Cotton experts’ panel predicted at the recent Supima Harvest Symposium predicted, demand for the fiber will continue to remain high even as the market will face supply chain, pricing and availability issues. Speakers also forecast the ongoing strong demand for cotton home textiles products without appreciable changes in the global availability. Demand for premium extra-long staple cotton will be especially strong, they added.

Global demand for cotton has recovered to highest levels in history, said Jody Campiche, Vice President -Economics and Policy Analysis, National Cotton Council Even though fewer planting acres in 2021 still produced a higher yield, the availability of US cotton is very limited with low stock levels coming into the New Year, she added.

World’s second largest cotton grower India, produced about the same amount it had previous year, the crop in China – the largest grower – was significantly lower, Campiche added. Pakistan, the fourth largest grower, had larger crop in 2021 but that comes after five years of decline and its yield last year is just getting back to earlier levels.

Last year, Supima produced 350,000 bales of cotton against 800,000 produced four years ago. Marc Lewkowitz, President and CEO, Supima said it will produced similar number of bales in 2022 with maybe a little increase in plants. Joe Dixon, Chief Operating Officer, J Hilburn said, all above factors are causing end users – retailers and manufacturers of home and apparel products made of cotton, to plan better and anticipate potential surprises. Yet, price issues will continue to persist, he added.

All three panelists agreed that even as cotton prices continue at their higher levels, the fiber will not lose its market share to synthetic products as happened the last time prices spiked in 2010-2011.

Asahi Kasei has launched its first fluid-wear collection made with the Bemberg fiber. As per a Textile Value Chain report, the collection is inspired by the ancient Pay-Jamé: a piece of clothing worn by a woman or a man for fluid wellbeing 24/7 regardless of the activity, or the location, or duration time it is needed for.

A revolutionary line of new-generation clothing, Jamé is designed and made in Italy, digitally printed, and created to deliver wellness, style, and 24/7 comfort. Every Jamé piece is available in eight patterns with the choice of 17+ designs that go back to the Italian tradition. Jamé is made from the Bemberg™ fabric which is a very unique textile that gives it the highest contemporary qualities. Each of Jamé clothing is 100 per cent recyclable and manufactured following a very contemporary and responsible made-to-order business mode

The fabric is based on a regenerated cellulose fiber made from the smart-tech transformation of cotton linters. As a pre-consumer material obtained from the manufacturing process of cotton seeds oil that is converted into fiber through a traceable and transparent closed-loop process, Bemberg™ DNA is deeply based on a circular economy approach.

The fabric is gentle on the skin, with amazing touch and exceptional moisture management properties: it quickly absorbs and releases moisture through very small waterways, keeping the wearer cool, fresh, and comfortable at any time of the year.

The Joint Apparel Association Forum of Sri Lanka (JAAF) called for intensive dialogue and greater stakeholder collaboration in order to arrive to resolve the current forex crisis, as well as legislative reform towards a more sustainable medium-long-term trajectory for Sri Lankan apparel.

These views were expressed at the recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Association, the apex body representing five associations encompassing supply chain partners, the export-oriented apparel manufacturers, buying offices and representatives of international brands in Sri Lanka.

Addressing the gathering, SharadAmalean, Chairman, JAAF and Deputy Chairman, MAS, commended the resilience demonstrated by the sector in the face of an unprecedented pandemic and outlined measures necessary for the sector to achieve its target of $8 billion in exports by 2025, while maintaining GSP+ and enhancing bilateral trade.

Meanwhile, outgoing JAAF Chairman, A. Sukumaran noted that the industry would likely face continuing disruptions to their supply chain over the coming year, making the need for continuous engagement across industry stakeholders an essential pre-requisite to developing long-term solutions to the industry’s current and future challenges.

The AGM saw the appointment of JAAF’s new executive committee for 2022/2023, which includes SharadAmalean, Chairman; SaiffudeenJafferjee and Felix Fernando, Deputy Chairmen; Noel Priyathilake, Past Chairmen; Azeem Ismail and Ashroff Omar. Duly Authorized Representatives of the constituent bodies: Pubudu de Silva, Fabric & Apparel Accessory Manufacturers Association; JatinderBiala, Free Trade Zone Manufacturers Association; AroonHirdaramani, Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association; HemanthaPerera, Sri Lanka Chamber of Garment Exporters and Welhem Elias, Sri Lanka Apparel Sourcing Association

This year, Yarn Expo will be held at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre in Shanghai from April, 14 – 16, 2022. The fair will again support business facilitation for the international fibre and yarn industry, with exhibitors taking the opportunity to display their latest sustainable products.

