Industry News | 7/19/23
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Shimmy Technologies Releases ‘The Apparel Automation Pulse’ Providing Insights into Sewn Products Industry Automation
SPESA | July 19, 2023
Shimmy Technologies has announced the publication of its latest research project, “The Apparel Automation Pulse.” The company’s extensive research uncovered crucial insights into the automation journey undertaken by factories in Bangladesh's ready-made garment (RMG) sector. Shimmy provided Behind the Seams with a breakdown of the key findings related to sewn products equipment and machinery.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Apparel ERP 101: Intro to Enterprise Resource Planning
Company Announcement | July 19, 2023
Behind the Seams readers are invited to join SPESA member and software provider Aptean for a webinar on the basics of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). This 30-minute webinar course will teach apparel companies how ERP can increase efficiency and accelerate growth in their business.
Infographic: 3D Printing in Fashion
3D Natives | July 19, 2023
If you don’t feel like reading your news today, check out this helpful infographic breaking down the prevalence of 3D printing in the fashion industry.
Walmart Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Open Call Pitch Competition
NPR | June 18, 2023
Yesterday, Walmart announced it is now accepting applications for its tenth annual Open Call event. The retailer’s largest sourcing event is part of a broader strategy to source products that are made, grown, or assembled in the United States.
What’s Behind Shein and H&M’s Big Brazil Investments
Sourcing Journal | July 18, 2023
Brazil is a notoriously difficult market to access due in large part to its high customs duties. But setting up shop within the country can help companies avoid the high taxes and go big in a country with an attractive consumer base. In addition, a devalued currency is giving brands more financial runway now to make an even bigger splash. Shein is partnering with 2,000 garment factories in Brazil to localize production in a move that would create 100,000 new jobs over the next three years and support the country’s domestic textile and manufacturing industries.
What Brands Need To Know About the EU-Wide Sustainability Reporting Standards
Rivet | July 17, 2023
The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), introduced by the European Commission two years ago, will require companies selling products in European countries to adopt and adhere to EU-wide Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). When the legislation is finalized, enterprises will face more stringent non-financial reporting rules centering on Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues.
Facing Abuse, Teenage Uyghur Girls Are Forced To Work in a Xinjiang Garment Factory
Radio Free Asia | July 15, 2023
The opposite of a fun read. A Radio Free Asia investigation concludes that a Chinese-run garment factory has made a “secret agreement” with a local high school to supply teenage girls as workers. The revelation comes amid mounting evidence of Uyghur forced labor in Xinjiang and allegations that forced labor is used in the supply chains of major companies.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Lectra Launches a New Generation of Connected Cutting Equipment for the Fashion Industry
Fashion United | July 14, 2023
SPESA member Lectra has launched VectorFashion iX2 and VectorFashion Q2, solutions for next generation cutting equipment designed for brands and retailers as well as their supply chains. The new equipment integrates eco-design principles, resulting in significant energy savings and a reduced carbon footprint. A press release from Lectra is available here.
Is Mexico the New China? Nearshoring and Reshoring Experts Weigh In
Sourcing Journal | July 14, 2023
Sourcing Journal speaks with industry experts on the benefits for apparel companies of reshoring production to the United States or nearshoring to neighboring areas such as Mexico and Latin America.
Cambodia’s Investment Surge: New Manufacturing Ventures Worth $50 Million Set To Energize Economy
BNN Breaking | July 14, 2023
The Cambodia Investment Board has given the green light to five new manufacturing investments in the country, totaling over $50 million. Four of the five companies receiving funds are in the garment sector, a key part of the country’s economic fabric, employing more than one million workers. Read more about the individual companies here.
European Parliament Backs New Ecodesign Standards, Euratex Raises Concerns
Fashion United | July 14, 2023
The EU Parliament has agreed on its negotiating position for new ecodesign standards to ensure products last longer and can more easily be repaired, upgraded, and recycled. It will now begin talks with national governments on the final form of the law. Euratex, an industry body representing 160,000 European textile companies, generally welcomed the proposal, but said it “regrets the European Parliament’s approach to target the textile industry in a Regulation designed to be a framework legislation for all sectors.”
AI Detects Forced Labor in Manufacturing Supply Chain
Manufacturing Digital | July 14, 2023
AI startup Altana Technologies has built an AI tool called Altana Atlas, which is used by shipping and logistics company Maersk and others to eradicate forced labor from their supply chains. Evan Smith, the CEO and co-founder of Altana, has likened its AI system to Google Maps for the global supply chain, which can review data far quicker than humans can.
IAF and SPESA Prepare Speaker Line-Up for 38th World Fashion Convention
Press Release | July 13, 2023
While several events cover the challenges that our industry faces, the World Fashion Convention is unique in its consistent and rigorous global supply chain perspective. IAF and SPESA are preparing a very strong speaker line-up for the 38th edition to be held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October 22-25. Check out the latest press release.
Industry Associations Call for Digital Labeling To Reduce Waste and Increase Consumer Access to Information
Texfash | July 13, 2023
A global coalition of 130 organizations — led by American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) and International Apparel Federation (IAF), and including SPESA — has urged supranational, national, and local authorities around the world to modernize domestic textile, garment, footwear, and related accessories labeling requirements and legally allow more sustainable and economic digital labels for required labeling information. The letter can be downloaded here. If you are interested in this topic, check out the Inc. article: “Why Some Brands Say QR Codes Are the Clothing Labels of the Future — and a Massive Opportunity.”
