Industry News | 10/4/23
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Our friends at WhatTheyThink have offered Behind the Seams readers a look at a few of their recent articles related to the textile and sewn product industries.
‘We Can’t Act Green if We’re in the Red’: Why Suppliers Need a Seat at the Table
Sourcing Journal | October 3, 2023
The buyer-supplier partnership is a bit like a marriage, says Alexander Kohnstamm, executive director at the Fair Wear Foundation. If you’re not in regular communication, small misunderstandings can quickly blow out of proportion, creating larger issues that risk capsizing the entire relationship.
Mr. Kohnstamm will be speaking more on this topic at the upcoming World Fashion Convention in Philadelphia.
Cambodia Raises Monthly Minimum Wage for Garment Workers to $204
Fibre2Fashion | October 3, 2023
Cambodia’s National Council on Minimum Wage recently arrived at a consensus on $202 as the new monthly minimum wage for garment, travel goods, and bag industries. Prime Minister Hun Manet later added an additional $2, which made the final figure $204 for next year.
Delta Apparel Receives Purchase Offer for Salt Life Business
Fashion Network | October 3, 2023
Delta Apparel, Inc. said on Monday it has received an unsolicited offer to purchase its Salt Life business unit. While the company notes there can be no assurances as to the timing, terms, or structure of any potential transaction or even if a transaction will take place, it has engaged a financial advisor following the proposal.
New Factory Opened To Boost Cape Town's Clothing and Textile Industry
Zawya | October 3, 2023
South Africa has a new high-tech clothing and textile manufacturing facility in Epping, Cape Town. The garment manufacturer, Ivilitex, is a division of the Ivili Group, a South African woman-owned company that is aiming to lead the charge towards increasing locally produced apparel from the current 44% to 65% by 2030. Ivilitex’s initial production will consist of jeanswear for the local retailer market and will make use of state-of-the-art technology that will allow for the production and washing of garments with optimum levels of output and efficiency, producing a pair of jeans in less than 13 minutes.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Inditex and the International Apparel Federation Sign Framework Agreement
Press Release | October 2, 2023
Multinational clothing company Inditex and the International Apparel Federation (IAF) have signed a framework agreement to drive significant transformation in the global garment industry through clear objectives and concrete lines of action to support the adoption of more sustainable practices and technologies. Additional industry coverage is available here. IAF has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Sustainable Apparel Coalition to advance a shared vision for equitable and sustainable global supply chains for the apparel industry.
SPESA and IAF are partnering to bring the 38th World Fashion Convention to the U.S. later this month. During the event, a speaker from Inditex will share insights from the company’s journey toward supply chain transparency and accountability.
Supply Chain Innovation Is Sorely Needed. Who’s Going To Fund It?
Vogue Business | October 2, 2023
The fashion supply chain is ripe for investment, with many solutions across traceability, renewable energy, next-gen materials, and textile recycling ready to scale after years of pilot projects and accelerator schemes, and incoming legislation forcing companies to become more efficient. Yet, according to this Vogue Business article, manufacturers and logistics companies say the funding available for innovation is still falling short of what’s needed.
California and Newsom Prep for the Future with New Climate Rules
The Hill | October 1, 2023
Californians are bracing for Governor Gavin Newsom’s impending signoff on a seminal slate of rules that would require large companies to disclose both their greenhouse gas emissions and climate-related financial risk. Forbes notes the new rules represent a watershed moment for corporate transparency and climate risk management that will have nationwide impacts.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Leading Fashion and Sewn Products Leaders Share Their Digital Manufacturing Journey
Company Announcement | September 29, 2023
Behind the Seams readers are invited to join SPESA member CGS, Inc. for a live webinar on Wednesday, November 1st, as the company delves into the world of digital transformation in the fashion and sewn products manufacturing industry. Webinar attendees will hear from fashion and sewn product leaders who have successfully embraced digital manufacturing. They will share their experiences and insights on various aspects of their digital transformation journeys and how implementing BlueCherry SFC has helped safeguard their businesses and seize growth opportunities.
Nike Cuts Digital Fulfillment Costs Via Regionalization
Sourcing Journal | September 29, 2023
While Nike had a slow first quarter to begin its fiscal year, the athleticwear and footwear giant says it is driving more profitability throughout the supply chain. The company invested heavily in regional service centers, which have enabled it to reduce digital split shipments and improve digital outbound fulfillment costs.
Apex Mills’ Va. Facility Announces Significant Investment, Urgent Need for Hires
Press Release | September 29, 2023
Insight Textiles, part of the Apex Mills family of companies and a leading USA manufacturer of specialty industrial fabrics, has made significant investments in infrastructure since opening in January 2023. The company’s most recent investments in production equipment and infrastructure will increase throughput and reduce delivery time. They also have created immediate career employment opportunities.
Coloreel: $2 million Deal with Asian Manufacturer
Textile Technology | September 28, 2023
In an agreement marking a significant milestone in the company’s history, Coloreel has signed a US$2 million deal with a prominent Asian manufacturer delivering to well-known global brands. This new partnership underscores the embroidery company’s capacity to meet the growing demand for innovative and sustainable solutions, including on-demand digital thread-dying units, among manufacturers and brands worldwide.
U.S. Cotton Belt Tour Showing Customers from 15 Countries Why To Keep Choosing U.S. Cotton
Textile World | September 26, 2023
Textile manufacturing executives representing 15 countries will visit the U.S. Cotton Belt this month on the 42nd COTTON USA Orientation Tour. Sponsored by Cotton Council International, the export promotions arm of the Memphis-based National Cotton Council, the Orientation Tour’s major objectives are to increase U.S. cotton customers’ awareness of the types/qualities of U.S. cotton, help them gain a better understanding of U.S. marketing practices, and enhance their relationships with U.S. exporters.
