MAS Holdings has marked a significant milestone in Sri Lanka's renewable energy sector with the completion of the second phase of Project Photon, a rooftop photovoltaic (PV) solar power initiative. 

This ambitious venture, which began in 2017, has propelled MAS Holdings to the forefront of the country's renewable energy industry, making it Sri Lanka's largest roof-mounted solar energy generator and supplier.

Before Project Photon, MAS Holdings had a modest 1.7 MW of solar capacity spread across various locations. However, this project has added 6 MW in Phase II, bringing the total solar generation capacity to an impressive 23.7 MW. 

With 67,000 solar panels installed at their facilities, MAS is set to save approximately 18,000 tons of CO2 annually and power around 34,000 households. Furthermore, Project Photon has set a national benchmark for solar generation roof rentals, inspiring other solar investors.

The project represents a crucial step for Sri Lanka, especially in the midst of an energy crisis. MAS Holdings' commitment to reducing emissions and investing in renewable energy solidifies its position as a leader in sustainable manufacturing. 

The completion of Phase II at the MAS Fabric Park, the country's largest rooftop installation, is a significant part of this effort. As the company continues to set new standards, it aims to positively impact not only the apparel and textile industry but also the nation and the environment.

All is not well in India’s garment manufacturing and exports. The country has seen almost one-fifth decline that is around 22.6 per cent between April and August 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022. Even textile manufacturers who generally do well regardless of the ups and downs in the RMG segment have seen a decline of around 2 per cent during this period. 

The Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) on the Index of Industrial Production for textiles and clothing have noted there was a slight 1.6 per cent improvement in textile production, although there was a cumulative index decline for April this year. In the RMG segment, there was a huge drop of 17.1 per cent in August 2023 and around 22.6 per cent during the whole of April- August 2023 period as against the same period last year.

Strict quality control, reduced production effect exports

Analysts attribute several reasons for the decline. The government’s recently imposed Quality Control Order which requires a Bureau of Indian Standards certification for man-made fibre including those that are imported. Most domestic textile manufacturers cannot source these raw materials as per government’s specifications from international markets due to higher prices and non-availability.

Also, many garment exporters have reduced workers’ shifts or cut down overtime production due to lack of orders and so there is production loss but no job loss. However, the recent drawback in duty hikes may help in reviving exports in a market that has been slow since mid-March. Also, apparel industry stakeholders are optimistic about high sales during Diwali and the wedding season. If current production trend continues longer, there will be more job losses for the lower and middle income groups.

Trade show to focus on Make In India initiatives

Optimistic that a global trade show could help uplift a slow economy, the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) will be hosting India's largest apparel brands show 'Brands of India' in Dubai from November 27 to 29.  Hosted at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) it will showcase latest collections of around 350 top Indian apparel brands.

With a large Indian expat population, the UAE has always been a big importer of Indian RMG across the Middle East and Africa region in 2022-23, with imports valued at over $1.21 billion. The same trend continues despite all odds, as India's RMG exports to the entire region reached $2.68 billion in the last fiscal 2022-23. Even in the first seven months of the current fiscal 2023-24, around $774.5 million has already been exported.

The tradeshow will showcase a wide range of Indian ethnic, western and fusion Wear across the men, women and children segments through around  275 stalls spread across 70,000 sq. ft. area at DWTC. Well known brands such as BIBA, Soch, Stori, Cover Story, Sin, Ancestry, Indifusion, Touch, Dollar, Gini and Jony, Rachna Udyog, Siyaram, A-La Mode, Nostrum and Body Mark among many others are some of the main participants at the show.

Rahul Mehta, Chief Mentor, CMAI says, aligned with the government’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, the Brands of India show by CMAI represents a significant stride in offering the initial platform for both national and regional apparel brands to venture into international opportunities.

The Brands of India global event is expected to give a well-rounded umbrella of opportunities for Indian apparel brands to showcase their products to a global audience and explore new business opportunities.

News From The Future features work by Dutch students and emerging designers

The Fashion for Good Museum has opened its doors for the new pop-up exhibition News From The Future. The exhibition features work by a selection of up-and-coming talents composed of Dutch fashion students and emerging designers, who have been asked to respond to the question: "what could the future of fashion look like?"

