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In response to the rapidly evolving landscape of the textile industry, Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition 2024 is set to introduce the pioneering Digital Solutions Zone. Scheduled from Aug 27-29, 2024 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center, this debut zone expands the fair’s offerings significantly as it celebrates its 30th anniversary.
Spearheaded by Wilmet Shea, General Manager, Messe Frankfurt (HK), this initiative underscores the industry's quest for cutting-edge solutions in sourcing, manufacturing, and retailing. Emphasising technologies such as additive manufacturing, big data analytics, virtual reality, and generative AI, the zone aims to empower exhibitors specializing in digital sustainability, personalized production, and innovative production technologies.
The zone will facilitate interactions between over 4,000 exhibitors and an international audience of 95,000 visitors, comprising manufacturers, fashion brands, designers, and retail chains eager to gain a competitive edge.
Among the key highlights from past editions, companies like Shima Seiki showcased 3D fabric design solutions, enhancing efficiency across research, development, and production. Meanwhile, Avery Dennison demonstrated advancements in RFID technology, aiming to optimize supply chain efficiency and sustainability.
In addition to the Digital Solutions Zone, the fair will feature other specialised zones like Accessories Vision, Beyond Denim, and the new Econogy Hub focusing on sustainable textiles. These zones collectively support the show's role as a comprehensive hub for the global apparel textile industry.
Co-organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK), the Sub-Council of Textile Industry (CCPIT), and the China Textile Information Centre, Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition promises a dynamic showcase of innovation, networking opportunities, and industry insights, set against the backdrop of Shanghai, the heart of global textile manufacturing.
True Religion has launched an exclusive capsule collection in partnership with streetwear brand Bad Weather, owned by American rap artist, songwriter and producer, Chief Keef.
The Bad Weather x True Religion collection offers a range of men's apparel and accessories, including t-shirts, hoodies, denim vests, jeans, and various accessories. It features co-branded hardware, heavyweight fabrics, vintage dyes, and distinctive textures, all celebrating True Religion's heritage while looking ahead to future growth.
The initial collection debuted on truereligion.com, with a second drop planned for Fall. Prices for accessories range from $20 to $79, while key pieces like tees, jeans, hoodies, and vests are priced between $69 and $259.
Kristen D’Arcy, Chief Marketing Officer, True Religion, says, the partnership between Bad Weather and True Religion explores new denim treatments, graphic designs, and cutting-edge silhouettes. It's a unique collection that will resonate with Chief Keef’s loyal Bad Weather fans and the customers of True Religion customers alike.
Commenting on the collaboration, Chief Keefreminisces about his initial partnership with True Religion in 2022, marking the 10-year anniversary of his song ‘True Religion Fein.’Having established his own clothing brand, Chief Keef says, he feels a deep connection partnering again with True Religion.
Coats Digital is delighted to announce that South Asia Textiles Ltd., a leading textile manufacturer, has significantly improved its operations following the implementation of Coats Digital’s FastReactPlan in 2023. The solution has reduced average machine idle time by 74 per cent, from 380 hours to just 100 hours; improved on-time delivery performance (OTDP) by 15 per cent; and decreased capacity planning time from eight hours to two, a 75 per cent reduction.
Based in Pugoda, Sri Lanka, South Asia Textiles, a subsidiary of Hayleys Fabric PLC, produces high-quality textiles for global brands like Victoria’s Secret, Next, and Adidas. The company, which employs over 1,400 staff and has a monthly production capacity of 800,000 kg, previously struggled with production inefficiencies and delivery issues due to siloed capacity planning information.
According to SameeraJayasinghe, Senior Manager Planning at South Asia Textiles, the manual planning processes led to slow decision-making and frequent on-time delivery failures. However, FastReactPlan provided a single, digitized source of planning and production information, fostering better alignment and collaboration across departments. This allowed for accurate capacity data, enabling timely adjustments to production schedules and improved cost-to-make quotes based on real-time availability.
Managing Director Rohan Goonathilake noted that FastReactPlan has enabled the company to handle increased business and maintain on-time deliveries consistently. The solution also improved yarn demand utilization and buffer stock maintenance, reducing inventory holding costs and enhancing cash flow.
