William Simon, Executive Advisor, KKR & Co and President, WSS Venture Holdings, has been appointed as the new Chairman of HanesBrands effective from December 31, 2023.

A Director of the US apparel firm since 2021, Simon has previously served on the talent and compensation committee and the governance and nominating committee. He was also the President and CEO of Walmart US. His has extensive senior leadership skills and vast experience as a director of public companies.

Cheryl Beebe and Ann Ziegler will also retire as members of the board on December 31. They will replaced by three new independent directors, Colin Browne, Natasha Chand and John Mehas.

Both Beebe and Ziegler have made significant contributions to the company throughout their years of service. They served as valuable partners and helped Hanesbrands capitalise on growth opportunities, simply global business and best position its brands for success, says Steve Bratspies, CEO and Director, HanesBrands.

In November, HanesBrands reported a 9.5 per cent contraction in third-quarter sales to $1.51 billion, as sales of the US apparel firm's Champion brand declined by 19 per cent on the same period last year.

Vu Duc Giang, Chairman, Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS), says, Vietnam’s T&A exports will decline by over 9 per cent this year to $40 billion owing to the lingering global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and a large inventory due to decreased demand..

This year, Vietnam expanded its markets for the export of textile and apparel products to 104 countries and territories, notes

Most of Vietnam’s T&A exports were directed to the US with a turnover of over $11 billion by the end of September. This was followed by Japan with exports of about $3 billion, the EU with exports worth $2.9 billion, the Republic of Korea with $2.43 billion, Canada with exports of around $850 million, and China with $830 million.

Jackets remained the topmost exported items during this period with export earnings over $4.38 billion, followed by trousers with over $3.85 billion and shirts with $1.87 billion.

Prada Group has strengthened its sustainability commitment by joining the United Nations Global Compact initiative.

One of the largest corporate sustainability initiatives in the world for the development, implementation and disclosure of responsible business practices, the UN Global Compact initiatives urges brands to design their operations and strategies in accordance with the ten universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labor standards, the environment and anti-corruption. It also urges them to support the UN goals and issues embodied in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Launched in 2000, the UN Global Compact initiative has 15,000 member companies and 3,000 non-business signatories across over 160 countries, and more than 70 local networks.

By joining the UN Global Compact, the Prada Group reiterates its commitment to produce long-term value for the entire community, says Lorenzo Bertelli, Head-Corporate Social Responsibility, Prada Group.

The recent rise in weddings led to a 10 per cent surge in Indore’s ready-made garments’ exports to Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

The rising demand for RMG from Indore helped clothing manufacturers in the city clear most of their inventories, and generate funds for new acquisitions to meet the demand for weddings. The city has over 2,500 small and medium-sized garment makers. Its garment units record highest demand during festivals.

Ashish Nigam, President, Readymade Textile Dealers Associations, says, orders for the season are received months in advance. This year, the city is likely to host many weddings, boosting retail purchases by almost 10 per cent.

As per industry analysis, Indore-based garment makers’ dispatches to southern markets have increased this year over the previous season.

Mandopop star Jay Chou has been named as the new global brand ambassador for Dior.

The official announcement will be made on the eve of Chou's upcoming release of a new single on December 22. It will also mark the end of his 'Carnival' world concert tour, where Chou took the stage in Bangkok, in outfits crafted by Kim Jones, the creative director of the fashion house.

After a two-decade hiatus, Chou returned to Thailand with the concerts in Bangkok. Held at the Rajamangala National Stadium, the concerts were attended by over 70,000 fans. Chou is also recognised as an actor with his previous debut in the Hollywood movies The Green Hornet and Now You See Me II. 

He joins the likes of actor Robert Pattinson, and South Korean singer Haerin, among others, as the new Dior global ambassador.

According to the data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the textile industry in Pakistan’s large-scale manufacturing (LSM) sector reported a 3.74 per cent decline in the yarns category, 5.90 per cent decline in the cloth category 1.83 per cent decline in the garments category in October 2023. As a whole, the LSM category declined by 4.08 per cent Y-o-Y during the month.

Of the 22 LSM sectors in the country, 13 experienced negative growth during the month with beverages, wearing apparels, petroleum products, electrical equipment, non-metallic mineral products, and transport equipment reporting notable contraction. Overall, the sector contracted by 0.44 percent during the first four months of the current fiscal year compared to the same period of last year.

The wheat and rice categories in the food group declined by 5.02 per cent, while cooking oil production rose by 18.39 per cent, blended tea by 13.37 per cent, and vegetable ghee by 5.20 per cent.

