Tim Hortons, a brand of AG Café and Apparel Group, has achieved the prestigious Superbrand status at the Superbrands Award 2023. The award ceremony, held on 28th at the Intercontinental Hotel, Dubai Festival City, honored 10 brands for their branding excellence and innovation.

The Superbrands organization is a global authority on branding, recognizing and celebrating exceptional brands that deliver quality, value and customer satisfaction. Tim Hortons is one of them, demonstrating its ability to grow and excel in the competitive F&B market.

Tim Hortons is a leading brand in F&B industry, offering products and experiences that resonate with consumers and stand out in the marketplace. This recognition showcases Apparel Group’s ability to nurture and grow brands in the competitive market.

700 Delegates Gather in Singapore for Trade Event and Gala Dinner

Over 700 delegates from the global cotton community gathered in Singapore from 11-12 October for the International Cotton Association’s (ICA) traditional trade event and gala dinner. Delegates came together in the Raffles City Convention Centre to take part in the two-day event, which saw a variety of top industry speakers take to the stage.

The event featured keynote sessions from Joe Nicosia (Louis Dreyfus Company), Sunny Verghese (Olam International), Michael Every (RaboResearch) and a panel session organised by Women in Cotton which focused on Traceable Supply Chains. There was also plenty of opportunity for delegates to network and do business, one of the main event attractions.

At the closing ‘Colours of the East’ Gala Dinner, Tim North (Tim North Consulting) passed over the ICA presidency to Kim Hanna (TransGlobal Inspections).

In his speech, Tim North reflected on key areas of focus during his time as ICA President:

Membership growth: “Our membership has seen significantly more members join than in previous years which is a real positive...”

Membership structure review: “I set up a committee to review our membership structure. It was high time to do so....to make our fees more equitable among various groups and to also allow for other categories of membership as our business evolves in a changing textile world...”

Brand and retail committee: “In this brave new and rapidly evolving world of sustainability, of traceability and transparency, the whole chain is becoming more translucent. There have been and there continue to exist what can be described as “walls“ between the various segments of our industry... For the first time, and under my leadership, the ICA formed a brand and retail committee that included several prominent brands and retailers from both the E.U. and the U.S.A. We met a number of times. Our discussions were both engaging and they were productive. This is an ongoing, developing and evolving process...”

Default list reduction: “The ICA has been quite successful in recent years in both discouraging participants from getting on the default list and encouraging those on the list to negotiate their way off the default list. This has been notably achieved by signing so-called MoUs or Memorandums of Understanding between key organisations that are playing vital roles in developing the march forward in a sustainable world...”

MoUs with key organizations: “Organisations such as BCI and Cotton Made in Africa are already signatories to this accord. Part of my goal to achieve a safer trading environment was to actively identify other organisations who are bubbling up to the top in this new age of a sustainable world and who will become key to those who want to and have to develop their business in this new world. I am pleased to say that under my leadership, the ICA has signed an MoU with Textile Genesis - a world leader in the vital role of block chain traceability. We are also actively engaged with Supima in developing an MoU,...”

Tim North concluded his speech by thanking the members for their confidence and trust in him during his time as President. He said, “What a journey. What an honour. What memories!”

Next year's ICA event will take place in Liverpool from 16 - 17 October.

On Sunday, Iran's Minister of Industry inaugurated the 29th IRANTEX International Exhibition, showcasing the participation of 340 companies from 12 different countries. 

Simultaneously, the 10th IRAN MOD and MPEX exhibitions kicked off at the same location. These exhibitions are scheduled to run until October 18th.

Jeanologia, a leading Spanish company in the development of eco-efficient technologies, will propel the textile industry into the new era of air and greater efficiency at the next edition of Kingpins Amsterdam.

During the event, which will take place 18-19 October in SugarCity (Amsterdam), Jeanologia will show how its new technologies and processes make it possible to achieve an authentic product through a more productive, competitive and completely sustainable operational model, based on automation and digitizaliztion.

Jeanologia believes that air, digitalization and automation are the keys to a fully sustainable and efficient textile industry.

In recent years, the company has been leading the transformation of the industry with its disruptive technologies. As Carmen Silla, Marketing Director at Jeanologia, points out, "we're fostering a new era for the textile industry in which air is the protagonist, thus replacing the traditional use of water, which enables authentic vintage looks while guaranteeing zero pollution."

In this vein, Silla highlighted the importance of its innovative atmospheric washing process, Atmos, which allows the company to achieve a natural aging of garments, with a genuine vintage effect, without the use of water, pumice stones, or chemicals.

At Kingpins Amsterdam, Jeanologia will show off its breakthrough G2 ozone technology, which sets a new benchmark in the finishing processes of denim and knitwear, by allowing production centers to greatly reduce the use of water and chemicals, achieving a natural wear tone, more quickly and sustainably, and at a lower cost.

