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In alignment with its pledge to achieve net zero by 2050, Hyosung has embarked on a groundbreaking venture to set up vertically integrated, bio-based fiber manufacturing plant in Vietnam. Marking a significant step towards reducing carbon footprints, this plant enhances the company’s supply chain efficiency by consolidating production processes.
To be set up in partnership with Geno, a US-based sustainable materials leader, the plant will revolutionise the production of bio-BDO by utilising sugars from sugarcane via fermentation. This not only signifies a paradigm shift towards sustainability but also underscores Hyosung's commitment to driving industry-wide change.
The benefits of Hyosung's regen™ Bio Spandex extend beyond environmental stewardship. With reduced transportation needs, faster time-to-market, and enhanced supply chain resilience, the product sets a new standard for sustainable textiles. Anticipating up to an 80 per cent reduction in carbon emissions by 2026, Hyosung's Vietnam plant is poised to redefine industry benchmarks.
Moreover, regen™ Bio Spandex boasts transparency and traceability, validated by ISCC+ international certification and SGS certification. This assurance empowers brands and retailers to make informed decisions in line with their sustainability goals.
Hyosung's investment of $1 billion in its Vietnam manufacturing operation demonstrates a firm commitment to build a greener future. Commencing production in Q2 of 2026, the plant will initially yield 50,000 tons of certified bio-based spandex annually, with plans for expansion to meet growing demand.
Beyond fashion, Hyosung envisions leveraging its bio BDO capacity for various applications, including engineering plastics, biodegradable packaging, and footwear components. This forward-thinking approach underscores Hyosung's dedication to driving sustainability across industries.
Levi’s Vintage Clothing team has embarked on a remarkable project to recreate the oldest pair of women’s jeans found in the Levi’s Archives, all while paying homage to the woman who once wore them.
Crafted from shrink-to-fit selvedge denim meticulously reproduced by Kaihara Denim Mills in Japan, the limited-edition Lot 401 jeans echo the spirit of the original pair from the 1930s.
Marking a significant milestone in the brand’s history, Levi’s introduced the Lot 401 jean as the world’s first blue jeans tailored specifically for women. These jeans paved the way for the iconic Lot 701, also known as Lady Levi’s.
Tracey Panek, Historian, Levi Strauss & Co's, suggests that the Lot 401 jeans might have served as a trial run, a precursor to the widely embraced Lot 701 design. Levi’s drew upon the original Lot 401 as a blueprint for this faithful reproduction.
In 2017, Levi’s acquired the ‘Viola,’ making it the oldest pair of women’s blue jeans in the brand’s archive. Viola Longacre, the owner, was a student at Fresno State’s Sierra Summer School in the 1930s, studying to become a teacher. Her denim jeans, featuring her name inscribed on the inside pocket, proved to be sturdy and reliable attire for her outdoor classes in the Sierra National Forest.
Each set of jeans in this collection includes a photograph of Viola and a letter recounting the story behind the jeans, all elegantly packaged in a tote adorned with the Levi’s Vintage Clothing logo and Lot 401 patch.
These exclusive jeans are now available for $495 on Levi’s website, app, and in select Levi’s stores.
Urban Outfitters is revamping its vintage and secondhand offerings into a fresh program dubbed Vintage + Remade.
This new initiative will involve the division of the online store divided into two distinct sections: Vintage and Remade. The Vintage section will feature authentic vintage finds, meticulously curated into exclusive collections by Urban Outfitters' expert merchandising team and external collaborators. Meanwhile, Remade will introduce a novel category spotlighting items that have been refurbished, restored, or creatively updated by Urban Outfitters' product specialists. Additionally, this section will include new products crafted from deadstock fabric, as stated by Cyntia Leo, the head of brand at Urban Outfitters.
Under the revamped structure, Urban Outfitters will collaborate with various fashion brands such as Puppy Breath, Lucky Loves Label, Landon Moreis, Moxie Wrrld, Tessa Fay, and Oddli to curate limited collections. These collections will feature a blend of new items from the brands alongside complementary vintage pieces. The promotion of these collections will be boosted by paid social advertising campaigns across platforms like Instagram and TikTok, ensuring maximum visibility on Urban Outfitters' redesigned website.
