Industry News | 9/4/24
Indian Textile Industry Poised To Reach $300 Billion by 2030
Silicon India | September 4, 2024
The Indian textile industry is on track to become a $300 billion sector by 2030, with expectations of $100 billion in exports, according to the government. It is currently valued at $175 billion, including exports of $38-40 billion. Speaking at Assocham’s Global Textile Sustainability Summit in New Delhi, Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for Textiles and External Affairs, highlighted the pivotal role of sustainability in shaping the industry’s future. Margherita emphasized that India aims to lead in sustainable textiles, setting a global example for responsible practices.
Open Lab Unveiled To Scale Up Sustainable Innovation in the Textile & Fashion Industry
Press Release | September 4, 2024
The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) and the H&M Foundation announced the official unveiling of the Open Lab, a pioneering initiative designed to “revolutionize the textile and fashion industry through sustainable innovation.” Located at the Advanced Manufacturing Centre in Tseung Kwan O InnoPark, the Open Lab is set to become a dynamic hub for industry-wide collaboration, providing a 20,000-square-foot physical space for research and development, as well as a platform for fostering dialogue and knowledge sharing. Building on Hong Kong's strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and innovation-friendly environment, the Open Lab aims to not only support HKRITA's research, but also become a hub for applied solutions to scale up to industrial-scale applications for the benefit of all global stakeholders addressing the challenges of climate change.
Microban International and CiCLO Technology Form Strategic Partnership To Enhance Functionality and Sustainability in Textiles
Press Release | September 4, 2024
Microban International, a leader in antimicrobial solutions, and CiCLO® Technology, a pioneer in reducing microfiber pollution from synthetic materials, have formed a strategic partnership to build sustainable performance functionality into synthetic fibers, yarns, and fabrics. This collaboration combines Microban's advanced odor control technologies with CiCLO's innovative biodegradable technology, providing textile manufacturers with solutions that enhance performance and sustainability goals in various textile applications.
California Legislature Passes Textile EPR, SB 1383 Updates and Much More
Waste Dive | September 3, 2024
California state legislators approved a range of waste and recycling bills last week before wrapping up their session. The bills will now head to Governor Gavin Newsom for a final decision by September 30. If these bills are signed, California could become the first state to establish an extended producer responsibility program for textiles. The state is also poised to update its carpet management program.
Under Armour Seeks Savings from Streamlined Supply Chain Strategy
Supply Chain Dive | September 3, 2024
Under Armour has started a multiyear distribution logistics initiative to streamline its supply chain operations.The updates aim to enable cross-channel capabilities to drive cost efficiency, maximize speed, ensure inventory availability, and improve service levels across the sportswear company’s direct-to-consumer and wholesale businesses. Several retailers have been investing in new supply chain initiatives recently in a bid to optimize operations while saving on costs.
Better Cotton Transitioning to External Certification Scheme
Sourcing Journal | September 3, 2024
Better Cotton, the world’s largest cotton sustainability program, is becoming a third-party-validated certification scheme. The move, which will employ external parties to perform assessments and make certification decisions to add a “layer of independence and credibility,” will help ensure that the standard can square up against new and emerging legislation.
Archroma, Kipaş Denim and Jeanologia Collaborate To Launch Low-Impact Contra Denim Collection
Press Release | September 2, 2024
Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions; Kipaş Denim, a leader in integrated textile production based in Türkiye; and Jeanologia, a sustainable textile solutions company, are collaborating to pioneer a new denim finishing process for enhanced aesthetic appeal and greater sustainability.
Cotton Shortage Hits Bangladesh's Apparel Sector
FashionUnited | August 31, 2024
Bangladesh's garment industry, a cornerstone of the country's economy, is facing a perfect storm of challenges that threaten its global competitiveness. Recent floods have severely disrupted cotton supplies, compounding issues stemming from earlier political unrest and ongoing energy shortages.
U.S. Textile and Apparel Trade Declines in First Half of 2024
Fashion Network | August 30, 2024
The U.S. has experienced a 3.17% decline in its textile and apparel exports, totaling $11.5 billion in the first half of 2024. This downturn continues a trend that began in the first quarter and slightly decelerated in the subsequent months, following a significant drop recorded in 2023. Concurrently, imports have also slowed in response to recent inflationary pressures.
UK Start-Up Ettos Secures Grant Backing Traceability Technology
FashionUnited | August 30, 2024
Nottingham-based tech start-up Ettos has secured a governmental grant to help enhance its platform that looks to aid local and national brands in the integration of Digital Product Passports. The funding was supplied by Innovate UK, a faction of the UK Research and Innovation agency dedicated to investing in science and research, as part of the organization’s Creative Catalyst programme. Ettos said the grant would fast track the development of its textile traceability platform.
Scientists Make Stunning Breakthrough, Turning Banana Peels into Textiles and Renewable Fuels
Good News Network | August 30, 2024
Off-grid communities in parts of rural Pakistan could soon have access to a reliable source of electricity for the first time thanks to a new project that aims to convert waste from the banana-growing industry into energy. Academics from Northumbria University have now teamed up with partners in the UK and Pakistan to create an innovative two-part system — the first part of which will use new technology to convert the banana waste into textile fibers, with the second part taking the waste generated from that process and using it to produce renewable energy.
