Kontoor Brands has reduced water consumption by eight billion liters since 2008.

The aim is to save ten billion liters of water by 2025. For the company’s more than 120 million units of apparel and accessories it produced in 2020, Kontoor’s teams sourced 50 per cent of its cotton sustainably, with the aim of achieving 100 per cent sustainable cotton in all products by 2025.

Kontoor Brands is a global lifestyle apparel company and owns two of the world’s most iconic consumer brands, Wrangler and Lee. Kontoor is on track to use 100 per cent preferred chemistry by 2025 and expects to announce a science-based climate target for greenhouse emissions in 2022. These goals are supported by a wide array of initiatives across Kontoor’s production chain. Kontoor is aiming to not only set and meet its own ambitious goals, but also to apply lessons learn and best practices transparently so that others can bring these innovations to life in their own manufacturing operations.

Kontoor Brands closely manages its supply chain and distribution and directly owns one-third of its manufacturing operations. The company also leverages its strong relationships with third-party manufacturers and seeks to embed sustainability in all stages of production to improve the overall impact of its products.

Texworld Evolution Paris will be held onFebruary 7 to 9, 2022.

Several hundred companies in the fabric and clothing sector will represent the major textile countries. Adapted to sanitary restrictions, the format of this relaunch edition will enable exhibitors from major sourcing countries to be welcomed. Apparel Sourcing Paris will be for the sourcing of finished garments, Avantex Paris for new materials and innovative processes, Leatherworld Paris for leather and related materials, and finally Texworld Paris for fabric sourcing. These will concentrate in one place the main global offer for fashion brands, from ready-to-wear to luxury.

Texworld Paris is renewing its international mission, giving buyers a forward-looking vision of spring/summer 2023’s creative trends combined with an expanded global sourcing offer. More than 200 exhibitors from 16 countries will be present. Signages will be set up to identify exhibitors offering eco-responsible products as well as manufacturers who can deliver small quantities of fabrics or finished products in small volumes.

This edition presents a very qualitative offer, notably through the Elite sector, which brings together a selection of companies chosen for their performance in terms of quality, competitiveness, responsiveness and services for the world’s leading fashion brands. This areawill this year include a panel of some 20 high-level Turkish, Pakistani, Indian and Bangladeshi exhibitors who are regulars at Texworld Paris.

With the government pumping in investments worth over $1 billion in the last five years, the market for sewing machines in India has been expanding for the last few years. As per a Fortune Business Insights report, the market is estimated to reach $50.8 million in 2021 from $47million in 2020. The rise is on account of a growing demand for fabrics by industrial and domestic end-users. Growth will be driven by investments worth $1 billion made by the government in the last six years in initiatives such as the TechnologyUpgradation Fund Scheme and the Integrated Textile Parks.

For instance, in October 2021, the Centre announced the setting up of seven mega textile parks to generate over one lakh direct and over two lakh indirect jobs. As per India Brand Equity Foundation Report, India invested approximately $185 million in the Integrated Textile Parks and roughly $961 million in the Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme between FY 2015-16 and FY 2019-20. These investments boosted the installation of sewing machines across applications, says a Deccan Herald report.

Textile parks to boost sector growth

The setting up of seven mega textile parks will boost growth in the sector, opines an apparel exporter registered with the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI). A listed player in the sector, Singer India has recovered from the second pandemic wave. For the current fiscal’s half-year, the company recorded a cumulative net profit of Rs 2.67 crore. Its management has launched several initiatives to accelerate growth both in sewing machines and home appliances business, informs Rajeev Bajaj, Managing Director.

Usha International is introducing new technologies like white machines. The company is developing innovative sewing machines to cater to changing demands. It recently introduced a few modes iPad and WiFi enabled models equipped with user-friendly embroidery designing software, adds Parveen Kumarr Sahni, President-Sewing Machines Business, Usha International.

Innovations driving market

Integrating internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and 3D printing, several new innovations like pedal-less machines, voice guide machines, automatic zigzag machines and machines with USB ports are being introduced to drive up growth. One such innovation that has grabbed the attention of customers is the automatic zigzag machines being offered by Usha International, Singer India and Brother. Known for their accuracy, speed and flexibility, these sewing machines are witnessing an increased demand from customers.

