Industry News | 11/1/23
How Dog Hair Is Making a Resurgence as a Sustainable Textile
TIME | November 1, 2023
Let’s kick it off with a weird one. Chiengora — the art of turning dog hair into textiles — has lived in relative obscurity for decades, coveted by hobbyists and fanatics. But efforts are underway to turn the unlikely fiber into a hyper-sustainable fabric.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | ideation 2023: Rebuilding the Industry’s Future Together
Event Announcement | November 1, 2023
Taking place at the Lectra Innovation Center in New York City on November 16th, this year's ideation will present a fully immersive journey in the latest technology and innovations impacting the industry. Bringing together some of the industry's top thought leaders, the Lectra event will aim to hone in on how we all work together to rebuild the industry's future.
Gov. Kemp: Hyundai, Kia Supplier To Invest in Manufacturing Facility in Coweta
Press Release | November 1, 2023
Hyundai Industrial Co., Ltd., a global auto parts supplier, will create 100 new jobs and invest more than $24 million in a new manufacturing facility in Coweta County, Georgia. The supplier specializes in manufacturing car seats, arm rests, and head rests.
Avery Dennison Launches Digital Product Passport as a Service
Press Release | November 1, 2023
Labeling company Avery Dennison has launched DPP as a Service (DPPaaS) to help brands fully prepare for forthcoming EU legislation on Digital Product Passports (DPPs). Burton Snowboards is the first customer to use the new Avery Dennison on-demand end-to-end service — comprising consultancy, hardware, software, digital ID technology, physical labels, and support services.
Vietnam's Textile-Garment Sector Expects Better Performance in Q4 2023
Fibre2Fashion | November 1, 2023
The textile-garment industry in Vietnam expects better production and business in the fourth quarter this year, generating a recovery momentum for next year. Almost all businesses under the Vietnam National Textile and Garment Group (Vinatex) have fewer orders this year compared to the past, but there are signs of customers increasing orders.
SPESA Welcomes New Board Member, Announces New Officer Slate, and Presents Inaugural Member Emeritus Awards
Press Release | October 31, 2023
During its recent Annual Business Meeting, SPESA announced the approval of its incoming officers and the election of the Board Class of 2026, which includes David Handal, a new member to the association’s Board of Directors. SPESA also presented the recipients of the inaugural SPESA Member Emeritus awards: Benton Gardner, Dave Gardner, Al Irvine, Lonny Schwartz, and Sam Simpson.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | CGS Named Among Prestigious Top 20 Training Companies for Advanced Technologies
Press Release | October 31, 2023
CGS, a global provider of applications, enterprise learning, immersive technologies, and outsourcing services, is pleased to announce its prestigious recognition as a Top 20 Provider of Advanced Learning Technologies in the 2023 Training Industry Top Training Companies list. The SPESA member was acknowledged for its exceptional contributions to the global corporate learning and development market.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | VDMA @ ITMA ASIA: Smart Technologies for Green Textile Production
Press Release | October 31, 2023
At ITMA ASIA + CITME this month in Shanghai, 40 VDMA members will present their technologies and solutions for the Chinese and Asian markets under the heading "smart technologies for green textile production."
Finding China Alternatives for Apparel Making Hits Cost, Skill Barriers
Bloomberg News | October 31, 2023
U.S. and European brands say they want to further cut ties with China. But finding established production locations elsewhere brings challenges: a lack of skilled workers, insufficient raw materials, or underdeveloped infrastructure and logistics networks. Bloomberg News questions whether the limits of viable alternatives may have been reached.
More Than 350 Jobs Cut by Hanesbrands, Kayser-Roth Changes in North Carolina
Sourcing Journal | October 31, 2023
Hanesbrands confirmed it will not renew its contract with National Distribution Center at the end of the year. The contractor operates a Hanesbrands distribution center in High Point, North Carolina. With the contract ending, the facility provided notice that it will lay off all 217 employees there, effective December 31st.