An Alphabet Souper Bowl of Textile & Related Associations Create First-of-Its-Kind Collective To Support Allied Efforts
Press Release | August 29, 2024
A collaboration of associations representing the global sewn products, textile, apparel and nonwovens textiles industries — known collectively as the “Alphabet Soup Collective” in a nod to their various and plentiful acronyms — officially launched in Raleigh, North Carolina, with a joint meeting and an epic industry networking event.
Explainer: How Will an E-Commerce Slowdown Affect Brands?
Just Style | August 29, 2024
Global e-commerce growth is set to slow from 9.4% in 2024 to 8.6% in 2025, signaling a shift for brands navigating a maturing market. However, this slowdown is not a crisis — it’s a call for adaptation. Just Style asks industry experts how apparel brands can thrive in the impending slowdown.
Bangladesh: Clothing Manufacturers' Association Changes President
Fashion Network | August 28, 2024
A few months after his appointment as President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), SM Mannan Kochi has decided to step down for medical reasons. The organization's senior vice president, Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, has been appointed as his successor.
Un-bear-ably Cool: Material Exchange Introduces First AI Sourcing Assistant for Fashion
FashionUnited | August 28, 2024
Digital sourcing platform Material Exchange has introduced the world’s first AI-supported sourcing assistant for fashion. His name is Frank and he's a bear. He leaves digital assistants like Alexa and Siri far behind, because he “has style and an interesting background story.” Frank can memorize all the materials in a company's large selection and recommend the right ones.
5 Companies Innovating How Denim Is Made and Sold
Rivet | August 28, 2024
There are many questions surrounding denim, from how to engage consumers with exciting retail experiences to how to reduce overproduction waste. These five companies offer up some answers.
Adidas Opts To Avoid China in U.S. Product Sourcing
Fashion Dive | August 27, 2024
Adidas aims to stop procuring U.S. goods from China, CEO of Global Brands Bjørn Gulden said during a July 31 earnings call. The CEO said that Adidas has done a “lot of work already” on its supply chain. Although those changes were not based on potential new U.S. tariffs, the company assured it is in “good shape” should that happen.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | 3D Tech Fest 2024 Speakers Announced
Company Announcement | August 26, 2024
As we previously shared in Behind the Seams, SPESA member Alvanon will host its fifth annual 3D Tech Fest online September 23-27, 2024. Click the link below for a look at the topics and speakers that will be featured at the event.
Sigmatex Expands U.S. Carbon Fiber Textile Capacity by 50%
Composites World | August 26, 2024
Carbon fiber textiles producer Sigmatex has completed a significant phase of investment in its Carbon Textile Solutions operation at its North American site in South Carolina. The investment will expand the company’s weaving capacity by up to 50% thanks to the introduction of a new production cell, which will support growing demand for Sigmatex products in aerospace, space, and defense applications.
Massachusetts Passes Law Banning PFAS in Firefighter Gear
Manufacturing Dive | August 23, 2024
Massachusetts will ban PFAS in firefighter protective equipment beginning in 2027, after Governor Maura Healey signed a new bill into law in August. It will make Massachusetts the first state to ban PFAS in firefighter gear. The legislation will also require manufacturers and sellers to notify and label gear beginning on January 1, 2025, if they are made with the perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
Goodwill Industries Launches Two Million Dollar Textile Recycling Project at First Sustainability Summit
FashionUnited | August 23, 2024
The recent Goodwill Sustainability Summit in Washington, DC, brought together private and nonprofit industry leaders, recyclers, and researchers to discuss what needs to happen in order to arrive at a regulated and sustainable future together. During the event, Goodwill Industries International shared the findings of a textile circularity pilot project that it has run for two years, along with the Walmart Foundation, to develop skills, systems, and infrastructure to aggregate, sort, and prepare textiles for reuse and recycling across the Goodwill network. In addition, the organization announced a newly launched two million dollar project, again backed by the Walmart Foundation, which this time takes the form of a multi-stakeholder initiative following the global journey of secondhand textiles.
Shinkong Synthetic Fibers Corp. Announces $10 Million Investment in New Ambercycle Facility
Specialty Fabrics Review | August 23, 2024
Shinkong Synthetic Fibers Corp., a polyester producer based in Taiwan, announced it has invested $10 million in a new commercial facility for Ambercycle. Based in Los Angeles, California, Ambercycle produces circular materials for apparel, including cycora®, regenerated polyester made from end-of-life textiles. Shinkong’s contribution to the new facility will help expand global production capacity for cycora.
Target Exec Says GenAI Tool Is Boosting Worker Efficiency
Retail Dive | August 23, 2024
Target has completed a full chain roll out of a new artificial intelligence tool designed to help store employees quickly resolve on-the-job challenges. The technology, which has been integrated into handheld devices in Target stores, has been leveraged more than 50,000 times by team members since the roll out, which began earlier this year.
