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Felicia Shi, GOTS Representative for the Asia Pacific region, delivered a presentation highlighting the benefits of GOTS certification and emphasizing the importance of the GOTS standard for sustainable and ethical textile production.
"We were especially encouraged to hear at the trade show that leading downstream producers are exerting a pull effect on their partner in the supply chain to adopt GOTS," said Felicia.
GOTS is committed to making organic textiles becoming a significant part of everyday life, enhancing people's lives and the environment. GOTS standards cover the entire supply chain, from field to fashion, ensuring the use of organic fibers and sustainable production practices. GOTS certification goes beyond just organic fibers; it signifies adherence to strict environmental and social criteria throughout the entire production process.
GOTS strives to be the leading global standard for sustainable and ethical textile production. It is rapidly becoming the leading global standard for sustainable and ethical textile production.
The premier textile event of Southern China, Intertextile Shenzhen Apparel Fabrics, concluded its 2024 edition on June 7th, buzzing with activity for three days. Held at the Shenzhen World Expo and Convention Centre in Futian, the event provided a platform for international exchange, fostering new connections and business opportunities within the global textile industry. With its focus on innovation, the event hosted a series of fringe events including a session dedicated to AI and its impact on fashion, apparel and textile industry, conducted by HKRITA.
Symmpix, a leading digital solutions provider for the fashion industry, unveiled its innovative AI-powered design platform, AIMDE, at Intertextile Shenzhen. This technology merges artificial intelligence (AI) with 3D visualization to revolutionize the textile industry by creating "phygital" products.
Bridging the gap between imagination and reality
Symmpix's approach aims to streamline the design and production process, minimizing environmental impact and financial burdens. Their end-to-end solutions empower users to bring their ideas to life swiftly, from conception to sales and marketing.
Addressing industry challenges
The fashion industry faces several challenges, including slow market response times due to lengthy lead times, high development costs associated with sampling and logistics, communication gaps leading to delays, and limited ability to visualize designs effectively. Symmpix tackles these issues with a suite of AI-powered and 3D solutions.
Symmpix's solutions
• AI-Powered fabric search: This feature utilizes text and image search to locate the perfect fabric for your needs. You can even export fabric details and download digital fabric files.
• New pattern generation: Effortlessly design new prints, stripes, and checks. The platform creates CAD-compatible data and integrates with popular CAD software.
• Visualizing products in 3D: Interactive 3D configurators allow you to view your designs on various silhouettes and make edits in real-time.
• Virtual fitting support: 3D fitting simulations ensure a perfect fit before production begins.
• Virtual presentation: Showcase your designs in a virtual environment using digital photoshoots, catwalks, and showrooms.
AIMDE: The AI-Powered Design Powerhouse
The AI platform, AIMDE (AI Merchandising and Design Engine), empowers designers, brands, and manufacturers throughout the product development process. Users can source fabrics, design patterns, and visualize products in 3D, all within a single platform. AIMDE boasts several advantages over competing AI tools, like no text prompts required, flexible color options, pattern type versatility, and advanced 3D product simulation. By adopting these solutions, companies can experience significant benefits like faster time to market, cost reduction and environmental sustainability
AI-powered solutions bridge the gap between imagination and reality, offering a faster, more cost-effective, and environmentally friendly approach to textile design and development.
In a groundbreaking study conducted by RMIT University, nanodiamond-coated fabrics have emerged as a potential game changer in temperature regulation, offering hope for cooler and more comfortable clothing amid rising global temperatures.
Cooling efficiency and UV protection
Published in Polymers for Advanced Technologies, the research demonstrates the remarkable cooling efficiency of fabrics treated with nanodiamonds. Compared to untreated cotton, these fabrics cooled down by two to three degrees Celsius faster, offering a significant improvement in comfort, especially during hot weather or intense physical activity.
Lead researcher Shadi Houshyar, a Senior Lecturer at RMIT, emphasizes the practical implications of this discovery: "While two or three degrees may not seem like much of a change, it does make a difference in comfort and health impacts...could be the difference between keeping your air conditioner off or turning it on."
Aside from their cooling properties, nanodiamond-coated fabrics also provide enhanced UV protection, making them ideal for outdoor summer wear. This added functionality not only benefits individuals but also contributes to energy savings, with potential reductions of 20-30 per cent in air conditioning usage.
