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Teijin Frontier Co has introduced a groundbreaking high-performance polyester fabric that combines the sophisticated look and feel of natural fibers with cutting-edge comfort and functionality.
This next-generation textile features yarns of varying thickness, creating a richly textured and visually appealing fabric ideal for both casual and fashion-forward apparel.
Developed using Teijin Frontier’s proprietary spinning technology, the fabric is made from a unique four-lobed, flat cross-section yarn with random thicknesses. This construction mimics the natural irregularities of fibers like cotton or linen, offering a refined appearance while delivering key performance benefits - including a cool-touch sensation, quick-drying properties, anti-stickiness, UV protection, and full opacity.
Aligned with the company’s sustainability goals, the fabric is made entirely from recycled polyester. It can be either knitted or woven, making it versatile for a range of applications across casualwear and lifestyle apparel. Teijin Frontier aims to launch the material for commercial use in the Spring/Summer 2026 fashion season.
The fabric also incorporates advanced technical features: moisture-wicking through capillary action, cool-touch performance enhanced by titanium oxide embedded in the yarn, anti-stickiness from surface irregularities, and UV-blocking enabled by its light-scattering structure. Special dyeing and finishing techniques give the fabric a natural aesthetic and soft hand feel.
Sales are set to begin in fiscal year 2025, with Teijin Frontier targeting a distribution volume of 250,000 meters by fiscal 2027.
RE&UP has become the first brand globally to achieve C2C Certified Circularity Certification - a gold-standard validation for system-ready circular design.
Awarded by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute, the certification encompasses three RE&UP products including Next-Gen Recycled Cotton (Pre-Consumer) – Platinum level; Next-Gen Recycled Cotton (Post-Consumer) – Platinum level; Textile-to-Textile Recycled Polyester Chips – Silver level
What distinguishes this certification is its rigorous evaluation process. Materials are assessed not only for the percentage of compatible materials for recycling but also for chemical safety, end-of-life recovery systems, and effective integration of recycled content, among other criteria. The assessment is conducted by Eco Intelligent Growth (EIG), a third-party accredited body.
This certification demonstrates RE&UP’s readiness to tackle sustainability challenges at scale for the entire industry, states Andreas Dorner, General Manager, RE&UP. It proves that recycled fibers can go beyond one-off sustainability claims, he adds.
RE&UP has demonstrated that its fiber production is not just compatible with circularity - it’s purpose-built for it, says Nienke Steen, Director - Apparel, Textiles & Footwear.
Elwyn Grainger-Jones, CEO and Executive Director, adds, this achievement sets a strong precedent for what fiber innovation can look like in a circular economy. It raises the bar for what’s possible and expected from material suppliers across the fashion and textile sectors.
RE&UP’s innovative fibers are already being adopted by global brands aiming to move beyond pilot-scale circularity. By embedding traceability, regulatory compliance, and mechanical integrity directly into the fiber, RE&UP is accelerating a shift that many in the industry still consider aspirational.
Despite the fashion industry's push for circularity, over 99 per cent of textiles are still made from virgin materials, and only 6.9 per cent of the global economy operates on a circular model, according to the 2025 Circularity Gap Report by Circle Economy.
Australian denim brand Ksubi has launched its maiden caps collection in joint venture with New Era. This limited-edition capsule features three iconic New Era styles - the 59FIFTY Fitted, 9FORTY Snapback, and 9FORTY A-Frame Trucker - all redesigned by Ksubi and sporting co-branded embroidery.
Actively expanding its product offerings, Ksubi ventured into the sunglass category with four styles co-designed by NBA player Patty Mills last May. Prior to that, Ksubi launched an underwear line.
Both brands connected through their shared roots in streetwear and strong ties to the music, art, and sports scenes at the forefront of culture.
The highlight of this collection is a campaign titled ‘One Cap One Krew,’ which showcases prominent figures within Ksubi and New Era's global communities. The campaign features rapper FourFive, content creator Jadon Grundy, Miami Dolphins wide receiver D'wayne Eskridge, and designer Ron Louis. This talent represents creative hubs like New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Chicago, and ‘they share how their city has shaped their journeys so far and led them to being widely regarded as cultural trailblazers,’ notes Ksubi.
The Ksubi x New Era collection ranges from $89.99 to $119.99 and is available on ksubi.com and at Ksubi flagship stores.
