Committed to conducting business ethnically and sustainably, Teejay Lanka aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, says Salman Nishtar, Group COO - Marketing & Supply Chain. The company's proactive embrace of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles is integral to its core business strategy, adds Nishtar. The company has set ambitious targets for 2030 and 2050, boosted by a comprehensive plan guiding its journey towards this overarching objective.

Teejay Lanka has developed a monitoring system to track key metrics such as carbon emissions, water usage, and energy consumption, enhancing resource efficiency. Its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is validated by the Science Based Targets initiative, ensuring alignment with a 1.5°C trajectory. The company targets a 42 per cent reduction in Scope 1 & 2 emissions and a 25 per cent reduction in Scope 3 emissions from purchased goods and services by 2030.

To support biodiversity, Teejay also pledges to plant one million trees along the Kelani River by 2050. It has already initiated reforestation projects in India and Sri Lanka on a Group level, earning him the top spot in the Higg Index among global players, highlighting its eco-friendly practices.

On the social front, Teejay's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives encompass raising awareness about sanitation, constructing washroom facilities in schools, and supplying hygiene products to promote health and hygiene standards. 

The company's Akura program, repurposes unused paper into books for schools, promoting sustainability and education concurrently. In terms of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Teejay's ‘SheCan’ initiative focuses on increasing women's leadership at the Group level, with the knitting operation in its India plant exclusively staffed by female employees.

Teejay's commitment to governance is underscored by its recognition as the No. 1 corporate for transparency in corporate reporting for the second consecutive year by Transparency International Sri Lanka, reflecting its unwavering dedication to transparency and accountability.

Experts predict a significant boost in Pakistan’s cotton yarn exports to China this year due to a good yield. In the first two months of 2024, Pakistan’s cotton yarn exports to China have surpassed the $100 million mark. 

Data from the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China reveals, Pakistan’s cotton yarn imports increased by 98 per cent to over $100.98 million during the first two months of 2024, compared to the corresponding period last year.

In January and February of 2024, Pakistan’s exports of uncombed single cotton yarn alone surpassed $57.77 million with country emerging as the second-largest exporter in this category after Vietnam for the current year. Exports of uncombed single cotton yarn grew by $41.95 million in the first two months of 2024, compared to $14.54 million during the same period in the previous year.

Sajid Mahmood, Head - Transfer of Technology Department, Central Cotton Research Institute, highlights the Pakistan-China yarn trade as a pivotal opportunity for Pakistan to expand its exports beyond predominantly Siro Yarns. 

Mahmood recommends diversifying into other high-quality variants such as cotton, carded, and combed yarns to enhance competitiveness in the Chinese market.

Despite Pakistan's advantage of a free trade agreement with China, the country faces stiff competition from India, particularly in non-Siro yarns, notes Mahmood. 

Vietnam too presents a challenge with similar duty-free privileges, indicating the need for Pakistan to navigate through these competitive dynamics effectively, he adds. 

In the pursuit of sustainability and innovation, the textile industry continues its relentless quest for new fibres and advanced technologies. The upcoming Techtextil 2024 exhibition, scheduled from April 23-26 in Frankfurt, Germany, promises to be a showcase of groundbreaking developments. Among the highlights are fibres derived from organic or recycled sources to meet sustainability goals and those boasting novel functional properties for high-performance applications.

Fibre Extrusion Technologies (FET), a specialist member of the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA), stands at the forefront of this revolution. With its expanded Fibre Development Centre, FET has ramped up technical trials, catering to a diverse clientele from multinational corporations to startups. Managing Director Richard Slack emphasizes their focus on biopolymers, recycled fibres, and medical devices, highlighting the drive towards sustainable and functional solutions.

Moreover, Airbond unveils game-changing splicing technologies, offering efficient processing of costly fibres like UHMWPE, carbon, and aramids. Their innovative splicers, capable of handling yarns up to 16,000 tex, promise significant reductions in waste.

Techtextil 2024 also features sophisticated testing systems from BTMA members like James Heal and Verivide, ensuring quality control in technical fabric production. Additionally, Shelton Vision introduces WebSpector, a cutting-edge fabric inspection system with adaptive image processing techniques.

Amidst growing emphasis on sustainability, BTMA CEO Jason Kent underscores the industry's continual quest for new functionalities and processing technologies. Techtextil serves as a vital platform for industry players, facilitating growth and collaboration in an ever-evolving landscape.

Founded in 1940, BTMA plays a pivotal role in promoting British textile machinery globally, fostering collaboration and innovation within the sector. As the textile industry navigates towards a sustainable and technologically advanced future, exhibitions like Techtextil provide a crucial nexus for driving progress and seizing emerging opportunities.

Uniteks, one of Turkiye’s premier ready-made clothing manufacturers, has taken a significant stride towards enhancing its operational efficiency and profitability. The company has announced the adoption of Coats Digital’s GSDCost solution, aimed at revolutionizing its production operations.

With a keen focus on optimizing efficiencies, streamlining line balancing, and improving capacity planning processes, Uniteks seeks to ensure seamless alignment with customer expectations. This strategic move is anticipated to bring substantial improvements, ultimately boosting profits and solidifying its position in the market.

