FW
Digital printing is the solution and the answer to reducing the impact of textiles on the environment through water consumption reduction, Co2 emission, reduction and less energy demand. Textiles consume resources and have a very high impact on the environment. Companies are developing processes to reduce the environmental impact through high quality and performance inks.
Digital printing is a more ethical and sustainable alternative to conventional printing methods. It is also the future for textiles combined with a more conscious perception of production. There are many companies now more conscious about this problem. Many digital ink manufacturing companies are asking for more and more certifications of product and process.
Global brands in fashion and sportswear have become very sensitive about this aspect and they are pushing their suppliers to develop sustainable solutions to fulfil their target without compromising on quality. Today consumers are more conscious about this subject, and they address their choice towards products that they trust on how they are made and they ask for more responsibly produced products.
This aspect is even more important in Europe, North Africa, India, South America where there are limited natural resources, like water, which can be used for a higher scope.
The textile market is very resource consumptive and has a very high impact on the environment. Now it is time to think about future generations and become more conscious about the importance of respecting nature and reducing the impact we have on earth.
From traditional textile or conventional printing, now is the time to evolve to a more ethical and sustainable way to produce at an industrial level through digital printing.
This aspect is even more important in some countries like Europe, North Africa, India, South America where there are limited natural resources like water, which can be put to other uses.
Digital printing is the solution and the answer to this problem, reducing the impact of textiles on the environment through water consumption reduction, Co2 emission, reduction and less energy demand. Digital printing is the future for textiles combined with a more conscious perception of production.
There are many companies now more conscious about this problem. “Sensient is very concerned and involved in sustainability,” says Edri Baggi of Sensient Imaging Technologies SA, Switzerland. “Our focus in R&D is to develop processes to reduce the environmental impact through high quality and performance inks.”
As a digital ink manufacturing company every day Sensient is asked for more and more certifications of product and process sustainability. Global brands in fashion and sportswear have become very sensitive about this aspect and they push their suppliers to develop sustainable solutions to fulfil their target without compromising on quality.
Invista the leading integrated producer of polymers and fibers, has launched two new Thermolite brand technologies. Both products are said to offer a high level of performance that may change the way people think about what jeans to wear in colder conditions.
These technologies provide a higher level of warmth and insulation than traditional denim fabrics.
Thermolite Infrared and Thermolite Dual Layer technologies can be used independently or in tandem for enhanced warming and insulating properties.
Denim fabrics made with Thermolite Infrared technology increase their temperature when exposed to solar or artificial light. Special ceramic pigments are added to the fiber that transfer the energy of infrared rays into the heat the body can feel.
For example, after three minutes under infrared light, surface temperatures of fabrics with infrared yarns increase two to four degrees, depending on the content of the infrared yarn in the fabric.
The patented Thermolite Dual Layer technology structure also creates open spaces within the fabric, trapping air to help keep the wearer warm. The technology is also engineered to enable faster drying next to the skin, helping the wearer stay warm and dry.
Along with the new technologies, Invista is launching new imagery, hangtags and a new website.
www.invista.com/
Shopping abroad for safer and cheaper products has become common for large numbers of Chinese. Now the country wants to curb cross-border flow of goods by raising customs fees and import taxes. Since China has such extremely high tariffs, prices of imported goods are significantly higher in China than in their countries of origin. In recent years, many Chinese have gone overseas to shop.
The number of Chinese traveling overseas has grown by 20 per cent each year for the fifth consecutive year. When Chinese people return from overseas, their bags are stuffed with their favorite items, and often those of their friends’. These range from luxury watches to saucepans, rice steamers, brand-name clothing, luxury leather goods, milk formula, perfume, and even toilet seat covers.
With Chinese-made goods sold all over the world, Chinese people should not have to travel abroad to shop. But what’s available in China is either far overpriced or a poorly-made imitation. That’s why Chinese consumers have lost confidence in Chinese-made products and have turned into an army of overseas shoppers.
In addition to brand and quality, price is another important consideration. In the US Chinese tourists find all kinds of dazzling well-known brand products, including big-name apparel and leather goods that even without discounts are only about one third of what they cost in China.