RukshanPeriyapperuma, Customer Success Manager at Coats Digital, expressed satisfaction with the partnership's success, highlighting the significant benefits realized by South Asia Textiles and their ongoing digital transformation efforts.
Rising demand from textile mills in the country is causing a spike in India’s cotton exports to Bangladesh for the 2023-24 season. As per the Cotton Association of India, India’s cotton exports to Bangladesh are expected to rise by 67 per cent to around 26 lakh bales (170 kg each) during the season from 15.5 lakh bales in the previous season.
Around 1-1.5 lakh bales of cotton are being exported from India to Bangladesh monthly, says AtulGanatra, President of CAI. By road, Bangladesh receives Indian cotton in about 5 days.
CAI has revised the pressing estimates for 2023-24 to 317.70 lakh bales, up from 309 lakh bales in February. This increase mainly comes from Central India, where farmers are off-loading old stocks. However, the current season's pressing estimates are still lower than the previous year’s 318.9 lakh bales. Ganatra attributed the increase in pressing figures to the carry-forward stocks entering the markets. By the end of May, about 296.53 lakh bales had been pressed.
India’s cotton imports for the season are expected to rise to 16.4 lakh bales from the previous estimate of 12 lakh bales. Of this, 5.5 lakh bales had already arrived in the country by the end of May. Including opening stocks, imports, and pressing estimates, the total supply is projected at 363 lakh bales, higher than the previous season’s 355.4 lakh bales.
CAI estimates demand for Indian cotton to rise to 317 lakh bales from 311 lakh bales. Demand from the non-MSME segment is estimated at 201 lakh bales, while consumption from MSMEs is pegged higher at 100 lakh bales.
The average capacity utilization of spinning mills is estimated at around 90 per cent, with mills in Central and North India running at 100 per cent capacity and those in the South at 80 per cent. CAI projects closing stocks for the current season by the end of September to be lower at 20.50 lakh bales, compared to the previous year’s 28.90 lakh bales.
The Centre plans to expand the coverage of the nearly Rs 11,000-crore production linked incentive (PLI) scheme for the textile sector to include more product lines such as t-shirts and innerwear. Additionally, the government plans to extend the timeframe for applicants to set up facilities from two years to over three years.
These adjustments will help enhance the scheme's effectiveness, as it has not yet succeeded in boosting India's textile exports. From 2018 to 2023, India’s textile exports declined by 11.69 per cent to $14.34 billion from $16.24 billion.To bring the industry back on a positive growth trajectory, the government intends to implement these corrective measures.
Launched with an approved outlay of Rs 10,683 crore, the PLI scheme for the textile sector will promote the production of man-made fiber (MMF) apparel, MMF fabrics, and technical textile products. The scheme will enable the industry to achieve size and scale and become more competitive.
The government has approved 64 applicants under the scheme, with a proposed investment of Rs19,798 crore, a projected turnover of Rs1.94 crore, and the creation of 245,362 jobs. The first set of applicants is expected to start receiving incentives from 2025-26.
Bangladesh has become a major player in the global denim market, establishing itself as the leading supplier of denim garments to the US and EU. This success story is driven by a combination of factors, including significant investments, a focus on innovation, and a commitment to sustainability. Bangladesh today is the world's second-largest exporter of denim clothing, accounting for 22 per cent of global exports in 2022 as per WTO. This translates to an annual export value of almost $8 billion as per BGMEA. Industry analysts project Bangladesh's denim output will at 8-10 per cent each year in the foreseeable future.
What’s more, the denim sector directly employs over 1.1 million people in Bangladesh, with millions more jobs indirectly supported. Bangladesh has a manufacturing capacity of over 500 million denim garments and over 1.5 billion meters of denim fabric annually. The country has over 42 denim mills with a manufacturing capacity of over 900 million meters of denim fabric annually.
Factors driving Bangladesh's denim leadership
The rapid growth in denim sector has been due to several factors.
Increased investments: The Bangladeshi government and private sector have significantly invested in the denim industry, leading to the establishment of state-of-the-art denim mills. Investments have grown from Tk 8,000 crore to Tk 25,000 crore in a decade.
