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Luxury home decor brand D’Moksha has announced the appointment of Shailendra Singh as Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer (COO), marking a significant step in its growth journey as it prepares to launch full-scale operations in India. Singh previously served as Business Head - Physical Retail at Nykaa.
Founded in 2020, D’Moksha has built a loyal customer base in the United States with its premium, sustainably crafted home textiles such as stitched curtains and table linens. With operations rooted in India, the brand has optimized a vertically integrated supply chain to offer fast deliveries and boutique-quality products. The entry of Singh signals D’Moksha’s commitment to replicating this model in India.
“Shailendra’s leadership arrives at a pivotal moment for D’Moksha,” said Co-Founder and CEO Manav Dhanda. “His deep expertise in retail and operations will be instrumental as we scale in India.”
Singh, an alumnus of IIM Lucknow, brings over two decades of experience across leading consumer brands. At Hindustan Unilever Limited, he led key digital and retail initiatives before joining Nykaa, where he helped expand its offline retail network.
“D’Moksha’s mission-driven and innovation-led approach immediately resonated with me,” Singh said. “It’s an exciting opportunity to redefine home decor shopping in India.”
The brand has been piloting a unique ‘curtains-at-home’ experience in select Indian cities, offering expert consultations, real-size fabric trials, and digital previews. A nationwide rollout is expected soon, promising a new level of personalization and convenience for Indian consumers.
D’Moksha was founded by Manav and Nimisha Dhanda and operates from India with a growing presence in the US, combining sustainability, technology, and design excellence in every product.
The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) has released its 32nd Global Textile Industry Survey (GTIS), conducted between May 12–22, 2025, revealing wide regional disparities in performance and outlook within the global textile sector.
While the overall global business situation remains challenging, with a negative balance of -20 percentage points, Africa stands out with a robust +23 pp, followed by South America at +6 pp. In contrast, East Asia faces significant headwinds, recording the weakest performance with -48 pp. Despite current challenges, future expectations are more optimistic, registering a global balance of +24 pp. North America leads confidence levels with +65 pp, trailed by Africa at +54 pp, whereas East Asia remains cautious with -18 pp.
Order intake continues to be a concern, declining steadily for four months and landing at -21 pp in May. Africa is the only region showing positive momentum (+18 pp), while Europe (-45 pp) and East Asia (-41 pp) remain subdued. Nevertheless, global order backlogs show signs of recovery, now averaging 2.3 months.
Capacity utilization reached 72 per cent in May, with Asian countries maintaining leadership. Upstream sectors, particularly spinning, are operating at higher rates than downstream segments.
Demand weakness is the leading concern for 61 per cent of survey respondents over the next six months, followed by trade tensions and rising operational costs. However, order cancellation rates remain low and stable across all regions, indicating some resilience in the supply chain.
The ITMF findings suggest a global industry under pressure but with emerging bright spots and a cautiously improving sentiment in several key markets.
The Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) has announced the appointment of Louisa Losing from the Global Nature Fund (GNF) to its Cotton Advisory Board. Losing brings valuable experience in integrating biodiversity into agricultural supply chains, a focus that aligns closely with AbTF’s mission to promote sustainable cotton production.
With biodiversity a strategic priority, AbTF implements its commitment through standards such as Cotton made in Africa (CmiA), CmiA Organic, and the Regenerative Cotton Standard (RCS). These initiatives aim to preserve ecosystems while supporting cotton producers in enhancing resilience to climate change and market pressures.
The Global Nature Fund has worked globally for over 25 years to protect biodiversity through international environmental and sustainability projects. Since 2005, it has also focused on supporting biodiversity in the private sector, including in African regions where it runs initiatives related to water security, food systems, and climate adaptation.
As deputy head of business and biodiversity at GNF, Losing supports companies in applying biodiversity-relevant due diligence and developing action plans for nature protection.