Global retailers’ efforts to clean supply chains of slave labor and improve labor conditions will have little impact unless consumers in India, Asia’s third largest economy, demand more ethically produced goods. India is among the largest manufacturers of textiles and apparel in the world, supplying to leading international brands.
The industry has the most invisible supply chain. It is mostly unorganised, which makes it harder to map and regulate. If domestic consumers raise their voice and insist on buying only ethical products, that will bring pressure on manufacturers. The domestic market accounts for more than 40 per cent of the industry’s revenue. Hundreds of small and medium-sized enterprises use forced labor and treat workers poorly, with abuses ranging from withheld salaries to debt bondage.
The seasonal nature of work in India’s textile industry, the advent of fast fashion and the competitiveness of the business have helped create conditions leading to the exploitation of workers. There is child labor, not just because of a supply pull factor but also a demand push factor. The only way to resolve the issue is to sensitise everyone: businesses, workers and consumers. In India, legislation exists against bonded labor and child labor, but enforcement is weak.
Products including garments made in India have got a huge potential in the global market. Many buyers are inclined to source their requirements from India, keeping in mind advantageous factors like political relationship, cultural relationship, quality manufacturing, communication angle and above all dependability and responsibility.
As for the share of US apparel imports from India, India contributes four per cent of US imports with a growth of eight per cent whereas China has registered only a two per cent growth year on year. There is potential to increase Indian exports to the US, particularly knitwear and apparels.
Meanwhile Sourcing at Magic will be held in the US from August 14 to 17. It’s North America's largest and most comprehensive sourcing event, reflecting the fashion supply chain at its most complete. It offers access to over 35 countries representing the world’s most important markets.
The fair is also a convenient space for retail buyers, global importers, licensees and brands to meet and conduct business with offshore manufacturers like India and contract suppliers from the international manufacturing countries. India will highlight its sourcing advantages at the fair to visiting buyers and brands. Knitwear garment exporters from Tirupur will present their strengths.
"Global fashion industry is worth $1.2 trillion, of which $250 billion originates annually from the United States. Fashion provides more than a positive personal impact. The industry employs nearly two million people every year. It is also an industry, which suffers a tremendous trade gap for US consumers because of the lower costs of labour that can be found around the world. The US exports about $6 billion in apparel each year, but imports more than $82 billion."
Global fashion industry is worth $1.2 trillion, of which $250 billion originates annually from the United States. Fashion provides more than a positive personal impact. The industry employs nearly two million people every year. It is also an industry, which suffers a tremendous trade gap for US consumers because of the lower costs of labour that can be found around the world. The US exports about $6 billion in apparel each year, but imports more than $82 billion.
Global fashion industry is worth USD 1.2 trillion, of which USD 250 billion originates annually from the United States. Fashion provides more than a positive personal impact. The industry employs nearly two million people every year. It is also an industry, which suffers a tremendous trade gap for US consumers because of the lower costs of labour that can be found around the world. The US exports about USD 6 billion in apparel each year, but imports more than USD 82 billion.
Fashion Fact File
About 75 per cent of garment workers worldwide are women. Up to 75 million people are employed by the fashion industry globally right now. In 2000, only 20 million people were believed to be employed by the industry. In the US, cotton pickers make an average of $40,000 per year. In India, the average employee makes $730 per year. In Uzbekistan, workers may not earn anything at all. In 2004, it was estimated that the informal economy within the fashion industry generated 35 per cent of global GDP, the figure is likely to be higher now.
The fact is that, though a majority of manufacturing occurs outside the US and Europe a majority of sales occurs inside the US and Europe. Economies everywhere are able to benefit from what this industry contributes. Whether there are ethnic, cultural, or national fashion trends that are emphasised, there is always a niche available for designers, manufacturers, and retailers. Although the US often dominates the fashion industry in terms of imports and influence, there really is something for every demography, if you are willing to look hard enough.
Understanding fashion
Fashion is more than just what you decide to add to your wardrobe. It is an industry, which provides manufacturing jobs, accounting jobs, and even entry-level retail jobs so that everyone has a chance to get involved. Specialist positions, like an accountant, earn an average $8,3000. When there are skills involved, then people can earn an income in the US that is at or above the average annual house hold income and that helps to grow economies, provide for family needs, and contribute to the growth of other industries. In the US, the average household spends about $1,700 per year on fashion items, including apparel, footwear, and related accessories.