The study utilized cotton as the base fabric, but researchers suggest that other natural and synthetic fibers could be explored. The fabrication process involves electrospinning a solution containing nanodiamonds and a polymer binder, offering flexibility in designing fabrics with specific properties tailored to various applications.
Aisha Rehman, Lead Researcher and RMIT Research Assistant, explains the rationale behind choosing nanodiamonds: "Nanodiamonds were chosen for this study because of their strong thermal conductivity properties."
Applications and environmental implications
While still in the early stages of research, the commercial potential of nanodiamond-coated fabrics is immense. Market analysts project that the global smart textiles market could reach $59.3 billion by 2027, with cooling solutions being a significant driver of growth. Applications span across industries, including sportswear, healthcare, and construction.
Houshyar highlights the broader environmental implications of this technology: "There's also potential to explore how nanodiamonds can be used to protect buildings from overheating, which can lead to environmental benefits."
However, challenges such as the durability of nanofibers during washing and the cost-effectiveness of manufacturing nanodiamond-treated fabrics need to be addressed. Scaling up production processes for commercialization while considering the environmental impact of nanodiamond production and disposal remains a priority for future research.
In conclusion, the integration of nanodiamonds into fabrics represents a promising avenue for developing cooler, more comfortable clothing while potentially contributing to energy savings. Despite existing challenges, ongoing research and development hold immense potential for revolutionizing the textile industry and enhancing thermal comfort for individuals and the environment.
Criticising the Finance Bill 2024 for imposing additional burden on the textile units, potentially leading to the collapse of the entire sector, the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) has urged the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to reconsider the destructive measures proposed in the bill.
During a meeting with the FBR Chairman, APTMA vehemently protested the regressive and punitive tax and customs-related measures proposed in the Finance Bill 2024, describing them as an existential threat to Pakistan’s textile industry. APTMA argued, these measures may unequivocally damage this vital sector, undermining Pakistan’s economic stability and export capacity.
A few of the key concerns raised by APTMA included withdrawal of the zero-rating on local inputs for export manufacturing that may disadvantage domestic and cloth producers, imposition of a 2 per cent custom duty on cotton and MMF, a 2 per cent advance tax on export proceeds, liquidity crisis in the industry and high duties on PTA/PSF.
Besides exacerbating the current situation, the proposed measures may deter new investment in productive, export-oriented activities, leading to a decline in industrial capacity and increasing capital flight to the informal sector, said APTMA. This will reduce government revenue and worsen the fiscal deficit, creating a vicious cycle of economic decline and increasing the risk of sovereign default, it added.
A study conducted by QR Code Generator Pro SL names Kim Kardashian'sSkims as the world's leading celebrity clothing brand.
The study was conducted using multiple metrics to determine the rankings, including Trustpilot reviews, Instagram followers, and search data from Google Keyword Planner. Specialising in shapewear, loungewear, and underwear, Skims topped the list with an index score of 79.93 out of 100. The brand garners over 3.4 million Google searches per month, the highest among all the brands analysed, while on Instagram, it boasts a following of 5.9 million users.
The second spot was secured by Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty with an index score of 66.34, recording more than 384,000 monthly searches and an Instagram following of 5.1 million. Meanwhile, Fabletics by actress Kate Hudson ranked third with an overall score of 52.11. The activewear brand has a community of 1.95 million Instagram followers, and gets 1.3 million monthly searches for terms related to its products.
Rounding out the top five is Kanye West’s brand Yeezy, with an index score of 51.98, in fourth place, followed by KhloeKardashian’s Good American with a score of 47.45.
Several other celebrity brands also made it into the top ten with the Jessica Simpson Collection (33.88) and Emily Ratajkowski's Inamorata (33.67) placing sixth and seventh, respectively. Fashion powerhouse Stella McCartnery secured the eighth spot with a score of 25, while Beyoncé’s Ivy Park (23.11) and Drake’s October’s Very Own (14.35) completed the top ten.
Marc Porcar, CEO, QR Code Generator Pro SL, says, the findings reinforce that impressive and renowned empire created by the Kardashian family – beginning in reality TV and culminating in globally recognized and consumer-favorite clothing brands, Skims and Good American are the only two brands that rank in the top ten most popular in the world – topping even fashion royalty, like Stella McCartney.