M&S, SOJO’s Clothing Repair Service Goes Live in UK
Just Style | August 23, 2024
Marks & Spencer has partnered with clothing repair and alterations provider SOJO to offer repair services to its UK customers as it unveils a new circularity identity across its retail stores, website, and app. Through a dedicated online hub, M&S customers can now select and book a range of bespoke repair services — from zip replacements to invisible knitwear mending.
New Apparel Tech ‘Gamechanger’ for Workers in High-Heat Environments
Just Style | August 23, 2024
A team led by Dr Dahua Shou, Limin Endowed Young Scholar in Advanced Textiles Technologies and Associate Professor of the School of Fashion and Textiles of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has developed a "first-of-its-kind" thermally-insulated and breathable soft robotic apparel that can automatically adapt to changing ambient temperatures, thereby helping to ensure worker safety in high heat environments.
Fashion Brands Urged To Conduct Responsible Bangladesh Sourcing
Just Style | August 21, 2024
Nine fashion industry organizations have outlined joint recommendations for responsible apparel sourcing in Bangladesh amid reports of unpaid and reduced wages.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Brother Unveils State-of-the-Art Aveneer EV1, Integrating AI Features To Transform the Sewing, Embroidery & Quilting Experience
Press Release | August 20, 2024
SPESA member Brother International Corporation has introduced the Aveneer EV1, a state-of-the-art sewing, embroidery, and quilting machine offering powerful, dynamic luxury, and industry-leading features. New Artificial Intelligence features and an extensive library of more than 1800 built-in designs and patterns elevate Aveneer EV1 users' creativity and ease of use. Precision features including upgraded StitchVision Technology, Intelligent Stitch Regulator, and Buttonhole Preview, paired with an industry leading workspace, offer an unparalleled user experience.
Shein Gets Go-Ahead To Build $517M Supply Chain Headquarters in China
Sourcing Journal | August 20, 2024
Shein is shelling out the big bucks to build out a supply chain headquarters in the Zengcheng district of Guangzhou, China, as it reportedly prepares for an IPO. The online fashion retailer has plans to establish a smart logistics park that will integrate various functions such as warehousing, stocking, picking, fulfillment, distribution, and delivery services.
Unifi Expands Repreve Offerings with New Filament Yarn, Insulation
Recycling Today | August 19, 2024
Unifi Inc. has launched two products it says will make its circular Repreve offering the largest portfolio of regenerated performance polyester in the world. Powered by the company’s proprietary Textile Takeback process, Unifi will offer white-dyeable filament yarn and a new insulation material, ThermaLoop, representing a leap forward in scalable textile-to-textile recycling.
The 50-Year-Old Technology That Brands and Retailers Are Trying To Quit
The Wall Street Journal | August 19, 2024
Scanning barcodes at checkout could be a thing of the past as early as 2027, brands and retailers say, as they work to replace the decades-old technology with newer, more capable QR codes, a move that could boost sales and customer engagement. Companies such as Coca-Cola, L’Oréal, and Procter & Gamble are working toward this goal, as are many retailers who carry their products.
The Navy Runs Out of Pants for Its Working Uniform — Won't Get More Until October
Military.com | August 16, 2024
The Navy is dealing with what could be called a sartorial crisis: The sea service has run out of pants. And it may not get more for months. Specifically, service officials confirmed that pants for the Navy Working Uniform, the go-to uniform for most sailors, are out of stock at Navy Exchanges. Signs inside Navy Exchanges say that the shortage is "due to Defense Logistics Agency vendor issues."
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | AATCC Seeks New Executive Director
Press Release | August 16, 2024
AATCC’s Board of Directors has authorized an Executive Search Committee to seek out a new executive director for the 100-year-old association. Suitable candidates should have demonstrated leadership skills and prior experience in managing a business with bottom-line accountability.
Results of the 46th ITMF International Textile Machinery Shipment Statistics: Textile Machinery Shipments Rise in Several Sectors
Textile World Magazine | August 16, 2024
In 2023, global shipments of new short-staple and long-staple spindles rose by +2% and +5%, respectively, and dropped by -17% for open-end rotors (year-on-year). Deliveries of draw-texturing spindles decreased by -28% while the number of shipped shuttle-less looms rose by +52%. Shipments of large circular knitting machines grew by +17% and shipped flat knitting machines registered a 60%-increase. The sum of all deliveries in the finishing segment remained stable on average.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Tech Trends: The Innovations That Will Drive Fashion Next Season
California Apparel News | August 15, 2024
California Apparel News asked technology experts: How will emerging fashion trends dictate investments in technology by apparel companies? Check out the answers from SPESA members Aptean, CGS, and Lectra!
ICYMI | How South Carolina’s Once-Dominating Textile Industry Has Transformed To Supply New Employers
South Carolina Daily Gazette | August 7, 2024
South Carolina has largely shed its textile label, remaking itself into a state known for automotive and aerospace manufacturing. But the Palmetto State still has upwards of 200 locations that the state’s Commerce Department categorizes as textile manufacturing facilities. This is an interesting profile on the companies that have remained in the state, and how they survived.
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