With the Atmos process, ozone is used under atmospheric conditions instead of water and chemicals. This allows for something totally innovative and revolutionary in the textile industry: dry-finishing jeans, resulting in a denim garment with an authentic vintage look and an impressive contrast between light and dark areas, without the need to use pumice stones and without potassium permanganate.

The innovative Atmos finishing process is also applied in color treatment, for example on sweatshirts and T-shirts. Atmos acts like a time machine, every 5 minutes in G2 is equivalent to approximately one year of use.

Designed to work with maximum efficiency, this revolutionary Eco washing solution based on ozone technology reduces water use by up to 96%, eliminates all toxic byproducts and reduces energy consumption by up to 25%.

Such consumption decreases not only translate into increased profitability for textile companies, but also into greater process sustainability.

The implementation of the Washed by the atmosphere ecosystem makes it possible to eliminate traditional polluting processes, such as potassium permanganate, pumice, other harmful substances and effluent discharges from the textile finishing industry.

Jeanologia's commitment to sustainability is evident in its Washed by the Atmosphere concept, which offers a more efficient and environmentally friendly way to produce denim and knitwear garments.

Driven by Demand for Aspirational Clothes and Eco-Friendly Textiles

Based on a report on Textile Colours Market by Future Market Insights, the global textile colors market is expected to reach US$ 7.6 Bn by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period. The market is driven by rising demand for aspirational clothes and eco-friendly textiles.

Key factors propelling the textile colors market growth:

Growing demand for aspirational clothes: The demand for aspirational clothes has increased in recent years, as consumers are willing to spend more on high-quality and stylish clothes. This has led to increased demand for textile colors with vibrant hues and high durability.

Rising demand for eco-friendly textiles: Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact of synthetic dyes. This has led to increased demand for eco-friendly textile colors, such as plant-based dyes.

Other factors driving the market growth include increasing population, rising disposable incomes, and expanding urbanization.

Region-wise analysis:

The Asia-Pacific region is expected to be the largest market for textile colors during the forecast period. This is due to the region's large population base and growing demand for aspirational clothes. China and India are the two major markets for textile colors in the region.

North America and Europe are also expected to witness significant growth in the textile colors market during the forecast period. This is due to the region's high disposable incomes and growing demand for eco-friendly textiles.

Competitive landscape:

The textile colors market is highly competitive, with a number of global and regional players operating in the market. Some of the key players in the market include BASF, Dow, Huntsman International, Evonik Industries, and Lanxess.

Lenzing Group, a global leader in wood-based specialty fibers, and Kaihara, renowned Japanese denim manufacturer, are taking their longstanding partnership to new heights. This collaboration, fueled by the versatile TENCEL branded fibers, aims to introduce Kaihara's expertise in denim craftsmanship to international markets as part of its expansion strategy. The world will witness this innovative partnership during the "Kaihara x TENCEL Denim Week" in Tokyo, Japan, from October 16 to 21, 2023.

Since 1994, Kaihara has seamlessly integrated TENCEL fibers into its collections, pushing the boundaries of denim fabric manufacturing. The partnership combines TENCEL's fiber performance and sustainable production with Kaihara's innovative designs, authentic aesthetics, and diverse functionality, leading the evolution of premium denim fashion. This collaboration opens new doors for brand partners and consumers worldwide, emphasizing shared success in a sustainable way.

Dennis Hui, Global Business Development Manager, Denim at Lenzing, commends Kaihara's role in denim fabric innovation, highlighting TENCEL fibers' role in expanding into new application categories. Kaihara's commitment to sustainability is showcased through water-saving TENCEL Modal fiber with Indigo Color technology and reduced cotton denim fabrics using TENCEL fibers.

This collaboration offers a versatile design with authentic appeal, ensuring soft, comfortable textures, breathability, and color retention. As global brands seek sustainable materials, TENCEL branded fibers become instrumental.

Lenzing and Kaihara will unveil a capsule collection of seven denim fabrics using Jeanologia’s finishing technology, showcasing the potential of TENCEL Lyocell and Modal fibers in high-end denim applications. The future of premium denim fashion is being reimagined through this dynamic partnership, promising exciting prospects for fashion enthusiasts worldwide.

Jeanologia, a pioneering Spanish company specializing in eco-efficient technologies, is set to revolutionize the textile industry at Kingpins Amsterdam, taking place from October 18-19 in SugarCity, Amsterdam. The firm will unveil its cutting-edge innovations that promise to usher in a new era of air-powered and highly efficient textile production, underpinned by automation and digitization.

The company's visionary approach signifies the end of the water era in textile processing, with a focus on harnessing the power of air. Jeanologia's atmospheric washing process, Atmos, allows for the creation of authentic vintage garments without the use of water, pumice stones, or chemicals. It's a game-changer that offers both sustainable production and the preservation of traditional denim aesthetics.