Focus on innovation: Bangladeshi denim mills are continuously developing new materials, treatments, and washes to cater to the evolving fashion trends.
Sustainability efforts: The Bangladesh Denim Alliance (BDA) is a leading initiative promoting sustainable practices in the denim production process, aiming to reduce water usage and eliminate harmful chemicals. And as per BDA there has been a 32 per cent decrease in water consumption and significant advancements in eliminating hazardous chemicals in Bangladesh's denim production since 2020.
Strategic location: Bangladesh's proximity to major markets like the EU and the US offers logistical advantages for denim exports.
Skilled workforce: Bangladesh has a large pool of skilled workers in the garment industry, contributing to efficient denim production.
Table: Bangladesh Exports to the US and EU
|
Year |
Denim exports to US (in $million) |
Denim exports to EU (in $ million) |
|
2022 |
942.96 |
1560 |
|
2023 |
649.96 |
1200 |
Denim exports a challenge
Denim exports to the US and EU declined in 2023 due to a sluggish global market and high production costs in Bangladesh. Also, the Ukraine war and economic slowdown have had an effect. Moreover, countries like Pakistan and Vietnam are emerging strong competitors in the denim export market. To tide over this situation Bangladesh needs to embrace automation and data-driven decision-making can further enhance efficiency and competitiveness.
Overall Bangladesh's denim industry exemplifies a remarkable success story. Through strategic investments, a skilled workforce, and a commitment to sustainability and quality, Bangladesh has emerged as a dominant player in the global denim market. The country is well-positioned to capitalize on future opportunities by embracing innovation and upholding its commitment to responsible production practices. The denim industry's success transcends economic indicators, fostering social development through increased employment, skill development, and industrial transformation. Bangladesh's denim story serves as a compelling example of how well-timed investments can drive innovation, sustainability, and the rise of developing nations in the global economic landscape.
Forget everything you thought you knew about nylon. That scratchy, utilitarian fabric of yesteryear is undergoing a serious transformation. Yes, nylon is back, and this time it's bringing a surprising blend of innovation, sustainability, and even a touch of luxury to the party.
Gear up for growth
The market is buzzing with excitement for nylon's resurgence. As per Fortune Business Insights global market size for nylon is $32.42 billion by 2026, and it's not just a one-region story. India, for instance, is experiencing its own nylon boom, with the market expected to reach a cool $5.2 billion by 2025.
Table: Global sector-wise penetration and growth
|
Region |
Market Size ($ million) (2023) |
CAGR (%) (2023-28) |
|
Asia Pacific |
14.2 |
4.8 |
|
North America |
6.8 |
3.9 |
|
Europe |
5.7 |
3.5 |
|
Rest of the World |
3.3 |
4.1 |
Move over yoga pants, nylon's got its sights set on a whole new wardrobe. While activewear remains a major driver (think high-performance leggings that won't quit), advancements are pushing the boundaries. Eco-conscious consumers are loving bio-based nylons, while innovative blends are opening doors to exciting new applications.
Innovation is the name of the game
• Sustainable swagger: Forget harming the planet for your next outfit. Bio-based PA 6 nylons offer a guilt-free alternative, letting you look good and feel good.
• Performance powerhouse: Who says functionality can't be fun? Nylon's making waves in carpets (think stain-resistant bliss with DuPont's Sorona) and footwear (lightweight support for your next adventure).
• Swimwear that makes a splash: Chlorine? No problem. Quick-drying? Absolutely. Sustainable options made from recycled nylon? You bet. Nylon's got swimwear covered.
• Fashion with function: Durable and water-resistant, nylon is taking outerwear by storm. Advancements are making sure it looks as good as it performs.
Brands taking notice
Major players in the fashion and sportswear world are taking note of nylon's potential. Sustainability champion Patagonia is using recycled nylon in a big way, while The North Face relies on its durability for their top-notch hiking gear. From running shoes to activewear, Adidas is leveraging nylon's performance benefits across their entire product line.
