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Karl Mayer Technical Textiles is celebrating the strong market response to its latest innovations, the Max Glass Eco and TM Weft 2. Launched last year, both machines saw above-average demand in 2024, with double-digit sales in key markets like China and India.
The momentum continues in 2025. “In the first week of January alone, we received eight inquiries from China for our TM Weft 2,” said Jan Stahr, Regional Sales Manager. The rise in interest follows successful installations in a Chinese textile hub, where the machine is reducing wastewater impact and boosting efficiency for traditional waterjet weaving mills. The TM Weft 2 also appeals to warp knitting customers seeking new applications.
Offering a 20 per cent performance boost over its predecessor, the TM Weft 2 stands out with its improved crankcase system, ease of use, and durability. Meanwhile, the Max Glass Eco is gaining traction in the wind power industry, producing high-output glass fiber fabrics at speeds of up to 1,800 rpm. With optional modifications available, it meets diverse production needs while offering a shorter amortization period.
With strong market alignment and cost-effective advantages, Karl Mayer’s latest machines are driving increased adoption across key textile sectors.
Poised for a significant expansion, the global custom apparel market is projected to grow by 8.4 per cent CAGR or 2.45 billion from 2025-29, according to a Technavio report.
Representing a CAGR of 8.4 per cent, this growth will be driven by factors such as an increasing prevalence of internet and smartphone usage alongwith rising popularity of the DIY culture and maker movement.
Despite this positive outlook, the market faces challenges like counterfeit products, particularly prevalent in the Asia-Pacific region, especially China. This widespread sale of fake custom apparel undercuts legitimate brands, as these counterfeit items are often sold at significantly lower prices, disrupting the market and harming brand reputation.
Growth in the global custom apparel market is being shaped by technological advancements and evolving consumer preferences. The market adopts popular customization techniques including embroidery, screen printing, sublimation, and heat transfer. Personalized designs, such as graphic t-shirts and custom logos, remain highly sought-after, fueled by innovations in digital printing and direct-to-garment technology.
Another crucial trend gaining momentum is sustainability. Eco-conscious consumers continue to demand custom apparel made from sustainable fabrics like organic cotton and lyocell. Beyond individual consumers, businesses across various sectors, including hospitality, logistics, and fashion, are leveraging customized apparel as a powerful branding tool.
The DIY culture is further influencing market dynamics. The demand for tools and equipment that enable at-home customization, such as sewing machines and screen-printing kits, is on the rise. This trend empowers individuals to create their own personalized apparel, contributing to the overall market growth.
As a key member of the Bharat Tex Trade Federation, the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) will showcase India's growing prominence in the global textile and apparel sector at the upcoming Bharat Tex 2025, held in New Delhi from February 14-17, 2025.
CMAI's ‘Brands of India’ pavilion will feature over 40 leading Indian retail brands, highlighting the strength of domestic apparel manufacturers and retailers. This showcase will include prominent names across the fashion spectrum, from established players to emerging designers.
CMAI will also host key panel discussions. Its panel discussion titled, ‘India Size: No More Misfits’ will address the country's first standardized size chart initiative, discussing its potential to improve garment fit and boost e-commerce. Another panel, ‘Value Retail: Consumer's Delight, Industry's Opportunity,’ will explore the booming value retail segment and its impact on the apparel landscape.
Furthermore, CMAI will launch the website and Sustainable Supply Chain Directory for SU.RE (Sustainable Resolution), an initiative focused on promoting ethical and transparent practices within the Indian fashion industry.
For this event, CMAI will collaborate with Reliance Brands Limited, the United Nations in India, and the Ministry of Textiles to establish new benchmarks for sustainability.
Emphasizing the importance of Bharat Tex 2025 for India’s textile and apparel industry, Santosh Katariya, President, CMAI, highlights the growing demand for sustainable textiles. Rahul Mehta, Chief Mentor, CMAI notes, the industry transformation is being driven by consumer preferences for sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation.
In addition to these initiatives, CMAI will facilitate the participation of over 100 MSME exhibitors in specialized sections for apparel, textiles, and startups. Bharat Tex 2025 is expected to attract over 5,000 exhibitors, 6,000 international buyers, and 10,000 domestic visitors, solidifying India's position in the global textile market.
The Dyes and Chemicals industry will be a key participant at Bharat Tex 2025, aligning with the Prime Minister’s 5F vision for the textile sector’s holistic growth. The event will take place at the India Expo Centre and Mart in Greater Noida, opening its doors to visitors on February 12, 2025.
