Industry News | 12/6/23
Updated: Dec 20, 2023
‘Ruthless’ Fashion Industry Urged To Take Decisive Action on Decarbonization
Just Style | December 5, 2023
Leading fashion activism movement Fashion Revolution is making waves at COP28 with a set of demands directed at major fashion brands and policymakers, calling for decisive action and a just transition to decarbonisation. Actions include:
Fashion brands are urged to set robust climate targets in consultation with suppliers.
Brands must transparently publish plans to meet climate targets, sharing their progress openly.
Brands should disclose information on where clothes are made, the quantity of production, and details about materials and manufacturing processes.
Policymakers are called upon to legislate for environmental and social accountability from fashion brands.
Fashion brands are to disclose the number of workers in their supply chain receiving a living wage and the prices brands pay per item to suppliers.
Karl Mayer Launches ‘Game Changer’ for Production Management
Sourcing Journal | December 5, 2023
Karl Mayer is building on its legacy with a digital-focused launch aimed at ratcheting up production efficiency for warp-knitting equipment and arming shop-floor managers with critical, timely insights. Called Digital Production Management software by KM.ON, the new offering targets shop-floor control, an area of the supply chain increasingly ripe for an innovative makeover. It merges Internet of Things, or IoT, technology along with cutting-edge analytics to crank out insight-rich reports that leaders can use to streamline their production. Karl Mayer says the software supports clients’ sustainability efforts by limiting production waste while also prioritizing profits.The software’s three main reports focus on performance, machines, and quality.
New Balance Breaks Ground on New Hampshire Plant
Manufacturing Dive | December 4, 2023
New Balance recently broke ground on a $70 million factory in Londonderry, New Hampshire, as an effort to expand its domestic production footprint. The new 102,418-square-foot facility is the company’s sixth manufacturing facility in the U.S and will initially create more than 150 jobs with the intention of increasing to 240 in the site’s first year. The company also plans to build a bus stop for workers to access public transportation. Production is expected to begin in 2025.
Turkish Manufacturers Adapt Amid Relentless Inflation
Sourcing Journal | December 1, 2023
Haldun Boz, Istanbul Apparel Exporters’ Association (İHKİB) board member: “The Turkish have the soul of an entrepreneur. Post-Covid, with the effect of nearshoring, a lot of the supply chain was reorganized, and we all benefited. Many of us increased our capacity and invested significantly at the time. But with the slowdown in orders worldwide, this has been a major problem for us,” he said.“Turkey is considered to be in the European zone by our customers, many of whom divide their production sourcing capacities about 50/50 between Asia and Europe,” he said.
VF Corp Lays Off 500 Salaried Employees Amid Turnaround
Fashion Dive | December 1, 2023
The job cuts come weeks after an activist investor demanded the conglomerate slash $300 million in expenses. A VF spokesperson on the layoffs: “While these decisions are never easy, they will give us the financial flexibility to invest behind our brands and better position us for long term growth. We’re committed to handling this restructuring with dignity and respect for all involved and want to thank those impacted for their valued contributions to VF.”
Digital Transformation’s Role in Creating a More Sustainable Fashion Industry
Sourcing Journal | November 30, 2023
Digitalization can cross off multiple lines on fashion’s sustainability to-do list, from waste reduction to lower resource consumption. This intersection of environmental action and technological innovation was discussed in multiple sessions at the World Fashion Convention co-hosted by the Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA) and the International Apparel Federation (IAF). Speakers shared how gaining a better read on demand with artificial intelligence reduces overproduction and waste, how virtual design cuts back on sample creation, and how using scannable technology for care and product labels can reduce material use.
Inditex Brand Taps 3DLook for Fit Tech Experience
Sourcing Journal | November 30, 2023
The Inditex-owned brand Bershka has teamed up with virtual fitting room company 3DLook to give consumers the chance to see what garments will look like on their bodies while they shop online. To use the tool, all consumers need is a smartphone. The artificial intelligence-integrated technology requires consumers to snap two photos of themselves: one from the front, and one from the side. A voice assistant helps pose consumers, giving them advice about where to place their arms and how close to the camera they should stand.