The exhibition features a variety of mediums, including garments, videos, and installations. Some of the highlights include:

Recognize the reconstruct, a photo by Ricky van der Zandt that explores the use of post-consumer waste in fashion

Cosmic Summer, a collection by designer Kevin Paraiso that features vibrant colors and sustainable materials

Classroom of the Future: The Stories Behind Cotton, an educational toolkit that has been developed into an open source resource for MBO and HBO education

On November 8, 2023, the U.S. Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) will host its 35th Annual Apparel Importers Trade & Transportation Conference in New York City. The event will bring together fashion brands, retailers, importers, and service providers to discuss the latest updates on trade policy, transportation, compliance, and other hot topics.

One of the key focuses of the conference will be U.S. trade policy and its impact on companies' supply chains. Confirmed government speakers include Rob Silvers, Undersecretary for Policy at the Department of Homeland Security and Chair of the Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force; Eric Choy, Executive Director of the Trade Remedy and Law Enforcement at U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Natalie Hanson, Deputy Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Textiles; and Jennifer Knight, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Textiles, Consumer Goods, Materials Industries, Critical Minerals and Metals at the Department of Commerce.

Industry experts will also share their insights on a range of topics, including combatting forced labor, supply chain management, and trade compliance. 

The textile industry is on the cusp of a digital transformation, with advanced technologies revolutionizing traditional manufacturing practices. Digital shop floor management and innovative solutions like Digital Production Management (DPM) by KM.ON are empowering textile manufacturers to enhance efficiency, transparency, and sustainability across the industry.

Amidst a rapidly changing market landscape, textile manufacturers are tasked with optimizing production elements to maximize value and profitability. Digital shop floor management provides real-time data insights, transforming manufacturing operations and enabling optimal efficiency, cost savings, and control.

KM.ON's DPM, a groundbreaking software solution tailored for the warp knitting sector, leverages the power of the Internet of Things (IoT) and advanced analytics to create transparency on the shop floor. DPM empowers production managers with real-time, production-specific key figures, enabling data-driven decisions that enhance efficiency.

DPM's specialized features include a Performance Report for comprehensive overview of factory performance; Piece Overview for real-time tracking of production progress

DPM implementation offers a host of benefits, including leaner processes, reduced paperwork, minimized administrative overhead, enhanced transparency into fabric quality and production progress, and improved resource allocation. 

In a constantly shifting market environment, DPM's integration of real-time data, advanced analytics, and operational control paves the way for greater profitability. 

Source Home & Gift, the only international sourcing platform of its kind, is continuing to grow strong, with over 430 exhibitors expected to be at its third edition from 4th – 7th February 2024 at NEC Birmingham.

This year, the show has increased in size by 25%, with producers from UK, China, India, Philippines, Nepal, Senegal, and Ghana showcasing their wares.

Suzanne Ellingham, Director of Sourcing, says that the show is changing the perception of sourcing in the UK, focusing on quality products and championing not only large-scale global manufacturers, but also makers and social enterprises that are making a difference to communities around the world.

Ellingham is particularly excited about the show's focus on sustainable manufacturing, and says that she is "blown away by the work people are doing and some of the incredible stories behind the products."

The show will feature eight sectors: Homewares, Toys, Packaging, Stationery & Greetings, Gifts, Furniture, Textiles, and Technology & Services.

In addition to the exhibition, Source Home & Gift will also feature a content stage dedicated to presenting and discussing the latest trends and topics in responsible and sustainable manufacturing from internationally renowned industry professionals.

The show is expected to be attended by high level personnel from leading retailers and brands.

The U.S. Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) is set to host the 35th Annual Apparel Importers Trade & Transportation Conference on November 8, 2023, in New York City. This prominent event will bring together key players in the fashion industry, including brands, retailers, importers, and service providers specializing in compliance, logistics, sourcing, supply chain management, government relations, and corporate social responsibility.

The conference will serve as a platform to delve into critical topics like U.S. trade policy, combating forced labor, and their impact on supply chains. Distinguished government officials slated to speak include Rob Silvers, Undersecretary for Policy at the Department of Homeland Security and Chair of the Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force, among others.