“Standard setters are essential to integrating biodiversity into supply chains. We’re excited to contribute to AbTF’s work,” said Losing.
Tina Stridde, managing director at AbTF, welcomed the appointment, noting Losing’s expertise in biodiversity, CSRD, and CSDDD compliance. “We’re pleased to have her join us and look forward to fruitful collaboration.”
AbTF’s Cotton Advisory Board includes members from NGOs, government, and industry, providing a rich forum for strategic dialogue in sustainable cotton.
Vietnam’s spinning industry is facing a growing challenge in finding skilled machine operators, as rapid industrialization drives young talent towards other sectors. For yarn manufacturer Tra Ly Hung Yen, this posed a serious threat to operations that rely on precision and consistency. To address the labor shortage and sustain production quality, Tra Ly turned to German textile machinery specialist Trutzschler.
The family-owned company, known for producing carded and combed cotton yarn (Ne 20 to Ne 40) using standard and compact spinning methods, has a daily capacity of 60 tons, with 50 per cent of its output exported to China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Faced with hiring difficulties and the need for skilled intervention due to raw material variability, Tra Ly sought automation to reduce dependence on manual adjustments.
Trutzschler’s automated solutions have helped Tra Ly stabilize yarn quality and boost efficiency. Key machines include the T-SCAN TS-T5 for foreign part detection and ejection, the intelligent card TC 19i with T-GO for real-time carding gap optimization, the autoleveller draw frame TD-10 with self-adjusting features, and the 12-head comber TCO 21XL, which increases productivity by 50 per cent.
Local support from Trutzschler’s Vietnam team ensures quick maintenance and process optimization. Tra Ly has also implemented Trutzschler’s digital mill monitoring system, My Mill, allowing for real-time performance tracking and remote audits.
Thanks to this partnership, Tra Ly is overcoming workforce limitations while maintaining high standards. Director Do Thi Lan Phuong emphasized the value of working with Trutzschler, praising their technical expertise and collaborative approach.
The countdown is on for the Garment Tech Istanbul Exhibition, scheduled from June 25-28 at the Istanbul Expo Center (IFM). As Turkiye’s most comprehensive event for the garment and ready-to-wear sector, the exhibition will serve as a pivotal platform for showcasing the latest technologies and fostering international collaboration.
At a time when Turkiye’s textile and apparel industry is battling economic challenges, the exhibition is expected to act as a lifeline, drawing professional visitors and global buyers from over 70 countries including India, China, Germany, Italy, and the UK. It will highlight the country’s strength in exports while helping companies modernize operations and boost competitiveness.
Spanning sewing, embroidery, ironing, packaging, cutting, and denim systems, and the fair will introduce advanced solutions such as AI-powered automation, automatic spreading machines, and smart production tools. By offering direct access to cutting-edge machinery and global suppliers, the event will enable companies to streamline operations and scale exports.
Garment Tech Istanbul will also place the city at the heart of international trade, leveraging its geographic and logistic advantages. With strong air connectivity and visa-free access for many countries, Istanbul is ideally positioned to attract global industry players.
Set to host thousands of attendees, the event will help companies make strategic investments, expand their international networks, and revive momentum in a critical industry. As anticipation builds, Garment Tech Istanbul promises to set the course for the future of garment and textile technology across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.
Global apparel retailer Uniqlo is set to launch its third UT collaboration with Studio Ghibli, titled My Dear, on July 4. This latest edition will be released first across Europe and celebrates the imaginative world of the iconic Japanese animation studio.
The My Dear collection features 14 unique designs, blending iconic visuals from Studio Ghibli’s beloved films with original illustrations by Thai artist Kanyada Phatan. Known for her acclaimed work in earlier Uniqlo-Ghibli collaborations, Phatan once again brings a fresh interpretation of Ghibli’s signature charm. The collection also includes input from Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki, further enhancing its creative depth.
