The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) is set to host the 3rd Sustainable Textile Summit on Sep 17, 2024, at the Lakshmipat Singhania Auditorium in New Delhi. This annual flagship event aims to bring together key stakeholders from the textile industry to explore innovative solutions for creating a more sustainable future.

The summit is expected to attract over 200 participants, including representatives from textile and apparel manufacturers, exporters, traders, supply chain managers, compliance officers, environmental consultants, research institutions, technology providers, retailers, and leading brands.

The keynote address for the inaugural session will be delivered by Rohit Kansal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. Titled, ‘The Urgency for Sustainable Textile Solutions and Future Opportunities,’ this session will explore the economic and environmental impacts of the current textile industry, global sustainability trends, consumer demands, government policies, and the challenges and opportunities in building a sustainable textile future.

Prajakta L Verma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, will deliver a special address in Session 1 titled, ‘Innovation and Technology for Sustainable Textiles,’ focusing on sustainable raw materials, clean technologies, and circular economy practices.

The 3rd Sustainable Textile Summit is backed by leading organisations dedicated to promoting sustainability within the industry. Key partners for the event include RSWM as the Premium Partner; Ecocert Group, Oerlikon Textile India., Filatex India, Polyester Textile and Apparel Industry Association as Associate Partners; Fairtrade India and CSM as Delegate Kit Partners; Wazir Advisors as the Knowledge Partner and CPD India as the Sustainability Partner.

In addition to the keynote and special addresses, the summit will feature a panel discussion on ‘Ethical Sourcing, Labor Practices, and Reducing Carbon Emissions for a Sustainable Textile Future.’ Another session titled ‘Building Sustainable Supply Chains for a Sustainable Fashion Future’ will further explore key strategies for achieving a greener, more ethical textile industry.

India will begin producing carbon fiber by 2025-26, a niche material currently used in aerospace, civil engineering, and defense sectors as a lightweight alternative to metal, said Giriraj Singh, Union Textiles Minister at a technical textiles event organised by FICCI.

At present, India relies entirely on imports for carbon fiber from countries such as the US, France, Japan, and Germany. This shift towards local production comes ahead of the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, which will impose a tax on embedded carbon imports starting in 2026, Singh said.

He highlighted the Union Government’s commitment to developing India’s technical textiles industry by citing initiatives such as the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) and PLI Scheme for MMF fabrics, MMF apparel and technical textiles.

The government has also approved 156 research projects under the NTTMincluding initiatives focused on developing carbon fibers and supporting startups, Singh added, He specifically mentioned the North India Textile Research Association's (NITRA) innovation in creating fibers from milkweed, which are suitable for cold-weather applications.

Looking ahead, Singh said, India will definitely surpass the $10 billion export target for technical textiles by 2030, with sectors like Meditech (medical textiles), particularly hygiene products, playing a significant role. He also highlighted the employment potential of Agrotech (agricultural textiles) and the growing demand for high-performance fibres in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and construction.

Suedwolle Group has announced a new collaboration with Knitwear Lab, a Dutch design and development center, enhancing their expertise in Merino yarn production. This partnership was showcased at the recent PittiFilati event in Florence, where they presented innovative physical and virtual garments.

Among the highlights was a fully fashioned dress crafted from Merino wool from the Biella Yarn collection. The dress features a plated rib structure that transitions into wide floats, using a multi-stepping narrowing technique for an intricate design.

Also presented was a fully fashioned jacket, made from Merino wool. The jacket showcases a 3D structure with interlock flaps that vary in length, manipulated through a multigauge technique.

The collaboration also focused on digital knitwear, where accurate visualization of complex structures and yarns in the virtual realm was key. Knitwear Lab’s workflow integrates materials and specifications into digital previews, allowing designers to experiment with yarn choices and structures before producing physical samples. This not only saves time and materials but also empowers designers to independently create and refine their designs using open-source digital textures.

As virtual knitting technology advances, it promises more accurate visualizations and seamless integration between physical and digital products, paving the way for new innovations in fashion.

The Japan International Apparel & Non-Apparel Manufacturing Technology Trade Show (JIAM 2024 OSAKA) returns with a broader focus, incorporating non-apparel industries into its offerings. Organized by the Japan Sewing Machinery Manufacturers Association (JASMA), the 13th edition will be held from November 27-30, 2024, at Intex Osaka, featuring cutting-edge innovations across apparel, aerospace, automation, and more.

