled workforce and competitive wages, Bangladesh has all the might to become Asia's manufacturing hub as the country is on the back of high export growth. It employs around 4.4 million workers in the garment sector, and the number is slated to grow with the rise in sectors such as leather and leather goods."
With inherent advantages such as skilled workforce and competitive wages, Bangladesh has all the might to become Asia's manufacturing hub as the country is on the back of high export growth. It employs around 4.4 million workers in the garment sector, and the number is slated to grow with the rise in sectors such as leather and leather goods.
Asia in the global market
In 2015, the global garment business was worth $445 billion and Bangladesh's export was worth $26 billion. In the same year, China exported apparel items worth $175 billion, Vietnam $22 billion, India $18 billion, Turkey $15 billion, Indonesia $7 billion, Cambodia $6 billion and the US $6 billion. In 2000, the share of Asia in global clothing exports was 40.92 per cent, while that of the rest of the world was 59.08 per cent. In 2015, Asia's share was recorded at 62.41 per cent and the rest of the world was at 37.59 per cent. In fiscal 1984-85, Bangladesh's garment export was $0.12 billion and in fiscal 2015-16, the country's clothing export was $28.09 billion, he added.
Bangladesh eying global share
Bangladesh's market share in the global manufacturing sector is increasing with a rise in intra-regional trade. The key lies in giving due credit to the workers. Industry associations feel that if factory workers are treated with dignity, their productivity increases as well. The government, factory owners and retailers should work for the welfare of the workers. Imparting training not only to mid-level management, but also top level and low level management would garner better results.
What works for Bangladesh is it is in the heart of Asia and other Asian countries can shift their production to Bangladesh. There are 78.6 million people in the workforce, including all sectors like garments, agriculture, manufacturing and the services sectors. The average age of most workers is below 40, which is a dividend for the country. With higher growth of exports, Bangladesh should thrust on the environmental and security issues to go the sustainable way.
Experts feel there can be no alternative to Bangladesh owing to its capacity to handle volumes and delivering goods at competitive prices. The leather sector is the next business that is coming up in Bangladesh. The competitive advantage of Bangladesh is the duty benefit to some countries. Companies want to source compliant leather from Bangladesh. Retailers make more than 60 per cent profit, although they purchase the clothing items at very cheap rates. Going ahead, the country should also produce high-end apparel products.
With inherent advantages such as skilled workforce and competitive wages, Bangladesh has all the might to become Asia's manufacturing hub as the country is on the back of high export growth. It employs around 4.4 million workers in the garment sector, and the number is slated to grow with the rise in sectors such as leather and leather goods. </p>
<p>
<h2> Asia in the global market </h2>
<p>
In 2015, the global garment business was worth $445 billion and Bangladesh's export was worth $26 billion. In the same year, China exported apparel items worth $175 billion, Vietnam $22 billion, India $18 billion, Turkey $15 billion, Indonesia $7 billion, Cambodia $6 billion and the US $6 billion. In 2000, the share of Asia in global clothing exports was 40.92 per cent, while that of the rest of the world was 59.08 per cent. In 2015, Asia's share was recorded at 62.41 per cent and the rest of the world was at 37.59 per cent. In fiscal 1984-85, Bangladesh's garment export was $0.12 billion and in fiscal 2015-16, the country's clothing export was $28.09 billion, he added. </p>
<p>
<h2> Bangladesh eying global share </h2>
<p>
Bangladesh's market share in the global manufacturing sector is increasing with a rise in intra-regional trade. The key lies in giving due credit to the workers. Industry associations feel that if factory workers are treated with dignity, their productivity increases as well. The government, factory owners and retailers should work for the welfare of the workers. Imparting training not only to mid-level management, but also top level and low level management would garner better results. </p>
<p>
What works for Bangladesh is it is in the heart of Asia and other Asian countries can shift their production to Bangladesh. There are 78.6 million people in the workforce, including all sectors like garments, agriculture, manufacturing and the services sectors. The average age of most workers is below 40, which is a dividend for the country. With higher growth of exports, Bangladesh should thrust on the environmental and security issues to go the sustainable way. </p>
<p>
Experts feel there can be no alternative to Bangladesh owing to its capacity to handle volumes and delivering goods at competitive prices. The leather sector is the next business that is coming up in Bangladesh. The competitive advantage of Bangladesh is the duty benefit to some countries. Companies want to source compliant leather from Bangladesh. Retailers make more than 60 per cent profit, although they purchase the clothing items at very cheap rates. Going ahead, the country should also produce high-end apparel products. </p>
Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) was held in the US from October 18 to 21, 2016. IFAI expo is the largest display of specialty fabrics and technical textiles in the US. Attendees were treated to four days of product demonstrations, education, networking, exhibits and awards recognizing industry achievement.
IFAI is a member-owned, member-driven trade association representing the global industrial fabrics industry. It provides events, publications, education, networking, business resources, industry advocacy and more. It works with members to provide sourcing solutions and referrals throughout the sales and production cycle. Its divisions provide market-specific activities and benefits to members.
Providing the global industry with news and information, IFAI publishes trade magazines, digital publications and industry guides to provide continued growth and awareness of the specialty fabrics, technical textiles and geo synthetic markets. The event gave exhibitors an opportunity to listen to the customer. It combines textile industry experts, manufacturers, members and attendees to deliver innovative, industry-shaping solutions. The expo covers specialty fabrics, advanced textiles or shade and weather protection.
Attendees also had the chance to earn textile testing certificates from North Carolina State University after completing a special testing course. IFAI expo 2017 will take place from September 26 to 29.
Fourth edition of FESPA Eurasia will be held in Turkey from December 8 to 11, 2016. This is a platform to reach key decision makers in the wide format screen and digital printing, textile printing and garment decoration and signage industries.
