UK Fashion and Textiles (UKFT) is leading a £4 million project with partners like Marks & Spencer, Tesco, Pangaia, and New Look to divert large quantities of waste textiles from landfills. 

The initiative, called Autosort for Circular Textiles Demonstrator (ACT UK), focuses on developing an automated sorting and pre-processing facility for waste textiles over a two-year period. The consortium includes recycling technologies, textile collectors/sorters, academia, manufacturers, industry associations, technologists, and renowned brands/retailers. Funding is provided by the Circular Fashion Programme, supported by Innovate UK, AHRC, and NERC under UKRI. Project partners involve IBM, Reskinned, Salvation Army, Oxfam, and others. 

ACT UK aims to overcome current challenges in achieving circularity by integrating advanced technologies such as optical scanning, robotics, AI, and size reduction equipment in a single facility. 

UKFT aims to create a model for large-scale sorting and preparation of non-reusable textiles, potentially preventing hundreds of thousands of tonnes of materials from reaching landfills and supplying resources to the UK textile manufacturing sector. Brands, retailers, and stakeholders are encouraged to participate.

VF spin-off proved to be a pivotal moment, granting Lee and Wrangler newfound independence and agility in the ever-evolving fashion landscape. The strategic rationale driving this decision is to enhance focus on brand individuality and targeted market penetration.

The successful execution of the spin-off and the steps taken to establish Kontoor Brands as a separate entity, was the liberated creative vision led to sharpened customer-centric approach that now define Lee and Wrangler and their promising future under Kontoor Brands.

The Philippine government is actively pursuing the inclusion of its garment exports in the renewed preferential trading scheme with the United States. 

With the local industry currently valued at approximately $1.5 billion annually, updated Philippine Export Development Plan, set to launch this week, will prioritize the goal of incorporating the country's garment exports into the US Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). 

The move aims to level the playing field for local producers and exporters, allowing them to compete effectively with garments from the Americas in the US market. Furthermore, the inclusion of garments in the US GSP would invigorate the industry, generating more employment opportunities due to its labor-intensive nature. 

While the Philippines' eligibility for the US GSP expired in 2020, the country is actively advocating for its renewal. 

The trade preference program grants zero duties to 3,500 Philippine exports, amounting to $1.6 billion in value in 2020, including products such as tires, bags, insulated electric conductors, sugar, non-alcoholic beverages, and hair dryers.

The ILO and IFC have introduced the Better Work program in Uzbekistan, aiming to improve working conditions and competitiveness in the textile and garment industry. On May 30, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by the IFC, ILO, Uzbekistan's government, employers, and workers' organizations, outlining the program's terms. Better Work will focus on compliance assessments, training, and advisory services to promote labor standards and enhance competitiveness in textile and garment factories.

This partnership is a significant step for Uzbekistan's cotton, textile, and garment production, opening doors to new export markets. As a leading cotton producer, Uzbekistan has undergone notable reforms. Better Work will play a crucial role in upholding labor standards across the country's textile and garment factories, acting as an industry facilitator.

The program seeks to support sustainable growth in the sector, creating decent job opportunities, especially for women in rural areas. Conor Boyle, Officer-in-Charge of Better Work, emphasized the program's dedication to this objective.

The MoU builds on collaborative efforts among the Uzbek government, World Bank Group, ILO, and other stakeholders to enhance labor and environmental standards in cotton fields. Since 2016, the IFC has provided advisory support and investments to Uzbekistan's cotton and textile industry. In 2022, the ILO successfully eradicated systemic child and forced labor from Uzbekistan's cotton production cycle. Initial funding for the Better Work Uzbekistan program was contributed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

Sri Lanka's MAS Holdings has become the first partner to receive Vizoo accreditation for material digitization services. Their cutting-edge digital material service hub serves brands and vendors seeking source-based digitization capabilities. 

The apparel industry's Digital Product Creation (DPC) is thriving, driven by post-pandemic agility and efficiency. Accurate digital twins are crucial for faster time-to-market, enhancing product appeal and profitability. Digital materials play a vital role in capturing textures, colors, and properties that affect garment aesthetics and fit. Tharindu Meemaduma, MAS Holdings' Director of Innovation, highlights Vizoo's technology for achieving unparalleled realism and aligning digitization processes with industry standards. 

To meet the rising demand for digital materials, MAS established a dedicated digitization unit in 2020, recognized by Vizoo for maintaining high standards. With expertise in DPC, MAS creates digital twins at various sampling stages, enabling accurate decision-making and translation from digital to physical products. 

Their material digitization center supports their end-to-end DPC strategy, providing world-class services. 

Anupama Fernando, Group Lead DPC, emphasizes MAS Holdings' commitment to future-proofing through Digital Product Creation, constantly improving their processes and skill set.

A recent report by Solidaridad Europe and the Pesticide Action Network UK (PAN UK) reveals that the majority of top brands and retailers' sustainability reports, filled with flowery language and jargon, are misleading when it comes to their actual performance, particularly in the cotton sector. According to the 2023 Cotton Ranking, a staggering 89% of these companies lack transparency, sustainability, and show minimal progress in improving labor conditions.

The discouraging statistics shed light on the fact that numerous feasible actions are already available to corporations to mitigate or even reverse the severe environmental and social impacts of cotton production they heavily rely on. However, the rankings expose that most major companies fail to meet even the basic certification requirements for the cotton they purchase, rendering their sustainability claims empty words.

Only nine of the world's largest cotton-sourcing companies, including Decathlon, H&M, Ikea, Adidas, Columbia, Marks & Spencer, C&A, Lojas Renner, and Puma, source 99% of their cotton from certified sources, demonstrating a notable commitment to responsible practices.

