Karl Mayer, a textile technology specialist, has introduced a new lace called Symm-Net, which is characterized by an extremely precise and intricate appearance. The lace is made using a new multibar jacquard raschel machine, equipped with a split threaded jacquard bar and two ground bars, allowing for equal and counter-lapped patterns.

The Symm-Net lace is made using typical Chantilly yarns, including polyamide and 15% cotton, and is designed as a cross-band flounce on the MJ 92/1 B machine.

Lace expert Jamie Heather has used Symm-Net to create a rigid cross-band galloon for outerwear, relying on a delicate Chantilly-style design. He believes that Symm-Net's strength lies in its symmetry, which is particularly evident in designs with small holes and fine mesh structures. The new rigid Symm-Net patterns have received positive attention and Jamie Heather is already working on further developments, including several clip patterns.

Karl Mayer's Symm-Net lace brings clarity and balance to clothing, and is ideal for adding pizzazz to collars, cuffs, and inserts. The lace's visual clarity and fine mesh structures have been a hit with customers, making Symm-Net a must-have for the latest fashion trends.

EGO, a new ozone finishing system under the Tonello brand, offers simple and efficient garment treatment processes.

With its innovative features, it reduces water consumption by 80% and simplifies wastewater purification operations. This new technology is characterized by its ease of use, maintenance, and improved ozone generation system with a capacity of up to 3000 g/h.

EGO encompasses three different technologies for maximum flexibility and a wide range of aesthetic solutions. It is a strategic component in Tonello's "All-in-One System" and reflects their philosophy of constant optimization and responsible garment washing and finishing processes.

EGO is applied to Tonello washing machines, allowing for garment neutralizing without risk to the operator and with no loss of time.

The demand for intimate wash care products is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.3% between 2022 and 2032, reaching a total of around US$7,922.4 million by 2032, says a study conducted by Future Market Insights.

This growth is driven by increasing awareness of the importance of health and hygiene in intimate areas, as well as government initiatives and health campaigns. Despite this growth, the market is faced with challenges such as the risk of allergies and other problems associated with intimate wash products.

North America is expected to be a leading market for intimate wash care products, with a market share of 17.4% in 2022, due to the growing demand for naturally formulated products. Europe is also a major market, with a share of 18.2% due to increasing disposable income and awareness of the risks of not maintaining intimate hygiene.

With about 20-50% of the women still using clothes and other substitute materials to manage intimate hygiene, to overcome these issues companies have scaled their capacity by introducing new products. Some of the leading players in the intimate wash care products market include Kao Corporation, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Organic Glide Company, and others.

Companies have launched new products to meet consumer demand, such as Svish's line of products for men's intimate hygiene and Piramal Pharma's 'i-feel Gentle Intimate Wash', which is free of sulfates, paraben, and alcohol. Millennium Herbal Care has also launched GynoVash, a women's intimate wash brand that uses foam-based application for deep cleansing.

Premiere Vision will be held in Paris, France, February 7 to 9, 2023.

With the return of exhibitors from Japan, Korea and China, plus an uptick in pre-registrations by attendees from inside and outside Europe, the outlook for the fashion world’s largest sourcing marketplace is positive in every one of its segments, which span fibers, fabrics, leather, accessories, design and manufacturing.The overall increase in exhibitors is 25 percent compared to February 2022, with more than 100 newcomers this year. There will be more Japanese and Korean exhibitorsand more than 40 Chinese weavers.

New at the textile marketplace, a barometer of the global supply chain, is sourcing by geographical zone, a deadstock purchasing itinerary and a dedicated Smart Tech area.The latter aims at helping designers, labels and sustainability teams decipher the explosion of digital solutions, particularly in traceability, which is an impending legal requirement. The show has reorganized its zone navigation by geography.

This spring/summer 2024 event is being held in the context of high inflation and rising sourcing environmental challenges. Inflation, the energy shock and the ongoing war in Ukraine are impacting companies across the fashion sector, as manufacturers grapple with rising operational costs. While luxury is resisting the slowdown, the entry-to-mid market is fragile.

Pakistan’s textile sector exports fell by 12 per cent in January 2023 in comparison to the same month of the previous year.

