FW
During the July-January period of 2016-17 Pakistan’s exports of bed wear rose 5.07 per cent and exports of readymade garments rose 4.17 per cent. Knitwear exports remained almost flat during this period. Machinery imports soared 42.36 per cent. Power generation machinery imports saw a 90 per cent increase over the previous year. Imports of electric machinery and appliances rose 16.14 per cent. In January, machinery imports increased 50.17 per cent over the same month a year ago and rose 14.24 per cent over December 2016.
In July-January, imports continued to surge and were up 13.6 per cent. Import bill of machinery was the heaviest, accounting for almost a quarter of gross imports during the seven months. Imports of fertiliser, insecticides and other agricultural inputs remained flat during the seven-month period.
The textile sector’s export revenue was down 1.54 per cent over the previous fiscal year. In January, textile exports increased 2.73 per cent over the preceding month but decreased 1.3 per cent over the same month a year earlier. The textile industry accounts for more than half of the annual exports from Pakistan. An incentive package has been prepared for export-oriented sectors. The package comprises withdrawal and concessions on customs duty and sales tax on import of cotton and machinery.
Worldwide, the organic personal care market will grow at nearly 10 per cent a year to 2019. There has been a 26 per cent growth in clothing products, a 32 per cent increase in home textiles, and a five per cent growth in baby wear. This is a positive time for organic - from cotton to wool and all other textiles. Organic supply chains are also strengthening and the number of Global Organic Textiles Standard (GOTS) certified facilities increased by four per cent in 2016, the fourth year of growth.
Consumer concerns around pesticide residues are driving interest in organic personal care products, from cotton wool to feminine hygiene and nappies. More and more consumers in the UK are recognising the importance of organic when making purchasing decisions. Overall, the UK organic market is evolving from food into lifestyle and in future there may be greater crossover between people who buy organic food and non-food items, including textiles and health and beauty products.
At the moment, not enough consumers understand the benefits of organic, but when they do, they are willing to pay more. It is essential to come up with one simple definition of organic which can be used across the market. Also, while consumers have a tendency to say one thing, they do another when it comes to making ethical purchasing decisions.
Myanmar has emerged as an up-and-coming force in the Southeast Asian textile sourcing market space. The country is catching the attention of investors around the globe. A number of large foreign corporations are interested in manufacturing in Myanmar.
In mid-2014, Gap became the first US Corporation to start textile production in Myanmar following the lifting of American sanctions. Within a year, the company tripled the number of products it was manufacturing in Myanmar.
The country has a Five Year plan to boost textile and garment exports. Economic development has been further supported by internal change. New financial laws are reshaping the economy and increasing mobile banking. Additionally, 2016 saw the lifting of all remaining economic trading sanctions between Myanmar and the US after more than two decades. The country saw historic growth in 2016 and exported more than a billion dollars in garments and tactile goods.
As a most favored nation WTO member, Myanmar boasts low tariff rates for exporting countries that are also WTO members. These positive changes have been associated with a rise in foreign direct investments.
With a competitive minimum wage, GSP trade privileges in the EU market and a strategic location at the China-India intersection, Myanmar is becoming increasingly popular among manufacturing companies burdened by the upward cost spiral in China.
Malaysia’s textile and apparel exports increased 10 per cent in the first half of 2016 compared to the same period the previous year. Growth is mainly driven by increasing demand in global market for high quality textiles and clothing from Malaysia, as well as the rising purchasing power in major importing countries. The country’s textile and apparel industry is targeting higher end of the global value chain with diversified production of higher value-added products. The industry has also implemented latest automation and technology in its manufacturing and distribution, while actively seeking business collaboration with foreign companies and undertaking new R&D activities to further strengthen its competitiveness in the global market.
The textile and apparel industry currently employs over 68,000 workers across more than 970 registered garment and textile factories in the country, of which over 400 are making readymade garments, and the rest are operating in major sub-sectors including polymerisation, spinning, weaving, knitting and wet processing, and textile accessories.
Currently, the US, Japan, China, Singapore and Turkey are Malaysia’s top five export destinations. The US remains the largest export market for Malaysian textile products, accounting for over 18 per cent of the industry’s total textile and apparel exports every year.
Stenters made by Monforts are used by textile finishing plants. The automated 72 meter long finishing machine includes a washing machine integrated within the stenter.
Monforts is a finishing machinery specialist from Germany.The seven-chamber stenter is equipped with a horizontal chain, a padder and an integrated weft straightener.
Using this equipment, finishing plants do warp knits for digital printing in the soft signage market as well as for producing garments, automotive interiors and technical textiles.
The substrates used are 100 per cent polyester warp knits, which have become common place as the industry moves away from PVC coatings due to more stringent environmental regulations. These substrates allow excellent take-up of inks and provide vibrant colors and clear images. The resulting warp knitted fabric construction also has the advantage of elasticity, which is a plus in terms of flexibility for installers.
