Marc Rosen is the new chief executive officer at JCPenney. Rosen has significant e-commerce and retail experience with companies like Levi’s and Walmart. He has spent his career focused on iconic American retailers, which has given him an unique perspective on the value of heritage brands. He joins JCPenney following a year of focused work to stabilize the business, improve financials, and position the retailer for long-term success.

JCPenney has strengthened its omnichannel experience by meeting customers where they are with the brands they love and all the ways they want to shop. In the past year alone, JCPenney has strategically introduced and relaunched 16 private and exclusive national brands―six of which are entirely new private brands―across all divisions. Notable portfolio additions include Ryegrass, Linden Street, Thereabouts, Stylus, and Juicy by Juicy Couture. JCPenney has also improved its digital and fulfillment capabilities and introduced JCPenney Beauty, the company’s new hyper-inclusive beauty experience. These cumulative efforts are helping to win back customers and gain market share. JCPenney looks toward its 120th year of business in 2022 with operation of 670 stores in the US and plans to continue building on the momentum established this year.

Rosen currently serves on the board of Inspire Brands, a multi-brand restaurant company.

Textile Exchange and TextileGenesis have released eTrackit, a digital system for granular traceability using innovative technologies applied to Textile Exchange Standards. The pioneering system creates detailed material accounting of certified materials at article level across the supply chain enabling peer-to-peer validation and leveraging third-party certification bodies in the transaction verification process. The collaboration is an important innovation towards digitizing the chain of custody and traceability, making the tracing of certified materials easier for all supply chain actors alike and furthering transparency.

In a first for the industry, supply chain transactions along with a product level chain of custody can be verified digitally on the platform. eTrackit provides an alternative to the PDF-based transaction certificates, tracking each product's volume of certified material entirely online via e-tokens. This technology accelerates positive impacts throughout the supply chain while also providing brands with the verified data they need to confidently make product claims.

Seven global brands, including Bestseller, H&M, Inditex and VF Corporation, will pilot this innovative traceability system for GRS and RCS certified materials across their supply chains. After these pilots, scaling programs will be designed to facilitate a rollout on a commercial level. The traceability system will be further expanded to cover the animal fiber standards, followed by the Organic Cotton Standard (OCS) in 2022.

Lenzing has received further scientific proof of the biodegradability of its fibers. The Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) has confirmed that wood-based cellulosic fibers biodegrade in the ocean within a short period of time at the end of their life cycle, making them a better alternative to fossil-based fibers.

SIO compared the degradation processes of nonwovens made from fossil-based synthetic materials such as polyester with those of cellulosic materials such as Lenzing’s wood-based lyocell, modal and viscose fibers in specific scenarios – under various real oceanic conditions and controlled aquaria conditions. The results of these experiments are striking: while wood-based cellulosic fibers fully biodegraded within 30 days, the fossil-based fibers tested were practically unchanged after more than 200 days.

Lenzing provides wood-based specialty fibers. Its business model is one of a circular economy. Lenzing takes wood from sustainable forestry and uses a highly efficient system of processing all raw materials to produce fibers that are able to return to the ecosystem at the end of their life cycle. The group’s goal is to raise widespread awareness of major challenges such as plastic pollution and persuade the industry to make the transition to wood-based, biodegradable Tencel, Lenzing, Ecovero and Veocel fibers.

Puma expects currency-adjusted sales to rise by 25 per cent this year, up from a previous target of at least 20 per cent. The German sports company has raised its sales and profit forecasts for the year having overcome supply chain hurdles in Asia to meet strong demand for sneakers and sports apparel in Europe and the Americas.

The delta strain of Covid-19 caused factory shutdowns and labor shortages in Asia. That’s driven shipping rates up and raised concerns about the ability of companies to produce enough computer chips, raw materials and finished consumer goods including sneakers, apparel and automobiles. Vietnam has been a particular bottleneck of concern, having attracted investments in recent years from global companies seeking an alternative to China as a production base, a trend that accelerated with the US-China trade tensions.

These challenges have restricted Puma’s supply of products and limited inventory levels. Despite that, Puma has managed to meet surging demand across the west, with third-quarter sales rising 31 per cent in the Americas and 22 per cent in Europe. Footwear and apparel revenue both increased by about 21 per cent. The company is trying to source more from China to make up for the drop in Vietnam.