Champion Launches Sustainable Collection with Fiber Tech Firm CiCLO
Fashion Dive | November 30, 2023
Champion has partnered with technology firm CiCLO Textiles on a collection of crewnecks and joggers that reduce plastic textile pollution, according to a news release from HanesBrands. The CiCLO tech says it allows synthetic textiles to “behave more like natural fibers when they enter the environment,” per the release. The move comes as HanesBrands considers a sale of the Champion brand, which has been weighing down its bottom line.
In other Champion news, the company recently named Richard Mcleod, whose résumé includes notable stints with Canada Goose and Foot Locker, as its new vice president and chief marketing officer.
INDA Releases Upgraded International Nonwovens Directory
eTextileCommunications | November 30, 2023
INDA recently announced that it has released an upgraded, more user-friendly version of its International Nonwovens Directory. With enhanced search and navigation features, nonwoven professionals can easily source suppliers or manufacturers based on their product needs. As an added member benefit, INDA Members’ listings will receive priority in Directory search results as well as display an INDA Member badge for all active INDA member companies.
White House Creates Cabinet-Level Supply Chain Council
Supply Chain Dive | November 27, 2023
After years of focusing on supply chains’ role in the economy, President Joe Biden has created a new cabinet-level council focused on supply chain issues, with the inaugural meeting taking place back in late November. The creation of the Council on Supply Chain Resilience is one of nearly 30 actions the White House shared Monday as evidence of Biden’s focus on strengthening supply chains. The actions include funding announcements and updates on specific data and trade initiatives, among other topics. Check out the official White House press release here.
Kimberly Morgan Named New Chief Commercial and Operations Officer, Fashion Portfolio at K3
Press Release | November 24, 2023
K3 Business Technology Group (or K3BTG) recently announced New York-based Kimberly Morgan as Chief Commercial and Operations Officer (CCOO), leading the newly created ‘K3 Fashion Portfolio’, a K3 business unit encompassing K3 Pebblestone, K3 Fashion, and K3 ViJi. Kimberly Morgan’s promotion follows the implementation of a new management structure, devolving greater responsibility to the leadership teams within the Group's businesses, which are separately managed and respectively address different market sectors. The move reflects the Board's strategy to further simplify operations, more effectively address the opportunities within market sectors, and to drive shareholder value.
U.S. Scientists Unlock Plastic Alternatives Using Proteins and Clothing Scraps
TexFash | November 17, 2023
The first innovation is a process to transform naturally occurring proteins into plastic-like materials. Proteins have “reactor groups” on their surfaces which can react with substances with which they come into contact. Using this knowledge of how these groups work, the scientists used a chemical link to bind protein molecules together. They have demonstrated that the protein-based material can form a variety of plastic-like products, including coffee cup lids and thin transparent films. It could also be used to make fire-resistant roof tiles, or higher-end materials like, car doors, rocket cone tips, or heart valves. The next steps for this technology are to continue testing their mechanical properties, like strength or flexibility, as well as toxicity.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | YKK Partners with Empel To Debut Recycling Compatible Zipper
Fashion United | November 17, 2023
SPESA member YKK has revealed a new water-repellent zipper that has been designed to be compatible with garment recycling systems in a bid to remove barriers of textile-to-textile recycling and therefore reduce waste. DynaPel was produced through a collaboration with sustainable textile manufacturer Green Theme Technologies, which offered its Empel technology to use in place of standard PU film to achieve water repellency. Additional coverage can be found here.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Groz-Beckert Develops Innovative New Products Together with Mayer & Cie.
