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At Heimtextil, which will start from 07th to 10th January 2020 in Frankfurt, Lenzing Group will continue its journey towards circular economy. Lenzing’s latest breakthrough for its pioneering REFIBRATM technology with the industry’s first successful production of TENCELTM Lyocell fibers using post-consumer cotton waste will also be the high-end basis for sustainable high-quality Home & Interiors products.
TENCELTM x REFIBRATM fibers for a sustainable future Recently, Lenzing announced the second phase of REFIBRATM technology upgrade by incorporating up to 10% of post-consumer cotton waste into the current mixture of 30% recycled materials alongside pre-consumer cotton waste. This step is a key milestone in the textile industry and empowers brands and retailers who are looking for eco-responsible solutions by giving textile waste a second life. Transparency being key, Lenzing uses a special identification technology for TENCELTM x REFIBRATM fibers so to assure consumers that the fibers in the final textile product contain recycled materials.
Sleeping in bed textiles containing TENCELTM x REFIBRATM fibers the quality of bed textile materials is part of the secret of a good sleep comfort. TENCELTM Lyocell fibers with REFIBRATM technology facilitate good moisture management by regulating the absorption and release of moisture, thus supporting the body’s natural thermal regulation and providing breathability comfort throughout the night. In addition, the smooth fiber surface creates fabrics that are gentle on the skin.
BEDifferent innovative REFIBRATM technology meets creativity Lenzing invited talented students from top European universities, such as Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti Milano, University of the Arts London, and Aalto University Finland, to dive into the world of sustainable Lenzing fibers and create a bedding collection inspired by their vision and with respect for the environment.
The next generation’s way of thinking was very inspiring to all of us and with this project the respect for people and the planet came into life with every single TENCELTM x REFIBRATM fiber.
"Globalisation is leading to a reformation in thinking of global economies that are shifting their focus to localisation. Now, wars are being raged over tech, rather than trade. The new economic paradigms, emerging in response to world’s social, environment, political and economic challenges, call for new rules of engagement as the earlier megatrends that impacted the world have now reached a boiling point."
Globalisation is leading to a reformation in thinking of global economies that are shifting their focus to localisation. Now, wars are being raged over tech, rather than trade. The new economic paradigms, emerging in response to world’s social, environment, political and economic challenges, call for new rules of engagement as the earlier megatrends that impacted the world have now reached a boiling point.
Though free movement of services peaked in the last decade, the focus has shifted to local economies in this decade. This shift is already happening in some parts of Europe which is now a battleground for taxes on digital services. This fight is resulting in physical separations among a lot of platforms now referring to the move as “splinternet.” This trend of Splinternet is a part of the new monetary thinking at work as countries consider what they can tax to raise revenues.
Another key trend likely to grab attention in the next decade includes technology-particularly in the U.S. and China markets which will compete in the race for innovation to
claim supremacy. This drive to control the use of technology will fuel localisation trend in 2020.
A mask to retain its tap position in the market
According to Ethan Harris, who heads up global economics at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, is, a symbolic “skinny” agreement is likely to be formed in the trade dispute between the US and China as the trade war is likely to be on hold in 2020 and re-escalate in 2021 after the US presidential election.
Though dubbed as a trade war, the disagreement is really a “local” battle over the protection of American intellectual property assets. These tariffs are used to exert pressure by the US to retain its position on the top of technological innovation. Tariffs, at 15 percent, would be levied on roughly $200 billion of remaining Chinese goods, including apparel and footwear items not impacted by the first group of 15 percent tariffs imposed on Sept.1
A multilateral solution to smoothen global trade
A “ceasefire” on trade issues won’t be conducive at this stage due to hangover of uncertainty into 2021 and beyond. Extending the trade war past the 2020 elections would prove negative for the US economy. The US has often used or threatened to use tariffs as a tool to align with the president’s 2016 campaign slogan, “Make America Great Again.” And that, too, is an example of the trend in more localised thinking. However, now these tariffs are being used as weapons to fight battles ranging from tech to national security, trade tensions won’t likely dissipate anytime soon. To deal with this situation, countries, including the U.S. need to figure out a multilateral solution that will ensure the smooth passage of global trade.