Archroma has been awarded the EcoVadis platinum rating in corporate social responsibility (CSR), placing the company among top one per cent of the best rated companies in the industry. Archroma was evaluated by EcoVadis, an organization specialized in assessing the CSR performance of companies on a global basis.

The assessment focuses on 21 criteria which are grouped into four themes: environment, labor and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. EcoVadis assesses more than 75,000 companies in more than 160 countries and 200 industries. Archroma participated in the assessment for the fourth consecutive year and is a global leader in specialty chemicals. This company has built a strong reputation as a global leader in developing innovations and systems that help minimize resources, increase productivity and create value for its customers. It is reputed for its continuous flow of ground-breaking innovations.

Archroma is a global leader in chemicals serving branded and performance textiles, packaging and paper, coatings, adhesives and the sealants markets. Based in Switzerland, the company operates a highly integrated, customer-focused platform that delivers specialized performance and color solutions in over 100 countries. This footprint is what makes Archroma a reliable partner for brands and textile manufacturers who need world-class and consistent quality and service levels.

Gergana Damyanova, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Blonde Gone Rogue believes, though it’s difficult to completely ban the adoption of animal fur globally, some countries might be able to pass laws banning its inclusion in the fashion industry.

Brands adapt to changing global scenario

Last month, parent company of luxury retailers Gucci, Balenciaga, Saint Laurent and Bottega Veneta, Kering announced its decision to ban animal fur in upcoming collections by next year. Kering’s decision was supported by other brands like Mytheresa, Selfridges, Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren, who also pledged to avoid fur in their collections. More companies are expected to follow suit. Katie Ramsingh, Fashion Copywriter says, increasing pressure to be honest and transparent about their supply chains is leading to more brands going fur-free in recent times.

Kim van Langelaar, Co-founder and Polly Drábová, Content & Research Marketer, Shop Like You, UK opine, the widespread pressure to stop using animal fur is compelling retailers to disown it. Brands are going fur-free to adapt to the changing global scenario, they add.

CO2 emissions increase fur’s ecological dangers

Retailers would have continued to use fur if it wasn’t banned, says Damyanova. Consumers’ are known have a close proximity to animal fur despite faux fur being widely available at various price points, she adds. Despite them contributing to the increasing microplastics issue, consumers continue to shop for fur look-alikes and realistic looking alternatives from synthetic materials. They also opt for textiles including polyester, nylon, polyamide, acrylic that release tiny plastic fibers on being washed, worn or dried.

As Ashley Bryne, Campaign Specialist, PETA says, real fur is far worse for the environment than faux fur as animal farming emits a huge amount of carbon dioxide which is a nightmare for the environment. On the contrary, faux-fur has more potential to become sustainable, she adds.

Wizz Selvey, Founder, Wizz adds, animal fur cannot be compared to faux fur without knowing its durability, production process, sustainability and carbon footprint. To achieve this, supply chain transparency of both type of furs need to be compared to their length of use. Langelaar and Drábová point out, vegan fur and other plant-based alternatives are cheaper as brands don’t need to breed and feed animals to acquire them. Their demand will continue to grow in future because of their affordability and accessibility, they add.

The European Union (EU) has threatened to suspend Sri Lanka’s GSP+ Plus status on account of its failure to adopt human rights reforms and repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act. This has ignited much speculation in Sri Lanka, on the potential costs and its impact. A Sukumaran, Chairman, Joint Apparel Association Forum believes, many of these speculations fail to account certain vital factors.

Loss of export earnings from the EU

Loss of GSP+ benefits may cause Sri Lanka to lose a significant portion of export earnings from the EU, says a Eco Textiles reports. Sri Lanka’s second largest destination for exports, the EU accounted for 23 per cent of its total export earnings in 2020. And around 43 per cent of these earnings were from the apparel sector; though Sri Lanka also exports plastics and rubber and vegetable products, machinery and appliances, food, beverages and tobacco to the EU. Exports of seafood, rubber products, and footwear benefit more from the GSP+ status, and hence, are more vulnerable. The GSP+ scheme mainly benefits countries eligible for these concessions. From 2011-2017, the scheme enabled Sri Lanka boost its export earnings from the apparel sector to over $5.3 billion (pre-pandemic level).