Press Release | November 27, 2023
Circular knitting machine manufacturer Mayer & Cie. and Groz-Beckert have jointly developed the following products:
Optimized Relanit sinker SNK F: The innovative sinker has an integral spring with a spring force that is adapted to the sinker thickness. Field tests were consistently successful and confirmed the functionality and advantages of the new sinker.
LCmax™: The objective was to develop a cost-effective energy-saving needle. After considering various variants, the common choice of Mayer & Cie. and Groz-Beckert was the LCmax™ knitting machine needle with innovative, wave-shaped shank geometry.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Juki Technosolutions Corporation Launches its First Jointly Developed Product ‘PLK-J Series’
Apparel Resources | November 18, 2023
Juki Technosolutions Corporation — established in July 2022 after the merger of the non-apparel divisions of Juki Corporation and Meiryo Technica Corporation which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation — has launched an inaugural product line ‘PLK-J series’ of Computer-controlled Cycle Sewing Machines. The computer-controlled Cycle Sewing Machines automatically execute programmed patterns through the machine panel, offering high penetrating power when sewing rigid, heavy-weight fabrics like seatbelts, safety belts, and bags. Quality is further enhanced by a digital tensioning system, ensuring optimal tension for different patterns.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Celebrating Its 50th Year, Lectra Continues to Build on a Legacy of Digitalization
California Apparel News | November 16, 2023
California Apparel News caught up with Chicago-based French native Ketty Pillet, Lectra’s vice president of marketing, to congratulate her on the milestone and discover how Lectra’s spirit of innovation shows no signs of slowing.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Lectra Insources Cutting Equipment Production in China
Press Release | December 1, 2023
SPESA member Lectra recently announced that it will now directly manage the production of its cutting equipment manufactured in China, primarily dedicated to its Asian customers. The Suzhou site, located to the west of Shanghai, will benefit from the standards of operational excellence already implemented by Lectra at its two other plants in Bordeaux-Cestas, France, and Tolland, USA.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Eastman Machine CEO Takes to National TV to Boost His Company — and Buffalo
Buffalo Business Journal | November 22, 2023
When Bloomberg TV reached out to Eastman Machine CEO Robert Stevenson over the summer for an interview, he saw it as an opportunity to not only highlight the company's history and growth, but also the City of Buffalo as a place to do business on a global scale. “We're one of the world's greatest cities,” he said. “It's like that old jingle: 'Boost Buffalo. It's good for you.'"
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Zünd Helping Aerospace Take Wings
Company News | November 30, 2023
Whenever satellites are traveling in space, there’s a good chance high-precision cutting technology from Swiss cutter manufacturer Zünd helped make it happen. Technology company Thales Alenia Space (TAS), an important player in the aerospace industry, uses various composites and other synthetic materials for the construction of satellites, space probes, and spacecraft. For cutting these composites, Thales Alenia Space relies on digital flatbed cutting systems from Zünd.
Walmart To Create Platform that Easily Works with Suppliers
Supply Chain Dive | November 29, 2023
The retail giant is working with enterprise retail technology solutions company Bamboo Rose to create a new enterprise sourcing platform that will make it easier for the retailer’s buyers and product development teams to work with its “tens of thousands” of supplier partners by providing greater visibility on volume and cost, improving access to goods to other markets, and potentially reducing waste in categories like perishable items. The sourcing platform will be used “across all markets and business units” in Walmart and Sam’s Club.
Canada Goose Extends Manufacturing Footprint to Europe
Sourcing Journal | November 28, 2023
The Toronto-based luxury parka purveyor has famously produced most of its wares close to home in Canada, where it runs seven production facilities north of the border. Now, the acquisition of Paola Confectii Manufacturing‘s operating assets gives Canada Goose tighter control over its knitwear offerings, which the six-year-old Romanian supplier has helped produce since 2017.
Six Recycling Innovations that Could Change Fashion
TechXplore | November 28, 2023
The fashion industry's enormous waste problem is pushing governments, particularly in Europe, towards ambitious recycling targets. TechXplore looks at a few of the current contenders that have potential for success.