An integrated heat recovery system is fitted as standard on all new Montex stenters.
The stenter has been specifically designed to meet demands of the technical textile and nonwoven industries, such as geotextiles, for finishing wider width fleece and fabrics. It is also equipped with the Monforts Twin Air system for individual adjustment of lower and upper nozzle pressures. For heavier weight fabrics, a supporting belt can be fitted between the upper and lower nozzles of the stenter for mark-free fabric transport through the stenter.
ISPO Tex Trends was held in Germany, February 5 to 8, 2017. The latest textile and trim developments were revealed at the expo. Overall a sense of optimism shone through for fall/winter 2018-19 colors, visual appeal and touch. There were more than 2,800 visitors at the expo. The three main themes were: PFC-free, natural and visibility.
The importance of a cleaner textile process was evident throughout the new developments, especially in the area of PFCs. Among the hazardous elements in the supply chain of the textile industry are PFCs.
A wide range of PFC-free products was displayed. Global Merino offered a hybrid blend of merino wool/polyester in a double-sided spacer structure with a PFC-free DWR. Nanomembrane’s plasma DWR PFC-free laminate provides eco-friendly laminates with thermal regulation, breathability, waterproofing and windproof function to fabrics.
The second key theme was natural rather than eco. There is a return to 100 per cent natural as well as to hybrid blends. On the natural fiber front, wool, silk, cotton, kapok and cashmere featured alongside bio-based developments.
As for visibility, reflective products came to the forefront. There was barely a sector within ISPO Tex Trends that didn’t have reflective products, from zippers to trims, to street sports and outer layers. Everest offered printed reflective products, with a rainbow printed reflective print on a polyester/spandex base. Safe Reflections exhibited reflective coating that can be applied to textured fabrics.
The global smart textiles market is expected to have a CAGR of 33.58 per cent between 2015 and 2020. Growth is mainly driven by the uptrend in wearable devices, increasing demand for sophisticated electronics, miniaturization of electronic components, and a rapid growth of wireless sensor networks.
Smart textiles have numerous applications, such as sports and fitness, defense and military. Currently, military application of smart textiles is the largest market segment, with a share of around 25.8 per cent of the global smart textiles market. Sports and fitness is the second largest segment in global smart textiles – from smart shirts that record heart rates to intelligent bands that track physical activities. Smart textiles in the form of fitness monitoring devices have a lot of demand from health-conscious people. There is also an increasing demand for smart textiles in the architecture and automotive industries.
North America is the world’s largest smart textile market, representing over 45.5 per cent of the global market revenue. But the Asia Pacific region is projected to grow faster. China and India are two of the major manufacturers of smart textiles in the Asia Pacific market, are the largest producers of manufactured fibers, and are expected to dominate the global smart textile market in the near future.
A new report argues that synthetic clothing should be designed in such a way that it it sheds fewer fibres. The report also suggests that invisible plastic particles washed off synthetic clothes are the main source for marine plastic pollution – a claim which has been supported by several other pieces of research in recent years. The report by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) - Microplastics in the Oceans: a Global Evaluation of Sources – suggests that by far the largest proportion of plastic particles in the ocean stem from the laundering of synthetic textiles and the abrasion of tyres while driving. Invisible plastic particles washed off synthetic clothes are the main source for marine plastic pollution. By far the largest proportion of plastic particles in the ocean stems from the laundering of synthetic textiles and the abrasion of tires while driving. Daily activities, such as washing clothes and driving, significantly contribute to the pollution choking oceans, with potentially disastrous effects on the rich diversity of life within them, and on human health.
So the strategy to tackle ocean plastic pollution must go beyond the focus on reducing plastic waste. Solutions must include product and infrastructure design as well as consumer behavior. Consumers can act by choosing natural fabrics over synthetic ones. Synthetic clothing should be designed in such a way that it sheds fewer fibers.
Synthetic textiles are the main source of primary micro plastics in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. The annual consumption of fiber for apparel amounts to 69.7 million tons globally. Synthetic fibers represent almost two-thirds of this consumption. The majority of synthetic fibers are consumed in developing economies. In these economies, consumers buy a larger proportion of synthetic textiles than in developed economies.
Global leaders in the chemical industry for textiles are driving towards consistent and conscious chemistry throughout the denim supply chain and beyond. Representatives from the supply chain are debating the best, safe, sustainable and affordable practices. The debate came up strongly at Kingpins Transformers last year
A lot of chemicals go into making a pair of jeans. At every step of the production chain, chemicals are inserted to facilitate some sort of process. Synthetic petro-chemicals are added in the spinning process to make the cotton stretchier. The dye bath, which is one of the most chemical intensive steps, contains all sorts of dye fixatives, oxidizing agents, reducing agents, and enzymes to bind the synthetic dye to the cotton. To get the yarns stiff enough to run through the loom, the material is sized with PVA, resins, and waxes. After the fabric is woven, the desizing process uses acids and enzymes to dissolve those chemicals that are coating the yarns, which are washed out into the wastewater stream. And in the final step, heavy bleaches and lightening agents are used to create fades and finishes, to give that worn in look.