Exacerbate income disparities

Losing GSP+ status may also impact employment in domestic apparel sector, adds Sukumaran. The sector employs around 350,000 workers, indirectly creating livelihood for an additional 700,000 within the country. Since nearly 80 per cent employees are rural women, this would exacerbate their income disparity with urban counterparts. Besides, it could also affect SMEs in the apparel sector.

Moreover, this will also result in a 9.5 per cent increase in cost of Sri Lankan apparels for EU buyers. This may lead to buyers shifting purchases to Sri Lanka’s competitors. Also, the trade concessions granted by the EU to the UK and US may come under review if Sri Lanka loses its GSP+ status. Sri Lanka’s foray into two other markets – Japan and Australia – could also be affected.

Intensify currency depreciation

Losing GSP+ status may also impact Sri Lanka’s FDI. This may intensify currency depreciation pressures, raising questions on the sector’s viability. Over the years, Sri Lanka has introduced several initiatives to enhance apparel sector’s competitiveness. These include forming strategic relationships with buyers, enhancing R&D capabilities and product and market innovations. To boost apparel exports earnings to $8 billion by 2026, Sri Lanka needs to combine existing preferential trade concessions with new initiatives in the industry, points out Sukuraman. This will help increase export earnings, employment, technology adoption and investment, he adds

The British Heart Foundation is appealing to retailers and brands with end of line or surplus stock to donate items to help raise funds for its research. The charity is also urging more textile brands to join the Textiles 2030 initiative to help create a more sustainable, circular textile industry. Textiles 2030, launched in November 2020, is a voluntary agreement that aims at bringing together UK fashion and textile organisations to accelerate progress towards a circular economy and climate action within the textiles industry.

BHF already works with several high-profile retailers, such as Marks and Spencer, and runs a successful brand partnership program. This means the charity’s partners donate stock that can be sold in the BHF’s 712 shops across the UK. BHF has a network of vans that can collect any large amounts of stock directly from retailers nationwide. This year, by selling over seven million pieces of preloved women’s and men’s clothing the foundation aims at saving almost 14,000 tons of clothing from going to waste, while raising millions of pounds for life saving research. BHF wants to continue to collaborate with other fashion and textile brands who can support the British Heart Foundation’s vital work by simply donating their unwanted stock

For the second quarter Vardhman Textiles’ total income was Rs 2,452.54 crores against Rs 679.48 crores in the corresponding quarter of previous year and Rs 1,971.96 crores in the previous quarter. Net profit was Rs 481.49 crores against Rs 60.22 crores in the corresponding quarter of the previous year and Rs 314.70 crores in the previous quarter.

For the six month period, the company’s total income was Rs 4,424.50 crores as against Rs 2,540.11 crores in the previous year. Net profit was at Rs 796.19 crores compared to Rs 4.07 crores in the previous year.

Vardhman Textiles is a textile and apparel major that is into manufacturing of high-end premium quality shirts for large retail brands Van Heusen, Benetton, Sisley, Color Plus, among many others. Vardhman, which began operations in 1965, is engaged in the business of manufacturing yarn, fabric, acrylic fiber, garments, sewing threads and alloy steel. The group has over the years developed as a business conglomerate with a presence in India and in 75 countries across the globe.

From January to August 2021, retail sales of clothing, footwear, headwear and knitted goods grew 24.8 per cent in China. Sales of social consumer goods were up by 18.1 per cent, eight per cent higher than the same period in 2019.

In August 2021, retail sales of social consumer goods saw a year-on-year growth of 2.5 per cent, three per cent higher than 2019. By consumption type, in August, retail sales of commodity had a year-on-year growth of 3.3 per cent. From January to August, retail sales of commodity were up by 16.5 per cent year-on-year. Retail sales of clothing, footwear and headwear and knitted goods were down six per cent year on year in August. From January to August, China’s online retail sales grew 19.7 per cent year on year. In the online retail sales of physical commodities, wearing goods increased by 19.4 per cent year on year.

China's garment industry reported higher revenue and profit in the first eight months of 2021. From January to August, the combined operating revenue of 12,520 major garment companies was up 9.6 per cent year on year. Total profits of these companies rose 9.5 per cent from a year earlier while the combined output expanded 12.9 per cent year on year to 15.2 billion pieces.