The country’s textile exports in the first seven months of fiscal year 2023 decreased by eight per cent. The decline in textile exports is concerning for the South Asian economy, which is already facing depleting foreign exchange reserves.

The textile sector, the single largest manufacturing sector of Pakistan, is confronted with numerous challenges. The worsening international economic situation primarily caused by the Ukraine crisis combined with floods in Pakistan has negatively impacted the already inefficient supply chains of the country. Flooding in dozens of districts of Pakistan has destroyed a wide swath of agricultural land.

While the industry requires 14 million bales of cotton, the country could only produce five million bales domestically.To meet this gap cotton needs to be imported. However forex issues in the economy have curtailed imports of cotton and other essential inputs for exports. The issue of raw material clearance from the ports remains unresolved owing to unavailability of forex and therefore mills are currently unable to obtain cash against documentation and are closing down owing to the shortage of raw materials.

The apparel industry of Turkey is going green. The approach will be based on a circular economy, adopting the principles of raw material efficiency and renewable energy use.

More than 40 per cent of Turkey’s total exports are to the EU countries and the ratio for apparel exceeds 60 per cent. EU countries are of vital importance for the country’s exports.

Turkey’s apparel industry has a zero carbon target by 2050. In order to reach this target, the sector is bringing its design, innovation and branded production under green principles as EU-based companies are restructuring their supply chain on the basis of sustainability criteria.

In this emerging green supply chain, apparel products will have to be long-lasting, recyclable and eco-friendly. To protect and increase its market share, the industry is making its preparations with this fact in mind and is rapidly transforming its infrastructure.However the apparel industry has already completed many projects and has been having ongoing projects on sustainability for years.

Turkey is one of the rare countries in the apparel supply chain where all apparel products from fiber to final product are produced. Turkey also distinguishes itself from its competitors with its design power, quality, proximity to target markets and strong supplier infrastructure.

Nigeria is rebranding cotton farming.

The aim is to make cotton farming attractive to the younger population.Nigeria is revamping the cotton value chain.The golden age of cotton and textile was truncated after Nigeria discovered oil, which led to the closure of the popular Kaduna textile and other textile factories across the country.

Subsequently due to interventions in the cotton and textile value chain production increased from 80,000 metric tons to 133,000 metric tons. The number of factories in operation rose from seven to 23. The value of Nigeria’s cotton lint exports reached $64 million as of November 2022. An executive order mandating the military to patronise local textiles in producing their uniforms has also been a contributing factor to the growth of the cotton and textile sector. Some 24 states currently produce cotton in Nigeria. The country has developed two varieties of transgenic cotton. These are aimed at addressing the issues of low yields, high production costs and insect attacks on cotton farms.

However the revamp of the cotton, textile and garment sector significantly hinges on reducing smuggling at the country’s borders. Finished cotton products are being smuggled into the country. So the National Cotton Association of Nigeria (NACOTAN) has urged for more aggressive control at the country’s borders by setting up an anti-smuggling task force.

Global consultancy Research and Markets has pegged an estimated $27.89 billion in 2022 for India's sports equipment, footwear and apparel market and by 2027 it is expected to reach $40.64 billion growing at a CAGR of 7.82 per cent.

Growth drivers

So, what is driving this healthy growth? For a start, the two years of working from home has raised awareness levels about sports and fitness significantly. Even the average urban couch potato has risen to attempt at a fitter lifestyle. Secondly, awareness has benefitted as India sees more organized community activities and sports events. Growing access to online retail platforms has exposed the Indian consumer to trendy athleisure and accessories that look good and promise to be comfortable.

However, while the change is more visible in adults market, the kids market does not show the same enthusiastic growth as Indian kids seem more inclined towards video games rather than real ones. Indian retailers vouch this fact as they state despite life returning to normal, fervent festive clothing and occasion wear sales between September and December 2022, athleisure and sportswear held their ground.

In fact it is quite the trend to mix a piece of athleisure wear with formal clothing, particularly footwear. As Venu Nair, MD and CEO Shoppers Stop points out, India’s casual wear space has really expanded and will continue do so in the foreseeable future as the casualization of attire continues in India’s post-Covid life. He feels, Indians now see no reason to look casually smart and feel wonderfully comfortable all at once. Shoppers Stop has witnessed that despite festive and wedding season purchases, athleisure and sportswear just kept selling.