Challenges for the sector

However, despite its current growth rate, the sector is witnessing certain challenges like the closure of manufacturing facilities, disrupted supply chains and reduction in demand of apparels due to the pandemic. One of the biggest challenges is that lack of manufacturing of industrial grade sewing machines in India. This makes India entirely dependent upon China for machines, says Inderjit Singh, President, Sewing Machine Dealers & Assemblers Association, an umbrella organization of over 300 industry players.

Singh points out, the government needs to incentivize innovations as MSMEs do not have the wherewithal to spend on R&D. He hopes, the ongoing market conditions will help boost sales leading to a strong growth of the sewing machine market in India.

US imports of denim increased 28 per cent in October 2021 compared to a year earlier. As per Commerce Department’s Office of Textiles & Apparel (OTEXA) data, imports from Mexico grew 43 per cent. Shipments from countries of the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) rose 29 per cent, led by a 30 per cent from Nicaragua and a 22 per cent gain from Guatemala. Columbia contributed with a 30 per cent rise. Denim imports from Vietnam remained tepid with a four per cent rise. Top supplier Bangladesh rolled along with a 31 per cent increase in the month while China saw a 17 per cent gain. Imports from Pakistan jumped 51 per cent, Cambodia rose 18 per cent and Sri Lanka was up 43 per cent. Jeans imports from Turkey increased 61 per cent in October 2021. October increases were posted by Lesotho, Madagascar, India, Macau, Italy and Japan. Declines were seen from Jordan, Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania.

CAFTA and US co-production for textiles and apparel supports more than a million jobs and $12 billion in two-way trade. Onshoring and nearshoring are underway, with key CAFTA countries seeing exports up anywhere from 33 per cent to 56 per cent, outpacing even major Asian exporters, a sign that the trade agreement’s existing rules are effective .

Vietnam runs the risk of losing orders from global clothing brands if domestic textile and garment manufacturers do not incorporate changes in line with sustainable and greener production, better energy conservation and assume higher responsibility for the environment, a seminar co-hosted by the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS) and the WWF was informed. More than 250 global fashion brands have set standards and codes of conduct responsible to the environment applicable to their suppliers. As global brands now favor green businesses in Vietnam, polluting manufacturers may face the heat. Vietnamese garment businesses are therefore expected to comply with green production, which will help them do business more effectively, generate higher profit and sustain growth rates. Garment factories are supposed to save energy and water, use environment-friendly materials and fulfill their corporate social responsibility.

For the immediate future, the implementation of sustainable development criteria may be a challenge to domestic garment manufacturers as these criteria require huge investment and personnel. However, in the long run, the credibility and brand value of the business in question will be better. For now, most enterprises involved in the garment supply chain formed by global fashion brands have adopted the green requirements for production, such as assuming their corporate social responsibility, being friendly to the environment and cutting emissions.

China’s textile industry has been investing in Pakistan. Chinese investors are getting to know the comparative advantage of Pakistan’s textile sector. Both China and Pakistan enjoy their own competitive edge in the textile and garment sector, points out Vice President of China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Textiles (CCCT). Since the second phase of China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement came into effect in 2020, more Pakistani products have been able to enter the Chinese market. Tariffs on some 75 per cent of goods from both sides have been gradually reduced to zero since 2020, which has provided access to China for more high-quality products from Pakistan.

China is sharing advanced technology and experience in research, design, manufacturing, management, marketing and brand building with Pakistan. And Pakistan commands a cost-effective raw material supply and abundant human resources. So both sides are stepping up cooperation in trade, investment and resource integration and jointly exploring international markets. China is helping Pakistan's spinning mills become more cost efficient and competitive. Almost 80 per cent of the yarn and other textile products will be re-exported to China for value addition to sell the finished goods at better prices in the international market. When Chinese businessmen carry out their exports jointly with Pakistan, making use of the raw materials as well as Pakistan’s human resources, it adds to the earnings of Pakistan.

Japan's apparel makers are shifting production back to their country. Among the reasons are pressures from a weaker yen, rising overseas labor costs and shipment troubles caused by the pandemic.