This new range follows the partnership that began in February 2022 and continues to resonate with fans of all ages. To mark the launch, a special commemorative event will be held, celebrating the fusion of fashion and fantasy. Uniqlo’s My Dear collection aims to add vibrancy and nostalgia to the summer, drawing inspiration from the timeless magic of Ghibli storytelling.
The US Cotton Trust Protocol has announced its sixth straight year of growth, expanding both its planted acreage and the number of enrolled growers.
A voluntary sustainability program for US cotton, the Trust Protocol covers 2.58 million planted acre, an 18 per cent increase from last year. The number of participating growers also rose by 14 per cent from 2024 to 1,512. This consistent growth highlights how valuable the program has become for US cotton farmers, especially with today's fluctuating input costs, changing weather patterns, and shifting market conditions.
By joining the Trust Protocol, growers get actionable, data-driven insights. These insights help them understand their environmental impact, fine-tune their farming methods, and boost overall efficiency. This allows them to show their dedication to responsible practices through clear measurement and verification.
Daren Abney, Executive Director, the Trust Protocol, states, the continued increase in grower participation in the Trust Protocol means more sourcing opportunities for brands and retailers worldwide, including better access to US Cotton and Protocol Cotton., This steady increase shows the value growers find in our program as they look for ways to become more resilient against current economic and environmental challenges, he adds.
The Trust Protocol offers a transparent and verifiable system for tracking US Cotton and Protocol Cotton all the way to the finished product. This gives brands and retailers the confidence they need to meet their sourcing goals and reporting requirements. Currently, the program boasts over 2,500 mill and manufacturer members globally, along with more than 45 international brands such as Ralph Lauren, Gap, Levi's, Carhartt, J Crew, and Urban Outfitters.
A cornerstone of India’s home textile sector, the Karur textile cluster hosted a crucial awareness workshop, ‘Advancing Sustainability & Circularity in Karur Textile Cluster,’ at The Legend Hall, The Residency in Karur. The event united local manufacturers, exporters, industry associations, and government officials, all committed to adopting greener practices.
A collaborative effort, the workshop was welcomed by key industry bodies including the Karur Textile Manufacturer Exporters Association (KTMEA), Karur Handloom Export Cloth Manufacturers Association (KHEXMASS), CII, Karur Knitting and Weaving Factory Owners Association, and Karur Dyers & Bleachers Association. They partnered with the Centre for Responsible Business (CRB) and Intellecap to introduce initiatives aimed at transforming the Karur cluster into a more sustainable and circular textile hub.
P Gopalakrishnan, President, KTMEA highlighted the urgent need for sustainable growth and staying current with global developments. M Prabhu, Chairman, CII – Karur District, reaffirmed CII-Karur’s dedication, sharing best practices from other sectors. R Kaliyappan, President, KHEXMASS, underscored the responsibility to ensure a cleaner planet for future generations. M C Tamilselvi, Regional Deputy Director - Department of Textiles, Government of Tamil Nadu, delivered a keynote, emphasizing government support for MSMEs in sustainable initiatives. M Palanivel Rajan, COO, Asian Fabricx, showcased ‘Sustainability in Practice at Karur,’ detailing both his company’s and the cluster’s progressive practices. M Perumal, Vice-Chairman of CII – Karur District, stressed integrating sustainability into all operations. S Periasamy, a Senior Textile Expert, discussed ‘Global trends and relevance of Sustainability & Opportunities for SMEs,’ citing Tirupur as an example of competitive environmental practices. Dr Prabhat Bhuddha Dev, CRB and Siddharth Lulla, Intellecap detailed their programs, inviting SME participation.
Key discussions at the event focused on the UNCEP-backed project-InTex India that promotes sustainable practices and provides Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) support to at least 15 Karur SMEs. The EU Switch Asia – SME Decarbonization program by Intellecap's Circular Apparel Innovation Factory (CAIF) was also highlighted at the event This 42-month initiative aims to reduce environmental impact and greenhouse gas emissions for 250-400 SMEs across India’s textile value chain, promoting circular economy practices and ESG compliance through workshops, technical assistance, and access to green financing.
