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International fashion brand Mango plans to expand its presence in the United States by operating 65 company-owned stores in the country by 2025-end. Most of these stores will be located in Washington, Illinois, and Nevada.
Additionally, Mango also plans to launch debut stores in Connecticut, Arizona, Ohio, Oregon, and Louisiana, besides strengthening presence in California and Texas with new stores in the San Francisco area and Houston Galleria.
The brand recently opened its fourth store at 1976 Broadway in the centre of Lincoln Square. Spanning approximately 13,000 sq ft, the store will house the Women’s Men and Kids’ collection by Mango. Designed with Mango’s Mediterranean-inspired New Med Store concept, the space will be characterized by warm tones and neutral colors, combined with traditional, handcrafted and natural materials.
The opening of this new store reaffirms Mango deep commitment to the US market, which proves to the fundamental pillar of the brand’s growth strategy, says Daniel Lopez, Director-Expansion and Franchises, Mango.
Since entering the US market in 2006, Mango has significantly expanded its presence to over 40 locations. The company has opened stores in key cities across Florida, California, Texas, and Georgia, and also collaborated with institutions like Parsons School of Design in New York.
Seven fashion and packaging companies, including Boden, Nobis, and Finisterre, have committed to eliminating Ancient and Endangered Forests from their textile and paper packaging supply chains. They joined Canopy’s CanopyStyle and Pack4Good initiatives, reinforcing industry efforts to protect climate-critical forests and global biodiversity.
These brands are joined by Next Gen material innovators Circulose, Palouse Fiber Packaging, and Medoola, which produce packaging and viscose from recycled textiles, wheat straw, and food waste. Packaging producer Checkpoint Systems has also signed on.
By adopting CanopyStyle and Pack4Good policies, the companies pledge to shift toward low-carbon, circular alternatives such as recycled textiles and agricultural residues. Their commitment reflects a broader industry push to transform supply chains and reduce environmental impact.
CanopyStyle now includes 578 brands with a combined revenue of $2.029 trillion, while Pack4Good has reached 466 brands worth over $341.4 billion. The pledge comes as demand for man-made cellulosic fiber (MMCF) textiles and paper packaging continues to rise, with over 3.4 billion trees logged annually for these industries.
“Boden and our customers recognize the vital role forests play in our everyday lives,” said Helen Webb-Carter, Head of Fabric at Boden. Canopy’s Executive Director Nicole Rycroft added, “These brands are taking a vital step in keeping forests standing, species thriving, and carbon safely stored.”
By joining Canopy, these companies contribute to a global movement of over 1,000 brands driving innovation and sustainability. Their commitment helps reshape the fashion and packaging industries, ensuring they become part of the solution to the climate and biodiversity crises.
The world is drowning in plastic. Non-biodegradable polymers, primarily derived from petroleum, clog landfills, pollute oceans, and disrupt ecosystems. The search for sustainable alternatives has led to a rise in interest in biodegradable polyesters. But do these materials truly offer a solution, or are they another case of greenwashing?
The plastic problem and the biodegradable promise Traditional plastics, such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), can take centuries to decompose, resulting in widespread environmental damage. Microplastic pollution, especially from synthetic textiles, poses severe risks to marine life and human health. A 2024 report found that 28 per cent of post-consumer garments in the US were primarily polyester, contributing significantly to landfill waste, incineration, and pollution. Compounding the problem, the release of microfibers during washing and wear has been identified as a major source of pollution, with studies suggesting that micro and nanofibers are even more toxic than other microplastics.
Biodegradable polyesters promise a way forward. Designed to break down into natural substances like carbon dioxide, water, and biomass under specific conditions, these materials offer hope in sectors such as fashion, where polyester dominates. However, the reality of their biodegradability, effectiveness, and environmental benefits remains under scrutiny.
Innovations in biodegradable polyester
Numerous initiatives are accelerating the development and adoption of biodegradable polyesters. Governments are enacting regulations to reduce plastic waste, research institutions are exploring new bio-based monomers, and companies are investing in sustainable alternatives. Some key innovations include:
CiCLO: Developed by Intrinsic Textiles Group, this additive creates "biodegradable spots" in polyester and nylon, attracting bacteria to accelerate breakdown.
PrimaLoft Bio: Made from recycled PET water bottles, this polyester features an additive that facilitates biodegradation, especially for applications such as puffy coat insulation.
Amni Soul Eco: A modified polyamide (nylon) designed to degrade within five years in landfills.
ROICA V550: A partially degradable elastane fiber offering stretch without persistent microplastic pollution.
CELYS Compostable Polyester: Developed by Intimiti, this polyester incorporates chemical modifications to enhance biodegradability in wet conditions.
These materials offer a promising pathway to reducing landfill waste and microplastic pollution. However, challenges remain in terms of cost, performance, and the real-world effectiveness of biodegradation claims.
Barriers to widespread adoption
Despite promising innovations, biodegradable polyester technologies have yet to see widespread adoption, largely due to the following challenges:
Cost: Biodegradable polyesters are generally more expensive than conventional plastics, making them less attractive for cost-sensitive brands and consumers.
