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UK-based Fibre Extrusion Technology is launching its FET-500 Series of Gel Spinning Systems to transform the research and development of Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers.
FET has an established reputation for innovation and expertise in medical fiber extrusion, providing high-performance, specialized equipment for precursor medical products, including custom systems for making both absorbable and non-absorbable sutures. FET’s equipment is designed for flexible, small-scale production and rapid product development.
In recent years, the demand for R&D in UHMWPE fibers has grown significantly. These fibers are highly valued across many industries for their exceptional properties. However, current production methods are complicated and focused on the massive, large-scale output of existing fiber grades. This rigid supply chain has slowed down innovation in this promising, untapped product market.
Set to fill this market gap, the FET-500 gel spinning systems offers a flexible and consistent process, capable of producing high-quality fibers using less than 100 grams of polymer. Crucially, it avoids the harsh processing chemicals that were traditionally used in gel spinning.
The key to this lab and pilot-scale flexibility is a patent-pending process that uses supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) as a green solvent.
While gel spinning starts with extrusion, the follow-up steps of washing and drawing are vital for achieving the final performance characteristics of the yarn. The use of patent-pending Supercritical Carbon Dioxide in the washing process is just one example of the system's many innovative features and benefits.
FET's Fibre Development Centre in Leeds, where the manufacturing takes place, was crucial to the creation and success of the FET-500. Having this facility on-site allows FET to offer a way for customers to de-risk, develop, and demonstrate the system’s capabilities.
FET maintains a complete, operational demonstration line of the FET-500, enabling both existing and new customers to visit and see the system running from start to finish. FET can also assist in developing new products and operating parameters through R&D trials, giving you the confidence and knowledge needed to successfully transfer a new offering onto a full production line.
The MarediModa Cannes trade show is returning to the French Riviera's Palais des Festivals from October 22 - 24, 2025. This essential industry event will exclusively feature over a hundred new collections of fabrics and accessories for Summer 2027 beachwear, underwear, and athleisure from Europe's top textile manufacturers.
MarediModa continues to serve as the definitive showcase for premium and upper-medium market fabrics, pairing business with creative inspiration.
Visitors will get exclusive, early access to the official Spring/Summer 2027 Trend Book, ‘Making Waves.’ The theme encourages the fashion community to go beyond surface aesthetics, challenge norms, and drive meaningful transformation toward a more conscious future.
The show highlights young talent through The Link, a premier talent-scouting competition. In 2025, the contest achieved a record-breaking year with 128 projects submitted from 37 countries. Nine finalists, who explored creative boundaries in beachwear, underwear, and athleisure, will present their creations in a dedicated atelier and feature in a fashion show on October 23.
MarediModa is moving past static displays with three new experiences: Flash! (bringing beachwear fabrics to life through prototype garments and exclusive photo/video shoots), ATH (exploring athleisure trends where fashion meets performance), and Seam (celebrating private label craftsmanship).
The event also champions sustainability and excellence. The Lycra Company will host a key seminar on October 22 titled, ‘From Fiber to Sustainable Swimwear: A Blueprint for Collaboration,’ addressing how innovation and partnership are reshaping the future of fashion.
Furthermore, the prestigious French brand Eres will be honored with the 2025 Creative Excellent Award for its lasting contribution to fashion, product excellence, and its iconic, minimalist approach to lingerie and beachwear.
Since its founding in 2002, MarediModa has established itself as the leading international show dedicated to European textile excellence, focusing on quality, sustainability, and creativity to shape the future of intimate and swimwear apparel.
The global hemp fiber market is projected to grow from $20.96 billion in 2025 to $70.93 billion by 2029, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 35.6 per cent. This rapid expansion is driven by a renewed focus on environmental sustainability, high demand from the textile and apparel industries, a surge in hemp cultivation, and broader awareness of sustainable fabric alternatives.
A core driver of this growth is the increasing legalization of industrial hemp worldwide. Derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, industrial hemp is valued globally for various products. Progressive legislation is directly fueling the use of its fibers and seeds. For instance, in Australia, support for legalization surpassed opposition for the first time in February 2024, signaling a global shift that will continue to bolster the market.