Bangladesh Cops, Garment Workers Clash During Protest Over Low Wage
NDTV World | October 31, 2023
Following similar protests that left at least two people dead, Bangladeshi police clashed with thousands of garment workers yesterday demanding fair wages for the clothing they make for major Western brands. Police said tens of thousands of workers at dozens of factories had launched strikes in Ashulia and Gazipur, the country's largest industrial city, with authorities firing tear gas and rubber bullets as crowds smashed up factories and blocked roads. Gazipur alone is home to more than a thousand plants that make clothing for brands such as H&M and Gap.
New AMGTA Research Shows Environmental Benefits of 3D Material Jetting in Fashion Footwear
Press Release | October 31, 2023
The Additive Manufacturer Green Trade Association (AMGTA), a global advocacy group focused on promoting sustainable additive manufacturing industry practices, announced the results of a life-cycle inventory study titled “Comparative Analysis: 3D Material Jetting vs Traditional Methods for Designer Luxury Goods.” The study analyzed the transition from traditional manufacturing methods to advanced additive manufacturing in the creation of a logo applique for luxury designer shoes, printed on fabric, produced by a material jetting process. The results showed a dramatic 24.8% reduction in CO2-eq emissions and a 49.9% reduction in stock material across the supply chain when compared to the traditional process.
Countering Fashion Sourcing Geopolitics with Death of U.S. Free Trade Deals
Just Style | October 30, 2023
Former Tapestry and VF executive Tom Glaser gave an incredibly straight-talking keynote speech during the 38th World Fashion Convention in Philadelphia. Recently retired from the fashion sourcing world, Glaser gave his personal yet expert viewpoint on how U.S. fashion sourcing executives should be developing a sourcing strategy as we approach 2024.
U.S. To Evict Gabon, Niger, Uganda, and Central African Republic from Trade Program
Reuters | October 30, 2023
President Biden announced his intention to end the participation of Gabon, Niger, Uganda, and the Central African Republic in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) trade program in 2024. Biden said he was taking the step because of "gross violations" of internationally recognized human rights by the Central African Republic and Uganda. He also cited Niger and Gabon's failure to establish or make continual progress toward the protection of political pluralism and the rule of law.
Cotton Incorporated's Blue Jeans Go Green Program Highlights Positive Impact of Textile Recycling Efforts on America Recycles Day
Press Release | October 30, 2023
Cotton’s Blue Jeans Go Green™ denim recycling program closes the loop on textile waste by reusing denim made from cotton and recycling well-loved pieces. Since the program’s inception in 2006, over 2,290 tons of denim have been diverted from landfills.
S Korea, Ethiopia Open Textile Research Centre in Addis Ababa
Fibre2Fashion | October 27, 2023
The Ethiopian-Korean Textile Techno Park, located at the Bole Lemi Industry Zone, will offer advanced training and laboratory services to customers in the sector. Ethiopia’s state minister for industry expressed hope that experienced and skilled South Korean experts in technology, manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure can help further Ethiopia’s industrialization.
North Carolina College Receives $1.2 million in Equipment for New Fiber Innovation Center
Home Textiles Today | October 27, 2023
Truetzschler, a German textile machinery manufacturer, has donated $1.2 million in equipment to a new state-of-the art facility at the Gaston College Fiber Innovation Center in Belmont, North Carolina, slated to open in 2024. The donated equipment features technology focused on circularity and reducing the carbon footprint of fiber and textile production.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | American Niagara Announces the Purchase of ZIM International
Press Release | October 26, 2023
SPESA member American Niagara (ANC) of Norcross, Georgia. is pleased to announce the purchase of ZIM International (ZIM) of Smyrna, Georgia. Scotty Barocas, President of ANC, said “This is a great opportunity for ANC and for Zim! As a combined company, we can offer Zim’s screen print customers ANC’s entire lines of Rutland Inks, Murakami emulsions, film, tapes, reclaimers, and so much more. To ZIM’s mattress and upholstery customers, we offer a complete line of aerosols including our foam adhesives, silicone, and spot cleaning products. ANC and now Zim are Factory Authorized Master Re- Distributors for Camie, Sprayway, and Claire Aerosol products, which include products for the screen print, mattress, upholstery, industrial, janitorial, automotive, and other industries.” All ZIM team members will be retained and will work side by side with the ANC team.