Performance limitations: Questions persist about durability, fabric feel, and strength, particularly in performance wear.
Biodegradability verification: Independent verification is crucial to confirm whether these materials truly break down as promised. Environmental conditions play a major role in degradation, and simply adding an additive does not guarantee complete breakdown in all settings.
Microfiber shedding: Even if these materials biodegrade eventually, they still release microfibers during washing and wear, necessitating further research into their environmental impact.
The future of biodegradable polyesters
While challenges exist, ongoing research and development efforts aim to enhance the performance and affordability of biodegradable polyester technologies. Consumer awareness of sustainable fashion is increasing, creating demand for greener alternatives. Partnerships between material innovators, brands, and research institutions will be crucial in scaling these technologies.
However, biodegradable polyesters are not a magic bullet. A holistic approach is essential, including reducing consumption, designing for durability, and promoting recycling. Additionally, further studies are needed to assess the long-term effects of biodegradable polyester additives on ecosystems and human health.
The journey toward truly sustainable textiles is complex. While biodegradable polyesters represent an important step, they must be part of a broader strategy to minimize the environmental footprint of the fashion industry. Only through rigorous testing, transparent communication, and systemic change can we move toward a more sustainable future.
Eight leading Peruvian fashion brands, including Balkanica, Carla Testino, De Loreta, Estrafalario, Fringe Mod, Hera Concept, Kero Design, and Kuna, are showcasing their collections at Coterie New York, a prestigious international fashion trade show.
Being held from February 18-20, these brands will demonstrate Peru's unique textile capabilities, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design.
A global leader in premium raw materials like the alpaca fiber and pima cotton, Peru offers compelling advantages to international fashion brands. The country benefits from the luxurious texture of alpaca fiber while pima cotton offers unparalleled comfort and durability.
Providing a significant competitive advantage, the US-Peru Free Trade Agreement allows duty-free garment exports to the US market. This enables brands to maintain high quality while reducing costs.
With sustainability being the core strength of the country’s fashion industry, manufacturers in Peru prioritize responsible sourcing, including organic cotton farming, humane alpaca shearing, and collaborations with rural knitting cooperatives.
Peru's textile industry uses an integrated, full-package manufacturing approach, covering everything from fabric sourcing and design to final production, ensuring efficiency and quality. This flexibility allows them to serve both emerging designers and established international brands.
Peru’s participation in Coterie New York is being facilitated in partnership with Promperu. Showcasing top brands, the event highlights Peru's ability to combine tradition and modern trends, meeting the demands of international markets.
As a part of a potential bankruptcy filing expected next month, fast-fashion retailer, Forever 21 plans to close at least 200 more stores in the US. The company will sell remaining approximately 350 stores. It will opt for a complete liquidation of its US operations if it fails a find a suitable buyer for the company.
At its peak, Forever 21 boasted over 500 stores across the US and 800 globally. According to a representative for Catalyst Brands, the operating company that licenses the Forever 21 brand in the US, they are exploring options, including a potential sale, while also focusing on cost reduction and store footprint optimization.
Sources indicate, some of the targeted stores have been unprofitable for years, with Forever 21 often delaying royalties and rent payments to keep them operational. The Forever 21 trademark and intellectual property are owned by Authentic Brands, which licenses them to Catalyst Brands.
A unit of JCPenney and owner of the Lucky Brand owner, Catalyst Brands acquired the operating company in January. Previously, it was owned by Sparc Group, a joint venture between Authentic Brands and major Forever 21 landlords Simon Property Group and Brookfield Properties, formed after Forever 21's 2019 bankruptcy.
Regardless of the US operating company's fate, Authentic Brands will retain ownership of the Forever 21 brand and intends to license it to other retailers and distributors.
A much-anticipated large-scale procurement by the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) at MSP has marginally increased cotton candy prices in India.
CCI aims to purchase over 10 million cotton bales this season despite a decline in production forecasted by the Cotton Association of India (CAI) due to lower yields in key producing regions. As per the CAI report, India’s cotton production is expected to decline to 30.175 million bales this season from 32.745 million bales the previous season.
Total cotton supply is estimated at 23.426 million bales, comprising fresh pressings, imports, and opening stock. Domestic consumption is projected to remain stable, while exports are expected to decrease.
Globally, Brazil's cotton production is forecast to increase, driven by expanded planting area. In the US, domestic mill use has been slightly reduced, but global cotton consumption is seeing marginal increases due to higher demand in several countries.
Market analysis suggests short covering, with open interest decreasing. Support levels for cottoncandy are identified, while resistance levels are also noted, indicating potential price movements.
Despite cotton prices remaining higher than international rates, demand across India’s textile sector will continue to improve, according a new report by Systematix International Equities Research. Spread across upcoming quarters, this improved demand will help profitability and operational efficiency for Indian textile companies, the report adds.