Around 50 leading companies will showcase sustainable products, services, and technologies for textile dyeing, printing, and processing, including natural dyes. The event will host knowledge sessions on Colour Science, covering measurement, automation, and AI, and Natural Dyes & Bio-Based Solutions, focusing on industry challenges.
DyeChem World is the only dedicated exhibition for the textile dyes and chemicals industry. It aims to promote sustainable chemical solutions, processes, and technologies that minimize environmental impact while enhancing efficiency and productivity. Organized by Textile Excellence, this exhibition provides a platform for industry players to engage with customers and explore the latest advancements.
Dyes and chemicals are vital to the textile and apparel industry, playing a crucial role in sustainability. With growing regulations on eco-friendly manufacturing, the industry is shifting towards sustainable raw materials, processing techniques, and finishing technologies. Textile dyeing, printing, and finishing are among the most polluting stages in production, increasing the need for environmentally friendly solutions.
In 2022, India produced approximately 398,000 metric tons of dyes and pigments, with about 80 per cent consumed by the domestic textile industry. India manufactures around 700 varieties of dyes, pigments, and intermediates, supplying other sectors like paper, plastics, and printing ink. Maharashtra and Gujarat account for 90 per cent of India’s dyestuff production, with over 1,200 factories.
India exported dyes worth $2.25 billion in 2023-24, while imports stood at $297.63 million. The overall chemicals industry exported $20.38 billion and imported $27.11 billion during the same period.
The exhibition will showcase textile dyes, pigments, inks, and colorants, along with textile chemicals, enzymes, and auxiliaries. It will also feature special textile finishes like anti-odor, antimicrobial, wrinkle-free, moisture-wicking, and flame-retardant treatments, as well as water-treatment chemicals for ETP, WTP, and ZLD processes.
US footwear firm Skechers expects FY25 sales to rise to $9.70 billion with sales in Q1,FY25 rising to $2.40 billion.
The brand registered a 12.8 per cent increase in sales during Q4, FY24. This was a result of 18 per cent rise in domestic sales and 9.8 per cent rise in international sales.
The brand’s sales from the wholesale business also increased by 17.5 per cent while its direct-to-consumer sales increased 8.4 per cent during the quarter
Regionally, the brand’s sales in Asia Pacific grew by 3.3 per cent while sales in the Americas increased by 14.2 per cent during the quarter. Sales in Europe, Middle East and Africa expanded by 24.8 per cent, said the Los Angeles-based company.
During the quarter, the company’s revenues increased to $99.3 million as against revenues of $87.2 million in the corresponding quarter last year.
According to Robert Greenberg, CEO, Skechers, the record sales growth achieved by Skechers during the quarter can be attributed to the strong response to the brand’s focus on comfort technology products, and the outstanding contribution of their dedicated team in developing, marketing and managing the strategic allocation of footwear, apparel and accessories worldwide. The brand’s innovative business closely aligns with the needs of consumers of all ages, genders, activities and professions embrace their performance products, he adds.
Scoop kicked off at Olympia West today, setting a vibrant tone for the Autumn/Winter '25 season. Visitors flocked to the dynamic showroom, eager to explore over 250 designer collections, including Fabienne Chapot, Isabelle Blanche, Sophie + Lucie, and Sitting Suits.
Independent retailers such as Young Ideas, Pamela Shiffer, Anne Furbank, and Cream joined Irish stockists like Nu Chic, Rococo, Macbees, and Sybil in browsing the curated selection of brands.
Exhibiting designers were thrilled with the turnout. Laura Robertshaw from Stand Studio, attending for the first time, said: “We’ve had an excellent first day, meeting many independent boutiques. We are currently stocked in Selfridges and looking to expand.”
Sinead Ormiston from Oldstrom, representing Isabelle Blanche, noted: “We’ve welcomed many new buyers, especially from Ireland. Our statement pieces have been a hit.”
Maria Alvarez from Sophie + Lucie added: “It’s been a busy day with great energy. We’ve had interest from buyers in the UK, Ireland, and Japan.”
Retailers also shared positive feedback. Bernie Dunleavey of The Front Room, Merseyside, said: “The atmosphere is fantastic. I’ve found exciting new designers and topped up orders.”
Pamela Shiffer called this season’s event the best yet. “The buzz, energy, and selection have been outstanding. I’ve placed three orders already.”
Rosie Wild of Moda Rosa, New Alresford, enjoyed the showcase: “There’s been a great atmosphere, and the live band was a wonderful touch.”
Karen Radley, Scoop’s Founder and Managing Director, reflected on the opening day: “The energy has been incredible. We’re thrilled to see retailers discovering new brands and placing orders. With two more days to go, we’re excited for what’s ahead.”