Cyntia Leo explains, Urban Outfitters' renewed focus on vintage stems from concerns about the saturation of traditional thrift stores with low-quality fast fashion items, making it increasingly challenging to unearth genuine vintage treasures. The brand aims to restore the thrill of discovering timeless, high-quality pieces with enduring appeal for customers. Leo emphasises, vintage enthusiasts value the authenticity, uniqueness, and longevity of their purchases, seeking personalised and custom pieces that tell a story.
This strategic shift towards vintage is indicative of Urban Outfitters recognising a significant market opportunity. Notably, their Nuuly rental service, another avenue for vintage clothing, has seen remarkable growth, with a 69 per cent increase in year-over-year revenue and a 56 per cent expansion in its subscriber base last quarter.
The broader resale market is also experiencing robust growth, particularly in the online sphere. Recent data from eMarketer forecasts online resale to surpass $80 billion in volume this year, indicating a steady upward trajectory of nearly 4 per cent.
Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris, a cornerstone event for the European textile and clothing markets, is set to open its doors from July 1 to 3 at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. This premier trade show amalgamates the prowess of Apparel Sourcing, Texworld, Avantex, and Leatherworld, providing a comprehensive overview of the global fashion production landscape right in the heart of Paris.
A global convergence of fashion titans
For three days, the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles will transform into a melting pot of fashion ingenuity, with over a thousand exhibitors hailing from major sourcing countries worldwide. This year's exhibition will serve as a breeding ground for inspirations, offering a glimpse into the trends that will shape collections for 2025-2026. Notably, the spotlight will shine on suppliers championing innovation and sustainability in fashion, reflecting an industry-wide shift towards responsible practices.
Yarn takes center stage
Venturing further upstream in the fashion supply chain, an innovative addition awaits attendees: a dedicated pavilion showcasing yarn producers. Collaborating with Yarn Expo from Shanghai, this pavilion will showcase avant-garde companies from China, India, Pakistan, and Taiwan, marking the first of its kind at Parisian trade shows.
Leather innovations and collaborations
Leather enthusiasts will find themselves immersed in a realm of trends and partnerships at Leatherworld. Highlighting the return of the South African pavilion boasting top-tier products, Leatherworld will also debut a Leather Trends area curated by Italian publisher Edizioni AF. This space will delve into the intricacies of design processes and material choices, spotlighting Italian prowess in accessories and footwear manufacturing.
Avantex: Pioneering sustainable solutions
In the Avantex innovations area, a wave of exclusivity awaits. Through strategic partnerships with institutions like the IFA Paris fashion design school and the TCBL association, Texworld will showcase cutting-edge solutions in sustainable fashion and textiles. Expert round tables will provide a platform for discourse, driving the industry towards a greener future.
Continued commitment to sustainability
Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainability, with Texpertise Econogy leading the charge. This sustainable economy approach, pioneered by the Messe Frankfurt group, will guide visitors in making conscientious sourcing choices and provide a platform for eco-pioneers to shine.
Unfazed by the Olympics
Despite the looming Paris Olympic Games slated to kick off on July 26th, Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris stands resolute. The trade shows will commence over three weeks prior, ensuring minimal disruption for visitors and exhibitors alike. While the summer influx of tourists is anticipated, early booking of accommodations and flights is advised to secure the best deals. On-site concierge services will be available to elevate the Parisian experience for attendees.
Celebrating Asian heritage
Recognizing Asia's pivotal role in the textile industry, Messe Frankfurt France pledges support to the National Museum of Asian Arts - Guimet in Paris. Specifically, sponsorship for the Tang Empire exhibition underscores the rich cultural tapestry of Asia, inviting visitors to delve into its artistic and textile legacy.
Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris 2025 promises not just a glimpse into the future of fashion but a celebration of sustainability, innovation, and cultural diversity. As the industry continues to evolve, Paris stands as its pulsating epicenter, beckoning fashion aficionados from around the globe to partake in this grand spectacle.
Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc.has inked significant agreements with the Lam Dong Agro-Forestry Research Experiment Center (LAREC), a leading authority on sericulture in central Vietnam. The collaboration focuses on enhancing the rearing and breeding of the company's specialized silkworms, marking a pivotal step towards amplifying silk production.
Central to these agreements is Kraig Labs' blueprint for operational expansion, underscoring a concerted effort between the company and LAREC to incorporate Kraig's silk technologies effectively.