Hemp's natural, renewable, and biodegradable properties align perfectly with the global emphasis on a circular economy. This factor, combined with the wider adoption of hemp-derived textiles, makes it a superior choice for sustainable manufacturing.
Companies are innovating to secure their market presence by expanding hemp's use into new sectors like personal care and hygiene. For example, in April 2022, Regenerative International Female Inc. launched a hemp-based line of menstrual hygiene products. These eco-friendly pads combine hemp and organic cotton and feature a biodegradable backsheet, leveraging hemp’s natural antimicrobial nature to offer a comfortable, non-synthetic alternative.
Looking ahead, major trends include the use of hemp fiber in Sustainable Packaging, the Paper and Pulp sector, and the Automotive and Construction industries. This broad expansion is further supported by continuous progress and refinement in hemp processing methods.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a $30 million sustainability-linked loan (SLL) agreement with Envoy Textiles, marking the bank’s first-ever SLL in Bangladesh. This landmark financing deal signals a major shift toward integrating environmental accountability with industrial funding in the country’s crucial manufacturing sector.
A sustainability-linked loan is a forward-looking debt instrument designed to incentivize companies by linking its financial terms directly to their performance on specific environmental and social goals. For Envoy, the loan's terms are tied to key performance indicators (KPIs) focused on two main goals; namely, increasing the total installed rooftop solar capacity and achieving specific reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
By embedding these metrics, the ADB aims to drive measurable climate action and industrial modernization across Bangladesh’s massive ready-made garment (RMG) sector, which accounts for over 80 per cent of the country’s total export earnings.
Envoy will use the loan to fund the design and construction of a new automated spinning unit at its Jamirdia plant. This expansion will boost the company's annual yarn production capacity by 4,550 tons, primarily supporting its in-house denim fabric production.
Crucially, the financing will also cover the installation of 3.5 megawatts-peak (MWp) of rooftop solar panels. This significant renewable energy investment is expected to substantially reduce the factory’s carbon emissions, directly supporting Bangladesh’s national decarbonization targets under the Paris Agreement and its Vision 2041 development plan. A portion of the loan will also refinance short-term working capital, freeing up resources for further operational innovation.
Envoy, a pioneer in sustainable textile production and the world's first denim manufacturer to receive Platinum LEED certification, is positioned to lead this transformation.
According to Hoe Yung Jeong, Country Director, Asian Development Bank, this partnership advances environmental sustainability and sets a new standard for modernization and resilience in the garment industry.
As the world’s second-largest garment exporter, Bangladesh faces mounting global pressure to decarbonize supply chains. The success of the ADB-Envoy partnership demonstrates how green finance can act as a catalyst, rewarding manufacturers for turning environmental responsibility into a core business and a source of competitive advantage.
The global textile and apparel industry, one of the oldest and most resource-intensive sectors, is at a crossroads. Once defined solely by low-cost mass production and global export networks, it is now being reshaped by two transformative forces: sustainability and digital innovation. Rising consumer expectations, tightening regulations, and technological breakthroughs are forcing companies to rethink not only how clothes are made, but also how they are sold, used, and recycled. This is not a mere industry adjustment, it is a paradigm shift that could determine which brands thrive and which fade in the coming decade.
Growth amid transformation
Despite mounting challenges, the textile sector continues to grow, underscoring its economic weight in global trade and manufacturing. According to multiple market forecasts, growth remains steady, albeit with regional shifts and structural disruptions.
Table: Global textile market projections
|
Year |
Market Size ($bn) |
|
2024 |
$1.9 - $2.1 |
|
2029 |
$857.6 - $915.9 |
|
2034 |
$4.0 - $4.4 |
Asia-Pacific, home to the world’s largest manufacturing hubs in China, India, Bangladesh, and Vietnam, dominates with more than half the global market share. Yet, regions like North America and Europe are redefining their value proposition by investing in innovation, automation, and nearshoring. This reflects a dual trend: production remains rooted in Asia, while consumer-facing innovation is flourishing in developed economies.