Yarn Expo has continued to support the industry throughout the uncertainty brought about by the pandemic. Not only has it served as a platform for business exchange in times of difficulty, it has promoted and facilitated the introduction of new, innovative products and solutions, to align the industry with developing global trends, says Wendy Wen, Senior General Manager, Messe Frankfurt (HK).

This year, we are highlighting our organic cotton products as these are becoming more popular, with people paying more attention to the concept of sustainability, adds Kyle Guo, Senior Executive, Texperts India

Yarn Expo serves as a nice communication platform. Its professionalism in the industry is beyond doubt, adds Carl He, General Manager, Enrich Fabrics & Cotton Brand Company, Guangzhou Textiles Holdings

Yarn Expo Spring will be held alongside Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition, Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Spring Edition, CHIC and PH Value. The synergy effect created by the concurrent fairs elevates the value the platform offers as the entire supply chain gathers for three days of networking, business matching and information sharing. The fair will be organized by Messe Frankfurt (HK) and the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT.

To be held from February 08-10, at the Truman Brewery in London, Premium contemporary womenswear show Scoop x Pure, will showcase a rangeof premium and ready-to-wear womenswear and accessories collections from designers including Feri, Sancia, Louise Hendricks, Pom Amsterdam, Primrose Park, Goldfinch, DATE, Lemon Jelly, Copenhagen Studio, and Supa Snug. The show will also introduce new designers like Way Out, Lam, BlankaPukara, Mou, Norr Copenhagen, Odd Molly, Caroline Svedbom, BRGN, Van Kukil, Karl Donoghue, DeaKudibal, Young Poets Society, Smith and Goat, Neon Denim Brand, Esmé Studios, Laidback London, and Thinking Mu.

Brand Neon Denim will showcase its Fall 2021 denim-driven collection that exudes a youthful expression. Merging reflections from a monochromatic past together with a tongue-in-cheek expression on the future, the brand infuses the brand’s acclaimed punk rock and luxury aesthetic into an elevated assortment that is both timeless and relevant to the voices of the future.

Launched in 2021, Young Poets Society nurtures the creative spark and divine fire in all of us besides reflecting the fact that modern rebels are not limited to words alone. A specialist creator, retailer and wholesaler of concrete homewares, Smith & Goat employs ambitious techniques in blending and casting of concrete to produce stunning pieces that become the talking point of any room.

Lifestyle brand Esmé Studios combines the best eco-friendly materials, comfort and design with ethics and responsibility. Odd Molly’s Fall Winter 2022 collection is designed with a strong sense of creating anew together and new ways of seeing the world. Caroline Svedbomcreates feminine, colourful and effortlessly beautiful collections for women of all ages inspired by her love for the Mediterranean and feminine style. Founded in 2015 by Norwegians KarineLundeTrellevik and Ros-Mari TobiassenGaundal, BRGN creates original fashion designed outerwear, accessories and footwear in technical waterproof and breathable materials.

Henderson Sewing Machine CoIncand Twine Solutions (PetachTiqva, Israel) have partnered for the marketing, sales, and support for the Twine TS-1800 digital dyeing system for thread and yarn in North America. Consistent with both companies’ philosophies regarding digital transformation in the sewing, embroidery and knitting industries, this partnership will usher in a broader adoption and implementation of the digital technology in today’s rapidly changing markets, all the while promoting speed to market, reduced inventory, and sustainability.

Frank Henderson, CEO, Henderson Sewing Machine Company, says,Twine’s Technology and products will be invaluable to Henderson Sewing Machine, and its textile Industries as a whole in 2022 and beyond.

Alon Moshe, CEO and Co-founder, Twine Solutions, adds, Henderson Sewing Machine Co. history, has already brought to fore their vast experience of technology innovations in the US textile industry markets. It is this premise of clarity and understanding that makes Henderson perfectly matched to our mutual Visions and Mission.

The H&M group’s net sales increased by 6 percent to SEK 198,967 million (187,031). Its gross profit increased to SEK 105,006 million (93,544). This corresponds to a gross margin of 52.8 percent (50.0).Profit after financial items increased to SEK 14,300 million (2,052).

The group’s profit after tax increased to SEK 11,010 million (1,243), corresponding to SEK 6.65 (0.75) per share.Cash flow from operating activities increased to SEK 44,619 million (25,900).Financial net cash increased to SEK 17,857 million (208).

