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A global leader in textile machinery, the Italy-based Savio Macchine Tessili SpA, which has been collaborating with the Recycling Atelier Augsburg since September 2024 to enhance since September 2024, plans to complete the process chain for mechanical textile recycling by focusing on winding and quality control of yarns.
A specialist in yarn finishing machinery, Savio Macchine Tessili has over 110 years of experience. The company manufactures products like advanced winding, twisting, air-jet spinning, shrinking, and bulking machines, manufactured across plants in Italy and Asia. Through this partnership, Savio provides cutting-edge solutions, including the Proxima Smartconer® winder, a crucial component for the yarn winding process.
The Recycling Atelier Augsburg is a collaborative network of twelve industrial companies that collectively cover the entire mechanical textile recycling process chain. Savio contributes to the initiative not only by supplying advanced machinery but also by offering invaluable expertise in yarn winding, a critical step in ensuring yarn quality.
Emphasising on the importance of Savio’s role in the collaboration, Dr-Ing. Georg Stegschuster, Head, Recycling Atelier, says, the company’s winding machines deliver high productivity, low energy consumption, superior yarn quality, automation, and data connectivity. These features perfectly align with the needs of the Recycling Atelier. The initiative’s direct knowledge sharing with the manufacturer also enhances its applied research.
Mauro Moro, CEO, Savio Macchine Tessili, avers, the company’s partnership with the Recycling Atelier Augsburg is a significant step forward in advancing research on winding technology and yarn quality control within the framework of textile recycling.
This partnership between Savio Macchine Tessili and the Recycling Atelier Augsburg highlights their shared commitment to sustainable innovation in the textile industry. Together, they aim to set new standards for efficiency, quality, and sustainability in mechanical textile recycling.
The European jeanswear market is a fiercely competitive space, with numerous established manufacturers, brands and emerging contenders vying for the top spot. 2024 has seen some interesting shifts in market share, driven by evolving consumer preferences, sustainability concerns, and innovative marketing strategies.
Top players
While precise figures are still being compiled, preliminary data suggests the following brands are leading the pack in terms of market share in 2024.
Table: Top brands and their growth
|
Brand |
Estimated market share (%) |
Estimated revenue (€ bn) |
Retail presence (approx. points of sale) |
|
Levi's |
22% |
€4.50 |
5,000+ |
|
Diesel |
15% |
€3.10 |
3,000+ |
|
H&M |
10% |
€2.10 |
4,000+ |
|
Zara |
8% |
€1.70 |
2,500+ |
|
G-Star RAW |
7% |
€1.40 |
1,500+ |
|
Pepe Jeans |
6% |
€1.20 |
1,000+ |
|
Lee |
5% |
€1.00 |
800+ |
|
Wrangler |
4% |
€0.80 |
600+ |
|
Other brands |
23% |
€4.70 |
Source: Euromonitor International, Statista, Company Annual Reports
What makes these brands leaders?
There are several reasons for the sustained success of these jeanswear giants.
Brand heritage and legacy: Levi's, Diesel, Lee, and Wrangler boast of a rich histories and strong brand identities that resonate with consumers seeking authenticity and timeless style.
Product innovation: These brands consistently invest in research and development, introducing new fits, washes, and fabric technologies to cater to evolving consumer demands.
Sustainability initiatives: With growing consumer awareness of environmental and social issues, leading brands have implemented sustainable practices throughout their supply chains, from sourcing raw materials to reducing water and energy consumption.
Marketing and distribution: Effective marketing campaigns, celebrity endorsements, and strategic collaborations have helped these brands maintain high visibility and reach a wider audience.
Omnichannel presence: A strong online presence coupled with a network of physical stores allows these brands to offer a seamless shopping experience across multiple channels.
Growth over the years
Most leading jeanswear brands have shown steady growth over the years, albeit with some fluctuations depending on economic conditions and fashion trends.
Levi's: Despite facing challenges in the early 2000s, Levi's has experienced a resurgence in recent years, driven by its focus on sustainability, product innovation, and collaborations with influential designers and celebrities. This is reflected in their steady revenue growth and expansion of their retail footprint across Europe.
