Textile manufacturers from Kenya's cotton-growing regions are fiercely opposing the government's plan to import duty-free fabric. They warn that this move will cripple the domestic textile industry, devastate cotton farmers, and erase recent progress in reviving the sector.

Highlighting the negative impact of the move on farmers, governors like Glady Wanga and Paul Otuoma are emphasising on the importance of supporting farmers to ensure a steady supply of raw materials, especially with the modernisation of state-owned Rivatex nearing completion.

Governor Wanga says, the import plan for contradicting the government's own ‘bottom-up economic agenda’ that focuses on job creation and farmer empowerment. She urged the government to prioritise local production and support farmers through extension services for improved yields.

Echoing the concern about job losses, textile industry leaders like Tejal Dodhia and Thomas Kipkurgat are also urging the government to embrace the ‘Buy Kenya, Build Kenya’ spirit. They are emphasising on the capability of domestic producers to meet the country's needs and call for rejecting the import plan.

Textile giants HKRITA and Seiko Epson are teaming up to tackle the challenge of textile waste with an innovative new collaboration. Building on their 2023 agreement, these two companies have signed a joint development deal to create a revolutionary recycling program.

In this collaboration, Epson’s unique dry fiber technology will be adapted to break down complex fabrics. The process will be guided by HKRITA's expertise in textile recycling systems and the quality of the recycled materials will be evaluated.

Transcending industry boundaries, this collaboration unlocks new possibilities for sustainability by going beyond individual industries and creating new opportunities for both companies, says Edwin Keh, CEO, HKRITA. 

Emphasising the shared commitment to circular economy, Satoru Hosono, Epson, says, this partnership allows Epson to develop recycling solutions for previously discarded clothing and textiles, thus meeting the growing global demand for sustainable alternatives.

Having immense potential for future of textile recycling, this collaboration offers groundbreaking solutions for a more sustainable fashion industry.

Taking a plunge into the world of eco-conscious fashion, California-based swimwear brand Vitamin A is launching its ReLux collection, the first collection made from 100 per cent recycled fabric. Developed by Hyosung and Hung Yen Knitting & Dyeing, this innovative material incorporates repurposed fishing nets and recycled Spandex, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional swimwear textiles.

The launch of ReLux responds to a growing demand for eco-friendly swimwear amongst consumers who are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of their clothing choices.Highlighting this shift in consumer preferences, Mark Sunderland, Vice President-Product Innovation, Swim USA (Vitamin A's parent company), says, with its ReLux collection, the brand offers a product actively contributes to ocean health."

Founded in 2000 with a commitment to sustainability, Vitamin A has consistently ranked among the top five eco-friendly swimwear brands. The brand’s consistent use of plant-based and recycled materials, local manufacturing in California, and support for ocean conservation organisations like 1 per cent for the Planet strengthen its dedication to environmental responsibility.

The recently concluded Milano Unica, held from January 23rd to 25th, 2024, showcased latest trends, fostering connections, and driving business forward. Here's are the key takeaways.

Strong buyer presence: The event saw a surge in international buyers, indicating renewed confidence in the industry's post-pandemic recovery. "Milano Unica always attracts a diverse and high-quality audience," says Fabio Rivolta, President of the National Chamber of Fashion. "This year, the strong international presence is particularly encouraging, signaling a positive outlook for the future."

Sustainability in focus: Sustainability remained a major theme, with many brands showcasing eco-friendly materials and production processes. "Sustainability is no longer a trend, it's a necessity," stated Elena Salvatelli, CEO of the Candiani denim mill. "We're seeing growing demand for responsible and transparent practices, and Milano Unica provided a platform to highlight our commitment to this."

Digitalization and innovation: Technology played a significant role, with exhibitors showcasing innovative solutions for design, production, and supply chain management. "Digitalization is transforming the industry, and Milano Unica is at the forefront of this change," opined Marco Pietra, CEO of the Italian Textile Machinery Association. "We saw a wide range of exciting new technologies that will improve efficiency and sustainability."

New launches, seminars and workshops 

Emerging designers in the spotlight: The "Next Generation" section featured promising young designers, showcasing their innovative approaches and fresh perspectives. "Being part of Next Generation is a fantastic opportunity to gain exposure and connect with potential clients," said Giulia Rossi, a young designer showcased in the section. "The platform provided valuable feedback and allowed me to share my vision with a wider audience."