Karl MayerTechnischeTextilien is making waves in the wind power industry with the launch of their Max Glass Eco machine. This innovative machine focuses on producing standard non-crimp fabrics from glass fibers, crucial for reinforcing wind turbine rotor blades.
The Max Glass Eco stands out for its perfect balance of affordability and performance. It combines proven technology from previous models like the Maxtronic with new advancements, resulting in a highly economical machine for standard glass fiber applications.
Karl Mayer complements its product portfolio with the Max Glass Eco. While Cop Max 4 caters to demanding applications with its extensive customization options, the Max Glass Eco is ideal for high-volume production of standard glass fiber products.
The Max Glass Eco boasts an impressive production rate of 410 m/h at a speed of 1800 min-1. It offers a working width of 101″ and features a fixed layer system for exceptional placement precision. Additional innovations include a conveyor belt, a walking needle system, and single compound needles for efficient operation.
The Max Glass Eco has been met with great enthusiasm. Its short amortization times and attractive price point have garnered significant interest from potential customers across Eastern Europe, India, and Asia.
Max Glass Eco paves the way for efficient and cost-effective production of glass fiber components in the wind power industry.
According to the latest import and export data, Indian cotton yarn exports (HS code 5205) increased by 14.54 per cent Y-o-Y to 87,637.26 tons in April 2024. However, these yarn exports registered a 16.25 per cent M-o-M decline during April 2024.
In April, India’s yarn exports to China declined by 51.36 per cent Y-o-Y and 59.72 per cent M-o-M in April. China's market share in Indian cotton yarn exports dropped to around 5 per cent, declining by 6 per cent compared to March 2024.
Bangladesh continues to be the largest export destination for Indian cotton yarn, holding approximately 43 per cent of the export market,. Portugal and Vietnam follow with shares of 7 per cent and 6 per cent respectively. The fourth position is jointly occupied by Egypt and China. The market shares of other countries' remained below 5 per cent, with some showing increases or stability compared to March, except for Vietnam, China, Egypt, and Peru, which saw declines.
In summary, Indian cotton yarn exports in April 2024 exhibited a year-on-year increase but a month-on-month decrease. The key export markets were Bangladesh, Portugal, Vietnam, and China. Exports to China experienced significant reductions both year-on-year and month-on-month. Among the four main types of Indian yarns exported to China, carded single yarn 8-25s had the largest export quantity.
For the 2024-25 marketing season, the Indian government has raised the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for cotton by over 7 per cent. Approved by the Union Cabinet under Prime Minister NarendraModi, this decision applies to all mandated Kharif crops for the season. According to sources within the Indian textile industry, this increase is expected to elevate production costs throughout the value chain.
As per a recent government press release, the MSP for medium staple cotton (known as seen cotton) will increase by 7.56 per cent to Rs7,121 per quintal from Rs 6,620 per quintal. MSP for long staple cotton will rise by 7.13 per cent to Rs7,521 per quintal from Rs7,020 per quintal. The new MSPs will be implemented by the government’s nodal agency, Cotton Corporation of India (CCI).
Industry experts believe,the MSP increase will boost production costs for ginners and spinners due to the elevated cotton prices. While the market price of cotton is expected to stay above the MSP level, there is uncertainty regarding whether spinners, fabric, and garment manufacturers will be able to pass on these increased costs to their buyers. This concern is compounded by the current sluggish global demand for textiles.
Leading global sewing equipment manufacturer, Jack Technology launched the groundbreaking 'Urus' overlock machine in Guangzhou, China. Named after the Lamborghini Urus for its speed and precision, this innovative machine is designed to handle any fabric with ease.
Jack Technology also showcased this machine at the 2024 New Product Conference that was broadcasted to over 30 sub-venues in China, Cambodia, Vietnam, and other countries. The event attracted numerous industry specialists and scholars, including the chairman of the China Sewing Machinery Association, vice president of the China Garment Association, and leaders from garment associations in India and Bangladesh, marking a significant milestone in the sewing equipment industry.
With the rise of fashion and personalised clothing, the sewing and textile industry is shifting towards a "small orders and quick reorders" model. Traditional overlock machines often face issues such as fabric wrinkling, needle breakage, and thread snapping, particularly with mixed fabrics like thick, thin, elastic, and hard materials.
