Source Fashion, Europe's premier platform for responsible sourcing, continues its rapid growth, announcing a remarkable 50% increase in exhibitors for its upcoming February 2024 edition, bringing the total to over 320 exhibitors from around the world. This expansion solidifies Source Fashion's reputation as a pivotal gateway to the UK fashion industry.

Taking place from February 18th to 20th at Olympia London, Source Fashion offers an unparalleled experience for decision-makers involved in buying, sourcing, and procurement. What sets this event apart is its unwavering commitment to sustainability and transparency. Every exhibitor undergoes a rigorous audit, ensuring these principles are integral to their business model.

The next show will unite manufacturers from various countries, including the UK, India, Portugal, Turkey, Madagascar, China, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Peru, Philippines, Ethiopia, and more. Notably, the event will feature debuting manufacturers from Mongolia, Lithuania, and Tunisia, showcasing their unique products.

Suzanne Ellingham, Director of Sourcing at Source Fashion, expressed her excitement about the event's growth, highlighting the diverse range of high-quality apparel and accessories from around the world. From luxury wool knits to denim, the event covers a wide spectrum of fashion sectors.

What sets Source Fashion apart is its role as a bridge connecting global manufacturers and suppliers with retailers seeking responsible sourcing. This event transforms ideas into reality, offering everything from raw materials and fabrics to contract manufacturing with in-house design services.

The past July 2023 show saw participation from notable brands like John Lewis, Selfridges, H&M, ASOS, and many more, affirming the event's status as a go-to for industry professionals. Jean-Pierre Aguis, Fashion Category Sourcing Manager at John Lewis, praised the interesting conversations and valuable contacts he made, particularly with suppliers from Madagascar.

Vito D'Antoni, Product Developer and Production Manager at Lulu Guinness, lauded the convenience and the diverse range of products available in one place, highlighting the event's appeal.

With a dedicated content stage and inspiring Source Catwalk shows, Source Fashion promises to be an essential event for the fashion community. Held at Kensington Olympia in London, it's poised to shape the future of responsible and sustainable fashion. Source Fashion is the place to be for anyone in the industry, offering a wealth of opportunities and insights.

The apparel import of the European Union (EU) from the world has declined by 9.61% during the first eight months of 2023, according to data released by EUROSTAT. This represents a decrease from US$ 67.66 billion in January-August 2022 to US$ 61.15 billion in January-August 2023. The quantity of apparel imported by the EU also declined by 14.64% during the same period, from 3 billion kilograms to 2.56 billion kilograms.

Bangladesh, the EU's second-largest apparel supplier, saw its exports to the EU decline by 13.71% in value terms during January-August 2023, from US$ 15.45 billion in January-August 2022 to US$ 13.33 billion. In terms of quantity, Bangladesh's exports to the EU declined by 15.07% during the same period, from 906.85 million kilograms to 770.17 million kilograms.

China, the EU's largest apparel supplier, saw its exports to the EU decline by 14.13% in value terms during January-August 2023, from US$ 18.86 billion in January-August 2022 to US$ 16.19 billion. In terms of quantity, China's exports to the EU declined by 13.05% during the same period, from 800.34 million kilograms to 695.88 million kilograms.

Turkey, the EU's third-largest apparel supplier, saw its exports to the EU decline by 10.89% in value terms during January-August 2023, from US$ 8.24 billion in January-August 2022 to US$ 7.35 billion. In terms of quantity, Turkey's exports to the EU declined by 23.23% during the same period, from 318.92 million kilograms to 244.83 million kilograms.

Despite the overall decline in apparel imports from the world, the EU's unit price of apparel imports increased by 5.89% in January-August 2023. This increase was driven by higher prices from China, Turkey, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. Bangladesh was the only top supplier to experience a lower unit price during this period.

Overall, the apparel import data for January-August 2023 suggests that the EU apparel market is facing some challenges. However, it is important to note that this data is only preliminary and may be revised in the future.

Eastman Highlights Molecular Recycling and Responsible Supply Chain at Textile Exchange Conference

NaiaTM Renew, a sustainable fiber made from 60% sustainably sourced wood pulp and 40% certified waste materials, was featured at the 2023 Textile Exchange Conference, where Eastman showcased its expertise in molecular recycling and responsible supply chain management.

A Showcase of Sustainable Materials and Innovative Recycling Technology

Eastman's patented molecular recycling technology breaks down waste materials into basic molecular building blocks, which are then used to create new, high-quality fibers that are indistinguishable from those made from virgin fossil sources. This technology offers a sustainable solution to the problem of textile waste, which often ends up in landfills or incinerators.