The event closed with Gopalkrishnan, Presidnet, KTMEA reiterating the necessity of sustainable growth and the critical role of stakeholder collaboration. Attended by nearly 100 participants, the workshop served as a vital milestone, building local ownership and momentum for sustainability in Karur's textile sector.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries worldwide, and Australia is quickly emerging as one of its most active adopters. Ranked 16th among 36 countries in Stanford’s AI Vibrancy Index, Australia benefits from strong cloud infrastructure and high digital maturity especially within retail and fashion.
These sectors are embracing AI not just for operational efficiency but also for crafting richer customer experiences. From logistics to personalisation, AI is proving vital in both online and physical retail. At the upcoming Global Sourcing Expo, to be held in Sydney from 17-19 June, industry leaders will discuss how this digital shift is reshaping commerce.
Jenn Donovan, Director of Social Media & Marketing Australia and a featured speaker at the Expo, sees AI as a game-changer. “AI gives marketers in retail a second set of hands and sometimes a second brain,” she notes. It streamlines repetitive tasks while delivering sharp audience insights, enabling businesses to work smarter. Importantly, Donovan highlights AI's accessibility: “These tools aren’t just for big companies. Small, time-poor business owners can use them easily.”
Content creation is often the first step for smaller firms adopting AI. From blog and social media posts to product descriptions and online magazine articles, platforms like ChatGPT, Canva, Opus Clip and Notion AI are now part of the modern retail toolkit. Meanwhile, eCommerce in Australia has seen explosive growth since the pandemic. With 2020 online sales hitting AU$50.46 billion a 57 per cent year-on-year jump the sector hasn’t slowed. By 2024, eCommerce sales reached AU$56.07 billion, reflecting a lasting shift in consumer habits.
Olivia Carr, Founder and CEO of Shhh Silk and fellow Expo speaker, has seen this transformation firsthand. “The past five years have shifted eCommerce from transactional to transformational,” she says. “Customers now seek brands that align with their values and provide emotionally resonant experiences.”
Shhh Silk has responded by evolving beyond product-based selling, instead offering wellness-focused rituals. Carr believes that AI, when used thoughtfully, supports this evolution by enhancing storytelling and service delivery. “It allows small businesses to elevate the customer journey without losing authenticity.”
Still, challenges remain. Operational costs, global competition and evolving customer expectations make it difficult for some businesses to keep pace. Carr also stresses the importance of value-driven growth: “To scale social impact authentically, brands must define a mission, embed it in every touchpoint and stay accountable.”
As AI technology advances, it will continue to support more personalised, efficient, and strategic retail operations. For Australian retailers especially small and mid-sized players success will hinge on their ability to blend innovation with integrity, ensuring AI enhances experience without compromising core values.
Brazil’s ascent from a net cotton importer to the world’s largest cotton exporter is one of the most compelling success stories in modern agriculture. This transformation, achieved over a few decades, is the result of investments in research and development, widespread adoption of cutting-edge technology, a strong focus on sustainability, and dynamic international trade relationships. The Brazilian cotton sector not only showcases agricultural excellence but also offers a replicable model for nations aiming to bolster their agri-export capacities while maintaining ecological balance.
A journey of breakthroughs
Brazil officially became the world’s top cotton exporter in the 2023–24 marketing year, surpassing the US and accounting for a record 30.5 per cent of global cotton exports in the 2024–25 season. This is a major leap for a country that once relied heavily on imports to meet domestic demand.
This achievement is underpinned by a remarkable improvement in productivity. Cotton yields rose from 1,603 kg/ha in 2015–16 to a record 1,911 kg/ha in 2023–24, with only a slight projected dip to 1,903 kg/ha in 2024–25. This upward trend reflects Brazil’s deep commitment to agricultural research, particularly through the efforts of Embrapa, which has developed region-specific cotton varieties and improved pest and climate resilience.