The terms entail LAREC's provision of expertise and support in selectively breeding Kraig's BAM-1 parental strains, tailored to local climatic and rearing conditions. Additionally, LAREC will nurture one generation of BAM-1 strain at its facilities, supplying resulting eggs back to Kraig Labs for operational use.
This definitive agreement solidifies Kraig Labs' collaboration with governmental agencies, following a Memorandum of Understanding announced earlier this year. Founder and CEO Kim K Thompson expressed optimism, highlighting the importance of forging such alliances in Southeast Asia to integrate innovative technologies and deepen regional engagement.
Thompson, alongside sericulture expert Nirmal Kumar, remains in Southeast Asia overseeing operations, as the company nears completion of spring production trials, poised to embark on the next phase of its expansion strategy.
The global athleisure market is booming, projected to reach $3.2 billion by 2032 with a steady growth rate of 5.2 per cent, says a new report by Allied Market Research. This growth is due to several factors viz: from rising health consciousness to innovative marketing strategies. Let's delve deeper into this dynamic market segment.
Comfort takes center stage
Millennials, a generation known for their active lifestyles and health consciousness, are a major force behind the athleisure boom. They prioritize comfort and functionality in their clothing choices, making athleisure a perfect fit highlights Allied Market Research, 2024 study. This is evident in the dominance of the female segment in the market, with women being frequent buyers of athleisure apparel. However, the men’s segment is expected to see highest growth rate in the coming years, indicating a growing acceptance of athleisure styles among men. Moreover, athletes and celebrities endorsing athleisure brands further fuel consumer interest and market growth.
Athleisure for all occasions
The athleisure trend goes beyond just comfort. It offers a stylish and versatile option for everyday wear. Gone are the days when athletic wear was strictly for the gym. Today's athleisure apparel is designed to seamlessly transition from workouts to errands or even social outings. This versatility is reflected in the expected high growth of the hoodies segment, as consumers seek comfortable and stylish pieces for various occasions.
Digital revolution drives online sales
While traditional offline stores continue to hold a significant share of the athleisure market, online sales are rapidly growing. The ease of purchase and wider variety offered by online retailers is helping in this shift. Social media also plays a crucial role, with influencers and celebrities promoting athleisure brands, further driving online sales.
Market segmentation and trends
Sneakers currently hold the largest market share, but hoodies are projected for the fastest growth due to their versatility and variety. While women’s segment dominates the market, the men’s segment is expected to grow significantly, with athleisure staples like bomber jackets and crew-neck sweaters gaining traction. In terms of retail, while offline stores were the preferred shopping destination in 2022, online sales are anticipated to surge due to convenience and wider product selection.
North America currently holds the largest market share, but Asia-Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth as consumers in the region embrace athleisure.
Indeed, the athleisure market is not without its challenges. The rise of counterfeit brands, particularly in price-sensitive regions, can hamper the growth of legitimate brands. However, leading athleisure companies are countering this by employing innovative marketing strategies, such as celebrity endorsements and social media campaigns. Additionally, advancements in material technology are leading to the creation of more comfortable, functional, and stylish athleisure apparel. Major players like Adidas, Nike, Lululemon, and Under Armour are constantly innovating and expanding their product lines to maintain a competitive edge.
As the focus on health and wellness continues to rise, and the lines between athletic wear and everyday fashion further blur, athleisure is likely to become an even more integral part of our wardrobes. The industry's ability to cater to the evolving needs of consumers, embrace technological advancements, and navigate challenges like counterfeit products will be key to its continued success.
The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) has solidified its leadership for the fiscal year 2024, marking a crucial moment for the US textile sector. The organization, encompassing the entire textile supply chain, recently conducted its officer elections during its annual meeting held from April 9-11.
Charles Heilig, President of Parkdale Mills, assumes the pivotal role of Chairman, while Chuck Hall, President and CEO of Barnet, steps into the position of Vice Chairman. These appointments come at a critical juncture for the industry, signaling a strategic move towards navigating challenges and advocating for policies to strengthen the domestic textile landscape.
With a focus on ensuring comprehensive representation across the sector, NCTO also elected chairs for its five councils. These councils, designed to encompass various segments of the industry supply chain, play a vital role in shaping the organization's direction. Each council, comprising elected members, contributes to the association’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee.