In addition to its commitment to molecular recycling, NaiaTM is also certified by FSC and PEFC, and has been awarded the Canopy Dark Green Shirt. NaiaTM also supports the reforestation project of SOS Mata Atlantica in the Atlantic Forest, Brazil.

Many fashion brands, including Patagonia, Vince, Reformation, and COS, are using NaiaTM cellulosic fibers in their recent collections.

Overall tone:

The article is positive and upbeat, highlighting the sustainability and innovation of NaiaTM Renew fibers. It also emphasizes Eastman's commitment to responsible supply chain management.

Former workers of the Croatian garment factory Orljava are filing a complaint against their German buyer, OLYMP, to the German National Contact Point for the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

The complaint alleges that OLYMP failed to act in accordance with the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises by failing to conduct appropriate risk-based due diligence and failing to meaningfully engage with relevant stakeholders in relation to its decision to stop working with Orljava.

Workers' Demands:

The workers are demanding that OLYMP:

Ensure indemnification to the 172 workers that lost their jobs at the time of Orljava's closure for damage caused by delayed payment and high inflation

Mitigate the harm caused to workers, which could include supporting them in finding alternative employment and/or consulting with them about resuming production for the brand in Požega, where the Orljava factory was based.

Background:

Orljava was a state-owned garment factory in Croatia that had been operating for decades. OLYMP was its main customer. In 2021, Orljava became insolvent and was declared bankrupt. All 172 workers lost their jobs.

Freudenberg Performance Materials Apparel, a prominent player in the apparel industry's technical solutions segment, is introducing two cutting-edge thermal insulation products, DOWN FEEL WA 150LB and FIBERBALL WB 400LB, under their comfortemp brand. What sets these products apart is their use of low-level Bisphenol A (BPA) recycled PET fibers (rPET), emphasizing Freudenberg's dedication to innovation and sustainability.

These new additions to the comfortemp range offer eco-conscious and high-quality alternatives to traditional down insulation, elevating both comfort and environmental responsibility. DOWN FEEL WA 150LB is an ultra-light, loose fiber insulation with exceptional loft, while FIBERBALL WB 400LB uses clusters of fine fibers for optimal breathability and minimal clumping after washing, ensuring lasting comfort.

What sets these products apart is their commitment to eco-friendliness. They are crafted from 100% GRS-certified rPET fibers and exceed OEKO-TEX  STANDARD 100 Class I certifications, which are the most stringent, suitable even for babies. Notably, these products contain less than 1 ppm BPA, showcasing Freudenberg's commitment to unwavering quality standards.

Merry Chen, Head of Global R&D and Product Compliance at Freudenberg Performance Materials Apparel, stressed their dedication to sustainability, ensuring safer, responsible products that prioritize quality and performance. The products not only exemplify their commitment but are part of the House of Sustainability (HoS) initiative, offering innovative solutions for a more sustainable apparel industry.

In addition to DOWN FEEL WA 150LB and FIBERBALL WB 400LB, Freudenberg introduces HO 80xR to their European comfortemp range, showcasing their environmental commitment and circular design principles, with 70% recycled polyamide fibers. These innovations are set to make waves globally and support a more sustainable future in the apparel industry.

In a game-changing move, Trumpler, a respected leader in leather chemicals since 1868, has partnered with Archroma, a global specialist in sustainable solutions within the specialty chemicals industry. Together, they introduce DyTan, an innovative leather production process set to transform the industry by offering eco-friendly and cost-effective leather production.

DyTan is a result of collaboration, blending Archroma's revolutionary AVICUERO System with Trumpler's bio-based fatliquors and retanning agents. This eco-conscious approach replaces traditional metal-based leather tanning processes, offering impeccable shavability, exceptional color depth, and impressive resistance to migration and abrasion. 

Moreover, DyTan reduces environmental impact by eliminating metal salts and reactive aldehydes, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, from fashion and automotive upholstery to furniture.

At the heart of DyTan is Archroma's patented AVICUERO System, designed to covalently cross-link collagen fibers in leather, offering energy and water savings of up to 23%, along with reduced CO2 emissions. Hein Vugs, Managing Director of Trumpler Group, envisions a more sustainable leather industry without compromising quality. 

Mark Garrett, Archroma Group CEO, sees DyTan as a remarkable milestone in the leather production history, benefitting the industry and the environment. Trumpler's global partnership with Archroma ensures worldwide distribution and support for the AVICUERO System, promising a bright future for eco-conscious leather producers.

The 38th World Fashion Convention, hosted by the International Apparel Federation (IAF) and Spesa in Philadelphia, commenced on October 23rd. This year, the event began with a significant decision as the IAF General Assembly unanimously approved an extension of IAF President Cem Altan's term by two years. 