Pure London will take place February 9 to 11, 2020. There will be a line-up of inspirational new designers and women’s wear brands. The ultimate destination for style essentials, Pure London showcases the newest global brands and the latest trends across its ready-to-wear and premium sections. The autumn/winter show will stage a fresh and new edit of directional pieces and distinctive designs for the new season. Luxury fashion designer Matthew O’Brien will show key pieces of evening wear, ready to wear and a small selection of bridal from his autumn/winter 2020 collections. Valentina Poltronieri, a young Italian fashion designer, will present her new collection. Technical and eccentric fabrics, fluo colors, handmade embroidery and stellar prints will be the main features of the new collection. Among the other brands taking part are Wibes, a French premium, ethical and multicultural brand creating contemporary and colorful sneakers, Nomads, an ethical fashion brand specialising in high-quality, contemporary garments that embrace color and print, and Derhy, a French brand that celebrates Indian culture and philosophy, the immensity of its ochre landscapes, the saturated colors of the women’s saris and the sarongs.
As a global show that celebrates newness, Pure London annually attracts over 3,00,000 industry professionals from the UK and around the world via its shows and digital platforms.
Hygro Cotton celebrates 15 years. This is a brand belonging to Welspun. In addition to bringing ground-breaking performance to sheets and towels, Hygro Cotton is crafted with a proprietary spinning technology, producing yarn with a revolutionary hollow core. Hygro Cotton towels come with a quick-dry technology, which makes the product softer, fluffier and more absorbent after every wash. The patented process makes bed sheets more breathable, wicks away moisture. The mattress pads, sheets, comforters, blankets, and pillows get softer after each wash.
Welspun has always been associated with unique and innovative product offerings. Welspun is a home textile major. The company continues to calibrate capex according to cash flows. The company has started a flooring business under Welspun Flooring. Welspun is looking at offering luxury performance tiles, wall-to-wall carpets and artificial grass for offices and cricket fields. Its emerging businesses are gaining traction. Its recently commissioned flooring solutions plant could provide tremendous growth opportunities in the domestic market as well as the export market.
The company is known for bed sheets and towels and has introduced reversible bed sheets and quick-dry towels. Welspun is going into advanced textiles. The big bet on advanced textiles includes making disposable towels out of non-woven textiles and filters for the auto and power sector. Advanced textiles will broadbase Welspun’s clientele by adding sectors such as auto, healthcare and FMCG.
GMMSA (Garments Machinery Manufacturers and Suppliers Association) expo was held in Ludhiana, January 3 to 6, 2020. The event witnessed more than 50,000 visitors. Some 200 exhibitors across 16 countries participated. There was a vast array of Chinese, Korean, Taiwanese and European machines, ranging from knitting machines, mini boilers to packaging machines. Productivity and efficiency were the key focus of new technology at the event.
Good winter season has created opportunities for garment manufacturers of Ludhiana. Some players in Ludhiana are continuously focusing on new offerings and product developments. As survival is all about offering newness in products, they are going in for advanced infrastructure. Apparel manufacturers of Ludhiana are geared up for growth considering the good winter season. But it is now loud and clear to the city’s manufacturers that for survival advanced infrastructure, more focus on product development and a changed mindset is a must. Many garment manufacturers of Ludhiana are facing the issue of long credit periods, as in the domestic market they have a payment cycle of almost six months. To manage this payment cycle they need to have enough resources. As this factor also increases costs, they are now seriously working to reduce the credit period.
Apparel and footwear in the EU increased by 0.3 per cent year-on-year in November 2019 compared to the 0.1 per cent rise in the previous month. The sector started 2019 with a 0.3 per cent decline. Fashion sales increased by 2 and 2.2 per cent respectively in February and March to decline again by 4.8 per cent in April, In May too, sales in the euro zone declined by 2.4 per cent to increase by 4.6 per cent in June. In July and August, the sector moderated its growth, with increases of 0.2 per cent and started September with a 3.1 per cent rise.
On the other hand, sales of the sector in the 28 countries of the European Union were negative, with a year-on-year fall of 0.5 per cent in November. Retail trade, on the other hand, rose in the Eurozone, ending November with a year-on-year increase of 2.2 per cent. In the European Union retail trade grew by 1.9 per cen. Retail sales also increased in the main drivers of the region, with a rise of 3.2 per cent in Germany, 3 per cent in Spain and 2.6 per cnet in France. Hungary and Romania were the countries where retail trade increased the most, with increases of 7.3 per cent and 6.5 per cent respectively.