In her statement, Kim Glas, President and CEO of NCTO, expressed gratitude to the new officers for their willingness to take on these essential roles. She emphasized the importance of their leadership in advocating for policies that support the US textile industry and its workforce, which comprises over 500,000 individuals. Glas highlighted the collaborative effort needed to address both domestic and international challenges faced by the industry.
The newly elected Chairman, Charles Heilig, brings with him extensive experience from Parkdale Mills, a prominent manufacturer based in North Carolina. Likewise, Vice Chairman Chuck Hall, representing Barnet, adds a wealth of knowledge from his tenure in the textile sector.
Further bolstering NCTO's leadership are the individuals elected to the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee, along with the chairs appointed for each council. These individuals, drawn from various facets of the industry, are poised to steer NCTO towards its goals of advocating for policies that foster growth and innovation within the US textile sector.
As the industry continues to evolve, NCTO's newly appointed leadership stands ready to address challenges and capitalize on opportunities to ensure the resilience and competitiveness of the US textile industry in the global market.
South American textile powerhouse Nuevo Mundo joins forces with global specialty chemical leader Archroma to launch innovative collections, embracing Archroma’s EarthColors agricultural waste-based dyes. This collaboration marks a significant stride in the fashion industry's sustainability journey, addressing consumer demands for eco-conscious products.
With a rich 75-year legacy, Nuevo Mundo is renowned for facilitating brand expansion into new markets with sustainable, high-quality offerings. Their strategic alliance with Archroma underscores a shared commitment to eco-friendly practices.
By leveraging EarthColors dyes derived from non-edible agricultural waste like cotton plant residues and beets, Nuevo Mundo reduces its ecological footprint. Moreover, the collections will be crafted in Nuevo Mundo's zero liquid discharge facilities, further enhancing resource efficiency.
Umberto De Vita of Archroma highlights the partnership's alignment with their 'Planet Conscious+' vision, emphasizing collaboration and innovative technologies for sustainable progress. Boris Schwartzman of Nuevo Mundo underscores the strategic timing of their collaboration, targeting the growing demand for sustainable textiles in the US market through nearshoring.
With plans for ongoing collaboration and the release of new EarthColors collections in the pipeline, Nuevo Mundo and Archroma are poised to lead the fashion industry towards a greener future.
Techtextil and Texprocess 2024 concluded with resounding success, serving as the premier global platform for textile innovation. With 1,700 exhibitors from 53 countries and 38,000 visitors from 102 countries, the trade fairs experienced a remarkable 29 percent increase in visitor numbers.
Germany, Italy, France, Turkey, and the Netherlands emerged as the top visitor nations, while Germany, Italy, China, France, and Turkey led as the top exhibitor nations. Noteworthy contributions to the expansion of exhibitors came from countries such as Egypt, China, and Thailand, among others.
Driving industry transformation
In the midst of burgeoning AI technologies, evolving legislative mandates, and surging energy costs, Techtextil and Texprocess emerged as vital marketplaces for textile innovation. Detlef Braun, Member of the Executive Board at Messe Frankfurt GmbH, emphasized their significance, textile innovation for diverse industries thrives within the global scope and strength offered uniquely in Frankfurt.
With 75 percent of visitors representing various industries such as engineering, architecture, and medical development, the trade fairs facilitated extensive cross-networking opportunities. From the preliminary stages of Techtextil to the array of processing technologies showcased at Texprocess, international collaborations flourished, fostering innovation across sectors and paving the way for market-ready solutions.
Record-breaking edition of Techtextil
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Techtextil witnessed a record-breaking edition, reaffirming its position as a dynamic hub for textile innovation. The global market for technical textiles, estimated at $225.99 billion in 2023, is poised for exponential growth, reaching $346.67 billion by 2030, according to Fortune Business Insights. Within the EU, technical textiles are driving demand across various sectors, including medicine, agriculture, and automotive.
Techtextil showcased a wide spectrum of high-tech textiles across 12 application areas, including innovative world-firsts such as recyclable insulating textiles and self-cooling textiles. Sustainability took center stage, with over 15 per cent of exhibitors presenting natural fibers and materials.
Voices from the industry
Key industry players expressed their satisfaction with the trade fairs. Holger Michael Steingraber from Freudenberg Performance Materials highlighted the significance of Techtextil as a global meeting place for technology exchange and partnership building. Amaury Sartorius from Klopman praised the enthusiastic response to their sustainable solutions.
