In a resounding call to action, Texcon '23, organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry, declared a pivotal moment for India's textile sector with the theme "Making India a Global Textile Manufacturing Hub: A Paradigm Shift." The event held at The Ashok in New Delhi underscored the imperative for industry-wide collaboration, government support, factory scaling, and innovation to overcome challenges.

Sustainability as a catalyst for progress

Recognizing the need for a transformative approach, industry experts proposed leveraging sustainability to propel growth. Initiatives like Kasturi Cotton, unveiled at the International Cotton Advisory Committee meeting, showcase India's commitment to traceability. Endorsed by actor Pankaj Tripathi, Kasturi Cotton incorporates blockchain technology for complete traceability, symbolizing a significant step towards transparency.

India's ambitious targets for 2030

Texcon discussions revolved around achieving India's ambitious textile sales target of $250 billion by 2030, with $100 billion earmarked for exports. Stakeholders emphasized an "India-first" strategy, urging collaborative efforts to capitalize on the immense potential of the manufacturing sector.

Addressing industry gaps and challenges

Despite a dip in textile and apparel exports in the first seven months of the financial year, October 2023 showed positive signs. Industry leaders, including Sivaramakrishnan Ganapathi and Kulin Lalbhai, highlighted the need for focused attention on man-made fibers and addressing existing gaps in the value chain.

Hope amidst challenges

Amid challenges, industry insiders expressed optimism about the China-plus-one strategy, anticipating a spillover of global brands and buyers seeking alternative production hubs. Comparisons with manufacturing destinations in Asia, coupled with India's strengths, including geopolitical stability and a robust raw material base, fueled confidence in the industry's potential.

Strategic targets and initiatives

At a separate event organized by the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), industry leaders rallied behind a $40 billion target for apparel exports by 2030, emphasizing the significance of the PM Mitra Park initiative. With engagements like ICAC, Texcon, and AEPC setting the stage, the industry looks ahead to continued collaboration and dialogue.

Bharat Tex 2024: The next frontier

The momentum continues with Bharat Tex 2024, slated to be the "world's largest textile exposition" in New Delhi from Feb. 26-29. With over 10,000 exhibitors across diverse segments, the event signals a proactive stance towards shaping the future of India's textile industry. As the sector navigates challenges, Texcon '23's resounding message echoes: It's "Now or Never" for the Indian textile renaissance.

Texbrasil, the Brazilian Textile and Fashion Industry Internationalization Program, is set to kick off its 2024 agenda with a strong presence at Première Vision New York on January 17 and 18. 

In collaboration with the Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association (Abit) and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), Texbrasil supports brands such as Oficina Caramelo, Savyon, and Stampa Studio.

These brands will showcase collections infused with Brazilian culture, innovation, and sustainability, aligning with the upcoming spring-summer 2024 fashion trends. 

Lilian Kaddissi, Executive Superintendent of Projects at Abit, emphasized the significance of Texbrasil's support at events like Première Vision, providing a vital platform for Brazilian brands to enhance their global market presence.

Première Vision New York, held biannually, is a pivotal global event for the textile industry, focusing on fabrics, yarns, fibers, textile design, and accessories. The upcoming edition in January 2024 will spotlight societal challenges, including environmental, social, scientific, and technological aspects. 

The organizers aim to encourage a renewal of habits, operational models, and creative and industrial processes, reinforcing the fair's reputation as a trendsetter in the textile segment.

After earning revenues worth €2.688 billion in 2022, Spanish fast fashion brand Mango aims to earn over €3 billion revenues by 2023-end. The brand also aims to register a double digits growth across all its retail channels this year. 

In 2024, Mango also aims to introduce a roadmap for the brand till 2026. Focusing on reinforcing its unique value proposition and boosting sales, the brand plans to expand its store network by 500 in key markets such as United States, Spain, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, India, and Canada.

In 2023, Mango opened 130 stores and refurbished another 80. The brand currently operates 2,700 points of sale across 115 markets. It also expanded its digital distribution to 20 new countries, operating in 110 markets through this channel.

In 2023, the brand also launched a capsule collection of exclusive garments for events and ceremonies. Besides, it launched its first denim collection to make garments more easily reusable and recyclable. 

Global market for compression wear and shapewear is anticipated to grow a CAGR of 6.2 per cent to reach $10.2 billion by 2032. As per a report by the Brainy Insights, the market’s growth will be driven by rising health consciousness amongst the population and the entry of major local and international firms in the sportswear sector.

Growth in the global compression wear and shapewear market during the period is likely to be driven by the Asia-Pacific region. The region's major economies—South Korea, Japan, and China—will contribute substantially to the market growth. 