Uniteks, founded in 1990 and based in Izmir, Turkiye, is renowned for its intricately designed knitwear products, catering to esteemed global brands such as H&M, Zara, and Primark. Boasting an annual production capacity exceeding 40 million units and an annual turnover of $185 million, Uniteks consistently maintains its leadership position in the industry.

The decision to embrace GSDCost stems from the company's challenges with varied costings, inaccurate historical data, and inconsistent time studies. Ayhan Vatansever, Uniteks’ Productivity & Investment Manager, highlighted the need for standardized methods to address these issues effectively.

Coats Digital’s GSDCost solution, recognized as the international standard in the sewn products industry, offers a scientific approach to method analysis and time determination. This not only facilitates transparent garment costing but also fosters a more collaborative and sustainable supply chain.

In the words of Nejat Erdogan, Uniteks’ General Manager, the adoption of GSDCost will streamline cost planning processes, leading to more realistic pricing and improved customer service. Furthermore, it is poised to optimize production efficiencies and support the company’s digital transformation journey.

Coats Digital expressed enthusiasm in supporting Uniteks through seamless implementation and comprehensive training programs. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to embracing digital solutions for enhanced competitiveness and sustainability in the global market landscape.

Denim maker Levi Strauss has revised its yearly profit forecasts upwards attributing the increase to the company’s recent cost-saving measures that included reducing its workforce and adopting more moderate approach to discounts on its denim products. 

To achieve cost efficiencies, Levi's streamlined its global corporate workforce, including trimming senior leadership positions, and streamlined operations in Europe while discontinuing lower-margin ventures like its Denizen brand and European footwear business. The company incurred a restructuring charge of $116 million in the first quarter.

Despite the company reporting a loss of $10.6 million in the first quarter, compared to a profit of $114.7 million the previous year, Harmit Singh, Chief Financial Officer expressed optimism about the stability of the US consumer market.

Sales of Levi's products directly to consumers through its website and owned stores increased by 8 per cent on a constant-currency basis during the quarter. However, sales through wholesale channels, including department stores like Macy's and Kohl's, declined by 19 per cent on a constant-currency basis, a sharper decline than the 3 per cent drop in the fourth quarter.

Additionally, higher full-price sales and reduced product costs boosted Levi's gross margins by 240 basis points to 58.2 per cent in the first quarter. However, the company maintains its full-year revenue growth outlook in the range of 1 per cent to 3 per cent.

Although Levi's net revenue decreased by approximately 7.8 per cent to $1.56 billion in the quarter ending February 25, it slightly exceeded estimates of $1.55 billion, according to LSEG data.

Facing reduced orders from retailers amidst inflation concerns, Levi's plans to trim its product range by approximately 15 per cent and focus on expanding products favored with consumers, particularly baggy fits and loose styles.

Frankfurt is set to host Techtextil, the premier global fair for technical and innovative textiles, from April 23 to 26, drawing attention to the dynamic landscape of the technical textile industry. Over 50 Italian textile machinery companies are poised to showcase their prowess in Germany, with 30 congregating at the Italian Pavilion, jointly organized by the Italian Trade Agency and ACIMIT (Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers).

The sector of technical and innovative textiles has witnessed a staggering growth trajectory, with global trade surging to €44.7 billion in 2023, boasting an average annual growth rate of 4.4 per cent since 2009. The European Union, contributing 35 per cent to this figure, solidifies its pivotal role in this domain. Leading the pack are Germany and Italy, accompanied by industry giants like China, the United States, and Japan.

This exponential growth has fueled an escalating demand for specialized machinery tailored to the unique needs of this sector. Italian manufacturers, with their renowned technological prowess, have adeptly risen to the challenge. With over 100 ACIMIT member companies catering to sector clients, their dominance is evident.

Marco Salvade, President of ACIMIT, underscores the significance of Techtextil as a linchpin for Italian manufacturers, reaffirming the adaptability and versatility of Made in Italy technologies. While the Italian contingent at Techtextil represents a significant portion of the nation's machinery producers for technical textiles and nonwovens, it also highlights their global prominence and unwavering commitment to innovation.

The Union Textiles Ministry plans to revamp testing infrastructure to tackle the issue of sub-standard textile exports and boost the country's reputation on the global stage. Industry leaders have been raising concerns regarding the impact of low-quality pashmina shawls and silk exports on India's image as a reliable supplier.

The ministry intends to establish cutting-edge laboratories besides upgrading existing facilities. Its primary goal is to rigorously test and authenticate the purity of various textile products, encompassing pashmina, silk, cotton, and coarse-wool items, prior to their shipment to international markets.

Expected to play a crucial role in elevating the quality standards of Indian textile exports, this comprehensive initiative will also instill greater confidence among global buyers concerning the authenticity of the products they procure from India. The initiative will help curb the export of sub-par products to the global market, thereby boosting India's position in the international textile industry.

Arvind has appointed  Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar of Udaipur the brand ambassador for its upscale suiting and shirting brand, Primanté. With a diverse range of achievements in philanthropy, education, sports patronage and business leadership, Mewar is also known for his captivating TED talks, and an impressive array of Guinness World Records. He has been devoted to public service since his younger days, advocating for noble causes with unwavering passion and selflessness.