There are several growth drivers that are boosting the sector. Conscious consumers are one of them with rising demand for sustainable, ethically produced garments. The rapid e-commerce expansion with digital platforms enabling borderless retail access has also been a major booster. Then there this the whole aspect of technological integration as AI, blockchain, 3D printing, and automation are powering efficiency.
Breaking the fast fashion cycle
The apparel industry’s take-make-dispose model, popularized by fast fashion, is now under scrutiny. The sector generates nearly 92 million tons of textile waste annually, and contributes up to 10% of global carbon emissions, a figure larger than international aviation and shipping combined.
Brands are facing growing pressure from governments, activists, and consumers to move toward circular business models, where waste is minimized, and materials remain in use for longer.
There are numerous notable case studies of brands working actively towards a sustainable business modes who together, represent a radical departure from the disposable ethos of fast fashion..
• Patagonia's worn wear program: The outdoor apparel company, a pioneer in sustainability, has successfully implemented a comprehensive repair, reuse, and recycling program. Through its ‘Worn Wear’ initiative, Patagonia encourages customers to repair their gear rather than replace it, offers certified used clothing for sale, and provides an avenue for recycling garments at the end of their life. This approach not only reduces waste but also builds brand loyalty by promoting a philosophy of conscious consumption.
• Primark's take-back scheme: In a move to address textile waste, fast-fashion giant Primark introduced a take-back scheme in its UK stores. Customers can return unwanted clothing, footwear, and textiles, which are then re-used or recycled by partners. This initiative helps divert millions of garments from landfills each month and shows how even large-scale, high-volume retailers are being compelled to participate in the circular economy.
• The rise of rental services: Businesses like Rent the Runway and smaller niche players are pioneering an access-based model. Instead of owning an item, consumers can rent it for a specific period. This increases the utilization rate of a single garment, reducing the overall demand for new production and aligning with the principles of a shared, rather than owned, economy.
Supply chain reinvented, from opacity to transparency
Global apparel supply chains, long criticized for low wages, unsafe conditions, and environmental harm, are being forced into the light. Technology is playing a central role in this reinvention, tackling issues ranging from labor exploitation to inefficient inventory management.
Table: Common supply chain challenges and solutions
|
Challenge |
Impact on business |
Technology-driven solution |
|
Lack of Transparency |
Unethical labor, environmental harm, difficulty in tracking products. |
Blockchain: Provides a secure and immutable record of an item’s journey from raw material to final product. |
|
Demand Forecasting |
Overstocking, stockouts, and financial loss. |
Artificial Intelligence (AI): Analyzes historical sales, market trends, and external factors to provide more accurate predictions. |
|
Prolonged Lead Times |
Missed seasonal trends, reduced competitiveness. |
Automation & Digital Platforms: Streamline operations, improve communication, and allow for real-time tracking of production. |
|
Sustainability |
Environmental footprint, consumer and regulatory pressure. |
Digital Printing & Waterless Dyeing: Reduce water usage and waste, offering a greener alternative to traditional processes. |
For many companies, the supply chain has become the battleground where reputations are made or lost. A single scandal whether related to factory conditions or environmental negligence can erode consumer trust overnight.
Industry at an inflection point
The next decade will test whether the apparel sector can align profitability with responsibility. Several trends are emerging as non-negotiables for future success:
Circular design: Moving beyond recycling to design garments with end-of-life in mind.
Digital-first operations: AI-driven forecasting, 3D sampling, and virtual try-ons will define competitiveness.
Localized production: Nearshoring and microfactories could reduce carbon footprints while improving speed-to-market.
Regulatory push: Governments, especially in the EU, are enforcing stricter sustainability and reporting norms.
As one apparel executive recently put it, “The industry is no longer just about selling more clothes it’s about selling the right clothes, made the right way, for the right reasons.”