Industry experts such as David Spooner, William Kimbrell, Anne Marie Lacourse, Kelly Pederson, Maytee Pereira, Todd Smith, and Erin Williamson will also join the discussion.

The event will be held from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the FIT Baker School of Business and Technology, with the Guest Entrance located at 300 7th Avenue in New York City. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights into the latest developments in the fashion industry's trade policy, transportation, and compliance.

In a world grappling with the dire consequences of post-consumer waste, overconsumption, and waterway pollution, the Fashion for Good Museum in Amsterdam is taking a pioneering step towards addressing these pressing issues. Their latest exhibition, "News From The Future," shines a spotlight on the future of fashion in the context of a changing climate.

This innovative exhibition brings together Dutch students and emerging creative talents to contemplate the impact of climate change on the fashion industry. The exhibition, thoughtfully designed by graphic designer Sara Biatchinyi, emphasizes the pivotal role of emerging talent in shaping the future of fashion. 

Students from various art and fashion schools across the Netherlands, including the University of the Arts Utrecht, Zadkine MBO, MBO Rijnland, and Saxion College, were chosen based on their participation in the educational program, "Classroom of the Future: the Stories Behind Cotton."

This educational program, created in collaboration with industry experts, serves as an open-source toolkit for MBO and HBO education. It offers lessons exploring the multifaceted aspects of cotton, with a focus on sustainability. By bridging the gap between MBO and HBO students, it strives to provide a more realistic understanding of the professional fashion field.

The exhibition will feature a dynamic mix of art, panel discussions, and weekly installations, shedding light on sustainable and regenerative design practices in both the fashion and jewelry industries. 

At its core, "News From The Future" is a visionary exploration of fashion's role in a climate-altered world, offering a glimpse of what the industry could look like in the years to come. The exhibition is open to the public at the Fashion for Good Museum in Amsterdam, marking a significant step toward a more sustainable and responsible future for fashion.

At the upcoming ITMA ASIA + CITME event in Shanghai, taking place at the end of November, 40 VDMA members are gearing up to showcase their cutting-edge technologies and solutions tailored for the Chinese and broader Asian textile markets. 

Under the banner of "smart technologies for green textile production," this exhibition marks a pivotal moment as the first major post-pandemic textile machinery fair in China.

These VDMA members will represent a wide array of machinery segments, with particular emphasis on spinning, manmade fibers, nonwovens, weaving, braiding, knitting & hosiery, finishing & dyeing, and textile processing. 

The VDMA Textile Machinery Association and VDMA China will actively participate, setting up shop in Hall 8 zone B to provide comprehensive support to exhibitors both before and during the fair. Additionally, this industry hub will serve as a valuable resource for visitors seeking information about the showcased VDMA members. 

The event promises to be a significant platform for strengthening existing customer relationships and forging new ones in the textile industry.

Archroma, a global leader in sustainable specialty chemicals, marked a significant milestone by celebrating a century of innovation in sulfur dye technology at its Castellbisbal facility near Barcelona, Spain. The commemorative event hosted over 250 guests, including government officials, Archroma executives, current and former employees, valued customers, and vital stakeholders.

With a legacy of excellence, Archroma Castellbisbal has been at the forefront of sulfur dye advancements. Mark Garrett, CEO of Archroma Group, emphasized the site's dedication to enhancing the eco-friendliness and efficacy of sulfur dyes and dyeing processes, positioning it as a leader in the textile industry.

Since its inception in 1921, Castellbisbal has continually pushed the boundaries of sulfur dyeing technology, impacting the production of denim, casual wear, and workwear fabrics with their colorfast and cost-effective solutions. Notable innovations like the DIRESUL RDT range and DIRESUL EVOLUTION BLACK have cemented Archroma's reputation as a pioneer in sustainable dyeing methods.

Moreover, the facility's patented DIRESUL EarthColors and FiberColors dyes, derived from food and textile industry waste, promote circularity in the textile sector. Castellbisbal's commitment to quality and community engagement, in addition to its contributions to the paper market, solidify its position as a sustainability-focused industry leader.