Diesel: Known for its rebellious spirit and bold designs, Diesel has maintained a strong presence in the premium denim segment, consistently pushing boundaries and captivating a younger audience. Their focus on flagship stores and a strong online presence has contributed to their consistent growth.
H&M and Zara: These fast-fashion giants have captured a significant market share by offering trendy and affordable jeanswear, catering to a broad consumer base. Their extensive store network across Europe, and aggressive online marketing strategies have given a push to their rapid expansion.
Each brand has carved out its niche by focusing on specific differentiators and unique selling propositions. Levi's iconic 501s, commitment to sustainability for example, water In 2025, the jeanswear market is expected to remain competitive, with several trends shaping its future. Sustainability will continue to be major focus for brands with consumers increasingly demanding sustainable and ethically produced jeanswear. Brands will leverage technology to offer personalized experiences and customized products. Online channels and digital marketing will continue to play a crucial role in reaching and engaging consumers. Comfort and performance will be priority for brands as jeanswear will incorporate innovative fabrics and technologies to enhance these qualities.
The global fashion industry is recalibrating its compass, recognizing the vibrant and diverse opportunities across Asia beyond China. While China remains a significant player, brands are increasingly being attracted by the unique potential of other Asian suppliers. With rising incomes, digital adoption, and distinct cultural influences in countries like India, Indonesia, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Thailand are emerging as crucial growth engines for the industry. This shift is evident in the strategic initiatives and impressive growth figures reported by leading fashion brands.
India, a market of a billion aspirations
India's apparel market is expected to reach $118 billion by 2028, with a young demography and increasing disposable incomes. No wonder brands like Zara, H&M, Uniqlo, and luxury giants like Gucci and Louis Vuitton are expanding their footprint.
And to spread their footprint, these brands are adopting various strategies like localized collections. Brands are embracing Indian craftsmanship and design elements to resonate with local preferences. They are also looking at seamless integration of online and offline channels as it is crucial to cater to India's diverse consumer base. And ethical sourcing and production are gaining traction among environmentally conscious consumers.
Table: India brand sales and market share
|
Brand |
Share of sales from India |
Growth in India (YoY) |
|
Zara |
8% |
15% |
|
H&M |
5% |
12% |
|
Uniqlo |
3% |
20% |
Indonesia, the digital fashion frontier
Indonesia's fashion scene is characterized by a thriving e-commerce market, with local players like Zalora and Berrybenka leading the way. International brands like ASOS and Shein are also making inroads, adapting to the digital-first landscape. And to succeed brands have adopted mobile-first approach. They are prioritizing mobile optimization and engaging content to capture the attention of young, digitally savvy consumers. Moreover, collaborations with local influencers are key to building brand awareness and driving engagement.
Table: Indonesia brand sales and market share
|
Brand |
Share of sales from Indonesia |
Growth in Indonesia (YoY) |
|
Zalora |
60% |
25% |
|
Shein |
10% |
30% |
South Korea, the style icon
South Korea's fashion influence extends far beyond its borders, shaping trends in streetwear, K-pop fashion, and beauty across the globe. Luxury brands are vying for a share of the affluent South Korean market, while local brands like Gentle Monster and Stylenanda are gaining global recognition.
Experiential retail is a priority for success in this market. Flagship stores are designed as immersive brand experiences, showcasing cutting-edge design and engaging consumers. Moreover, celebrity collaborations is also crucial. Partnering with K-pop stars and designers amplifies brand visibility and taps into the ‘Korean Wave’
Table: South Korea brand sales and market share
|
Brand |
Share of sales from South Korea |
Growth in South Korea (YoY) |
|
Gucci |
12% |
10% |
|
Louis Vuitton |
10% |
8% |
Hong Kong, the luxury hub
Hong Kong serves as a crucial gateway to the Chinese market and a major shopping destination for affluent tourists. Luxury brands maintain a strong presence, with flagship stores and exclusive events catering to high-net-worth individuals.