With growing environmental consciousness, the fashion industry, long criticized for its detrimental impact, is looking for new and innovative ways towards sustainability. While conversations often revolve around material innovation and circular economy models, a seemingly simple yet profoundly effective solution is gaining traction: right sizing. The ability to provide consumers with accurate and personalized size recommendations is emerging not just as a tool for increasing customer satisfaction, but as a significant contributor to reducing waste, emissions, and overproduction across the textile value chain.
The convenience of online shopping has undeniably transformed the way we consume fashion. However, this ease comes at an environmental cost, largely due to the staggering rate of returns. According to a 2018 report by Optoro, a reverse logistics technology company, between 15 per cent and 40 per cent of online apparel purchases are returned, with sizing and fit being the primary reasons for these returns. As per a Narvar, 2022 report this reverse logistics process in the US alone generates an estimated 5 billion pounds of waste annually, contributing significantly to carbon emissions through transportation and processing. The Narvar report also indicates that approximately 5.8 billion pounds of returned goods end up in landfills each year in the US, worsening the textile waste crisis.
A direct route to lower emissions
The logic is compelling: fewer returns translate directly into a lower carbon footprint. Each returned item embarks on an additional journey, involving transportation, repackaging, and potentially even disposal. By implementing technologies that significantly improve size accuracy, brands can drastically reduce these unnecessary shipments. Imagine a scenario where a consumer, guided by precise body measurements and virtual try-on experiences, confidently selects the perfect size the first time. This not only enhances their shopping experience but also eliminates the environmental burden associated with multiple deliveries and returns.
A 2021 joint report by Quantis (now ERM) and Zalando estimated that returns can generate 0.5 kg of CO₂e per returned item on average. While this figure can vary depending on factors like transportation distance and processing, it highlights the cumulative environmental impact of millions of returns.
Curbing overstock and waste
The impact of right sizing extends far beyond just minimizing returns. The fashion industry grapples with the pervasive issue of overproduction. Driven by the uncertainty of consumer demand and the need to accommodate potential returns, brands often produce significantly more clothing than they ultimately sell. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation estimates that globally, around $500 billion worth of clothing is lost every year due to underutilization and lack of recycling. While not solely attributable to sizing issues, inaccurate size predictions contribute to this overstock, leading to unsold inventory and eventual disposal.
Personalized size recommendations offer a powerful tool to address this inefficiency. By gaining accurate insights into customer measurements and preferences, brands can make more informed decisions about their production runs. This data can help predict the optimal size distribution needed, minimizing the risk of overstocking and the subsequent disposal of unsold inventory.
Table: Impact of accurate sizing on potential waste reduction
|
Metric |
Traditional e-commerce (estimated) |
E-commerce with enhanced sizing accuracy (potential) |
|
Potential reduction |
|
Size-Related Return Rate |
25% |
10% |
|
15% |
|
Proportion of Returns to Landfill |
25% |
20% (Assuming better resale/recycling of fewer returns) |
|
5% |
|
Potential Reduction in Landfilled Items |
- |
Significant (Dependent on overall return volume) |
|
- |
Note: The table uses estimated figures based on industry reports and illustrates the potential impact. Actual reductions will vary.
While specific data on environmental impact is often proprietary, online fashion retailer ASOS implemented a ‘Virtual Catwalk’ and ‘See My Fit’ tool to help customers visualize clothing on different body types. While primarily aimed at improving the shopping experience and reducing returns, initiatives like these inherently contribute to sustainability by minimizing the need for bracketing and subsequent returns. Although exact figures on emission reduction aren't available, ASOS reported positive impacts on customer satisfaction and a likely reduction in return rates due to improved size confidence.
Conscious consumption the way to go
The benefits of right sizing influences consumer behaviour as well. The uncertainty around fit often leads to a practice known as ‘bracketing’ where customers purchase multiple sizes of the same item with the intention of returning those that don't fit. This not only contributes to the high return rates but also fosters a less mindful approach to shopping.
By providing accurate size recommendations, brands can empower consumers to shop with greater confidence, reducing the likelihood of bulk ordering and subsequent returns. This encourages more conscious purchasing habits, where each acquisition is considered and less likely to end up as waste.
A 2020 study published in the journal ‘Resources, Conservation and Recycling’ highlighted the environmental burden of online apparel returns, emphasizing the need for solutions that improve fit accuracy to reduce the carbon footprint associated with e-commerce. While the study didn't specifically quantify the impact of personalized sizing, it underscored the environmental imperative of minimizing returns, where accurate sizing plays a crucial role.
Therefore, the potential of right sizing for sustainability is significant, widespread adoption requires continued innovation and collaboration. Advancements in body scanning technology, AI-powered size prediction algorithms, and virtual try-on experiences are crucial. Furthermore, brands need to invest in integrating these technologies seamlessly into their online platforms and educate consumers on their benefits.