Altan, a garment manufacturer representing the Istanbul Apparel Exporters Association (IHKIB), embodies IAF's commitment to uniting global apparel manufacturers and safeguarding their interests.

Altan emphasized the IAF's mission to drive more robust, smarter, and sustainable supply chains while noting the industry's sluggish transition pace. He highlighted a major hurdle: many manufacturers possess the means to enact vital environmental, social, and financial improvements but lack the necessary financial and organizational support within supply chains. 

Altan encouraged the industry to embrace a positive trajectory, avoid the low-value trap, and leverage technology and process innovation for increased value creation.

Throughout the convention, a diverse array of speakers delved into topics such as digitalization, data technology, legislation, sourcing strategy, sustainability, and transparency. A multitude of sponsors representing solutions for the industry's transformation further enriched the event.

In China, the pursuit of fair and aristocratic-looking skin is intertwining with a rising need for sun protection due to extreme heatwaves and the popularity of outdoor sports. Traditional sunscreens, plagued by their cumbersome application and health concerns, are being replaced by UV clothing and accessories. According to China Insights Consultancy, this market reached 67 billion yuan in 2022 and is projected to grow by 9.4% annually until 2026.

Clothing, hats, shoes, accessories, and even facekinis are all sought-after items in this market. A key material for effective sun protection is a warp-knitted fabric produced by the HKS 2-SE tricot machine, turning it into one of Karl Mayer's best-selling machines in China. This elastic, lightweight, and breathable fabric offers UV protection and comfort, making it ideal for sun protective clothing.

The choice of polyamide microfiber yarn for this fabric grants UV resistance, softness, and a cooling effect, along with high productivity. In contrast to traditional woven fabrics made from natural fibers like linen, these warp-knitted counterparts outshine in comfort and breathability. 

The efficiency and precision of the HKS 2-SE machine, producing high-quality textiles at remarkable speeds, have further solidified its place in the sun-protective clothing production landscape.

China's Growing Demand for UV-Protective Clothing Sparks Boom in HKS 2-SE Warp-Knitted Fabric.

China, the global textile production leader and textile machinery investor, is set to take the spotlight at the upcoming ITMA Asia + CITME event in Shanghai from November 19-23. This pivotal industry gathering is particularly significant for Monforts, a European machine builder, as it underscores China's dual role as the largest producer and consumer of clothing and footwear since 2021.

Monforts Head of Denim, Hans Wroblowski, emphasized China's remarkable transformation, with the nation now holding a 25% share of the global clothing and footwear market. In contrast, the USA and Europe follow with 21% and 20%, respectively. This shift in market dynamics indicates the increasing importance of China's own market.

Monforts seeks to contribute to the sustainable growth of the textile industry by showcasing their Montex stenters, which offer substantial benefits in energy efficiency and resource savings. Energy-intensive finishing processes have been a primary focus, resulting in state-of-the-art machine insulation and heat recovery systems like the Monforts Universal Energy Tower and ECO Booster, which can achieve energy savings of up to 35%.

As global energy prices soar, these innovations are vital for cost reduction and the reduction of carbon footprints in textile production. Monforts also specializes in denim production and the finishing of technical textiles, introducing advancements like the CYD yarn dyeing system and the Montex®Coat coater.

This year's ITMA Asia + CITME in Shanghai will witness Monforts showcasing their commitment to sustainable textile production while capitalizing on China's thriving textile industry.

Kering Group, the parent company of luxury brands such as Gucci, Saint Laurent, and Bottega Veneta, reported a 13% decline in revenue in the third quarter of 2023, as it grappled with challenging macroeconomic conditions and softening demand across the luxury industry.

Revenue came in at €4.5 billion, down from €5.2 billion in the same period a year ago. On a comparable basis, revenue was down 9%, including a 6% negative exchange-rate effect and a 2% positive impact from the acquisition of Maui Jim.

The Group's directly operated retail network saw revenue fall 6% on a comparable basis, reflecting lower traffic and contrasted performances across regions. Wholesale and Other revenue fell sharply (down 20% on a comparable basis), due in particular to the Group's ongoing efforts to tighten its control over distribution.

In the first nine months of the year, the Group generated revenue of €14.6 billion.

In a statement, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer François-Henri Pinault said that the Group's revenue performance in the third quarter reflected the impact of its decisions to further elevate its brands and their distribution. He also said that the organization put in place in July will enable the Group to strengthen the steering of its Houses in the current market environment and to reclaim its positions and influence.

Pinault also noted the acquisition of Creed, one of the world's most distinguished high fragrance houses, which was completed last week. He said that this acquisition propels the Group's ambitions in beauty onto the next stage.