Brands are focusing on personalized services and exclusive experiences to cultivate customer loyalty. Also on their agenda is providing seamless shopping experiences across online and offline channels to cater to the digitally savvy consumer.
Table: Hong Kong brand sales and market share
|
Brand |
Share of sales from Hong Kong |
Growth in Hong Kong (YoY) |
|
Chanel |
15% |
7% |
|
Hermès |
12% |
5% |
Thailand, the rising tourist destination
Thailand's growing tourism industry is driving demand for fashion and luxury goods, particularly among Chinese and Southeast Asian tourists. A mix of international and local brands, cater to diverse tastes and budgets, from luxury labels to affordable fast fashion. Brands are investing in large-scale shopping malls with a wide variety of brands and entertainment options. Brands are creating engaging shopping experiences that combine retail with entertainment and cultural elements.
Table: Thailand brand sales and market share
|
Brand |
Share of sales from Thailand |
Growth in Thailand (YoY) |
|
H&M |
6% |
10% |
|
Zara |
5% |
8% |
The Asian fashion landscape is multifaceted, offering numerous opportunities for brands that can adapt to its diverse consumer preferences and market dynamics. With localization, digital innovation, and sustainable practices, fashion companies can unlock the immense potential of these exciting markets and secure their position in the global fashion arena.
Spinnova and ASK Scandinavia have teamed up to introduce the Nova tote bag, a sustainable fashion item combining innovation and Nordic design. Made with fabric containing 30 per cent wood-based Spinnova fibres and 70 per cent cotton, the bag is dyed using a natural method developed by Natural Indigo Finland, utilizing coffee waste from Paulig's roastery. The Nova tote is now available for pre-order at ASK Scandinavia’s webshop.
The bag comes in amber, a colour created from coffee waste, showcasing ASK Scandinavia’s minimalist design ethos paired with durability and functionality for daily use. Paulig’s Helsinki-based coffee roastery, one of Europe’s largest, processes millions of coffee packages annually. Despite optimized processes, some coffee ground waste remains, which Natural Indigo Finland transforms into sustainable dyes.
Natural Indigo Finland’s eco-friendly dyeing process employs natural tannins and eliminates harmful chemicals, offering a greener alternative to conventional methods. “This collaboration strongly supports sustainable development goals in the textile industry,” said Pasi Ainasoja, CEO of Natural Indigo Finland.
Anette Cantagallo, Director of Design and Sustainability at ASK Scandinavia, emphasized the partnership’s innovative spirit: “The ASK and Spinnova bag represents Nordic design and pioneering technology, demonstrating how sustainability can shape purposeful fashion.”
This launch aligns with Spinnova’s strategy to expand fibre market applications alongside technology development. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with innovators addressing textile production challenges, from fibres to dyeing,” said Shahriare Mahmood, Chief Product and Sustainability Officer at Spinnova.
The Nova tote highlights a shared commitment to sustainability, making it a standout in eco-conscious fashion.
The Liva Protege Textiles Design Competition, a collaboration between Birla Cellulose and the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), concluded with a spectacular finale at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. Fifteen student finalists from various NIFT centres across India showcased their creations in Surface Design, Woven Design, and Print Design categories, reflecting their creativity and innovation.
Under the mentorship of renowned designer Karishma Shahani Khan, the students incorporated sustainability at the core of their designs, utilizing eco-friendly materials such as Livaeco fabrics, recycled yarns, and zero-waste techniques. Birla Cellulose’s commitment to promoting sustainable practices within the textile industry was evident throughout the event.
A distinguished jury panel, including Narendra Kumar, Ekta Saran, Deepa Chandran, Anupama Mohan, and Aspi Patel, evaluated the designs based on creativity, sustainability, and innovation. Senior leaders from Aditya Birla-Grasim Industries presented awards to the winners from NIFT Patna, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, who were celebrated for their exceptional talent and creativity.