Texprocess showcased cutting-edge machines, processes, and services for textile and apparel processing, addressing challenges such as digitalization and automation. Elgar Straub from VDMA Textile Care highlighted the trade fair's focus on future-oriented solutions.
Innovative solutions and AI integration
Texprocess offered a comprehensive range of solutions, including AI-integrated innovations that streamline manufacturing processes. Marta Maiandi from Orox Group emphasized Texprocess as a global platform for technology and partnership building.
Both trade fairs emphasized sustainable practices and recyclable solutions in alignment with upcoming legislative requirements. The increased focus on resource efficiency and recyclability was evident in the Econogy Finder, showcasing twice as many exhibitors committed to sustainable development goals.
Embracing the future
In an era of rapid technological advancement, Techtextil and Texprocess stand as beacons of innovation, driving industry transformation and fostering international collaboration. As the textile industry navigates evolving challenges, these trade fairs serve as catalysts for sustainable growth and global competitiveness.
Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) garners recognition at the Edison Award 2024 and the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva, showcasing innovative advancements in textile technology.
In the realm of innovation and societal impact, the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) emerges as a frontrunner, clinching several prestigious international awards. Notable among these accolades are the Gold Award at the Edison Award 2024 and a series of medals.
Edison Award 2024: Revolutionizing comfort and recovery
In an innovative stride towards enhancing the quality of life for breast cancer survivors, HKRITA's Customised Comfort Bra to Aid Recovery from Mastectomy seized the Gold Award in the "Social & Cultural Impact (Health & Wellness)" category. This pioneering project introduces novel mastectomy bras featuring ergonomic design and 3D printing structure engineering. These bras, tailored to individual needs based on age, BMI, and body shape, offer unparalleled comfort and improved balance during the recovery phase. The meticulous judging process, focusing on concept, value, delivery, and impact, underscores the transformative potential of innovative textile solutions in addressing critical health challenges.
49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva: Redefining sustainability and efficiency
HKRITA's triumph extends beyond comfort innovation to encompass sustainability and efficiency in textile production and environmental stewardship. At the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva, HKRITA clinched an impressive array of awards, including two Gold Medals, one Silver Medal, and two Bronze Medals, showcasing its multifaceted commitment to innovation excellence.
Gold medal achievements
Dye Removal from Denim Textile Wastewater by a Combinative Adsorption and Regeneration System revolutionizes denim production by mitigating environmental and health risks associated with dye wastewater. Through an ingenious physiochemical system employing metal-doped alumina as an adsorbent, this project achieves efficient dye removal and regeneration, meeting denim production reuse standards at a reduced cost.
Fluorine-free and Bio-based Material for Durable Water and Oil Repellent fabrics pioneers a sustainable surface modification method, utilizing sea by-products and biopolymers to confer long-lasting water and oil repellency to textiles without harmful fluorinated compounds. This environmentally friendly approach ensures durability and efficacy, making it an ideal choice for outdoor apparel and industrial uniforms.
Silver medal achievement
A Lightweight Fabric-based Breathable Metamaterial for Low Frequency Noise Insulation introduces an innovative solution for noise control in industrial settings, utilizing breathable fabric metamaterials combined with energy adsorption coating to achieve effective low-frequency noise insulation. This lightweight and versatile material facilitates thermal control and heat dissipation, offering a sustainable and efficient solution for various applications.
Bronze medal achievements
Denim Fabric Cotton Recovery by Mechanical Warp Weft Separation pioneers AI-driven mechanical recycling systems to extract reusable indigo-dyed warp yarns from denim fabrics, minimizing waste and conserving resources without chemical intervention.
Design-thinking Creation of a Swelling-controllable Composite Tubular Fabric for Regenerative Agriculture presents an eco-friendly soil management system, utilizing biodegradable composite fabrics for irrigation, weed control, and nutrient preservation in agriculture, exemplifying HKRITA's commitment to sustainable development and innovation.
A vision for the future
Edwin Keh, Chief Executive Officer of HKRITA, emphasizes the institute's dedication to impactful research spanning diverse areas, including advanced textile products, material science, recycling, and environmental conservation. HKRITA's participation and triumph in these international competitions underscore its pivotal role in driving positive change and innovation in the global textile industry, paving the way for a sustainable and resilient future.