In the fourth quarter ended November 30, 2021, H&M group’s net sales increased by 8 percent to SEK 56,813 m (52,549).Gross profit increased by 14 percent to SEK 31,341 m (27,375). Profit after financial items increased by 64 percent to SEK 6,003 m (3,665). The group’s profit after tax increased to SEK 4,621 m (2,485), corresponding to SEK 2:79 (1:50) per share.

The stock-in-trade decreased to SEK 37,306 m (38,209). By 2030, H&M Group aims to double sales while at the same time halving its carbon footprint. It’s profitability is expected to exceed 10 percent over time. It has allocated a capex of SEK 10 billion for this expansion.

In 2022 H&M will launch in six new markets: the first stores will open in Ecuador, Kosovo and North Macedonia, and via franchise in Costa Rica, Guatemala and Cambodia.

One of the leading elastane producers in the world, Hyosung is expanding its plant in Brazil. The expansion helps Hyosung increase its production capacity by 80 per cent, from 12,000 to 22,000 tons per year.

In addition to the plant in Brazil, Hyosung has factories in South Korea, China, Turkey, Vietnam, and India. In 2021, the company ended the year with a world production of 390 thousand tons. With the expansion in Brazil, this number should reach 400, 000,

One of the highlights in the brand’s manufacture is the concern for the environment. Hyosung recovers 95 per cent of the solvent used in Creora production using the distillation process. Through the wastewater treatment plant, all the water used in the plant returns to nature without changing its characteristics. In addition, the company is OEKOtex certified, ensuring safety in the use of its products.

Bemberg™ by Asahi Kasei has launched Jamé, the first-ever fluid-wear collection inspired by the ancient Pay-Jamé: a piece of clothing worn for fluid wellbeing 24/7 regardless of the activity, or the location, or duration time it is needed for.

The collection is designed and made in Italy, digitally printed and created to deliver wellness, style, and 24/7 comfort. Its fabric of choice is Bemberg™, a very unique textile that gives Jamé the highest contemporary qualities: Jamé garments are cool in summer, warm in winter, perfect all year round, fashionable, trendy and versatile. The ideal companion for everyday activities, Jamé is perfect for both indoors and outdoors, the perfect outfit for every occasion, day or night.

Each piece of Jamé clothing is 100 per cent recyclable and manufactured following a very contemporary and responsible made-to-order business model. Its latest and greatest digital print technology helps avoid waste and over-production.

The original Jamé concept was created about a year ago by PatriziaMarforio and NiccolòZucchiFrua, who - among other things - are design and material experts with an extensive background in the field of top-end home decoration. MrZucchiFrua is also the curator of “The Zucchi Collection of Antique Handblocks Museum”.

As a pre-consumer material obtained from the manufacturing process of cotton seeds oil that is converted into fiber through a traceable and transparent closed loop process, Bemberg™ DNA is deeply based on a circular economy approach.

Bemberg™ is gentle on the skin, with amazing touch and exceptional moisture management properties: it quickly absorbs and releases moisture through very small waterways, keeping the wearer cool, fresh, and comfortable at any time of the year.

After 10 years of fruitful partnership, Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) and Better Cotton are establishing a new form of collaboration for greater impact. The new set-up between the two organizations will be focused on creating joint projects for smallholder farmers in Africa. These projects will likely address areas of common interest such as climate change adaptation and mitigation, soil fertility, biodiversity, women’s empowerment, and child labour. They will seek funding from both public and private donors to support the work.

In 2012, Cotton made in Africa (CmiA), an initiative of the AbTF, and Better Cotton entered into a strategic partnership agreement based on the successful benchmarking of the two standards which enabled CmiA verified cotton companies to sell their CmiA verified cotton as Better Cotton and allowed textile companies and traders to demand the sustainably produced Cotton made in Africa cotton as Better Cotton. Since the initial agreement, both organisations have grown and evolved significantly. Therefore, AbTF and Better Cotton have decided to end their current agreement and enter into a new form of cooperation that allows for more flexibility and innovation. Together, they recognise that they can make the biggest impact through concrete projects that create lasting benefits for people and the environment. In line with this, the sale of CmiA-verified cotton as Better Cotton will be discontinued at the end of 2022.

AbTF and Better Cotton remain united in their shared goal of making cotton cultivation more sustainable for farming communities and the environment, while providing the global textile sector opportunities to integrate an ecologically, economically and socially sound raw material into their sourcing practices.