Several factors contribute to the positive demand outlook. Global retailer inventories are normalizing, the US may implement higher tariffs on Chinese goods, labor costs are rising in Vietnam, and Bangladesh faces political instability. These factors position India as a potentially strong player in the global textile market. However, capacity constraints among Indian garment manufacturers could hinder their ability to fully capitalize on the increased demand, the report adds.
Despite this, stable cotton prices, favorable exchange rates, and a focus on operational efficiency will help improve profitability. Indian textile companies have already demonstrated strong year-over-year performance, with revenue, EBITDA, and PAT showing healthy growth. Subdued cotton and stable yarn prices have contributed to gross margin expansion for spinners.
The Union Budget 2025-26 reinforces this positive outlook, focusing on strengthening the textile sector through cotton productivity initiatives, fabric duty restructuring, and support for domestic manufacturing. Increased budget allocation for the sector, coupled with initiatives like the PLI scheme, focus on man-made fibers, a five-year productivity improvement mission, sustainable cotton farming, and the growing technical textiles market, are expected to further propel growth. Increased customs duty on fabric imports will specifically benefit India's technical textile producers.
While the Cotton Association of India (CAI) has lowered its cotton production forecast for the 2024-25 season, the ICAR-Central Institute of Cotton Research (CICR) projects a higher output. This discrepancy adds some uncertainty to the supply outlook. International cotton prices have declined, while Indian prices remain at a premium. However, a reasonable cotton crop is expected to keep prices stable, ensuring predictable input costs.
Presenting a significant challenge to the retail industry, consumer spending, especially on luxury items, seems to be slowing in 2025. Inflation fatigue and economic uncertainty are fueling a new wave of austerity, impacting luxury retail hardest. Gaining traction on social media, the no-buy 2025 movement, particularly among Gen Z, is encouraging minimal spending, focusing only on essentials.
Citing a slowing global economy and changing consumer habits, many brands are experiencing a period of ‘reckoning’ in 2025, says a new report by McKinsey for The Business of Fashion.’
As per this report, high-end brands are already feeling the pinch of this trend. World's largest luxury brand, LVMH registered a decline in sales during the December quarter. The brand’s net income and profit margin also declined significantly. As per experts, this is a result of wrong decisions of luxury brands including excessive price increases and over-reliance on specific product categories.
Despite strong stock markets and home values, affluent consumers seem hesitant to make purchases. They are being prompted by geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty to protect their wealth. Younger generations and average consumers are deferring unnecessary purchases, notes the report.
Retailers, from Walmart to Ferragamo, need to adapt to this growing trend, the report states. They need to understand customers needs and deliver accordinglyl. The growing ‘No Buy 2025’ movement demands, brands cater to the priorities of the new generation of shoppers.
The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) has appointed Katherine White as its new Vice President of Policy, effective February 18, 2025.
White will lead policy initiatives critical to the US textile industry and support NCTO’s lobbying efforts in Washington, DC.
“We are excited to welcome Katie to NCTO,” said President and CEO Kim Glas. “Her expertise and deep engagement in textile policy will be invaluable in advancing our advocacy agenda.”
White expressed enthusiasm for her new role. “The US textile industry is a strategic manufacturing sector and vital to our national economy and defense,” she said. “I look forward to working with NCTO and its members to strengthen industry competitiveness and growth.”
Previously, White served as the US Trade Representative’s (USTR) Chief Textiles and Apparel Negotiator and as an International Trade Policy Advisor on the House Ways and Means Committee. She played a key role in shaping US trade laws, focusing on de minimis regulations, customs enforcement, and trade agreements like the USMCA.
Her experience includes working at the International Trade Administration, the White House’s National Economic Council, and on Capitol Hill, where she collaborated with the textile and apparel industry on trade legislation.
A North Carolina native, White holds a Master of Public Policy from Duke University and dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and International Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Kontoor Brands has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Helly Hansen, a global outdoor and workwear brand, from Canadian Tire Corporation. The acquisition aligns with Kontoor’s strategy to expand its portfolio beyond Wrangler and Lee, accelerating growth and enhancing its global presence.
Scott Baxter, CEO of Kontoor Brands, emphasized the synergy, stating, “Helly Hansen’s heritage, quality, and innovation make it a perfect fit for our expansion strategy.” The acquisition is expected to strengthen Kontoor’s position in the growing outdoor and workwear categories, leveraging its operational expertise to scale Helly Hansen globally.
Financially, the deal is positioned to drive revenue and earnings growth, with expectations of improving Helly Hansen’s profitability and cash flow through operational efficiencies. Kontoor’s EVP and CFO, Joe Alkire, highlighted the company’s strong balance sheet, ensuring a smooth acquisition process with funding from cash reserves and new debt financing.
Key benefits include diversification across geographies, categories, and consumer demographics. Kontoor aims to double Helly Hansen’s operating margin, optimize supply chain efficiencies, and enhance international market penetration. The deal is also expected to provide access to a younger, more affluent consumer base.
The transaction, approved by Kontoor’s Board of Directors, is set to close in Q2 2025, pending regulatory approvals. With immediate earnings and cash flow accretion expected in 2025, the acquisition underscores Kontoor’s commitment to long-term value creation.