A fabric reinvented
Nylon's comeback is a story of reinvention. By embracing innovation, sustainability, and a touch of fashion flair, this once-humble fabric is poised to become a major player in the textile industry for years to come. So, the next time you see nylon, remember - it's not just for the gym anymore. It's a versatile, eco-conscious material with a surprising amount of style potential.
China’s technical textile industry maintained a positive development trend from January to April, with continuous growth in industrial value-added and improvements across key economic indicators and sub-fields. Export trade also experienced steady growth during this period.
Marking a return to double-digit growth since April 2021, production of nonwoven fabric grew by 10.3 per centY-o-Y during the period, as per data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).This positive trend reflects rising demand across various applications.
Fueled by an increased consumer spending in automotive industry, production of cord fabrics used to make tires increased by 17 per cent surge. This growth aligns with the booming new energy vehicle market, which relies heavily on advanced technical textiles.
The industry is also experiencing positive momentum financially with operating income of the companies growing by 6.5 per cent and total profits by 27.9 per cent compared to the same period last year. The operating margin increased by 0.6 percentage points compared to the previous year, reaching 3.7 per cent.
Overall, the first half of 2024 paints a promising picture for China's technical textile industry. Continued growth and innovation in this sector are poised to solidify China's position as a global leader in advanced textile manufacturing.
A pioneer in developing and industrialising biological technologies to reinvent the life cycle of plastics and textiles, Carbioshas collaborated with TomraTextiles to establish an efficient stream for textile waste collection, sorting, and preparation in Northern Europe.
The facility will be established utilisingCarbios enzymatic depolymerisation technology at the company’s first commercial plant currently under construction in Longlaville, France.
The monomers produced during this process will be used to create recycled polyester (r-PET) fiber, thus promoting polyester textile circularity.
Innovations from TomraTextiles and Carbios address critical gaps in the value chain, significantly increasing textile-to-textile recycling from its current rate of 1 per cent. The partnership offers a sustainable alternative to incineration or landfill by accelerating a circular economy for polyester.
Tomra Textiles is dedicated to closing the gap in textile circularity by designing and scaling textile sorting plants. The company’s partnership with Carbios will enable it to explore specific measures to prepare post-consumer polyester waste for biorecycling according to Carbios’ specifications.
Thebiorecycling technology by Carbiosbreaks down polyester fibers into their basic components using enzymes, which are then used to produce high-quality recycled PET materials, such as fibers for the textile industry. The company’s collaboration with Tomra aims to redirect the challenging PET fraction of polyester textile waste towards biorecycling, demonstrating a shared commitment to pioneering recycling solutions for a circular economy.
Emmanuel Ladent, CEO, Carbios, states, leading the way in forming an efficient value chain for textile circularity, Carbios actively engages with global industry leaders like Tomra to shape the future of sustainable textiles.
VibekeKrohn, Head -Tomra Textiles, adds, the company’s collaboration with Carbios will enable it to stimulate further investments needed to scale textile circularity.
Leading innovator in advanced biomaterials made from spider-silk based proteins, AMSilk GmbH, will display its collection of premium biofabricated yarns at PittiImmagineFilati. The event is scheduled to be held from June 25-27, 2024 in Florence, Italy.
The only company to successfully produce filament yarns form spider silk proteins, AMSilk aims to connect with other players in the luxury textile market and explore new opportunities for commercial collaboration and co-creation at PittiImmagineFilati.
AMSilk provides disruptive material solutions to help the world's leading brands address their carbon footprint with superior biofabricated yarns, opening up new opportunities to reinvent fashion.
Produced through biofabrication, AMSilk's fibers and yarns offer significant potential as future material solutions. These range from super fine yarn for silk-like premium fabrics to technical yarns for automotive interiors. These protein formulations are free from animal-origin substances or fossil-based raw materials, leaving no microplastics behind. At the end of their lifecycle, they are verifiably biodegradable or recyclable. Being biofabricated, these materials can be customised at a molecular level to meet specific market or product requirements.
A premier event for innovative yarns, PittiFilati attracts the most prestigious and influential brands and designers from around the world, says Benoit Cugnet, Head - Fiber BU, AMSilk.