On his partnership with Arvind, Mewar states, this association reflects the shared commitment to elevate the standards of luxury and sophistication in the fashion industry.  Kulin Lalbhai, Executive Director, Arvind, adds, Mewar’s association with Primante reinforces the Arvind Ltd’s dedication to excellence and paves the way for exciting collaborations and innovations in luxury fashion.

Primanté offers fabrics such as Australian Merino wool blended with Italian design for exquisite suiting, along with Egyptian Giza and Supima Cotton for shirting. Spanning from Super 120s to Super 200s, Primanté's collection showcases a fusion of fine count fabrics with blends including Silk, Mohair, Lycra, Linen, and innovative Poly filaments. 

In addition to suit fabrics, Primanté presents tweed jackets, business coats, and shirting, all meticulously crafted to the highest global standards of product development and quality control.

Nilit, a global leader in Nylon 6.6 production, launches Sensil Flow, revolutionizing circularity in the apparel sector. Sensil Flow's innovative approach not only enhances sustainability but also tackles the environmental impact of apparel production by facilitating yarn, fabric, and apparel recycling, effectively reducing waste.

Ilan Melamed, Nilit General Manager, emphasizes the shift in mindset needed across the supply chain for sustainable textile practices. Sensil Flow serves as a catalyst for circularity, fostering deep partnerships and redefining industry norms.

Michelle Lea, Nilit’s Chief Marketing and Sustainability Officer, highlights the urgency, with over 90 million tons of apparel discarded annually, only a fraction recycled. Sensil Flow offers a solution by streamlining production processes and enabling longer-lasting apparel that can be easily recycled at the end of its lifecycle.

Current apparel recycling faces challenges in sorting and separating materials, particularly blends. Sensil Flow addresses these hurdles by providing mono-component fabrics with inherent stretch properties, reducing reliance on elastane and simplifying recycling.

Moreover, Nilit collaborates with recycling experts to efficiently recover and recycle fabric waste and post-consumer textiles. By reintroducing high-quality recycled Nylon chips into its production, Nilit ensures a closed-loop system, minimizing environmental impact.

Certificates validate circularity commitments, ensuring transparency and accountability among partners, driving the transition towards a circular textile economy. Sensil Flow emerges as a transformative solution, heralding a new era of sustainability in the apparel industry.

Nilit celebrates 50 years with a premium Nylon collection driving sustainability. Introducing Sensil ByNature, utilizing bio-gas from landfill waste. Sensil BioCare reduces textile waste persistence in sea and landfills. Sensil EcoCare, made from recycled Nylon, enhances circularity. Sensil WaterCare saves up to 100 per cent water in dyeing. All products adhere to Nilit’s Total Product Sustainability standards, offering designers eco-friendly performance fabrics.

Paris Fashion Week (PFW) solidified its dominance once again, generating a whopping $425.5 million in Media Impact Value (MIV), revals Launchmetrics, a data analysis firm. MIV is a metric that assigns a monetary value to media coverage, essentially gauging the buzz and hype surrounding an event. While direct comparisons to previous seasons are unavailable due to methodology changes, PFW dwarfs Milan ($273.4 million), New York ($181.5 million), and London ($78.1 million).

Social media’s impact

This season highlights the growing influence of social media.  Social networks captured a staggering 76 per cent of MIV, showcasing the power of online conversations.  Instagram takes the lead with 49 per cent share, but traditional online media (websites, news articles) surprisingly holds a strong second at 21 per cent. Interestingly, while TikTok boasts of a smaller share (21 per cent) compared to Instagram, it delivers the highest average value per placement, indicating impactful content.

The breakdown of "voices" contributing to MIV reveals a shift. Traditional media still holds top spot at 67 per cent but influencers (13 per cent ) and celebrities (sought after for their social media reach) are gaining ground.

Global fashion week standings

• Paris: $425.5 million

• Milan: $273.4 million

• New York: $181.5 million

• London: $78.1 million

Can MIV be the sole popularity meter?

The report raises a critical question: can MIV be the sole measure of a fashion week's significance? While MIV offers valuable insights into audience reach and online buzz, it doesn't necessarily reflect the artistic merit or long-term impact of collections. PFW might reign supreme in MIV, but other weeks might foster innovation or cater to specific aesthetics. 

It's important to critically analyze MIV’s limitations as a measure of true popularity or significance. Here's why:

• Focus on buzz, not substance: MIV prioritizes quantity over quality. A viral but fleeting social media trend can inflate MIV without reflecting lasting impact or industry influence. 

• Pay-to-play potential: Social media influencers can be swayed by brand sponsorships, potentially inflating MIV without reflecting genuine audience interest.

• The power of legacy: MIV might not fully capture the historical and cultural significance of established fashion weeks like Paris.

The bottomline is indeed MIV provides a valuable new data point for understanding fashion week impact. However, a holistic view requires considering factors beyond just social media buzz. Legacy, cultural influence, and the quality of design collections all contribute to a fashion week's true significance.