To address these challenges, Jack Technology integrated AI technology into their sewing equipment. The company collaborated with top universities and research institutes, including Stanford University, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tsinghua University, and Zhejiang University for developing the Urusoverlock machine.
Equipped with an industry-leading AI full-speed feeding system, the Urus machine handles various fabric types and thicknesses seamlessly. It boasts a 'super brain' with a pressure-to-feed ratio model library, enabling multimodal intelligent detection of fabric thickness changes at a rate of 32,000 times per second. This ensures the machine can adjust the pressing and feeding force parameters in real-time.
Key technologies in Urus include the Presser Foot Transformer and Smart Rhino Feeding. The Presser Foot Transformer adjusts pressure distribution in 0.00006 seconds, while Smart Rhino Feeding provides precise power distribution, achieving a perfect match between pressure and delivery forces. During the conference, URUS demonstrated its ability to handle different fabrics, such as hoodies, jeans, yoga suits, and mesh yarn, all with perfect stitches.
At the conference, Jack Technology announced plans to promote unmanned research and development, integrating software, hardware, and AI technology to gradually achieve unmanned production using various templates and humanoid robots. This vision aims to usher in a new era of intelligent production. Jack Ruan, Founder and CEO, Jack Technology, emphasises their commitment to innovation and customer value. "As long as the company continues to focus on creating value for customers, keeps innovating sewing technology, endeavors to develop intelligent total solution for sewing industry, it can breakthrough any challenges like the Urus.
The recent Intertextile Shenzhen Apparel Fabrics concluded its 2024 edition on a high note, solidifying its position as a premier trade show for the textile industry. The event, held from June 5th to 7th, served as a key meeting point for industry leaders, showcasing the latest trends and innovations in fabrics and apparel.
Sustainability on the rise
“A major takeaway was the growing emphasis on eco-friendly materials and production processes”, says Joanna Chen, Sales Manager from Shanghai Shileju Textile, company that focuses on sustainable and eco-friendly materials. She pointed out the abundance of exhibitors showcasing innovative textiles made from recycled materials, reflecting a global demand for environmentally conscious products.
Felicia Shi, Regional Representative for the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), reported a positive response from attendees, particularly SMEs, to their first-time presentation at the event. She highlighted the potential for new collaborations in promoting sustainable practices within the textile industry. GOTS is a non-profit organization that manages the Global Organic Textile Standard, which certifies organic textiles. She observed the participation of many exhibitors with GOTS certification. This reflects the growing demand for eco-friendly textiles, aligning with the show's commitment to innovation and responsibility.
Innovation across the spectrum
Beyond sustainability, the event offered a comprehensive overview of textile resources, according to Sajjad Mazahir, Director Marketing of Keywin Trading & Hong Kong Cheung Wick Ltd., Guangzhou, companies that supply resources for the apparel trade, including fibers, yarns, apparel, and accessories. “From fibres and yarns to finished apparels and accessories, the exhibition covered the entire garment production cycle. Exhibitors showcased a wide range of materials, including cotton, man-made fibres, and innovative functional fabrics with water repellency, breathability, and wrinkle resistance” says, Sajjad.
Vivian Su of Suzhou Huahe Textile, manufacturer of anti-pilling fabrics, highlighted the focus on product innovation by their company showcasing their latest developments in fabric functionalities and production techniques. Vivian emphasized the importance of continuous product innovation to stay competitive.
Rui Zhang of XYX Materials, manufactures of fabrics for intimate apparel, shapewear, swimwear, and yoga leggings, too echoed this sentiment, adding, he finds emerging opportunities due to a focus on outerwear and coarser fabrics.
Footfall and visitors’ number reflect market situation
A recurring theme in the feedback was a much higher than the previous year event footfall, yet lower-than-expected visitor turnout, on the back of lower demand in the export and domestic market of China. Leah Jiashan of Yongli Lai Garment Accessories, a manufacturer of garment accessories such as buckles, buttons, eyelets, and zippers; as well as Sajjad Mazahir attributed this to weak downstream demand, particularly in export markets surrounding Shenzhen.
Looking Forward
The event provided valuable insights for future industry gatherings. Joanna Chen is confident that the knowledge gained will enhance their presentation at the upcoming Intertextile Shanghai.
Intertextile Shenzhen 2024 served as a microcosm of the textile industry's current landscape, navigating a path towards sustainability while facing ongoing challenges in a globalized market.