Seminars and workshops: A packed schedule of seminars, conferences, and workshops covered diverse topics like sustainable practices, digital transformation, and market trends. "The seminars offered valuable insights and helped us stay up-to-date on industry developments," shared Maria Esposito, a buyer. "The mix of topics and speakers was very impressive."

Product trends

Natural fibers and comfort: Fabrics made from natural fibers like linen, cotton, and hemp were prominent, reflecting a growing demand for comfort and sustainability. "We're seeing a shift towards natural fibers that are gentle on the skin and the environment," explained Paolo Colombo, CEO of a leading textile manufacturer. "This trend is driven by consumers' increasing awareness of the impact of their choices."

Bold colors and patterns: While comfort reigns supreme, designers also embraced bold colors and patterns, adding a touch of vibrancy and personality to their collections. "Fashion is about expressing oneself, and this season's trends offer a variety of options for people to showcase their unique style," said Carla Rossi, a fashion trend analyst. "From statement prints to vibrant colors, there's something for everyone."

Functionality and versatility: Clothing with a focus on functionality and versatility was a key trend, catering to consumers' busy lifestyles. "People want clothes that are comfortable, stylish, and practical," noted Marco Bianchi, a retail owner. "This season's collections offer pieces that can easily transition from day to night, making them perfect for modern living."

Milano Unica left participants with valuable insights, new connections, and a renewed sense of optimism for the future of the textile industry. The event's focus on sustainability, innovation, and product evolution promises exciting developments in the months and years to come.

Renowned textile trade show, Texworld made a triumphant return to Paris this year with a record-breaking 1,300 exhibitors and a new two-floor layout. 

Organised by Messe Frankfurt France, the trade show changed its name to Texworld –Apparel Sourcing-Paris-reflecting the trend of buyers sourcing both materials and finished products.  The new name emphasises Texworld's commitment to weaving the future of fashion sourcing and providing comprehensive solutions.

At the event Industry leaders discussed the importance of transparent sourcing, particularly in cotton and in light of the Ukrainian conflict. The desire to do business remains strong despite complex global situation, said Frederic Bougeard, President, Messe Frankfurt France. The trade show offers a unique platform for sourcing a wide range of products, from basic materials to finished collections, he added. 

The success of this event signals a positive outlook for the textile industry and underscores Texworld's position as a leader in fashion sourcing solutions.

Owner of popular brands like Vans and The North Face, VF Corp is facing headwinds from slowing consumer demand. Missing analysts’ expectations, the company’s Q3 revenues dropped by 16 per cent Y-o-Y in the current fiscal.  

VF Corp also announced the stepping down of Matt Puckett, CEO, from his position later this year, sending the company’s shares down by about 9 per cent in extended trading

The company’s revenue for the third quarter declined to $2.96 billion as against the anaylsts’ estimates of $3.24 billion. Its adjusted EPS declined by 49 per cent Y-o-Y to 57 cents as against analysts' estimate of 77 cents.

The company’s revenue from its Vans brand declined by 28 per cent while revenues from the Americas region decreased by 24 per cent. 

The company, which withdrew its annual forecasts in October and announced a cost reduction program, had also begun an in-depth strategic review of its Global Packs business, including brands such as Kipling and JanSport.

Parent company of the brand Timberland, VF Corp struggled with weak wholesale demand this fiscal year as retailers trim their inventories amid soft discretionary demand in the United States. The company suffered due to a reduction in consumer confidence that led reduced discretionary spending and inventory trimming by retailers. It was also impacted by a weak demand for Vans sneakers in the US and other key international markets, and a soft holiday season with lower sales outside of promotional periods. 

To counter this decline, VF Corp plans to increase promotions its brand Vans. It also announced a cost reduction program in October 2023 and has begun an in-depth strategic review of its Global Packs business, including brands such as Kipling and JanSport.

Leading Vietnamese fashion brand, Canifa, has seen a remarkable 54 per cent jump in app conversion rates following the implementation of CleverTap, an all-in-one engagement platform. With over 100 physical outlets and a robust online presence, Canifa aimed to enhance customer journeys, particularly in their mobile application shopping experience. Previous tools used by Canifa led to data silos, hindering real-time personalization, posing a challenge in winning over tech-savvy consumers in Vietnam's competitive fashion market.