Stitching the future
The textile and apparel industry is undergoing a once-in-a-generation transformation. Growth will continue, but the terms of that growth are changing. Companies that embrace sustainability, transparency, and digital agility are likely to thrive, while those clinging to outdated fast-fashion models risk irrelevance. The industry’s future will not be written in factories alone it will be sewn together by the choices of consumers, regulators, and innovators who demand that fashion’s next chapter be not just stylish, but sustainable.
The Ministry of Textiles has launched the 'Swadeshi Campaign' across India to significantly increase domestic consumption of Indian handloom, handicrafts, and textile products. Running for six to nine months, the campaign aims to reposition Indian textiles as powerful symbols of pride, style, and heritage, particularly among urban youth and Gen Z consumers.
The core goals of the 'Swadeshi Campaign' include stimulating domestic textile consumption, directly empowering weavers, artisans, and textile MSMEs, and aligning with major government initiatives. These initiatives include the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for textiles, the PM MITRA Parks, and the One District One Product (ODOP) program.
A major focus of this campaign is to encourage institutional support. The campaign will urge government ministries, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), and educational institutions to adopt Indian-made textiles for uniforms and furnishings.
The campaign's slogan, ‘Swadeshi fabric is the pride of the nation - this is India’s identity’, will be promoted through various awareness channels, including targeted social media outreach, public events, and partnerships with state governments.
The campaign is strategically timed to capitalize on India's expanding textile and clothing market, which is valued at $179 billion in 2024 and growing at a CAGR of over 7 per cent.
Domestic household consumption currently accounts for 58 per cent of the market and is growing at 8.19 per cent annually, signaling robust consumer demand. By targeting the digitally-savvy youth, the 'Swadeshi Campaign' seeks to accelerate this growth and ensure that local artisans and manufacturers benefit directly from the nation's economic momentum.
Seef Properties has launched the first Kiabi store in Bahrain, at Seef Mall – Seef District. This debut is the result of a partnership with Al Futtaim Group, Kiabi’s regional franchise partner.
Kiabi is globally recognized for offering accessible and stylish fashion for women, men, and children of all ages. The brand's philosophy blends comfort, affordability, and French elegance, offering a comprehensive range of everyday essentials, seasonal collections, footwear, and accessories.
In line with its commitment to sustainability, Kiabi integrates eco-conscious practices into its operations. A significant portion of its products are made from environmentally friendly fibers, with the long-term goal of transitioning all collections to sustainable materials.
With existing stores in the UAE and Kuwait, this new Bahrain location strengthens Kiabi’s overall presence in the GCC region, bringing its unique fashion philosophy to a new audience.
Duaij Al Romaihi, Chief Commercial Officer, Seef Properties, states, welcoming Kiabi is a key step in their strategic redevelopment plan to revitalize the mall. This addition enhances the brand’s position as a leading shopping and leisure destination in Bahrain, he notes, adding, it reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to attract top-tier global brands.
Simon Naga, Vice President -Asia and Fashion, Al-Futtaim Group, call this launch a ‘key milestone’ in their GCC growth strategy. The company aims to offer a memorable shopping experience that blends the latest fashion trends, high-quality products, and French flair—all at affordable prices, he adds.
Since its inception in 1997, Seef Mall – Seef District has remained a premier shopping and entertainment destination, continuing to attract visitors from across the GCC with its diverse mix of international brands and family-friendly options.
The Indian Textile Accessories and Machinery Manufacturers' Association (ITAMMA) held its 82nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 24, 2025, in Mumbai, with a dual focus on critical industry issues: Packaging Aspects and preparing the sector for 'Viksit Bharat 2047.'
ND Mhatre, Director General (Tech) ITAMMA, highlighted, customer rejections due to poor packaging remain a major complaint, especially with textile machinery increasingly featuring delicate electronic components. To address this, ITAMMA hosted Dr Babu Rao Guduri from the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP), a national apex body established by the Ministry of Commerce. Dr. Guduri provided detailed insights and case studies on the importance of robust and sustainable packaging for promoting exports.