Jubi Samuel, Senior Director, Myntra’s sports division says, more brands are designing and producing trendy and comfortable wear, being inclusive with sizes and creating lines of wear anywhere and every day kind of clothing. And tapping the lucrative market, Bollywood sar Akshay Kumar recently launched his leisure line of T-shirts, sweat shirts and caps called Force IX. Retailed online exclusively through Myntra, the brand targets consumers looking for trendy street and casual wear. Experts say, with a young population with higher disposable income, athleisure and sportswear will have a good run ahead.

Global trend also simila

Data from research company SkyQuest shows, globally, the athleisure and sportswear market is expected to reach $548 billion by 2028 from $326 billion in 2021, growing at a CAGR of 8.4 per cent, slightly higher than the Indian CAGR. Athleisure is a popular category because it appeals to several broad trends, such as the global shift toward consumers wearing more casual attire, the desire for comfortable clothing, and the increase in athletic activity among health-conscious consumers who need performance clothing for these activities.

Sales of athleisure and sportswear have received a robust boost from online retail platforms that continue to be the largest distribution channels for this category. The online distribution segment witnessed a 16.3 per cent surge in sales in 2021 and experts feel this will continue for the forecasted period between 2021 and 2028. The Asia Pacific region is anticipated to develop significantly as concerns about leading healthy lives among people increases. Additionally, the region’s athleisure market growth is growing due to increased foreign brand penetration, rising disposable income, and a desire for better lifestyles. The North American region is anticipated to have a significant market share due to rising health and fitness concerns.

International Textile Manufactures Federation (ITMF), Zurich, which conducts a survey on cotton contamination every two years, revealed a decrease in contamination and stickiness in raw cotton in its 2022 report. The report covers 104 spinning mills across 21 countries and evaluates 78 different cotton growths. Contamination is one of the critical issues for spinners to maintain first grade yarn quality because it causes the breakages in the warping, sizing, and weaving results in tile defective packages as well as faults in the fabric thus lowering the efficiency means increased cost of production.

Additionally, farmer's income can be increased by at least 10 per cent only by controlling contamination factors. The difference of 10 to 14 per cent in prices of ‘A’ index cotton and Grade-3 cotton can be reduced and a substantial increase in cotton value can also be achieved by controlling contamination alone. Sticky cotton can reduce cotton gin output (in bales/hr) by up to 25 per cent. At the textile mill, stickiness means reduced processing efficiency, lower yarn quality, excessive wear and increased maintenance of machinery may occur even with slightly sticky cotton.

Drop in contaminated cotton supplies

The level of cottons moderately or seriously contaminated as perceived by the spinning mills from around the world decreased 25 per cent in 2019 and further 22 per cent in 2022. Almost 6 per cent of all evaluated cotton were seriously contaminated by some sort of foreign matter whereas 16 per cent were only moderately contaminated. Another 5 per cent of all processed cottons were moderately or seriously contaminated by ‘tar’ and 43 per cent were moderately or seriously contaminated by organic matter such as, leaves, feathers, paper, leather, etc. Other serious contaminants are strings made of plastic film which was 31 per cent, fabrics made of plastic film 39 per cent and, strings made of woven plastic 30 per cent.

The 10 most contaminated cotton descriptions considered for the survey originated in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Togo and coastal Tanzania. The 10 least contaminated raw cottons were produced in Spain, China (Anhui, Shandong), Australia, US (Memphis territory, Pima, Arizona, South-Eastern) and Mexico (Juarez).

Less stickiness in farmed cotton

The presence of sticky cotton as perceived by spinning mills has been decreasing for almost 10 years, from 23 per cent in 2013 to 12 per cent in 2022 and remains at the lowest level since 1989. The 10 descriptions that were most affected by stickiness originated in Afghanistan, the US (Pima, Arizona), Tajikistan, Cameroon, Brazil, Argentina, India , Sudan and Zimbabwe. On the other end of the range, cotton from Pakistan, China (Shandong, Anhui, Hebei), Greece, South Africa, Mozambique, the US (Memphis Territory) and Uganda were not or hardly affected by stickiness.