This year’s event reflects a significant shift, with expanded participation from sectors like aerospace and aviation, showcasing advanced textile solutions and technologies. JIAM 2024 OSAKA promises an immersive experience with state-of-the-art machinery, AI-driven systems, and robotic technologies. The event aims to drive industry growth by offering a platform for networking, trend-spotting, and inspiration in manufacturing automation.

As of September, 149 exhibitors from 10 countries, including China, Germany, India, and Japan, have confirmed their participation. The show will feature key pavilions by the China Sewing Machinery Association, VDMA Textile Care, Fabric and Leather Technologies, and the Taiwan Sewing Machinery Association. Notably, international exhibitor space has doubled since 2022, highlighting the show’s growing global appeal post-pandemic.

Despite challenges during Covid-19, JIAM 2022 attracted 10,452 visitors from 59 countries, underscoring its importance in the textile industry. With normalized global travel, JIAM 2024 is expected to draw an even larger, more diverse audience.

Key highlights include special exhibits on CAD data utilization in sewing automation, a Home Sewing Zone with workshops by major brands, and a symposium on the opening day. The event will kick off with an opening ceremony featuring industry leaders and government representatives.

The sixth edition of Texhibition Istanbul, scheduled from September 11 to 13, 2024, is set to reinforce Turkiye’s position as a global leader in the textile industry. This highly anticipated event, organized by ITKIB Fuarcılık AŞ in collaboration with the Istanbul Textile Exporters Association (ITHIB), promises to gather around 25,000 visitors from over 100 countries, showcasing the latest trends and innovations across the textile sector.

Texhibition Istanbul will provide a comprehensive overview of the entire textile supply chain, covering everything from woven goods to knitwear, yarns, denim, artificial leather, and textile accessories. The event has solidified its reputation as a central hub for the international textile industry, drawing participants and visitors from the European Union, Great Britain, the USA, North Africa, and the Middle East. Market leaders such as Almoda, Bahariye, BTD, Can Textile, Menderes, Sasa, Soktaş, and Yunsa will showcase their cutting-edge products, highlighting Turkiye’s strength in textile innovation.

Spotlight on yarn and denim

A significant highlight of the event is the expanded Yarn Area, featuring 41 exhibitors, including companies like Karafiber, Iskur, and Karteks, who will present the latest advancements in yarn technology. Additionally, the BlueBlackDenim section will focus on denim—a cornerstone of the global fashion industry. With 25 companies such as Bossa, İskur, Maritaş, and Kipaş participating, this area will emphasize Turkiye’s dominance in denim production, design, and sustainability. Turkiye, a major cotton producer, is well-positioned to lead the global denim market, particularly with its focus on sustainable practices. The BlueBlackDenim section in Hall 7 will feature innovative denim developments with a special emphasis on sustainability, showcasing the country’s commitment to eco-friendly fashion.

Trend areas: Guiding the future of fashion

The Texhibition Trend Areas, curated by Texhibition’s creative director IdilTarzi, will offer a glimpse into the future of fashion. These areas will combine standout qualities and creative themes across fabrics, yarns, denims, and accessories, providing valuable insights for participants. The thematic stories will shape the upcoming autumn/winter 2025/26 season, with a strong focus on sustainability and environmental consciousness. The trend area in the BlueBlackDenim section, curated by the founders of Alldenims, Gonul Altunışık and Selvi Yigci, will feature a standout piece, a denim dress created from waste fabricssymbolizing the industry’s shift towards sustainable fashion.

The Innovation Hub, created by renowned designer Arzu Kaprol and fabric designer Filiz Tunca, will be a key attraction at Texhibition Istanbul. This area will showcase pioneering projects that are set to shape the future of the textile industry, featuring innovative works from leading firms, techno parks, and international creative projects. A standout element of the Innovation Hub will be the Digital Art performance by conceptual artist Ecem Dilan Kose, whose work integrates augmented reality, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence. Her piece, “Cotton Flowers,” will explore the transformation of nature’s beauty through digital mediums, reflecting the event’s focus on the intersection of technology and textiles.

The Texhibition Trend Seminars will offer a platform for industry experts to discuss the latest developments and challenges in the textile sector. Key topics will include the upcoming autumn/winter 2025/26 trends, the digital product passport, and the urgency of sustainable regulations. Experts like Cecile Rosenstrauch, Marwa Zamaray, Besim Ozek, and Arzu Konyali will provide insights into these critical issues, helping participants navigate the rapidly evolving textile landscape.