Table: Growth over the years
|
Year |
Yield (Kg/Ha) |
|
2015-16 |
1,603 |
|
2019-20 |
1,726 |
|
2020-21 |
1,802 |
|
2023-24 |
1,911 |
|
2024-25 (Projected) |
1,903 |
Doing more with less
One of the most striking aspects of Brazil’s cotton success is the 54 per cent reduction in cultivated area despite achieving record-high yields. This points to highly efficient resource utilization, made possible by modern farming techniques, precision agriculture, biotechnology (Bt cotton), and Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
Interestingly, nearly 93 per cent of Brazilian cotton is rainfed, showcasing the sector’s ability to achieve high yields without intensive irrigation. The planted area in 2024-25, however, reached a record 1.945 million hectares, reflecting growing global demand and Brazil’s readiness to meet it.
Sustainability at the core
Sustainability is not an afterthought—it is integral to Brazil’s cotton narrative. As of 2024-25, around 84 per cent of cotton produced in Brazil is certified for environmental and social sustainability. These certifications reflect responsible water and land use, ethical labor practices, and reduced chemical input, aligning Brazilian cotton with the growing global demand for traceable, sustainable raw materials.
Cotton trade
Brazil’s strategic international partnerships have given a boost to the global cotton trade. The country now supplies 40 per cent of China’s cotton imports, a dramatic rise from 6 per cent six years ago. In 2024, China alone accounted for $1.09 billion of Brazil’s $5.15 billion in raw cotton exports. Other major destinations include Vietnam, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Turkey.
Table: Brazil cotton exports major destinations
|
Country |
Export value ($ bn) |
|
China |
1.09 |
|
Vietnam |
1.01 |
|
Bangladesh |
0.604 |
|
Pakistan |
0.52 |
|
Turkey |
0.461 |
Brazil’s ability to handle high-volume exports is a direct result of investments in transport and logistics infrastructure. In January 2025, the country exported a record 415.6 thousand tonnes of cotton, and while April 2025 saw a 13 per cent year-on-year drop, the total export volume from August 2024 to April 2025 still reached 2.35 million tonnes, only 12 per cent below the previous record.
Table: Brazil’s monthly cotton exports (Jan-March 2025)
|
Month |
Export volume (thousand tonnes) |
|
January |
415.6 |
|
February |
Data not readily available in this specific format |
|
March |
239.1 |
Cotton and food security
Beyond fiber, cotton contributes to food security. For every 1 kg of lint, about 1.25 kg of cottonseed is produced, which can be used as livestock feed or oilseed, adding to the crop’s overall value and utility.
Keys to success
Several factors contributed to Brazil’s cotton revolution:
• Research & innovation: Continuous investment in agronomic research led to the development of high-yield, pest-resistant cotton varieties.
• Technology adoption: From GPS-enabled machinery to genetically modified seeds and IPM, Brazil embraced innovation at scale.
• Sustainability: Certification of 84 per cent of production ensures environmental responsibility, helping Brazil access premium global markets.
• Strong institutions: Organizations like ABRAPA have been instrumental in promoting best practices, sustainability standards, and international outreach.
• Government support: Policy support for R&D and export promotion provided the enabling environment for growth.
• Export infrastructure: Strategic improvements in logistics facilitated massive export volumes.
Lessons for the world
Brazil’s cotton journey offers a blueprint for other developing agricultural economies. The country has shown that with the right mix of science, policy, sustainability, and market integration, it is possible to scale agricultural exports while reducing environmental impact. Its story underscores the value of long-term investment, the power of collaboration, and the critical role of adaptability in a fast-changing global market.
As nations grapple with the twin challenges of feeding growing populations and mitigating climate change, Brazil's cotton success proves that sustainable intensification is not just possible—it’s profitable.