The concept of nearshoring production close to consumer markets is gaining ground in the industry. Moves like this show how the supply chain disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic has given the apparel industry reason to rethink its production strategy, signaling a shift away from overseas hubs like China and Vietnam.

Manufacturing costs are higher in Japan compared with overseas locations. Yet companies believe that the benefits, including shorter delivery times, can offset extra expenses by cutting waste and lost opportunities. Japan’s textile industry started moving production offshore in the 1970s. But now some of the cost advantages of overseas production have waned. Monthly wages in China and Vietnam have roughly doubled since 2010. Apparel companies typically have an easier time relocating production than do automakers or other industrial companies because their equipment is smaller.

Japanese company, World Co whose products sell at department stores and shopping centers, will locate most of its high-end clothing production in Japan within three to five years, up from the current level of roughly 40 per cent. Similarly TSI Holdings, which distributes Jill Stuart women's fashion and Ping golf wear brands in Japan, is considering expanding output at its domestic plants in Yamagata and Miyazaki prefectures. Automation would be used to make jackets, coats and blouses, among other products

Brother’s GTX600 is the first direct to garment (DTG) printer designed especially for mass production. The printer can meet the dual challenges of high-quality design reproduction and industrial level activity. To keep the ink in a print ready state, the GTX600 has ink recirculation in four key areas. There are 16 ink channels jetting from staggered, industrial print heads with internal cooling fans, for continuous print operation. Also, the ink is constantly filtered and degassed to guarantee the best possible print quality up to 1200dpi. The built-in humidifier ensures that the machine always has perfect working conditions, even in difficult environments and big production halls.

Brother is a Japanese company engaged in the production of industrial sewing machines, printers and multi-functions-center machines, The GTX600 can be used with different platens for endless creative possibilities. The platens can be changed quickly to save time and their height is auto selectable which makes them adapted for any material that can possibly be printed on. The printing speed has been increased and the industrial maintenance station has been upgraded to enable continuous and fast print operations. The auto cleaning frequency is much less than any printer before, which increases the real print productivity drastically.

Inditex gross profit for the nine months rose by 40 per cent. The gross profit margin rose 101 bps to 59 per cent. The nine-month ebitda rose 63 per cent while ebit was up a huge 248 per cent. Pre-tax profit rose 277 per cent and net income was up 273 per cent. At current exchange rates, the currency impact on sales in the second half is expected to be around plus 0.5 per cent versus the second half of 2020 and minus 5.5 per cent versus 2019. The migration to the Inditex Open Platform (IOP) is close to 97 per cent complete and all its stores are open. Sales are returning to normal levels and online sales continue to grow.

The fashion giant’s strategic transformation toward a fully integrated digital and sustainable business model is accelerating. Net income and pre-tax profit both reached historic highs in the third quarter with a strong comparison against the pre-pandemic period in 2019. And sales growth in constant currency in the three months to the end of October continued to speed up with a ten per cent increase versus 2019. Store sales have been steadily improving all year and in the third quarter they exceeded 2019 levels despite the firm having 11 per cent fewer stores.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) presents export opportunities for Bangladesh. The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has provided the impetus. And manufacturing protective equipment is not seen as difficult for a country which is a garment powerhouse. So a sector like this can diversify the export basket. It is also believed PPE can induce the country to produce more value-added products, says Abul Kasem Khan, Chairperson, Business Initiative Leading Development (BUILD). Bangladesh is already making progress in the PPE sector. This is especially true in the case of 12 products, of which eight are included in the World Health Organisation’s list of PPE.

However, there are challenges. Bangladesh needs to develop the PPE industry in a strategic manner by setting up targets, extending the right incentives, ensuring public-private cooperation and following up closely on the progress and constraints. Key areas to focus on for developing the sector would be ensuring the right products, proper incentives, appropriate policies, knowledge and skills and proper use of technology and logistics. PPEs are highly regulated, with stringent quality requirements and require strong technical knowhow to produce. And this is a key challenge.

The domestic pharmaceutical industry meets 98 per cent of the domestic demand for medicine and exports drugs to 57 other countries, but it imports more than 95 per cent of its required medical devices. Foreign direct investment in the PPE industry would be needed.