First time exhibitors to FESPA Eurasia 2016 include HP, Xerox, adhesive films manufacturer Hexis, textile equipment manufacturer Aleph, transfer printing machines manufacturer Tural Makina, digital textile printing equipment supplier Mert Dijital and textile printing machines manufacturer Özmak Makina.
A number of exhibitors have also expanded their space for the 2016 exhibition, illustrating the importance they place in FESPA Eurasia as the platform to reach key decision makers. Some exhibitors have expanded their stand size by as much as 50 per cent. Many of these have new distributor relationships and will therefore present more machines.
A host of international brands including Mimaki, HP, Fujifilm, Canon, swissQprint, Mutoh and Roland are also represented at the exhibition either directly or through local distributors. The continued commitment from both international and local exhibitors to FESPA Eurasia is a sign of confidence in the industry, and as visitor numbers have risen year-on-year, the value of the event is evident.
After the organisers of International Sourcing Expo Australia gave a broader look to it, a dedicated show focusing on footwear and leather has been included to the Sourcing Expo Australia. The International Sourcing Expo Australia, is the country’s pre-eminent platform for international sourcing in apparel, textiles and fashion accessories.
Accordingly, Footwear & Leather show, Australia will now run parallel to International Sourcing Expo Australia and the co-located China Clothing Textiles and Accessories expo to provide a significantly expanded platform for Australian trade buyers to source and locate new international suppliers. The combined events will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from November 15 to 17 and feature more than 600 exhibitors. This will include a significant contingent from Federation of Indian Export Organisations, Handloom Export Promotion Council and Council for Leather Exports. In total, Indians would be represented by more than 100 companies.
The event, which was launched in 2010 including foundation participation from India Trade Promotion Organisation, now features significant participation from across India through FIEO, HEPC and CLE. The HEPC will showcase and demonstrate Indian handloom production as well as present a seminar, while FIEO will also present a seminar on India as a major sourcing destination for textiles.
In 2016, exhibitor participation has increased substantially with many other new countries participating. This was bolstered with the participation of Enterprise Mauritius as well as Sri Lanka Export Development Board. On the whole, the event will have see the presence of India, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, US, Germany, Turkey, Italy, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Fiji, Cambodia and Australia among others.
Scientists in Germany have developed a textile finish that provides a sensory cooling effect. Cold-inducing substances that result in sensory cooling have a mild cooling effect, even when spread over a large area, without over-cooling the skin. One example of this would be the peppermint substance menthol. This has a cooling effect and soothes itching.
Now a whole range of other chemical substances have been discovered which, like menthol, bind themselves to the cold receptors. These substances trigger a stronger cooling sensation, are odor-neutral and have a longer-lasting effect. This means they can be used for therapeutic purposes.
The textile finish is based on p-menthane derivatives (agonists) such as WS-3 (N-ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide) or L-menthyl lactate and icilin. These substances have the advantage that, when spread in very low concentrations on small areas of the body, they have a lasting mild cooling effect throughout their period of activity. This kind of sensory cooling textile finish was tested on different textile substrates made from natural or synthetic fibers and blends.
During the project, researchers were able to make new findings about the substance sensitivity of specific areas of the skin (e.g. the cleavage, underarm, soles of the feet). The project also showed that sensory cooling textiles are effective in textiles worn close to the skin, but are unsuitable for loosely cut clothing that is not in direct contact with the body.
Saurer, a global leader in rotor spinning and winding machines enjoys a strong presence with its semi-automatic and fully automatic range of machines. The group consists of the spinning brands Schlafhorst and Zinser, the twisting brands Allma and Volkmann, the pre-spinning brand Jintan, the Saurer embroidery brand along with the brands Accotex, Daytex, Fiber Vision, Temco and Texparts.
With annual sales of around €1, 4,000 employees worldwide and locations in Switzerland, Germany, the UK, Czech Republic, Turkey, Brazil, Mexico, the US, China, India and Singapore, the group is well positioned to serve the world’s textile industry.
With its significant presence in spinning, Saurer has identified India as one of the most important destinations for investment and future growth. Accordingly, the company has set up a manufacturing facility in Gujarat, investing Rs 120 crores. This plant aims to strengthen Saurer’s operations in India, catering to demands in the domestic as well as export markets. It will allow the group to blend German technology with Indian experience and provide customers with the latest generation of world class products.
The plant will manufacture the Zinser models 71 and 72, both for conventional and compact ring spinning. The target for capacity is over one million spindles per year.
Pakistan president Mamnoon Hussain has called upon cotton growing countries to collectively address issues and problems related to cotton industry and strengthen global cotton economy. He said this while addressing delegates of 75th Plenary Meeting of International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC).The country’s minister for commerce Engineer Khurram Dastgir Khan and Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan, minister for National Food Security and Research were present on the occasion.
Hussain said volatility of cotton prices in the international market, technological gap between developed and developing countries, pricing issues in textile industry and complex matters such as branding in the trading world were some of the challenges being faced by cotton industry and called for joint efforts to address these problems. The president said cotton industry has great significance for Pakistan as 60 per cent of country's foreign exchange depended on this sector and it was also a step for providing employment to skilled and unskilled workforce.
He said Pakistan had made unprecedented progress in areas of cotton production and industry over the past few decades and was looking forward to cooperate with the committee for growth and promotion of cotton industry for the benefit of growers and manufacturers. The president noted that during the last few decades extraordinary changes had occurred in cotton crop and related industries, adding that new varieties of cotton were introduced which has changed techniques from cotton cultivation to production. It was imperative to understand and adapt to these changes and prepare ourselves for future innovations, he emphasized.