Turkiye’s global textile dominance

Texhibition Istanbul 2024 comes at a time when Turkiye’s textile industry continues to grow, despite global economic challenges. In 2023, the country’s textile exports reached approximately $30 billion, with $12 billion coming from textiles alone. This growth is driven by strong demand from European countries, particularly Germany, Spain, and the UK, as well as a growing market in the USA. Turkiye’s reputation for high-quality, innovative, and sustainable textile production is bolstered by its ability to quickly adapt to market trends and meet changing consumer demands.

As one of the world’s most important textile platforms, Texhibition Istanbul 2024 will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the global textile industry. By offering a diverse range of products and innovative solutions in a creative environment, the event underscores Turkiye’s leadership in the textile sector and its commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Over the past two weeks, the knitwear export industry in Tiruppur has secured orders worth Rs 450 crore as brands from Germany, the Netherlands, and Poland turn to India amidst Bangladesh’s political instability, as per a report byThe Economic Times.

Retailers like KiK, Zeeman, and Pepco have placed urgent orders for garments priced around $3 each, with delivery set before Christmas and New Year, says KM Subramanian, President, Tiruppur Exporters’ Association (TEA).

These orders include a range of knitted garments, such as kids' wear, nightwear, tops, and pyjamas. This surge in demand, particularly before Christmas, is unusual for the Tiruppur hub, as brands typically place orders in December and January for the spring/fall season or in June and July for the holiday season, notes Subramanian.

Additionally, global brands have initiated social audits at 10 newly selected knitwear factories in Tiruppur, signaling the potential for more orders. The audits are expected to be completed by mid-September, and if these factories meet global standards, more orders will likely follow in the New Year.

The Noida Apparel Export Cluster (NAEC) reported a 15 per cent increase in orders from Zara over the past month, compared to the same period last year. Zara has placed large orders for women’s tops and dresses, priced between $5 and $9, with tight delivery timelines of 60 days, an unusual surge at this time of year.

A Sakthivel, Head-Southern Region, Apparel Export Promotion Council, attributes some of this order rerouting from Bangladesh to India’s stable conditions. However, India could capture even more orders if a free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union is finalised, as Bangladesh benefits from its existing FTA with the EU, he emphasises.

In FY24, India's apparel exports grew to $14.5 billion with RMG exports hitting $3.9 billion in Q1 FY24. The ratio between India’s and Bangladesh’s apparel exports narrowed to 2.5 times in Q1 FY25, indicating India’s growing global market share.

A crucial player in the $55bn global fast fashion industry, Bangladesh faces an uncertain future after weeks of protests toppled Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government in August, leaving hundreds dead. With production stalled due to a nationwide internet blackout, major brands like Disney and Walmart have already shifted production elsewhere for next season.

Political unrest continues, with 60 factories around Dhaka expected to close due to worker protests demanding better wages. This turmoil could result in around 20 per cent drop in garment exports, which make up 80 per cent of the country's export revenue. Even before the unrest, Bangladesh's garment sector was struggling with child labor scandals, deadly accidents, and pandemic-related challenges. Rising production costs, shrinking profits, and a weak economy, exacerbated by excessive infrastructure spending and cronyism, further destabilized the country’s financial system.

DrAhsan Mansur, Governor, Central Bank is focused on repairing the financial damage but warns it will take time, with an IMF bailout likely needed. Business leaders are concerned about falling foreign currency reserves, which hinder the import of raw materials for garment production.

The root of the protests, however, lies in deeper socio-economic issues. Accounting for millions of jobs, factory workersare struggling on wages below the national minimum, leading many to join student-led demonstrations. Young graduates lack of well-paying jobs, as the education system fails to equip them with the necessary skills.

The new interim leader, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, is tasked with reviving the economy, diversifying beyond the garment sector, and tackling corruption. His challenges range from managing international relations to mitigating climate change impacts. Despite this, many are hopeful that Yunus can bring much-needed reforms to stabilise Bangladesh's future.

As per the report for 2024/25 for India’s cotton industry released by Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the US Department of Agricultural, India’s cotton production will grow to 25 million 480-pound bales during 2024/25.

However, the area under cotton cultivation will decline by 2 per cent 11.8 million hectare (29.2 million acre) compared to the previous forecast, as many farmers have opted to shift from cotton to higher-return crops like paddy and pulses.

Currently, India has completed cotton cultivation on 11 million hectare, with sowing still underway in southern India. Lint prices in India are trading eight to nine cents above global prices, leading mills to import cotton until new arrivals begin in October. Mill consumption is forecasted to rise by 2 per cent to 25.5 million 480-pound bales, from the previous estimate, driven by growing demand for cotton yarn and textiles in international markets.

The German jeans brand Mustang has strengthened its commitment to sustainability by becoming a Signatory Brand of the ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) initiative.