Work Resumes at Canadian West Coast Ports as Federal Terms End Strike
The Maritime Executive | July 13, 2023
Canada’s 13-day port strike impacting more than 30 West Coast ports, including Vancouver and Prince Rupert, is over with the announcement of a tentative four-year deal between the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union. However, experts caution that it will take weeks to recover from the impact of the work stoppage.
California’s Proposed Responsible Textile Recovery Act Pulled from Legislative Session
Fashion Dive | July 12, 2023
California SB-707 — a bill that would have required apparel producers to be responsible for the collection and recycling of their products by establishing an Extended Producer Responsibility program for apparel and textiles — was pulled from a hearing last week, making it unlikely to be heard in this legislative session. The bill was reportedly pulled after supporters reached an agreement with an opposition group to negotiate its language, and could be converted into a two-year bill for consideration again in next year’s session. Additional coverage is available from Just Style.
Gildan Closing Honduran Sewing Plant; 2,700 Employees Affected
Winston-Salem Journal | July 12, 2023
Apparel manufacturer Gildan Activewear announced it will close its San Miguel plant in Choloma, Honduras, gradually ramping-down production at the end of July. The company stated its reasons for closing as poor market conditions, global competition, and optimization and diversification of operations, noting the decision was not a response to the tragic June event in which four union leaders and nine others were killed in Choloma.
Spotlight on Latin America: DHL Supply Chain Invests €500 Million in the Region
Press Release | July 12, 2023
In view of the “global trend of omni-sourcing,” DHL Supply Chain, the world’s leading logistics company and part of DHL Group, continues its strategic investments into emerging markets and fast-growing economies. The company recently announced a landmark investment of €500 million into Latin American markets aimed at strengthening the region’s infrastructure and supporting automation and sustainability initiatives.
France To Pay Bonus for Shoe, Clothes Repairs To Cut Waste
Fashion United | July 12, 2023
Beginning in October, France will pay a bonus to individuals choosing to have their clothes and shoes repaired rather than throwing them away. The move aims to cut down on the 700,000 tonnes of clothes thrown away by French people each year, two-thirds of which ends up in landfills. The country has established a €154 million fund to cover 2023-2028.
Building a ‘Made in the USA’ Footwear Blockchain
Sourcing Journal | July 11, 2023
ComunityMade has become the de-facto nucleus of the footwear production scene in Downtown Los Angeles. The manufacturer has brought together a growing collective of American shoe and component makers to form a small but mighty supply chain. Now, founders Sean and Shannon Scott are looking to bring this tangle of connections to the web with the creation of a traceability platform.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Groz-Beckert Welcomes over 7000 Visitors at ITMA
Knitting Industry | July 10, 2023
SPESA member Groz-Beckert welcomed more than 7,000 visitors from 84 countries to its booth at ITMA in Milan. The company presented numerous innovations from its six product divisions knitting, weaving, felting, tufting, carding, and sewing, featuring innovations with a focus on efficiency, process stability, and sustainability.
Seven Ways the EU’s New Textile Waste Rules Impact the Global Fashion Sector
Just Style | July 7, 2023
On July 5th, the EU Commission announced proposed rules that will make fashion brands and retailers responsible for the full lifecycle of textile products and will require them to financially support the sustainable management of textile waste across the EU. Just Style Editor Laura Husband spoke with industry experts to explain what this means for the industry.
Spinning Bucks the Trend as Machinery Shipments Fall
Knitting Industry | July 6, 2023
Shipments of new textile machinery decreased in most segments in 2022, except in spinning. Global shipments of new short-staple spindles, open-end rotors, and long-staple spindles rose by 27%, 85%, and 195%, respectively (year-on-year). Shipments of large circular knitting machines declined by 27% and shipped flat knitting machines registered a 24% reduction. The sum of all deliveries in the finishing segment decreased by 28% on average. This data comes from the International Textile Manufacturers Federation’s newly released 45th annual International Textile Machinery Shipment Statistics.
New Trade Fair for Vietnam’s Textiles and Apparel Sector
Knitting Industry | July 6, 2023
Messe Frankfurt and the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE) are launching a comprehensive new trade fair for the entire textile value chain. With combined regional, global, and industry specific expertise, the Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles, and Textile Technologies (VIATT) will make its debut in February of 2024. Messe Frankfurt is an associate member of SPESA and our partners for the Texprocess Americas trade show.
Governor Newsom Announces $1.5 Billion in Port Infrastructure Upgrades To Power Nation-Leading Supply Chain
Press Release | July 6, 2023
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced an investment of more than $1.5 billion — including approximately $450 million for zero-emission infrastructure, locomotives, vessels, and vehicles — as part of the state’s work to build a more efficient, sustainable, and resilient supply chain. The investment will fund 15 projects creating an estimated 20,000 jobs and increase the capacity to move goods throughout the state’s global trade gateways.
American Giant Celebrates America by Showcasing Workers Across the U.S.
Forbes | July 2, 2023
This isn’t really news, but something cool our readers may want to check out. Throughout July, apparel manufacturer and retailer American Giant featured a variety of workers from across the country to highlight Made in America manufacturing. You can see the posts on the company's social media accounts.
Crowley Acquires Tamarind Consolidated, Expanding Logistics Solution for British Virgin Islands
Press Release | June 30, 2023
Crowley has acquired Tamarind Consolidated, a logistics services company serving the U.S. to the British Virgin Islands in a merger enhancing end-to-end supply chain capabilities for the Caribbean region. The acquisition will transition Tamarind’s operations and services, including warehousing and non-vessel operating common carrier (NVOCC) services, to Crowley.