The event also featured an insightful speaker session with Karishma Shahani Khan, Surya Vallari, and Sharmila Dua, offering valuable perspectives on sustainability and innovation in the textile industry. Manmohan Singh, CMO of Birla Cellulose, emphasized the competition's role in shaping a more sustainable future in fashion. The event highlighted the bright future of Gen Next designers and the importance of responsible design practices.
India showcased its growing presence in the global textile industry as the Hon’ble Minister of Textiles inaugurated the India Pavilion at Heimtextil 2025 in Messe Frankfurt. With the largest country participation at the prestigious event, India highlighted its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global collaboration.
Addressing international home textile exporters, importers, and manufacturers, the Minister emphasized India’s rising competitiveness and the importance of partnerships for sustainable growth. He invited attendees to participate in Bharat Tex 2025, promoting investment opportunities in India’s thriving textile ecosystem.
During an Investors Meet, the Minister emphasized India’s impressive growth and the increasing foreign direct investment (FDI) over the past decade. He highlighted the success of the ‘Make in India’ initiative, urging investors to take advantage of opportunities in India’s expanding manufacturing hub. He encouraged global investors to seize opportunities in India by emphasizing the advantages of manufacturing in the country, both for domestic and international markets.
The Minister also met with representatives from the Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers Association and IVGT, Germany, urging them to strengthen ties with India’s textile sector. He encouraged German manufacturers to invest in India’s textile machinery production, citing the success of a German sewing thread company already thriving in the country.
The event saw active participation from Indian exporters, reaffirming the government’s commitment to boosting the sector’s global reach. The Minister toured various exhibition stalls, engaging with exhibitors and showcasing India’s craftsmanship. The delegation also included Rohit Kansal, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles, and officials from the Export Promotion Councils and the Jute Board.
India is rapidly emerging as a hub for the growing technical textiles sector, with rising demand and innovation shaping its future. To strengthen this position, Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India has announced a significant collaboration with the Austrian Fibers Institute, bringing the Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress (GFC) to Asia as part of the Techtextil India Symposium in 2025. This strategic alliance is poised to offer unprecedented opportunities for the global technical textiles industry, setting new benchmarks for innovation, sustainability, and fiber technology advancements.
Techtextil India 2025: A global innovation hub
The 10th edition of Techtextil India, scheduled for November 19-21, 2025, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, will serve as the primary platform for the technical textiles industry. In a first for the event, the Dornbirn GFC Asia will take place on November 18, 2025, a day before the exhibition opens. The collaboration between Messe Frankfurt and the Austrian Fibers Institute combines the strengths of two leading platforms in the technical textiles sector, offering industry professionals a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge developments in fiber technology, sustainable materials, and fiber-based applications.
With the theme ‘Shaping the Future: Sustainable Growth in Fiber Solutions and Innovations,’ the Dornbirn GFC Asia will feature subject matter experts, researchers, and manufacturers from around the world. The conference will address key issues, including ground-breaking advances in spinning technology, and offer an in-depth look at innovations in the fiber and textile industries. This partnership aligns with India's growing focus on sustainability, fostering new approaches to material development, and helping the country strengthen its position in the global textile value chain.
Indian's growing technical textiles market
India's technical textiles market is poised for rapid growth, with the Indian government targeting a market size of $40 billion by 2030. Government schemes such as the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) and the Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS) aim to promote innovation, bolster research and development, and provide stakeholders with the necessary resources to drive progress. The NTTM, for instance, is focused on 156 R&D projects aimed at accelerating technological breakthroughs in the sector.
The government's push for Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) and its strategic initiatives to strengthen the domestic technical textiles market are complemented by an increase in educational programs, which are creating a skilled workforce to support the industry's diverse applications, such as medical textiles, mobile textiles, geotextiles, and more.
Techtextil India 2025 will showcase these advancements with exhibits from leading industry players like Reliance Industries, Aditya Birla Yarns, JB Ecotex Ltd, Ganesha Ecosphere Ltd, and Perlon Group. These companies are at the forefront of innovations in areas such as fiber and yarn production, functional textiles, non-woven materials, and high-performance apparel. Specialized pavilions, such as Meditex, will focus on the rapidly evolving medical textiles segment, further expanding the scope of the event.