Children’s fashion is expected to exceed $200 billion in total sales annually, which marks a 15 per cent increase in the past five years. Bridalwear is a fashion market, which generates more than $55 billion annually. Menswear generates more than $400 billion each year around the world; women’s wear contributes more than $620 billion in sales to the fashion industry annually.
Fashion becomes a priority for consumers, when other basic needs can be met, and there is money left over. No one is going to spend $300 on leather shoes when they need to put food on their table, pay their rent or mortgage, and have a way to get to work. Yet for this industry being a secondary priority, the total amount of sales that it achieves annually is quite impressive. If you can find the right niche within this industry, then you can become instantly competitive. That is why jobs continue to be created, often high paying, and why so many are pursuing an education in this field right now.
The Ludhiana garment industry majorly uses three kinds of yarn- 100 per cent cotton, blended yarn (polyester/ cotton mixed) and 100 per cent polyester.
Due to rise of crude prices in the international market, prices of polyester yarn have increased to Rs 5 per kg. There are different kinds of yarns even in the polyester category and prices vary accordingly.
Secondly, the production of raw cotton in India came down to 325 lakh bales this year as compared to about 370 lakh bales last year. There was a reduction up to about 12 per cent. Due to slightly good demand of cotton and better exports, there arises a scarcity of raw cotton. Export of raw cotton overseas was about 60 to 65 lakh bales.
Increased rates of yarn are going to affect the garment industry badly. The increased rates would put more of a financial burden. The reduced VAT tax rate has not made any difference. Garment manufacturers fear that with rates of yarn increased, the consumer would pay more to buy the end product.
There is a feeling that instead of exporting raw cotton to other countries, value addition on yarn by making garments is a better option.
Option to recycle textiles, such as old clothing, is available now. Each year, Massachusetts residents throw away 230,000 tons of textiles, while 95 per cent of this waste can be recycled or reused in some manner. The Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles Association, Council of Textile Recycling and Massachusetts Dept. of Environmental Protection are launching a statewide textile recycling initiative in Massachusetts to encourage residents to reduce the amount of clothing and other textiles they throw away.
Across the state, Municipalities will promote textile recycling at the community level. Local recycling coordinators will facilitate textile collections and educational events throughout the year to raise awareness of textiles as a household recyclable.
While textile items cannot be placed in curbside collections with other household recyclables, for-profit, thrift and charitable organizations alike accept donations and begin the textile recycling process. These organisations accept any fabric-based items that are clean and dry, including unwanted and damaged clothing, towels and linens, footwear, belts, hats, accessories, handbags, pillows, stuffed animals and more.
According to SMART, approximately 45 per cent of textiles in the recycling stream are reused as secondhand clothing, both in retail storefronts and in mass in developing countries. Companies like a SMART member, ERC Wiping Products in Lynn, Massachusetts, convert another 30 per cent of textiles to industrial rags. The remaining 20 per cent is sent to textile converters who remanufacture textile fibers into other products, such as automotive and housing insulation, carpet padding and sound dampening products.
To meet their growing demand, Taiwanese composite and technical textile companies are exploring partnership opportunities with Indian firms across various industries.
Over the next five years, India's technical textile industry is expected to grow at a rate of 20 per cent annually to touch $30 billion. The composite industry is also pegged at $2.2 billion with an expected growth of 15 per cent per annum over the next four years.
The Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT) and Taiwan Textile Federation (TTF) are forming the Taiwan Pavilion for the fourth time jointly with Taiwan Composites Association (TCA) participating in ‘Technotex 2016,’ organised by the Ministry of Textiles and an industry body in Mumbai soon.
At the event, nineteen leading Taiwanese companies producing high-end composites, innovative technical textiles, raw materials, accessories and non-woven machinery will exhibit their products. The multiple industries and sectors Taiwan is focusing on include automotive, defence, police, fire departments, sports gear and apparel, rainwear, outdoor tents and canopies and protective and safety products among others.
