Although the global textile and apparel market is currently experiencing a deficit in demand, manufacturers should remain future-focused and prepared to meet the preferences of their clients as demands re-surface, says Raj Manek, Executive Director and Board Member, Messe Frankfurt Asia Holdings. “New trends will shape the future of Indian textile and apparel segment in the coming period. Targeting small packets of demand and focusing on shorter turnover time will be an effective strategy for apparel producers to deal with current market inconsistencies, ” he adds
According to him, businesses that can recognise the ebb and flow of the market and focus on adopting sustainability and recyclability in their business models will bounce back more strongly.
Messe Frankfurt through its textile exhibitions advocates sustainability and innovation in fashion and textile industry as a part of its commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in global collaboration with the Conscious Fashion Campaign and the United Nations Office.
The need for efficient allocation of costs and materials have also become a strong highlight for Indian apparel segment during the pandemic. Manufacturers must therefore imbibe a circular economy model and repurpose pre and post-consumer waste to save resources as well as minimise expenditure on raw materials and logistic.
Designer masks and protective kits that couple fashion with safety and convenience are rapidly gaining demand across the globe. Similarly consumers are switching from ordinary home apparels to those made with anti-viral fabrics. With increasing awareness towards personal health and hygiene, focusing on anti-viral apparels and face masks will help Indian manufacturers exploit a massive volume of demand, especially from healthcare and hospitality sector.
“Tapping into the urgent needs of the market, identifying future trends and working with a sustainable approach will definitely enable Indian textile and apparel sector to emerge more strongly organised and well-equipped to face the new normal.” concludes Manek.