The show continues at Olympia West, Kensington, until Tuesday, 11 February 2025.
Foraying into the skiwear segment, Bestseller-owned Jack & Jones has launched its first Fall/Winter collection.
Offering an extensive range comprising 50 apparel items, the new Jack & Jones Ski collection features five pairs of trousers, six jackets, performance underwear, sweatshirts, fleeces and t-shirts, as well as accessories like hats, gloves, skiing goggles, etc.
Having a margin coefficient of 2.8, the collection will be retailed across Jack & Jones traditional stores, especially retail chains like Intersport or Sport 2000. However, it will also be sold to independent retailers in cities and resort. The collection was recently showcased at the Sport Achat trade show in Grenoble, in the French Alps.
Bestseller plans to sell this France-inspired skiwear collection in 15 markets, including Italy, Spain and Greece. It will also be available at Jack & Jones monobrand stores from the next winter season. In France, Jack & Jones is distributed via 1,200 independent retailers and around 50 monobrand stores. The brand plans to expand its network of monobrand stores to 80 by FY25-end.
A conglomerate with a historically strong export focus, Welspun World is strategically pivoting towards the domestic Indian market.
Announcing this shift, BK Goenka, Chairman, cited India's rapidly growing economy and the company's ambitious expansion plans. Previously, the company’s textile exports accounted for a significant portion of Welspun's revenue. Now, the company aims to capitalize on India's projected $10 trillion economy within the next five years.
Welspun has set a target to triple its revenue from Rs 35,000 crore to Rs 1 lakh crore in the next 3-5 years. This growth will be driven by expansion across all its segments, including textiles, infrastructure, and warehousing. The company has earmarked approximately Rs 1,000-1,200 crore investment for expansion in the textile sector. It aims to replicate its dominant US market share in home textiles within India, targeting a 25 per cent domestic market share.
Sustainability and technology are central to Welspun's strategy. Recognizing the growing importance of eco-friendly practices, the company plans to generate 80 per cent of its power from green sources within two years and increase the use of recycled fiber in its products. Welspun is also investing heavily in AI and machine learning to optimize operations, with its Global Capability Centre in Ahmedabad leading its digital transformation.
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has added 37 Chinese companies to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) Entity List, citing their alleged use of forced labor. A significant portion of these, around 26 companies, operate within the cotton sector.
Among those listed is Huafu Fashion Co, and 25 of its subsidiaries, identified by DHS as being involved in cotton production linked to the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR). Huafu's vertically integrated supply chain, from cotton cultivation to textile manufacturing, and the location of its subsidiaries (22 in XUAR, 3 in Zhejiang Province) pose substantial compliance risks for apparel companies sourcing from China. Businesses associated with these entities could face shipment detentions under UFLPA enforcement.
In December 2024, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) processed over 2.8 million entry summaries, valued at more than $290 billion. During this period, CBP targeted 1,404 entries (over $18.7 million) due to suspected forced labor links. These targets include goods subject to both UFLPA and Withhold Release Orders (WROs).
UFLPA enforcement statistics for the apparel, footwear, and textiles sector reveal it received 1,996 shipments in December 2024. Of these, it released only 649 shipments while 1,996 shipments were detained.
The industry's complex global supply chains necessitate increased compliance. Importers face risks like delays, penalties, and reputational damage if they cannot prove their products are free of forced labor. As UFLPA enforcement intensifies, apparel and textile importers are advised to seek expert guidance on navigating these regulations.
According to DHS, this largest-ever addition to the UFLPA Entity List demonstrates the full force of the law, highlighting impactful updates and enhanced CBP enforcement capabilities.
Kyrgyzstan plans to establish a testing lab for textile and clothing products, according to Trend News Agency, citing the Kyrgyz Ministry of Economy and Commerce.
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce signed a three-party agreement regarding this with the Kyrgyz company KrygSert and Chinese firm Xinjiang Tianyu Engineering Testing.
Formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), this partnership is designed to be a long-term collaboration that benefits all parties involved. The core objective is to launch an investment project focused on creating a testing laboratory that meets international standards for textile and apparel products.
The lab will be used for several functions including quality assurance, where all textile products will be tested to ensure they meet both international and national quality standards. The lab will also issue certificates verifying the safety of products for consumers and the environment.
Further, it will provide expert advice to the apparel industry on maintaining product quality and safety. Lastly, the lab will encourage the adoption of international certification standards among manufacturing companies.
This initiative is expected to create new opportunities for Kyrgyzstan's textile and apparel sectors. By ensuring quality and safety, the lab will help domestic products compete more effectively in the global market, ultimately boosting exports.