The fashion industry, often lauded for its artistry and emotional appeal, stands at an intriguing crossroads. While it captivates with creative visions and seasonal trends, a closer look at the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector reveals strategies that could revolutionize how fashion brands operate and connect with consumers. FMCG giants have mastered ‘hyper-personalized marketing, fast, efficient distribution, and storytelling that sticks’ capabilities that many design-centric industries, including fashion, are only beginning to fully explore.
The question is compelling: why do everyday essentials like soaps and snacks command prime shelf space with such calculated precision, while apparel brands often lean heavily on intuition and aesthetics? The answer lies, in part, in the FMCG sector's embrace of data-driven strategies and technological advancements. Fashion, while inherently about emotion, can benefit from integrating a scientific approach, leveraging data and technology to not just survive, but truly lead in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Weaving in hyper-personalization
FMCG brands thrive on understanding their consumers intimately. Through sophisticated data analytics, they decipher purchasing patterns, preferences, and even anticipate future needs. This allows hyper-personalized marketing campaigns that resonate deeply, delivering the right message to the right person at the right time. For example, Unilever's Dove has successfully employed personalized marketing campaigns that focus on body positivity and self-esteem, resonating deeply with their target audience. Their ‘Real Beauty’ campaign, while not strictly hyper-personalized in a one-to-one sense, utilized powerful storytelling and addressed consumer sentiments in a way that built strong brand loyalty and significantly impacted sales.
Fashion, traditionally reliant on broader demographic targeting, can learn immensely from this. Fashion brands can emulate Unilever’s example by leveraging data to understand their customers' values and aspirations, crafting narratives that go beyond mere aesthetics. Imagine a future where AI analyzes a customer's past purchases, browsing history, and even social media activity to suggest highly relevant clothing items, styling advice, or even personalized design modifications. As Imran Amed, CEO, The Business of Fashion, notes, "Data is the new oil, and those who can refine it into actionable insights will have a significant competitive advantage." For fashion, this means moving beyond surface-level trends and understanding the deeper motivations and desires of their consumers.
Reimagining distribution through technology
FMCG's mastery of fast and efficient distribution is a cornerstone of its success. Sophisticated supply chains, optimized logistics, and real-time inventory management ensure that products are readily available where and when consumers demand them. The fashion industry, often plagued by long lead times, complex global supply chains, and inventory challenges, can benefit from adopting similar principles through technology. Imagine leveraging AI-powered forecasting to predict demand more accurately, implementing blockchain for supply chain transparency, or utilizing drone technology for faster last-mile delivery.
In fact, Zara, a fast-fashion giant, has already demonstrated the power of a responsive supply chain. By closely monitoring trends and utilizing agile production and distribution systems, they can quickly bring new styles to market, reacting to consumer demand in near real-time. While not strictly FMCG, Zara’s model highlights the potential of speed and efficiency in the fashion sector.
As per McKinsey report, companies that invest in supply chain digitalization can see a 20 per cent reduction in procurement costs and a 10 per cent increase in revenue. For fashion brands grappling with overstock or stockouts, embracing technology-driven distribution solutions is no longer a luxury but a necessity.
Building deeper connections
FMCG brands excel at creating narratives around their products that resonate with consumers on an emotional level. Whether it's the comforting nostalgia associated with a particular snack or the aspirational lifestyle portrayed in a beverage advertisement, these stories build brand loyalty and drive purchasing decisions.
Fashion, inherently rich in storytelling potential, can increase its impact by adopting more data-informed approaches. Understanding consumer values and aspirations through data can inform the narratives brands create, making them more authentic and impactful. Technology can further enhance storytelling through immersive experiences like virtual reality fashion shows or interactive digital campaigns.
Data-led merchandising, mass customization, and retail velocity
The post highlights three areas where fashion can directly learn from FMCG.
First, is data-led merchandising instead of relying solely on gut feeling, fashion retailers can leverage data analytics to optimize product placement, predict best-selling items, and personalize in-store experiences. Imagine using AI to analyze foot traffic patterns and sales data to strategically position merchandise for maximum impact, similar to how FMCG brands optimize shelf layouts.
Second, is mass customization as technology enables fashion brands to move beyond standardized sizes and offer personalized products at scale. 3D printing, on-demand manufacturing, and interactive design tools can empower consumers to create garments that perfectly fit their bodies and preferences. This not only enhances customer satisfaction but also reduces waste associated with unsold inventory. In fact a Deloitte study found 48 per cent consumers are willing to wait longer for a personalized product. This indicates a growing demand for customization, a trend that fashion brands can capitalize on through technological advancements.