Influenced by social media influencers and celebrity endorsers, the global shapewear segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. In terms of sales channel, the online sales segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

The advent of e-commerce has made a wide variety of clothing and shapewear products from global manufacturers accessible to consumers. Widely available research on this trend enables them to explore different brands, styles, and functionalities.

Currently valued at $14.4 billion, the global textile yarn market is projected to grow at 5.1 per cent CAGR to reach $18.5 billion by 2028. 

As per a report by Markets and Markets, growth in this sector will be fuelled by factors such as an increasing base of the middle-class population in emerging economies and development of technically advanced yarns. 

Demand for textile yarns is also likely to rise owing to the manufacture of technologically advanced yarns with enhanced properties. Across the world, demand for technical textiles across diverse sectors such as apparel, medical, sports, automotive, and aerospace, is on a rise.

The plant segment in the textile yarn market is anticipated to experience highest rise in compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during the forecast period. This growth will be driven by an increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products. 

Polyester will dominate growth within the artificial yarn category. The yarn’s exceptional durability, strength, resistance to abrasion, wrinkles, stretching and cost-effectiveness will drive its growth during the period.

The largest market share in 2023 will be held by Turkey which boasts of a highly skilled workforce, advanced production technologies and modern infrastructure. 

India’s second-largest employer with almost 45 million direct jobs, the textile and apparel sector is facing several challenges since the past one year. 

Garment factories across the country are noting a decline in work orders resulting in loss of jobs for lakhs of workers in states like West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Tirruppur. Almost 40 per cent jobs in garment export units have been lost owing to work orders declining to 60 per cent, says PR Natarajan, General Secretary-Tiruppur, All India Trade Union Congress. 

Garment factories in Bengaluru, meanwhile, are facing labor shortage as most laborers have switched to working at shopping malls and metro rail stations, quips VP Rukmini, President, Garment Workers’ Union

As per a study by the Textile Committee, nearly 2.14 lakh jobs in the sector have been lost owing to the decline in exports and rise in imports from 2015-2020. 

The industry also lacks sufficient data on the impact of the slowdown on workers and wages in the post COVID years, including those on the cottage and micro industries; vast differences in labor profiles and systems between organised and unorganised sectors; migration of workers to better paying jobs if prospects do not improve for the textiles sector; and lower labor costs is other textile exporting nations affecting Indian exporters who compete on prices in the global market.

R. Karumalaiyan, National Secretary, Centre of Indian Trade Unions acknowledges, annual submission of data for the industrial surveys is poor as there is a lack of unionisation in the industry. Nevertheless, the sector needs to address its workers’ issues to ensure a speedy revival.

Currently worth $1.34 billion, the luxury vegan handbags market is expected grow at a CAGR of 11.3 per cent from 2023-2030 and reach $2.83 billion by 2030.  

As per a report by CoherentMI, the market offers stylish and fashionable handbags made from vegan materials like synthetic leather, recycled plastic and jute. Serving as a perfect alternative to animal products like leather or suede, these handbags cater to the tastes of conscious consumers looking for luxurious and eco-friendly options.

Future growth in the luxury vegan handbags market is likely to be driven by a rising demand for sustainable fashion, and increasing number of brands and designers launching their range of luxury vegan handbags. 

Luxury vegan handbags made of PVC materials are likely to dominate growth during this period as these materials serve as a cost-effective alternative to traditional leather.

North America is expected to hold a dominant position in the luxury vegan handbags market. The region has a well-established fashion industry and a high consumer awareness regarding sustainable fashion. However, other regions, such as Europe and Asia Pacific, are also expected to witness significant growth.

Archroma Pakistan, a stalwart in the chemical industry, secured its position among the elite as it clinched the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) Top 25 Companies Award for 2022. With an impressive track record, Archroma Pakistan has now notched up this prestigious accolade an astonishing 20 times in the last 21 years, marking two decades of unwavering excellence. 

The award ceremony, graced by Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, saw Archroma Pakistan CEO Mujtaba Rahim accepting the honor amidst a distinguished audience of government officials and business leaders.

The PSX Top 25 Companies Awards commend Archroma Pakistan for meticulous financial management, regulatory compliance, and outstanding performance in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. Acknowledged as one of the highest accolades in the Pakistani business community, the award underscores Archroma Pakistan's commitment to sustainable and ethical business practices. 

In Rahim's words, "We are honored to receive this award once again and pledge to continue enhancing every aspect of our operations." Earlier this year, the company also garnered recognition in the PSX Best Corporate Report Awards 2022, further solidifying its status as a beacon of corporate excellence.

In the bustling heart of the Intex India 2023 Exhibition, the Intex Textile Conclave unfurled a captivating narrative for the future of fashion. Over two days, from December 7th to 8th, the conclave became the epicenter for industry leaders, experts, and enthusiasts, converging to reimagine the very fabric of the fashion and textile industry. DFU I FashionatingWorld was the Knowledge Partner for the conclave.

