Gold Long John, a leading supplier of performance footwear fabrics, is making a significant move towards sustainability by integrating Empel No-Wick, a cutting-edge waterless and PFAS-free finishing technology, into their Vietnam mill operations. This innovative platform excels at preventing wicking more effectively than any competing chemistry while being entirely water-free and free of PFAS chemicals.

Martin Flora, President of Global Business Development at GTT, highlighted the significance of the partnership, noting that the Oeko Tex-certified Empel platform symbolizes the future of high-performance finishes. This technology eliminates the need for water and harmful chemicals. He pointed out that Gold Long John played a key role in preparing Empel No-Wick for commercial use and is essential for expanding this clean chemistry across Southeast Asia.

Gold Long John, renowned for its leadership in performance footwear fabric production, was the first major mill to adopt and help commercialize Empel. In 2023, they installed Empel production machinery at their Vietnam facility and are now planning to expand to Taiwan. Kevin Wen, President of Gold Long John, highlighted that this move not only positions them at the forefront of global sustainability but also enhances product performance and innovation.

Empel No-Wick proves that cleaner manufacturing processes can deliver superior performance while minimizing environmental impact.

On August 21, 2024, leading German textile companies Bruckner, Groz-Beckert, the Karl Mayer Group, and Thies will host a symposium in Blumenau, Brazil. The event, held at NS Armazem, Fortaleza, will focus on the rising demand for warp knitted elastic fabrics.

The past two to three years have seen a significant surge in demand for these fabrics, presenting both opportunities and challenges for the Brazilian textile industry. While there is potential for growth and market leadership, the production of warp knitted elastic fabrics requires different methods compared to conventional textiles.

To support the Brazilian industry, the symposium titled "Production of Warp Knitted Elastic Fabric" will feature technical presentations, best practices, and showcases of the latest innovations. Industry experts, stakeholders, and visionaries will share their insights and experiences.

The event aims to foster knowledge exchange and enhance cooperation within the industry. Interactive sessions and discussion panels will facilitate networking and collaboration among participants. The symposium will be conducted in Portuguese.

By organizing this event, Bruckner, Groz-Beckert, Karl Mayer, and Thies aim to help Brazilian companies adapt to market trends and capitalize on the growing demand for warp knitted elastic fabrics.

British sportswear and apparel retailer and owner of the brand Sports Direct, Frasers forecasts a profit of £575 million to £625 million in FY25.

During the year ending April 28, 2024, the company’s annual profit rose by 13.1 per cent while its adjusted pretax profit grew to £544.8 million ($708.4 million) as against £478 million reported in the previous year.

The company anticipates this growth will continue in the new financial year as it benefits from a strategy to move the group upmarket.

Controlled by founder Mike Ashley, The FTSE 100-listed Frasers is implementing an ‘elevation strategy’ which includes investments in flagship stores, online operations, and stronger partnerships with brands such as Nike, Adidas, and The North Face.

The retailer’s ‘Elevation Strategy’ strengthens its financial performance, with strategic brand relationships offering a better access to products across the group. The company believes, the strategy will continue to drive growth with significant synergies from both automation program and the integration of acquisitions.

In addition to Sports Direct, Frasers' portfolio includes brands such as House of Fraser, Flannels, USC, and Jack Wills. The group also holds strategic equity stakes in various other retailers, including Hugo Boss, ASOS, Boohoo, Currys, and AO World.

Being held from July 19-25, 2024 at the Sri SatyaNigamagamam, Sri Nagar Colony in Hyderabad, the Silk of India Handloom Expo 2024 showcases India’s artisanal craftsmanship and cultural heritage.

Organised by Bengal Handloom Art Exhibition, the expo was inaugurated by senior Tollywoodactress Raasi, alongside organisersSomnathBowmick and Abhijit. It brings together weavers, designers, and handloom enthusiasts from across the country.

Expressing his excitement over the expoBowmick says, the Silk of India Expo is set to dazzle visitors with an extraordinary display of handwoven textiles and traditional crafts from over 50 master weavers across the region. Visitors can explore a wide array of handloom products, including sarees, scarves, fabrics, home textiles, and more, all crafted by skilled weavers using traditional techniques.

The expo features renowned master weavers from across India, showcasing their exquisite creations such as Banarasisarees, Bhagalpuri silk, Bangalore silk, Chennai silk, Mysore silk, Dharmavaram, Pochampally, Jamdani, linen cotton, tussar, Vishnupuri silk, dress materials, Chanderi, jewelry, etc. This event is a unique platform to celebrate and support the rich traditions of handloom weaving and the artisans who keep these traditions alive.

The alpaca fiber industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.2 per cent from 2022 -32, to reach a value of $ 4.7 billion by 2032. As per an analysis by FMI, this growth will be driven by the increasing global utilisation of the fiber across the automotive industry.

The trend towards sustainable and eco-friendly garments is also expected to booost demand for alpaca fiber products.

Additionally, higher consumer spending capabilities and favorable weather conditions in certain regions will spurr demand for alpaca fiber accessories, propelling market growth.

North America is expected to be the most opportunistic market for alpaca fiber, expanding at a 4 per cent CAGR.

Asia will emerge as a leading region due to the surge in demand for stuffed and plush toys. The growing population and increased consumer spending capabilities are expected to drive demand for soft toys, positively impacting market growth.

The alpaca fiber industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.2 per cent from 2022 -32, to reach a value of $ 4.7 billion by 2032. As per an analysis by FMI, this growth will be driven by the increasing global utilisation of the fiber across the automotive industry.