Princess Kate, Pushing British Textiles, Visits a Mill with a Family Connection
Vanity Fair | September 26, 2023
Just a little treat for anyone who is a fan of the Royal Family. Last week, the British princess visited a textile mill in Yorkshire, England, to observe how they make fabric for Buckingham Palace guard uniforms.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Designing the ‘Day-and-a-Half Garment’ (Video)
Sourcing Journal | September 25, 2023
This is the third in a series of Fireside Chats between Sourcing Journal and Bill Wilcox, founder and president of SPESA member and 3D design software platform Clothing Tech LLC. Pulling from his background in the automotive and electronics industries, Wilcox explains why brands must embrace 3D software to increase speed-to-market.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | AFFOA Introduces Product Accelerator For Functional Fabrics (PAFF), Exclusive To Fabric Innovation Network Members
Press Release | September 25, 2023
Advanced Functional Fabrics of America Inc. (AFFOA) recently introduced the Product Accelerator for Functional Fabrics (PAFF) program, exclusively for AFFOA’s Fabric Innovation Network Members. The PAFF program is designed to help U.S. companies close the gap(s) in their advanced functional fabric product and technology development. AFFOA will conduct a virtual webinar on October 12th for interested companies to learn more about the program.
Türkiye Textile Exporters Hone In on Sustainability, Nearshoring Potential
Just Style | September 22, 2023
With the global fashion industry focused on speed-to-market and sustainability, Türkiye’s textile exporters are presented with some great opportunities for growth, according to Just Style. Türkiye is in a unique position as a textile producer given it has the ability to source fibers from within the country itself, spin them into fabrics, and supply the country’s mammoth apparel production base for export.
Attendees at the upcoming World Fashion Convention will have a chance to learn more about Türkiye’s sewn products industry from the Istanbul Apparel Exporters Association.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Lectra Appoints Frédéric Morel as President of the Asia-Pacific Region
Press Release | September 22, 2023
Lectra, a leader in technology solutions for the fashion, automotive, and furniture industries, announced the appointment of Frédéric Morel as president of the Asia-Pacific region and as a member of the Group's Executive Committee, where he replaces Edward Wang, who previously held the same position. Lectra's presence in the Asia-Pacific region began in 1985 with the opening of its first office in Japan. Today, Lectra employs 16% of its workforce in the region, which accounted for 25% of the Group's revenues in 2022.
Adidas Opens New ‘Fully Automated’ DC in China
Robotics & Automation | September 21, 2023
Global sportswear brand Adidas has opened a new fully automated distribution center in Suzhou, China, which covers an area of 139,000m². The site was established to process one million pieces per day and store ten million footwear and apparel items. Warehouse automation firm Geek+ supplied autonomous mobile robots for the site, some fitted with additional customizations for item location detection, improved operational safety, and enabling human-machine co-working.
Why the Sustainable Apparel Coalition ‘Evolved’ Its Strategic Plan
Sourcing Journal | September 21, 2023
Amina Razvi, CEO of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC), believes that fashion is at an inflection point, one that requires an “evolution” of the way it has promoted business transformation in the face of the planet’s most pressing issues. Last month, the influential trade group announced a rejiggering of its strategic plan to drive transparency and collective action through the use of its integrated tools, including the controversy-racked Higg Materials Sustainability Index.
Furniture-Maker Noble House Falls into Bankruptcy, Owes Overseas Suppliers Millions
Supply Chain Dive | September 21, 2023
Noble House Home Furnishings joined the ranks of furniture suppliers to file for bankruptcy last month, with the company blaming cost inflation and past supply chain disruptions, among other challenges.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Aptean Extends Apparel Industry Leadership with Acquisition of Apparel Business Systems, LLC
Press Release | September 20, 2023
SPESA member Aptean, a global provider of mission-critical enterprise software solutions, announced its acquisition of Apparel Business Systems, LLC (ABS), a leading provider of enterprise resource planning (ERP) software to fashion and apparel manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors.
HanesBrands Mulls 'Strategic Options' for Champion Including Potential Sale
Fashion Network | September 20, 2023
In September, HanesBrands announced its executive leadership team has sought financial and legal advisors for an evaluation of strategic options for its global Champion business. Sales at the company's Champion brand have been waning in recent quarters, with the brand clocking big declines in its U.S. market in particular.
Climate Change Threatens Fashion Industry
Phys.org | September 18, 2023
Extreme heat and flooding are threatening key international apparel hubs, with four countries vital to the fashion industry facing losses of 1 million jobs and $65 billion in earnings by 2030, according to new reports from the Global Labor Institute at Cornell University.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Lectra Joins the CAC Mid 60 and SBF 120 Indices as of September 15, 2023
Press Release | September 15, 2023
Lectra announced it will be listed in the CAC Mid 60 and SBF 120 indices of Euronext as of market close on September 15, 2023. This listing marks a new stage for the Group, and will enhance its visibility with potential shareholders and customers in France and internationally. This comes at a time when Lectra has just been awarded Deloitte's Best Managed Companies label for the second year running.
Under the Skin of Central America’s Fashion Sourcing Success
Just Style | September 13, 2023
Patricia Figueroa, Central America–Dominican Republic Apparel and Textile Council (CECATEC-RD)’s executive director, says new investments and an integrated, traceable supply chain are key to the regional apparel sector's recovery following the pandemic and cost of living crisis that is pressuring trade.
A representative from CECATEC-RD will be speaking on manufacturing in Central America during the upcoming 38th World Fashion Convention in Philadelphia.
Does the Future of Textiles Include Fermented Fashion?
Modern Farmer | September 12, 2023
Researchers and entrepreneurs consider kombucha and fermented biopolymers as a sustainable source material for clothing, car interiors, and more!