Altan Re-Elected as President of IAF
Just Style | October 25, 2023
Cem Altan, current president of the International Apparel Federation (IAF) and vice president of the Turkish Clothing Manufacturers' Association (TGSD), is all set to lead the coalition of apparel industry stakeholders for another two years after being re-elected as president. The IAF General Assembly unanimously accepted the IAF’s Board of Directors’ proposal to extend Altan’s term ahead of the 38th World Fashion Convention in Philadelphia.
Fashion Industry’s Labor, Climate Impact Piques State Scrutiny
Bloomberg Law | October 25, 2023
State lawmakers across the U.S. are increasing scrutiny of apparel companies, with proposals aimed at boosting accountability for the fashion industry’s labor and environmental practices.
Milliken Invests in Sustainable Carpet Maintenance Company
Press Release | October 25, 2023
Global diversified manufacturer Milliken & Company has invested in Orak, a Paris-based carpet maintenance and flooring reuse company, as a strategic sustainability enabler for its floor covering business. The relationship marks the beginning of a new generation of sustainable floor covering solutions, and it is set to “change the way the industry thinks about waste and its approach to the circular economy.”
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Aptean Reveals Key Fashion and Apparel Industry Trends for North America in 2024
Press Release | October 24, 2023
Aptean, a global provider of mission-critical enterprise software solutions, announced the publication of its Fashion and Apparel 2024 Trends and OutlookReport for North America. In the report, Aptean presents valuable insights into the fashion and apparel industry, highlighting six key trends that will shape the industry in 2024.
Fashion Manufacturers ‘Can’t Act Green When in the Red’
Just Style | October 24, 2023
There are many plans to lower the fashion industry’s carbon footprint, however IAF President Cem Altan explains demand has taken a big hit this year with production capacity in factories too low and the transition too slow. Just Style’s Laura Husband quotes IAF President Cem Altan as well as former SPESA Chairman Ed Gribbin in this article, part of the news outlet’s ongoing coverage of the recent World Fashion Convention, co-hosted by IAF and SPESA.
Boathouse Sports CEO on Making Philadelphia Apparel Production Work
Sourcing Journal | October 24, 2023
During the 38th World Fashion Convention presented by IAF and SPESA, Boathouse Sports CEO Cindy DiPietrantonio sat down with SPESA’s Michael McDonald to discuss the company’s onshoring story. “Proving skeptics wrong, the Northern Philadelphia-based company has succeeded.” Sourcing Journal’s Sarah Jones covered the Philadelphia event.
How Columbia Sportswear Is Loosening Its Ties to Asia
The New York Times | October 24, 2023
Confronted with the U.S.-China trade war and disruptions in the shipping industry, the apparel and footwear company is shifting some production to Central America. While following one brand’s quest, The New York Times notes “Columbia’s reconnaissance trip to Central America reflects a refashioning of international trade as geopolitical forces spur multinational companies to reduce their dependence on faraway factories. It also attests to the lessons of the pandemic: After extraordinary product shortages, major brands are eager to make it easier to replenish their stocks.”
H&M Brings Customized Embroidered Apparel in Berlin Store
Apparel Resources | October 23, 2023
H&M has partnered with Coloreel to revolutionize the world of customized embroidery. In a recent move, the H&M Alexa store in Berlin is now offering customers the ability to personalize their clothing with a wide array of expressive designs. This initiative marks the commencement of an innovative in-store pilot program developed by H&Mbeyond.
Chinese Textile Players Investing $101 Million in Egypt
Sourcing Journal | October 19, 2023
The chairman of the Suez Canal Economic Zone recently signed agreements with Chinese executives to establish a number of textile projects in the West Qantara Industrial Zone. The projects were valued at an estimated $101.3 million. Apparel and textiles represent Egypt’s second-largest export.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | AAC’s Hank Little to Retire After 20 Years; Company Names New GM
Furniture Today | October 6, 2023
Long time executive and president of Atlanta Attachment Co. Hank Little is retiring after 20 years with the mattress and home furnishings sewing equipment supplier. His retirement is effective December 31st.