Archroma, a global leader in sustainable specialty chemicals, is set to showcase its revolutionary Super Systems+ at ChromaTexChem 2023 in Mumbai from December 19-20. Super Systems+ introduces end-to-end solutions for the textile processing workflow, targeting diverse segments such as denim, athletic wear, bottom weights, towels, and sheeting. By integrating processing solutions and intelligent effects, Archroma aims to empower fashion and textile brands to enhance product value while achieving measurable environmental impact and improved production efficiency.

Dhirendra Gautam, Archroma Textile Effects' Vice President of Product Marketing and Strategy, emphasized that each Super Systems+ solution promotes resource savings and compliance with regulations on harmful chemicals. Anjani Prasad, Archroma Textile Effects' Vice President of South Asia, highlighted the company's sustainability leadership, offering foundational solutions rooted in a 265-year legacy.

Super Systems+ utilizes Archroma's extensive product portfolio and is complemented by The SafeEdge, an online portal providing real-time access to regulatory certifications. Archroma also offers the ONE WAY Impact Calculator, aiding customers in estimating process costs, resource utilization, effluent quality, and CO2 emissions to meet sustainability targets.

ChromaTexChem 2023, a premier exhibition and conference in the textile sector, underscores the significance of colorants and specialty chemicals globally. Archroma's participation aligns with its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and positive environmental impact in the textile industry.

On December 13, Eastman Naia Renew cellulosic fiber earned the prestigious Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certification, underscoring its commitment to sustainable practices. The GRS certification, managed by Textile Exchange, covers recycled content, chain of custody, social and environmental practices, and chemical restrictions. This acknowledgment, following an audit by independent certifying body SCS Global Services, encompasses the entire supply chain, emphasizing traceability, environmental principles, social requirements, chemical content, and labeling.

Claudia de Witte, Sustainability Leader for Eastman textiles, expressed pride in expanding Naia's certifications, stating, "Third-party certifications help us build our brand trustworthiness." The GRS certification aligns with Eastman's mission to provide sustainable textiles widely. In a significant development, Textile Exchange's Alternative Volume Reconciliation (VR2) policy, announced in June 2023, broadened the eligibility of chemical recycling technologies, including Eastman's carbon renewal technology.

This policy update is pivotal for Eastman, allowing its innovative molecular recycling technology to be audited for GRS certification. By incorporating gasification into the GRS, the global standard now facilitates a more comprehensive approach to sustainable textiles. Eastman's molecular recycling complements mechanical recycling, addressing challenges posed by hard-to-recycle waste materials, such as textiles affected by fiber blends, chemicals, and additives.

Naia Renew, made from 60% sustainably sourced wood pulp and 40% GRS-certified waste materials, showcases Eastman's patented molecular recycling technology. The certification verifies the chemical recycling processes, concentrating, extrusion, and spinning of undyed yarns and fibers, reinforcing Eastman's position as a leader in advancing circular materials and combating textile waste pollution.

Michelle Robertson, Head-Global HR, adidas has been appointed as the new Executive Board member responsible for Global Human Resources, People and Culture, effective January 1st, 2024. Having an experience of over 18 years, Robertson was previously employed with Reebok in different HR roles. Since July 2023 she has been leading Global Human Resources at adidas on an interim basis.

Robertson’s profound HR expertise, genuine concern for people, and her passion for the brand, will help adidas strengthen its position as one of the best employers globally, says Thomas Rabe, Chairman-Supervisory Board, adidas AG.

As of January 1, 2024, adidas’ new executive board will comprise Bjørn Gulden, CEO and Global Brands, Arthur Hoeld, Global Sales, Harm Ohlmeyer, CFO, Michelle Robertson, Global Human Resources, People and Culture and Martin Shankland, Global Operations.

A new jackets collection made form innovative polar fabric, ‘Pakacloud’ has been launched by Peru-based sustainable outdoor clothing label Paka.

The jackets have been made from natural alpaca fibers procured in Cuzco, Peru’s mountainous region. The collection helps reduce microplastic shedding significantly, thus offering a superior alternative to over 95 per cent of synthetic fleeces prevalent in today’s market.

Each piece of this collection features a scannable QR code that provides the details of the specific farms that fibers have been sourced from. The range offers advanced thermo-regulating properties, offering twice the warmth compared to traditional synthetic options. The hollow air pockets of the jackets weigh half as much as standard fleece jackets. Its quarter-zip design enables versatile layering options, ensuring optimal warmth in diverse environments.

The collection includes meticulous details such as flatlock stitching at the inseams, eliminating odors, chafing, and discomfort. The jackets also have two flat side pockets for storage and reduced bulk. Each of these jackets s adorned with a handwoven Inca ID on the back collar, honoring the Quechua women from Cuzco, Peru, who contribute to the B Corp.