Jeanologia's G2 ozone technology is another breakthrough, dramatically reducing water and chemical consumption in denim and knitwear production. The system achieves a natural wear tone more quickly and cost-effectively, all while reducing environmental impact.

With the Atmos process and G2 ozone technology, the textile industry can dry-finish jeans with an authentic vintage look, eliminating traditional polluting processes and increasing sustainability. This innovation, a part of the "Washed by the atmosphere ecosystem," not only benefits textile companies' profitability but also contributes to greater sustainability in the textile finishing industry.

For over 25 years, Jeanologia has been on a mission to transform the textile industry into an ethical, sustainable, and eco-efficient field. Its range of disruptive technologies has garnered the trust of major brands, with over 35% of jeans produced globally using their solutions. 

Jeanologia's dedication to sustainability, digitalization, and automation is set to reshape the industry, proving that the future of textiles lies in the power of air and eco-conscious technologies.

Advance Denim, Grace, and CIRCULOSE® have joined forces to launch a new denim collection featuring Gracell® x CIRCULOSE® viscose made with a 50% blend of CIRCULOSE® pulp. This is a significant milestone in the denim industry, as it is the first time that such a high-CIRCULOSE® content viscose fiber has been used in denim manufacturing.

The collection features two fabrics constructed from an innovative blend of cotton, Gracell® x CIRCULOSE® viscose, recycled cotton, Ecovero, spandex, T400, and LYCRA®. These fabrics offer superior comfort, performance, and sustainability.

This collaboration is a testament to the commitment of Advance Denim, Grace, and CIRCULOSE® to accelerate textile circularity. 

Advance Denim has a rich history of championing sustainable practices in the denim industry, while Grace is a leader in the production of viscose with a higher CIRCULOSE® blend. CIRCULOSE® is a branded dissolving pulp created by Renewcell that is made from 100% recycled textiles.

The Advance Denim capsule collection will be showcased at Kingpins Amsterdam on October 18 and 19, 2023.

Apparel Group, a globally acclaimed fashion and lifestyle retail conglomerate, has once again made headline-worthy strides in the Middle East and India. In addition to launching 49 new stores across the region during August and September, the company has celebrated numerous significant partnerships, milestones, and accolades.

Store Launches & Highlights

7 Beverly Hills Polo Club stores commenced operations in several key markets, including Sharjah, UAE, Jeddah, Jizan in KSA, Kuwait, and Ranchi, Kochi, and Pune, in India.

24 leading brands, such as Calvin Klein, Crocs, Aeropostale, Forest Essentials, Havaianas, Levi's, R&B, Rituals, Steve Madden, Inglot, Skechers, Birkenstock, Tommy Hilfiger, Dune London, and Coldstone Creamery, expanded their footprint in premium locales in the Middle East and India.

September featured the emergence of 4 brands, including Bath & Body Works, ALDO Accessories, Inglot, and Beverly Hills Polo Club in Pune's Phoenix Mall of the Millennium, India.

Tim Hortons celebrated the launch of its 300th store across GCC and India, continuing to brew delightful experiences for its customers.

Babies & More made its grand debut at The Warehouse, Kuwait, solidifying Apparel Group's commitment to offering holistic solutions to consumers, including new parents.

Pivotal Strategic Collaborations

Apparel Group penned an exclusive deal with Firehouse Subs, aiming to roll out over 100 restaurants across UAE and Oman in the next decade.

The group sealed a multi-brand agreement with Marquee Brands, integrating brands like BCBG, Ben Sherman, Bruno Magli, Sur la table, and Martha Stewart within its portfolio across the GCC and India.

Apparel Group formed a joint venture with the distinguished womenswear brand, Forever New, promising a unique blend of global fashion insights tailored to local preferences.

MAS Matrix, the diversified flat-knit apparel manufacturing facility under MAS Holdings, announced the launch of its latest product platform, 'MVTM.' MVTM is a new athleisure platform that offers a range of highly functional, versatile, and fashion-forward designs, meticulously engineered to offer freedom of movement and with unique zonal support.

The MVTM collection is also committed to sustainability, with 77% of the collection composed of recycled post-consumer waste or natural and regenerative fibers. These include recycled polyester, organic, Better Cotton Initiative-certified cotton, and bio-based fabrics like modal, Tencel, and hemp.

The launch of MVTM is a testament to MAS Matrix's unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability, and providing consumers with apparel that seamlessly adapts to their dynamic lifestyles.

Key points

MVTM is a new athleisure platform from MAS Matrix that offers a range of highly functional, versatile, and fashion-forward designs.

MVTM products are meticulously engineered to offer freedom of movement and with unique zonal support.

The MVTM collection is committed to sustainability, with 77% of the collection composed of recycled post-consumer waste or natural and regenerative fibers.

The launch of MVTM is a testament to MAS Matrix's unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability, and providing consumers with apparel that seamlessly adapts to their dynamic lifestyles.