The trend towards sustainable and eco-friendly garments is also expected to booost demand for alpaca fiber products.

Additionally, higher consumer spending capabilities and favorable weather conditions in certain regions will spurr demand for alpaca fiber accessories, propelling market growth.

North America is expected to be the most opportunistic market for alpaca fiber, expanding at a 4 per cent CAGR.

Asia will emerge as a leading region due to the surge in demand for stuffed and plush toys. The growing population and increased consumer spending capabilities are expected to drive demand for soft toys, positively impacting market growth.

Fast fashion giant H&M plans to launch a co-branded collection at the Shanghai Fashion Week in October 2024.

To be launched in collaboration with the Chinese designer brand Garçon by Garçon, the collection titled, ‘Le Soleil The Sun,’ will feature women’s wear, men’s wear, unisex items and accessories. The collection blends ancient Greek and classical Persian influences form the 5th century BC with traditional Eastern aesthetics.

Founded by designer Tang Dayun, Garçon by Garçon is known for its unique visual storytelling that merges Eastern and Western narratives, scroll drawings, and mythological techniques.

Dayun hopes, thenew collection will bring a fresh perspective to the public's wardrobes, becoming a staple in everyday life, and symbolising ‘everyone’s sun.’

The collection also aims to highlight and support the creativity of local design talents, bringing more attention to the new generation of Chinese fashion designers.

Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) alongwith International LabourOrganisation (ILO) has launched a new initiative to support cotton farmers in the country.

Through this collaboration, CITI and the ILO aim to raise awareness about Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (FPRW), specifically targeting small and marginal farmers and workers.

The collaboration seeks to facilitate knowledge sharing and provide technical support for implementing FPRW-related policies and programs. The initiative will enhance access to social protection schemes, empowering vulnerable families involved in cotton cultivation, according to a joint media release from the two organisations.

The initial focus of the joint activities will be on five districts in Madhya Pradesh, a significant region for organic and Extra-Long Staple (ELS) cotton production. The goal is to improve the overall well-being of cotton farmers and workers in these areas.

For the last 54 years, CITI, through its extension arm, the Cotton Development and Research Association (CDRA), has been working to improve the yield and quality of cotton by creating awareness of the best agronomic practices and equipping farmers with the latest technologies in production, plant protection, and nutrient management. Throughout its journey, CITI-CDRA has positively impacted cotton productivity, farmer income, soil health, and market linkage, says, T Rajkumar, Chairman, CITI - Standing Committee on Cotton.

CITI-CDRA is already operational in Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, playing a crucial role in the Pilot Project on Cotton. A collaborative effort between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Textiles, this project aims to enhance cotton yield through improved agronomic practices and technological interventions such as the High-Density Planting System (HDPS) and closer spacing techniques.

Renewable chemicals company Avantium has teamed up with textile experts Monosuisse and Antex to develop PEF-based yarn for Auping-branded mattresses.

A 100 per cent plant-based and recyclable plastic, PEF, or polyethylene furanoate is used in polyesters, polyamides, polyurethanes, coating resins, plasticizers, and other chemical products.

Avantium is constructing an FDCA (furandicarboxylic acid) plant, a crucial component in PEF produciton in Delfzijl, the Netherlands. The plant is set to commence on October 22, 2024.

In this collaboration, Avantium will supply PEF to both Monosuisse and Antex. Monosuisse will focus on creating monofilament PEF yarns, while Antex will produce multifilament PEF yarns. Auping will then monitor the design and production of mattresses using the PEF-based fabric.

BinekePosthumus, Director - Business Development, Avantium, says, the partnership reflects the company’s shared commitment to reduce the environmental impact of textile production. Avantium aims to leverage the collective expertise of its partner to transform the textile landscape. The company’s proprietary YXY technology uses catalysts to convert plant-based sugar (fructose) into FDCA, which is then used to produce PEF.

Avantiumhas also secured several off-take agreements for FDCA-based PEF from its Flagship Plant, including with toy brick manufacturer Lego and Danish brewer Carlsberg.

Archroma, renowned for its specialty chemicals aimed at sustainable solutions, is partnering with Zydat Inc. to integrate its Color Atlas into the Vivid Color Library Management (CLM) platform. This collaboration aims to enhance inkjet digital printing in the fashion and textile industries by offering over 5,760 color references designed to meet eco-standards.

The Color Atlas, recognized as the largest engineered color standards library in textiles, ensures precise color reproduction. By incorporating these standards into Vivid CLM’s tools, designers can expedite the creation and sharing of color palettes, reducing pre-production proofing time and optimizing color management. This integration supports high-quality, economical fabric and apparel printing.

Vivid CLM, launched in February 2024, utilizes proprietary algorithms to translate spectral data into a Red-Green-Blue workflow, facilitating accurate color printing, scanning, and adjustment. Its palette storage system enables seamless sharing among users, enhancing collaboration in color selection.

Chris Hipps, Archroma’s Global Head of Color Management, emphasized the partnership’s alignment with Archroma’s sustainability commitment, enhancing digital workflows and inkjet capabilities in textiles.

Matthew Forman, President of Vivid CLM, highlighted the collaboration’s potential to revolutionize color palette creation and inkjet printing, offering designers instant access to digital and physical color libraries.

This initiative underscores Archroma's Color Management+ strategy, promoting sustainable textile practices through efficient color solutions and technical support, thus advancing innovation in the industry.