Third is understanding and optimizing retail velocity – the speed at which products sell – is crucial for profitability. By leveraging data to track sales in real-time, fashion brands can make informed decisions about restocking, markdowns, and inventory management, mirroring the efficiency of FMCG's supply chain optimization.
The fusion of emotion and science
Design is undeniably rooted in emotion, in the creation of beauty and the expression of identity. However, in a dynamic market, relying solely on intuition is no longer a sustainable strategy for widespread success. By embracing data analytics and technological innovation, the fashion industry can unlock unprecedented opportunities for personalization, efficiency, and deeper customer engagement.
The brands that can seamlessly blend the art of design with the precision of data and the power of technology are not just destined to survive; they are poised to lead the future of fashion, creating a more responsive, relevant, and ultimately, more resonant industry. The lessons from the FMCG sector offer a compelling roadmap for this transformation, urging fashion to look beyond the runway and embrace the power of data and technology to truly connect with the hearts and minds (and wallets) of consumers.
Crystal International Group Limited’s denim division, Crystal Denim, has unveiled CirClimate, a groundbreaking denim collection engineered for climate adaptability and full biodegradability. Developed in partnership with Advance Denim, the capsule uses Eastman Naia Acetate Renew and Tencel fibres merging environmental responsibility with high-performance functionality.
The CirClimate collection is entirely biodegradable and built on the ‘Design to Disappear’ philosophy. It incorporates 100 per cent cellulosic fibres, cotton threads, compostable packaging, and removable shank buttons, eliminating synthetic elements like polyester to reduce environmental impact. Unlike conventional performance denim, CirClimate offers all-season comfort without compromising on sustainability.
The key material, Naia Acetate Renew, is derived from sustainably sourced wood pulp and recycled content, offering a soft, breathable, and durable fabric. Unlike traditional performance denim, CirClimate is free from polyester, yet it delivers year-round comfort through temperature regulation and moisture-wicking capabilities.
“Our aim is to introduce more nature-based, eco-friendly collections to the industry,” said Janet Lui, Senior Manager - Product Development at Crystal Denim. “We are redefining denim to integrate climate-adaptive design and sustainability performance. CirClimate has passed rigorous moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating tests.”
Based in Hong Kong, Crystal International is reinforcing its commitment to circularity and resilient fashion solutions amid rising environmental challenges and shifting consumer values. The launch of CirClimate aligns with the Group’s Net Zero 2050 roadmap, underscoring its vision to lead the industry toward regenerative and climate-conscious fashion innovation.
Posting a strong performance driven by the robust demand for the brand’s updated apparel collection, Abercrombie & Fitch reported net sales of $1.10 billion in Q1, FY25.
The retailer's strategy of introducing trendy pieces, such as printed jeans and dresses, successfully attracted more shoppers, especially younger consumers. Hollister's vintage tees and denim lines performed well, with comparable sales increasing 23 per cent during the quarter—up from 13 percent in the same period last year.
Despite tariffs and global trade challenges that create demand fluctuations, these factors have prompted a revision to its profit forecast for annual sales, Abercrombie stated. The company now anticipates net sales to grow approximately 3 to 6 per cent for the year, an increase from its earlier forecast of 3 to 5 per cent growth. This updated outlook includes a 30 per cent duty on imports from China and a 10 per cent tariff on other global goods, with tariff-related expenses estimated at $50 million.
Abercrombie's focus on stylish, high-quality apparel and its ability to respond to changing market trends are accelerating consumer engagement. As it navigates the impact of tariffs and evolving demand patterns, the brand continues to strengthen its position in the competitive retail landscape.
A global leader in sustainable chemicals, Indorama Ventures is expanding its deja fiber and filament yarn portfolio to significantly boost sustainability efforts. This move aims to drive circularity and decarbonization within the global textile industry and prepare for the upcoming European Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR).
The expanded deja portfolio features three key offerings designed to tackle customers' primary sustainability challenges:
Indorama Ventures offers deja PET fibers and filament yarns made entirely from recycled textile waste that was previously discarded. These on-demand products include high-tenacity yarns and cords for technical uses like airbags and seat belts, as well as fibers and filament yarns for lifestyle applications such as apparel and home textiles.