Seed-coat fragments still an issue

The appearance of seed-coat fragments in cotton growths remains an issue for spinners around the world. Almost 33 per cent of all cotton growth consumed contained moderate or significant amounts of seed-coat fragments The most affected by seed-coat fragments originated from Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, coastal Tanzania, Egypt, Türkiye and Togo. The 10 cotton growth with least presence of seed-coat fragments are: Sudan Cameroon, Australia, Greece, Spain, China (Shandong, Hebei, Anhui), and Mexico.

High trash content increases processing losses and lowers the quality of output of yarns. Stains in cotton adversely further affect the dyeing process. Poor quality cotton in terms of its physical properties not only raises the processing costs at the initial input and intermediate stages but also reduces the output and quality of the final textiles, yarns, fabrics and apparels.

Spring Fair, the leading UK marketplace for wholesale Home, Gift, and Fashion returns to the NEC Birmingham from February 5th to 8th, 2023.

With the support of independent retailers, multiples, and up-and-coming new talent, the fair offers cross-buying opportunities for retailers and showcases thousands of new products.

Highlights and Features

At the New Product Showcase, buyers can discover the latest designs and launches. In the Sustainability Showcase, visitors can learn about sustainable products and meet experts from Products of Change. The Inspiring Retail Stage features over 40 speakers sharing market intelligence, trends, and valuable industry information. Theo Paphitis and The Style Sisters will be among the speakers. The fair also hosts the #SBS Village, dedicated to supporting start-up businesses.

Home

The Spring Fair 2023 will feature a variety of home and outdoor lifestyle brands such as Coach House, Kaemingk, and Hill Interiors, as well as housewares from Apollo Housewares, T&G Woodware Ltd, and Blue Stem Group. The event will also introduce Pure Table Top, showcasing beautiful tablewares from brands such as Joules and Royal Botanic Gardens Kew. The Everyday sector in Hall 1 offers affordable items from Avron, Hovemint, and 151 Products.

Gift

The Gift sector at Spring Fair showcases an array of contemporary and personalised gifts from top brands. The Beauty & Wellbeing sector features the most sought-after pampering products that are ethically made and sourced. The Greetings & Stationery sector features the most creative cards and stationery from leading exhibitors. The Christmas, Floral & Seasonal Decorations sector brings the festive season to life. The Party & Celebrations sector is filled with joy-bringing decorations and costumes for every occasion. Kids, Toys and Play offers the finest children's toys, gadgets, and craft gifts.

Fashion

The UK's Moda fashion trade show is an important destination for retailers, with collections from over 300 UK and international brands, four clearly defined sectors: Womenswear, Footwear, Fashion Accessories, and Jewellery & Watch. Moda presents the latest collections from leading women's wear labels, sought-after footwear brands, handbags, and jewelry from well-known brands. J&W, with over 100 exhibitors, is the biggest returning jewelry showcase in the UK, offering fine jewelry, silver jewelry, fashion jewelry, and more. A dedicated area for jewelry creation is also available.

Moda Stage

Moda Stage features inspirational catwalk shows, seminars, workshops, and awards, offering free trend inspiration and business insights. The Moda Catwalk, at 11am, 1pm, and 2.30pm each day, showcases the latest womenswear, footwear, and accessories. The latest trends including Sundial, The Vibe, Electric, and Different Angles, are presented through styled outfits from Saloos, Jayley Collection, Lighthouse Clothing, and footwear headline sponsor Lunar. The Moda Catwalk is a must-see for buyers.

Spring Fair, as ‘shop for sops” has supported the retail industry for over 70 years and now encompasses the UK’s longest running fashion buying show Moda, offering retailers unmissable cross-buying opportunities across home, gift and fashion, and access to up-and-coming new design talent and hundreds of exciting brands which exhibit exclusively at Spring Fair.

Nicola Meadows, Portfolio Director at Spring & Autumn Fair says; “I am delighted to be back at Spring Fair in my new role as Portfolio Director with thousands of inspirational brands filling the halls with the latest best-selling products”.

With newness and sustainability at the forefront, Spring Fair 2023 is set to offer a vibrant showcase for retailers and buyers alike. “This year’s Spring Fair is set to offer retailers a truly international and vibrant showcase with newness and sustainability top of the agenda”, concludes Nicola