Setting new standards for technical textiles innovation
The collaboration between Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India and the Austrian Fibers Institute represents a significant milestone in India's drive to become a global leader in technical textiles. The union of the Dornbirn GFC Asia and Techtextil India is a testament to the growing importance of sustainable growth and technological advancements in the sector.
As global demand for technical textiles rises, applications across industries ranging from medical to sportswear, automotive to construction, and environmental sustainability continue to fuel the demand for high-performance materials. This collaboration will not only strengthen India's position in the global market but also serve as a pivotal step in fostering cross-border knowledge exchange, encouraging the development of innovative solutions that will shape the future of the textile industry worldwide.
With an aim to boost the textiles and garment export sectors, the upcoming Union Budget will increase its fund allocation for the sectors by 15 per cent
Last year, the government had allocated Rs 4,417 crore for the sector. This year, it aims to reduce taxes on different types of including polyester and viscose special fibers. It also plans to introduce a new Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for the textile sector. Emulating the current PLI initiatives, this new scheme will offer tax incentives and concessions to encourage local manufacturing.
In last year’s budget presented in July 2024, the Finance Ministry had new initiatives to enhance export competitiveness in the leather and textile sectors. The ministry had proposed reducing the basic customs duty on real down filling materials from duck or goose.
The government also added more items to the list of exempted goods used in manufacturing leather and textile garments, footwear, and other leather items for export. Additionally, it reduced the customs duty on methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), a key material for spandex yarn production, from 7.5 per cent to 5 per cent.
Further, export duties on raw hides, skins, and leather were also simplified and streamlined.
A corner of the Indian economy, the textile and garment sector employs around 45 million people. From April to November 2024, exports from the sector rose by 7 per cent Y-o-Y to over $23 billion.
Pitti Immagine Uomo in Florence set the stage for an innovative collaboration between Isko, the leading denim innovator, and Gabba, the Danish heritage denim brand. The duo debuted a collection that fuses timeless design with everyday functionality, centered on Isko’s latest technological advancement: SelfDry.
SelfDry is a revolutionary denim finish that reduces drying time while maintaining the raw, authentic texture of denim. Inspired by Japanese craftsmanship, it reimagines classic denim with a modern edge. Gabba utilized SelfDry to craft a versatile lineup of nine styles, including jeans, jackets, kimonos, and accessories. Each piece showcases the durability, simplicity, and elevated aesthetic of SelfDry fabric.
One standout item is ‘The Supernormal Denim Bag,’ a sleek and functional raw denim bag designed to meet the demands of everyday life. A supersized version of this bag takes center stage at Gabba’s booth (Cavaniglia Pavilion, booth 16) at Pitti Uomo, offering visitors a striking visual representation of the collaboration.
Following its Florence debut, the display will tour major European fashion weeks, including Copenhagen, bringing the innovative Gabba and Isko collection to a wider audience. This partnership underscores the potential of denim innovation to combine tradition and practicality with modern style.
One of India’s largest vertically integrated textile companies, Alok Industries launched three new bed and bath linen collections at Heimtextil 2025.
The company unveiled its Leap Bedding Collection offering affordable bed linen made with high-performance Recron branded fibers by Reliance Industries. This durable and high-quality collection caters to modern, value-conscious consumers.
The second collection launched by Alok Industries - the Sumptuous Living Towel Collection offers affordable luxury with towels made using premium Kasturi Cotton. Boasting unparalleled softness, these towels are durable and offer a rich and lavish bathing experience to consumers.
Inspired by the trend Dark Romance, the Showstopper Collection offers a luxurious range of bed and bath linen, showcasing the company’s ability to merge innovative designs with superior craftsmanship.
At Heimtextil, Alok Industries is exhibiting its products at Hall 9.0, Booth E31. The exhibition is being held from January 14–17, 2025 at Frankfurt in Germany.