After two years as a ‘Friend of ZDHC,’ Mustang is now intensifying its efforts to eliminate hazardous chemicals from its textile production processes, aligning itself with environmentally friendly practices.

ZDHC is a global initiative aimed at eradicating the use of harmful chemicals in the textile industry. Mustang joins an impressive roster of leading brands, including Adidas, Nike, H&M, Levi's, and the Inditex Group, that have already committed to this cause.

At the heart of ZDHC's mission is the MRSL (Manufacturing Restricted Substance List), which outlines chemicals that are either restricted or prohibited during production. Mustang has been implementing the MRSL since 2022 across its supply chain. To ensure compliance, Mustang's use of chemicals is verified through ZDHC-accredited labs that conduct wastewater testing, ensuring that no banned substances are being used by Mustang or its suppliers.

With the tools provided by ZDHC, such as wastewater testing and chemical inventory disclosure, Mustang ensures that its supply chain adheres to the initiative’s strict standards. Officially becoming a ZDHC Signatory Brand allows Mustang to further integrate sustainability into its operations.

As a Signatory Brand, Mustang is now positioned to actively contribute to the development of ZDHC programs. The company participates in monthly ZDHC Brand Advisory Calls and various working groups, collaborating with other major brands to shape the future of the industry. This membership also provides Mustang with opportunities to share best practices, discuss new ZDHC standards, and benefit from industry-wide knowledge sharing.

Additionally, Mustang conducts annual self-assessments as part of the ‘Brand To Zero Program,’ which helps the company develop a roadmap for its sustainability goals. These assessments are reviewed by third-party evaluators to ensure progress is on track.

By joining ZDHC as a Signatory Brand, Mustang reaffirms its commitment to responsible corporate governance and sustainable practices, not only for the environment but also for employees along its supply chain and future generations.

Led by denim expert Sandeep Agarwal, a leading organization specialising in denim-focused trade shows, Denimandjeans will organise its upcoming event on Feb 02-03, 2025 at IHG Citystars in Cairo, Egypt. This new show will add to the series of trade exhibitions already taking place in key regions like India, Vietnam, Japan, and Bangladesh, further expanding the organization’s global footprint.

Set to transform from a renowned tourist destination into a rising powerhouse for textile and apparel production, Egypt is gaining recognition as a reliable and efficient hub for denim and other textiles, solidifying its role in the global market.

Egypt’s emergence as a significant player in denim and textile production is driven by several factors. The textile and apparel sector is the country’s second-largest revenue source after services.

In 2020, Egypt’s textile industry boasted 3,243 companies with a total investment of $3.2 billion, producing 315 million apparel pieces annually and exporting 305 tons of clothing and textiles.

By January 2022, Egypt’s garment exports had increased by 54 per cent to $204 million from $132 million in January 2021, according to New Cloth Market Online. The US remains the primary export destination for Egypt’s textile and clothing exports, with $123 million in January 2022, compared to $78 million the previous year. Exports to Europe also increased during this period, while shipments to Arab nations grew by 63 per cent.

Egypt’s strategic location, political stability, and growing infrastructure have made it an attractive destination for global manufacturers, particularly in light of regional conflicts like the Israel-Gaza situation. The country is renowned for its high-quality cotton, particularly its long and extra-long staple fibers, including the famous Egyptian Giza cotton, known as ‘The White Gold.’ The country also has state-of-the-art spinning mills dedicated to producing premium fine and superfine compact yarns.

With its production growing rapidly, denim has become the most exported product by value in recent years. The country hosts several vertically integrated denim manufacturing companies with significant production capacity. One notable example is Sharabati Denim, a company with operations in both Turkey and Egypt, which plans to increase its annual production from 100 million to 108 million meters by introducing new fabrics, including denim and non-denim varieties.

Lower labor and energy costs are also encouraging Turkish companies to move their production to Egypt. In 2020, average monthly wages in Egypt were around $100, comparable to Bangladesh and India, but significantly lower than China's $208. Additionally, the cost of electricity in Egypt is highly competitive, at around $0.07 per kilowatt-hour—three to four times lower than in China.

Egypt’s geographic location further enhances its appeal as a production hub. Its 15 marine ports provide shorter shipping routes to the US and Europe than those from Asia. For instance, shipping from Egypt to the US takes only 12 days, compared to a month from Asian ports. With its growing infrastructure, competitive advantages, and commitment to quality, Egypt is poised to become a leading player in the global textile and apparel industry, offering a wide range of high-quality, sustainable products to markets around the world.