The overwhelming majority of international brands, constituting 89%, are still non-transparent, unsustainable, and show limited progress in improving labor conditions. 

The release of the 2023 Cotton Ranking and the accompanying paper, 'Cotton and Corporate Responsibility,' by Solidaridad Europe and PAN UK highlights the need for urgent action and collaboration among major stakeholders in the cotton sector.A recent report by Solidaridad Europe and the Pesticide Action Network UK (PAN UK) reveals that the majority of top brands and retailers' sustainability reports, filled with flowery language and jargon, are misleading when it comes to their actual performance, particularly in the cotton sector. According to the 2023 Cotton Ranking, a staggering 89% of these companies lack transparency, sustainability, and show minimal progress in improving labor conditions.

The discouraging statistics shed light on the fact that numerous feasible actions are already available to corporations to mitigate or even reverse the severe environmental and social impacts of cotton production they heavily rely on. However, the rankings expose that most major companies fail to meet even the basic certification requirements for the cotton they purchase, rendering their sustainability claims empty words.

Only nine of the world's largest cotton-sourcing companies, including Decathlon, H&M, Ikea, Adidas, Columbia, Marks & Spencer, C&A, Lojas Renner, and Puma, source 99% of their cotton from certified sources, demonstrating a notable commitment to responsible practices.

The overwhelming majority of international brands, constituting 89%, are still non-transparent, unsustainable, and show limited progress in improving labor conditions. The release of the 2023 Cotton Ranking and the accompanying paper, 'Cotton and Corporate Responsibility', by Solidaridad Europe and PAN UK highlights the need for urgent action and collaboration among major stakeholders in the cotton sector.

The National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria has expressed its willingness to collaborate with Governor Uba Sani's administration in Kaduna State to revive the dormant textile industries in the region. 

The positive outcomes of functional textile industries, such as providing employment opportunities for unemployed youths and reducing insecurity. 

The union president stressed the importance of social justice for sustainable peace and security, emphasizing the need for urgent re-industrialization in Kaduna State and mass employment of the unemployed youth population. The union pledged its support and cooperation as a key stakeholder in the state's development, particularly in reviving the textile industry and creating jobs.

Textile Yarn Market is estimated to be valued at USD 14.4 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2023 to 2028, reaching USD 18.5 billion. The expanding middle class in emerging economies is a key factor fueling the demand for textile yarn, as affordable and fashionable clothing becomes increasingly sought after, according to a report by Markets and Markets.

Technological advancements have also played a crucial role, enabling the development of specialized yarns with enhanced properties such as moisture-wicking, antimicrobial, and eco-friendly characteristics. These innovations have driven the demand for technical textiles across various sectors including apparel, medical, sports, automotive, and aerospace.

The plant segment is expected to exhibit the highest growth during the forecast period, driven by the rising demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products. Plant-based yarns like cotton, hemp, linen, and bamboo, derived from natural sources, are preferred by environmentally conscious consumers due to their biodegradability, renewability, and lower carbon footprint.

Within the artificial yarn category, the polyester segment is anticipated to dominate the market in 2023. Polyester yarn's exceptional durability, strength, and resistance to abrasion, wrinkles, and stretching make it suitable for diverse textile applications. Its cost-effectiveness further contributes to its popularity, particularly in mass production and budget-conscious markets.

Minister of Commerce Pan Sorasak called on all relevant parties to cooperate in exploring the feasibility of establishing a free trade agreement (FTA) between Cambodia and Japan, driven by a significant increase in Cambodian exports to Japan this year. 

Speaking at a trade facilitation and digitalization seminar attended by business leaders from both nations, the minister emphasized the need to strengthen the full implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP) and the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (AJCEP). 

He encouraged the chambers of commerce in both countries to consider signing a memorandum of understanding to enhance economic, trade, and investment cooperation. With Cambodia's exports to Japan reaching $442 million in the first five months of this year, the minister highlighted the potential FTA's benefits in expanding market access, driving economic development, and generating income and employment opportunities. Cambodia currently holds bilateral FTAs with China and South Korea, and recently announced a Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement with the United Arab Emirates. Prime Minister Hun Sen also praised the growing trade relationship with Japan, emphasizing its significance as the largest buyer of Cambodian goods. 

The countries are celebrating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2023, marking a new era of a comprehensive strategic partnership that is expected to attract more Japanese investment and create a broader market for Cambodian products. 

In a meeting with the Japanese ambassador, the Minister of Tourism emphasized the importance of resuming flights by All Nippon Airways to facilitate bilateral trade. 

The Cambodia Chamber of Commerce plans to sign a memorandum of understanding with its Japanese counterpart to further strengthen investment and trade ties.

Eight modest fashion shows took place on May 20 during Modest Fashion Day within the International Economic Summit ‘Russia – Islamic world: Kazan Forum’, powered by Russian Fashion Council and Digital Talents Dubai Milano. 

15 designers from Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Senegal, as well as 5 Russian cities presented their collections, including Abzaeva (Ulan Ude, Russia) / Gapanovich (Murmansk, Russia), Aida Kaume NOVA (Kazakhstan), HADÁMI (Makhachkala, Russia), SAHARA (Ufa, Russia), SANET / Keewa (Indonesia), Su.Su (Kazan, Russia), UMMAYA (Grozny, Russia), Senegal Fashion Show: Couleur Afrique, Touty, Kamal Raw, Edg.mery, SidyCounda, and Al Gueye (Senegal). 

The event was arranged in Korston- Kazan – a hotel, shopping, and entertainment mall.

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