These days, cleaning up the denim supply chain focuses mainly on water and energy use. However, that misses a big part of denim jeans’ environmental footprint.
"Next month will see the global industry converge in Shanghai to source the latest apparel fabrics and accessories from some 3,000 exhibitors coming from 24 countries and regions at Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition. The three day fair scheduled from March 15-17 will be a melting point for stakeholders. There will be much more than sourcing at the fair though, with both international and domestic trend forums revealing the Spring/Summer 2018 trends."
Next month will see the global industry converge in Shanghai to source the latest apparel fabrics and accessories from some 3,000 exhibitors coming from 24 countries and regions at Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition. The three day fair scheduled from March 15-17 will be a melting point for stakeholders. There will be much more than sourcing at the fair though, with both international and domestic trend forums revealing the Spring/Summer 2018 trends. The international trends will be presented in the Intertextile Directions Trend Forum, which this year is curated by Elementi Moda Srl. The overall mood of next season’s trends is Feel Good, which is encapsulated in three themes:
Engaging Themes
Merge with Nature: Feel good with the harmony of sea horizon. Give rise to a deep feeling of wellness through a meditative walk on the seaside, in total harmony with the natural elements. Feel the dryness of the windswept sand dunes, immersed in sandbanks, shellfish, seaweed and shingle… Plunge your eyes into the sea waves, foam and fish, and take a breath of fresh air to remind what is really essential… For those who are seeking the harmony of body and soul, through a slow and natural way of life made of essentials products.
Care for the future: Feel good and feel positive, thanks to a fresh energy full of vitamins! Science and mindfulness are now cooperating, while technology is going emotional. A new creative 3.0 wave is emerging, both hyper connected and totally relaxed; radical and thoughtful; logical, rational and poetic – all at once. A playful and technological universe inspired by the pop sixties era, for a new generation aiming to mix modernity with wellness and comfort in order to boost their style.
Meet with culture: Feel good through the world journey and cultures mixing… An ode to beauty and elegance, created by the luxurious mix of East and West. An initiatory journey from Asia to the north of the Mediterranean, where the young generations mash up influences, wardrobes and references to reinvent aesthetic codes. Inspired by melting pots and nomadism, we discover a multitude of new savours, through the charming flower and spice markets, the majestic mosaic compositions and ornamental gardens.
Trend Forum introduction tour
On days one and two, Trend Forum introduction tours will take place. What’s more, the latest domestic trends can be seen in three Chinese trend forums curated by Fabrics China. These include the Fashion Focus Trend Forum in hall 7.2 which focuses on colour, and trend forums for suiting in hall 6.1 and ladieswear in hall 8.2. Each of these will reveal the Spring/Summer 2018 trends in four themes: fantastic dimensions, roaming mindfulness, emulative heritage and naturalistic poet.
Panel discussions and seminars
Those looking for more on the latest developments across the entire industry will benefit from a number of seminars and panel discussions taking place during the fair. Till date, Carlin Creative Trend Bureau, Elementi Moda, the NellyRodiTM Agency, Peclers Paris and Promostyl are confirmed to host seminars on various topics of the Spring/Summer 2018 trends, while Pantone and Liberty will also present on design and trend topics. And under the sustainability issues topic, Hohenstein, GOTS, UL, SGS and Testex will also host seminars. Furthermore, panel discussions on three themes – eco-fabrics, linen in fashion, and trends and new opportunities in retailing and sourcing, moderated by The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA), Celc Promotion and Trendstop, respectively – will take place on the first two days of the fair.
Verve for design zone
Further design and trend inspiration will be on display in the fair’s Verve for Design zone, which features a number of leading original design studios from Australia, Italy, Japan, Korea and the UK. Some of those already confirmed to exhibit in this zone include Alex & Kate, Amanda Kelly, Anteprima Disegni, Atelier Mineeda, Bernini Studio, Boggia Disegni, Camilla Frances Prints, Canvas Print Studios, Circleline Design Studio, Design Union, Fairbairn & Wolf Studio, Karolina York, Longina Phillips Designs, New Age, Nix and Whiston and Wright.
Concurrent shows
In addition to Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics, four other textile fairs are taking place concurrently at the National Exhibition and Convention Center. These include Yarn Expo Spring (hall 5.1), Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Spring Edition (hall 4.2), CHIC (halls 1, 2, 3 & 4.1) and PH Value (hall 3). Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition 2017 is co-organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Textile Information Centre.