To help customers lower their carbon footprint, deja Bio provides high-performing deja PET yarns produced in Europe and Asia with a significantly reduced carbon footprint. Thanks to Indorama Ventures' fully integrated, in-house PET supply chain, all these products comply with the ‘Together for Sustainability’ industry initiative's accounting methodology.
The bio-based deja portfolio offers high-tenacity yarns and tire cord fabrics that allow for a gradual introduction of bio-content into customer products. Customers can avoid or simplify qualification procedures and still get the same performance as fossil-based solutions. Plus, these products can be recycled through mechanical or enhanced processes.
deja Enhanced products are designed to transform hard-to-recycle packaging and textile waste into new fibers and yarns through enhanced recycling, developed in close collaboration with partners across the value chain. These solutions are readily available and perform similarly to fossil-based alternatives. In the future, these products will also be supplied with flexible proportions of reprocessed textile feedstock to meet customers' circularity goals.
Claire Mattelet, Head-Global Sustainability Program, Indorama Ventures-Fibers Business, states, with the expanded deja portfolio, Indorama Ventures empowers its customers to meet their circularity and decarbonization goals through innovative, high-performance PET fibers and yarns made from textile waste, bio-based inputs, and hard-to-recycle materials.
Taking a leading role and collaborating throughout the entire value chain to drive sustainable practices in the man-made fibers industry is central to Indorama Ventures’ commitment to shaping the future of textiles.The company has set a target of achieving 40 per cent recycled and bio-based feedstock for its current commodity feedstock by 2030.
Nigeria imports nearly 90 per cent of its ‘Ankara’ print fabrics from China and India, as per a new report titled, ‘Who is Dressing 220 + Million Nigerians?’ by Consonance Investment.
Ankara is frequently used as Aso-Ebi, a Yoruba term meaning ‘family cloth,’ during events like weddings, funerals, and birthdays to demonstrate solidarity.
However, despite being a cultural staple and Nigerians spending between ₦36,000 and over ₦20 million on fashion annually, the country continues to rely on imported Ankara fabrics resulting in an estimated $3 billion loss in local value each year.
Local fashion brands and textile manufacturers account for less than 15 per cent of the clothing supply, largely due to inadequate investment in domestic production and retail infrastructure, adding that the value chain remains foreign-dependent, the report further noted.
Nigerian consumers spend between $2.5 billion and $6 billion on clothes every year. However, the fashion industry only makes up $129 million (₦205 billion) of the country’s GDP, or 0.47 per cent of the total, says the report. Most of this value is lost to imports and informal retail activity.
Nigeria imports up to $6 billion in apparel and textiles each year, excluding an estimated $1.2 billion in smuggled goods, while exports remain under $100 million, the report claims. Despite strong domestic demand and cultural influence, the industry remains fragmented, underfunded, and full of untapped potential, it adds.
The report also notes that ‘approximately 25,000 individuals are directly employed in Aba’s garment and leather clusters, with many more engaged in supporting industries.’
According to the report, at least 10,000 Nigerian fashion vendors operate on Instagram, powering a massive informal e-commerce scene.
The report states, less than 15 per cent of Nigeria’s fashion market is served by structured capital from banks and government agencies, with the majority of fashion brands in the country being self-funded.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has assured the Maharashtra Government full federal support in its endeavor to develop a cotton plucking machine He also directed the Agriculture Ministry's mechanization division to launch a similar initiative, underscoring the government's dedication to advancing farm mechanization.
Speaking during the launch of the Centre’s ‘One Nation-One Agriculture-One Team’ program, an effort to improve coordination among agricultural stakeholders, Chauhan emphasized the machine would help revolutionize cotton harvesting in India, where the process is still very labor-intensive.
Manikrao Kokate, Agriculture Minister, Maharashtra emphasized, labor shortages are a significant hurdle for the sector, reinforcing the urgent need for mechanization. Chouhan agreed, advocating for a broader push toward farm mechanization to boost productivity and ease the burden on farmers.
Beyond mechanization, the minister underscored the vital role of soil health in shaping sustainable cropping patterns. He urged farmers to adopt practices that boost soil fertility, including crop diversification, which can help maintain long-term land productivity.
Chouhan also recommended a balanced approach to natural farming, advising farmers to start small and gradually expand rather than attempting an immediate, full-scale transition. He noted that when done correctly, natural farming doesn't necessarily reduce input levels, but warned that some farmers' improper practices have led to less-than-ideal results.
The ‘One Nation-One Agriculture-One Team’ initiative aims to foster seamless collaboration among government bodies, agricultural scientists, input suppliers, and farmers to collectively tackle the sector's challenges and enhance overall productivity.