Apparel Textile Sourcing Canada will be held from August 17 to 19, 2020. This is a sourcing event focused on the North American apparel, textile, and fashion sectors. ATSC 2020 is expected to be the largest edition so far, with many new additions to respond to a constantly changing geopolitical environment, tariffs and trade agreements that are creating uncertainty for the apparel and textile market and having a trickle-down effect on retail sales. The event will feature international exhibits and delegations from over 30 countries and connect these international producers directly to the apparel, textile and fashion markets of North America. It will be attended by more than 300 apparel and textile companies and offer numerous interactive events and industry connection opportunities. Insights needed to navigate the international sourcing process will be made available on two stages daily and be provided by experts, both foreign and domestic. Attendees will include apparel and fabric buyers, sourcing directors, merchandisers, retailers, department stores, and designers from North America and around the world.
The seminars will cover sustainability, compliance and technology, focusing on a range of speakers, both from Canada and abroad. The ATS Fashion Lab will encompass e-commerce, retail technologies, the apparel industry 101, digital marketing, product development, and fashion law brand development.
The three-day International Apparel Sourcing Show will be held between February 20 and 22 at Hotel Sheraton Grand at Whitefield in Bengaluru. Organised by Apparel Resources, the event is expected to be a platform curated on three pillars — opportunity, knowledge and inspiration.
The event provides sourcing specialists an opportunity to evaluate global manufacturers, hand-picked for their focus on creativity, quality, deliver commitment and compliance. Despite being the third largest fashion exporter with a growing fashion retail market, India did not have an international sourcing event till the last edition of ASW.
The enthusiastic response at ASW’19 has instilled confidence among fashion retailers. The country has since established itself as a sourcing base for international buyers. Over 1,500 international brands have already established their offices in India.”
Incidentally, India is also emerging as a fashion consumption market. Fashion retail market is estimated at around $50 billion at present and projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.7 per cent to reach $115 billion by 2026. There will be a session on circular economy, where in the discussions would hover around reuse, reduce, recycle and repair and another on sustainability practices. These would be the focus points for discussion among others.
The offerings of interior textiles and design at Heimtextil, Frankfurt from January 7 to 10, 2020, are reflecting trends prevalent in society. One particular trend is of Heritage Lux. This takes tradition and kicks it up a notch for the new generation that appreciates it but doesn’t mind the mild modern refresh. It’s about traditional patterns, craft aspects…gold and bronze, very rich shades. Materials and treatments are jacquard, satin, plissé, organic grainy surfaces, traced jacquards, elaborate damasks, organic ripples. Colors are blood red, dark rust, sensuous sapphire, lustrous mother-of-pearl, a warm cork. Maximum Glam is the season’s more is more trend. This theme places the art of textiles on stage. It’s about decoration, adornment, layered techniques, lots of finishings, special coatings, a lot of digital technology used in the patterns. Materials and treatments are fluffy hairs, iridescence, jacquard woven, fantastic fake furs, metal gloss, encrusting, print and lamination. Colors are rich true red, a full-bodied orange, a shocking pink, a luxurious deep turquoise, all balanced by a muted beige neutral.
The trend Active Urban is geared towards the city-dwelling, active younger crowd. Pieces are often upholstered with performance textiles and functional features. Materials and treatments are bonded materials, voluminous materials, graphic patterns, laser-cut foamy textures for enhanced comfort. Colors are bold, primary hues like bright tangerine, uniform blue, caterpillar yellow, stark black, asphalt gray, a warm white.
The international smart textile market is growing at 30.4 per cent. Demand for smart textiles is mainly driven by increasing penetration of smart phones and other high-tech or smart devices. Leading tech giants have already ventured into this field and increased their R&D to lay the initial work for their smart fabric products. Super-fast developments in the field of research and development and increasing adoption of smart fabrics are going to contribute the most to its future growth. Microsoft will embed electronic functionality into yarns that are typically non-electronically functional.
The global smart textile market is anticipated to witness a substantial growth owing to increasing product demand from several applications, such as sports and fitness. Smart fabric fashion is the next upsurge in textiles, alluring consumers with style and innovation. From sports and fitness to medical and healthcare, to automotive and transportation, to safety/military, almost every industry has immense untapped potential in smart textile technology.
The defense and military segment is anticipated to account for the highest market share by 2025, while sports and fitness segment will register the fastest CAGR. North America accounts for over 47 per cent of the overall share, thus leading the global market.