CleverTap's integrated approach resolved these issues by unifying data sources, enabling Canifa to create detailed customer profiles and glean granular insights into preferences. Leveraging various engagement channels such as SMS, Push Notifications, and In-App messages, CleverTap ensured consistent user interaction, crucial for establishing top-of-mind recall.

The benefits reaped post-CleverTap implementation are significant:

1. 7 per cent increase in revenue per user over a 60-day period

2. 7 per cent increase in retention over a 60-day period

3. 50 per cent surge in conversion rate month-over-month

4. 4 per cent increase in stickiness over a 60-day period

5. 20 per cent rise in retention rate

6. Notably, a staggering 54 per cent boost in app conversion rate

Hoang Quoc Khanh, MarTech Expert at Canifa, praised CleverTap for enabling personalized experiences at scale, resulting in unprecedented growth. Sidharth Pisharoti, Chief Revenue Officer at CleverTap, emphasized the platform's ability to positively impact business outcomes, citing Canifa's impressive revenue increase as a testament.

CleverTap, renowned for its AI-driven capabilities, offers a comprehensive engagement solution trusted by global brands, empowering businesses to orchestrate personalized customer journeys effectively.

Cotton prizes in Brazil dipped in January despite being outside the harvest season, according to a report by the Center for Advanced Studies on Applied Economics (CEPEA).

A few of the key factors that drove this decline included, the reentry of industry players into the market with low prices, discounts offered by some sellers to gain quick cash., premiums paid by buyers with immediate needs despite overall downturn and focus on exports by companies due to rising international prices and strong demand. 

From December 28, 2023, to January 31, 2024, the CEPEA/ESALQ Index for cotton decreased by 0.32 per cent, settling at BRL 3.9874 per pound on January 31, CEPEA said in its latest fortnightly report on the Brazilian cotton market.

According to data released by the Instituto Mato-grossense de Economia Agropecuária's (IMEA) on January 22, 81.53 per cent of the 2022-23 season's cotton had been traded in Mato Grosso, Brazil's largest producer.

As per data by the Secretariat of Foreign Trade at the Ministry of Economy (SECEX), Brazil’s cotton exports incrased by 93.9 per cent to 240.4000 tons in January 2024 compared to January 2023, the third-highest volume shipped in the month.

The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) has expressed concerns about the recent amendment to the Income Tax Act, which aims to address delayed payments to small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). While acknowledging the government's efforts, the CMAI argues that the amendment has unintended consequences for the domestic garment industry.

CMAI believes, the amendment allows MSMEs to claim a deduction on their income tax for delayed payments received from buyers. It leads to order cancellations from retailers due to the increased financial burden.

To avoid this, CMAI recommends a delayed implementation of the amendment. It advocates for a phased decrease in credit periods over three years, reaching 45 days by 2027.

The association also recommends   excluding payments between MSMEs from the amendment's scope. It urges for a general reduction in credit periods to 45 days.

CMAI opines, while intended to help MSMEs, the amendment creates financial strain for the garment industry. For its effective implementation, the government should make gradual changes and exemptions. It should adopt a shorter credit period to promote transparency and efficiency 

Overall, the CMAI urges the government to consider their recommendations and find a solution that balances the needs of both MSMEs and the garment industry.

Textile giants HKRITA and Seiko Epson are joining forces to develop a revolutionary recycling program that aims to breathe new life into discarded fabrics.

This partnership builds upon a 2023 agreement between the two organisations. Taking a step forward, the companies are applying HKRITA's expertise in textile recycling systems to Epson's innovative dry fiber technology. This technology, previously used to transform waste materials into water-free paper, will now tackle the challenge of defibrating complex fabrics like those blended with elastic or tightly woven.

HKRITA will play a crucial role by providing technical support throughout the recycling process and evaluating the quality of the recycled materials. Edwin Keh, CEO, HKRITA, says, this collaboration allows us to develop a truly comprehensive approach to sustainability, one that transcends industry limitations and opens doors to new opportunities."

Satoru Hosono, Technology Development, Epson, adds, the company’s collaboration with HKRITA aims to use a unique dry fiber technology to give new life to clothes and fabrics that would otherwise end up in landfills.

This partnership promises to extend the lifecycle of materials by recycling discarded fabrics and address the growing demand for recycled textiles.