Omprakash Mantry, President, ITAMMA noted, comprising roughly 3,000 units and expected to reach $2.02 billion by 2033, the Indian textile machinery industry needs to innovate in packaging materials like woven sacks and FIBCs, and adopt eco-friendly, paper-based alternatives to reduce polymer dependence.
The AGM also featured consultant Avinash Mayekar of Suvin Expo LLP, who presented a strategic roadmap for the Indian Textile Engineering Industry (ITEI) to contribute to the nation's 2047 vision.
The national textile goal is ambitious: $600 billion in textile exports and a $1.8 trillion domestic market. Mayekar stressed, achieving this requires ITEI to maximize its global market share through strategic initiative like import substitution, technology and OEM development, and infrastructure creation.
The technology areas that need to be specifically focused include: manmade fiber spinning (airjet, open-end), high-speed weaving (rapier, airjet, waterjet looms), state-of-the-art processing range, and advanced technical textiles machinery.
In a related event, ITAMMA launched the 'Innovation Scouting Mission' in association with the ‘BK Mehta Endowment Fund.’ This initiative allows students from textile institutes to work in member factories for a day or two to explore and develop innovative solutions for increasing productivity and reducing costs. This mission, an extension of the previously successful 'BK Mehta Technology Networking Mission-2030' series, aims to directly connect academia, industry experts, and government bodies to foster the next generation of textile engineering innovation.
The inaugural edition of the bilateral Bangladesh-China Green Textile Expo 2025 (BCGTX) is scheduled to be held from October 23–25 at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka.
A joint venture between Savor International and the Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB), the event will have Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) as the Knowledge Partner.
Focusing on Man-Made Fibers (MMF), the exhibition will emphasize innovation, sustainable manufacturing practices, and opportunities for greener production within the textile industry. BCGTX is also teaming up with global initiatives, such as Shanghai Climate Week, to underscore Asia’s position and China’s actions on climate change.
Distinguished professors and experts are scheduled to participate in seminars and sessions, where they will share insights to support sustainable textile development.
The event marks a significant milestone in the more than 50-year diplomatic relationship between Bangladesh and China, aiming to further strengthen cooperation and open new avenues for growth.
European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers, Cematex is significantly expanding its influence and commitment to the future of the EU textile machinery industry. Officially registered in the EU Transparency Register, the organization is boosting its engagement with European Union institutions and stakeholders. As a part of its reinforced presence, Cematex is actively participating in the EU Sustainable Textiles Transition Pathway, pledging support for a greener European textile ecosystem. The group has also joined the EU Textiles Ecosystem platform to ensure stronger connections within the broader EU textiles community.
In response to the evolving legislative landscape, Cematex is closely monitoring key EU initiatives that will shape the upcoming EU textile strategy. These include the Eco-Design Regulation (Textile Delegated Act), the implementation of the Waste Framework Directive across member states, the development of the Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules for apparel, and reforms to market surveillance and customs.
A major focus for Cematex is trade advocacy, particularly addressing hurdles in major markets. The organization is actively challenging the Indian Omnibus Technical Regulation, which mandates compulsory certification by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for weaving and embroidery machines.
The organization has also submitted a position paper to the Indian Ministry of Heavy Industries and is lobbying for a postponement of the regulation. Simultaneously, it is pushing the European Commission to secure tariff-free access for EU textile machinery exports to India.
On the European front, Cematex has coordinated with industry allies (CECIMO, Orgalim, and CECE) to press the European Commission to classify India's compulsory certification as a Technical Barrier to Trade (TBT) at the WTO, calling for its removal.
The organization is also strengthening its efforts in market surveillance against non-compliant imports. It has developed a position paper for all 27 EU Member State Market Surveillance Authorities (MSAs) and is creating documentation to help identify likely sources of non-compliance.
Furthermore, a new Machine Safety Committee is being established to collect evidence and develop awareness materials for MSAs, customs officers, and even customer associations regarding the risks of non-compliant imported machinery.
Alex Zucchi, President, Cematex notes, his comprehensive engagement is vital to ensure a competitive, sustainable, and innovative future for the European textile machinery industry.