A shift in fashion DNA: "Fibres of Fashion: Reimagining the Future of Textiles"

The guiding theme, "Fibres of Fashion: Reimagining the Future of Textiles," set the stage for a profound shift from supply-driven markets to consumer-centric narratives. Sanjay Chawla, Founder, Editor-in-Chief of DFU, set the tone by emphasizing a pivotal evolution – "The perspective has changed, It is now fashion to fibre." In his presentation, "Weaving a New Narrative for Consumers," he emphasized the collective responsibility of the supply chain, fabrics, yarns, and fibers to deliver values aligning with evolving consumer choices, both aesthetic and functional.

Mapping the fiber landscape: "Fibres of Change"

Delving into the dynamics of India's fiber market on a global canvas, the "Fibres of Change" session provided a comprehensive analysis. Sanjay Jain, Chairman of ICC National Textile Committee, highlighted the strategic shift to blends, particularly polyester-cotton blends, as a response to soaring cotton prices. A statistical presentation by Sarathy TG underscored the accelerated growth of fiber blends, proving their potential without compromising quality.

The cutting edge - "Fibres & Yarns of the Future"

The conference navigated the future of fibers in the fashion industry with a lively panel discussion on whether traditional yarns and fabrics are losing their edge. Dr. Deepti Gupta, Professor at IIT Delhi, moderated the session, emphasizing the critical role of cutting-edge developments in addressing challenges posed by changing consumer demands and sustainability concerns. The fashion industry, she noted, stands at a crossroads and fibers of the future will be instrumental in navigating this path.

Fusion of "Fabrics of Fashion & Functionality"

A captivating panel discussion explored the intricate dance of fusion and blends, unveiling how different fibers interact to create fabrics with enhanced aesthetics, luxurious feels, and specialized performance properties. From sportswear to activewear, the session delved into the benefits and applications of blending fibers.

Building bridges & beyond: Stakeholder collaboration for industry progress

Vijay Mathur, DG & CEO of ATDC, hailed the Intex Textile Conclave as an excellent platform for the entire textile value chain. The event not only provided a platform for stakeholders to voice concerns but also facilitated collaboration. Dr. Deepti Gupta moderated a session underscoring the need for collaboration to address industry-wide issues.

Sanjiv Mehan, Business Head at Nimble, a knitwear brand from Gini Filament, shared his enriching experience, stating, "It was indeed a very enlightening experience. I left an enriched professional with greater motivation and resolve to contribute to the fashion and textile industry."

The revolution at the loom - "AI X Textiles & Fashion Reimagined"

Looking beyond fibers and fabrics, the second day explored the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence. Vedant Ahluwalia, MD of Dataviv, delivered a thought-provoking presentation, urging the industry to embrace AI as part of its strategy for sustainable growth. "The time for textiles and fashion to embrace the AI revolution is now!" declared Ahluwalia.

In essence, the Intex Textile Conclave held at Intex India exhibition ( Dec 07-09) wove together insights, innovations, and aspirations for the future of fashion. From consumer-centric narratives to AI-powered revolutions, the discussions challenged and inspired, leaving participants with a renewed vision for the textiles of tomorrow. 

The lead speakers included Sanjay Jain, TT Ltd, Ujwal Lahoti, Lahoti Overseas, Chandrima Chatterjee, CITI, HKL Magu, Past Chairman AEPC, Lakshmi Bhatia, Ravish Nanda, Director Sourcing Benetton among others industry leaders. 

The event stood as a testament to the industry's resilience and adaptability, setting the stage for a dynamic and transformative future in textiles and fashion, not just in India but beyond.

Lenzing Group, a global leader in wood-based specialty fibers, recently orchestrated 'The Lenzing Conclave' in Ahmedabad, a renowned textile hub. Emphasizing Lenzing's enduring commitment to innovation and responsible manufacturing, the event provided a pivotal platform for industry stakeholders to discuss sustainable textile advancements and future opportunities.

The conclave spotlighted Lenzing's latest innovations under TENCEL and LENZING ECOVERO fiber brands, with a particular focus on products blending TENCEL fibers and cotton tailored for the Indian market. Ahmedabad's fabric mills and traders, stalwart consumers of Lenzing fibers, have significantly influenced end fabrics in fashion, denim, home textiles, and intimate wear, gaining traction both domestically and in export markets.

The exhibition showcased Lenzing's cutting-edge developments across major segments, offering a hands-on experience for participants to explore the versatility and quality of Lenzing fibers. Avinash Mane, Senior Commercial Director of AMEA & NEA region, Textiles Business, Lenzing Group, hailed the conclave's success in fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainable practices. The event affirmed Lenzing's role as a trusted partner in Ahmedabad's textile industry, contributing to the creation of high-quality, sustainable fabrics for global markets.