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The Istanbul Apparel Exporters Association (IHKIB) has signed a strategic Cooperation Protocol with Bilişim Vadisi (Informatics Valley), Turkiye’s leading technology development zone, to enhance the global competitiveness of the country’s apparel sector. The collaboration aims to advance twin transformation, sustainability, circular economy, and design innovation through targeted projects and work packages.
IHKIB Vice President Mustafa Paşahan highlighted Turkiye’s position as the world’s seventh-largest apparel exporter and the third-largest supplier to the EU, accounting for 3.2 per cent of global apparel exports. He emphasized Turkiye’s strengths in high-quality, flexible production and geographical advantage, along with compliance with EU standards in recycling, carbon reduction, digitalization, and social compliance.
IHKIB is already leveraging EU funding to drive transformation. The association has secured €37 million through IPA (Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance) programs. Key initiatives include the Metamorphosis project, which led to the creation of the Digital Transformation Center, and the newly launched Midas project supporting SMEs in their digital and green transition. A 'Carbon Footprint Tracking and Reduction' project is also set to begin this year.
Bilişim Vadisi General Manager Erkam Tuzgen underlined the importance of supporting next-generation textile innovations by connecting entrepreneurs, designers, and tech developers in one ecosystem.
Together, the two organizations will pursue national and international funding opportunities, support clustering in digitalization and design, and foster partnerships between startups and IHKIB members to drive sustainable and digital progress across Turkiye’s fashion industry.
Japan’s leading fashion technology innovator Shima Seiki Mfg, Ltd is set to participate in Graduate Fashion Week, taking place from 13-16 June 2025 in London, United Kingdom. As the world’s largest platform for emerging fashion talent, the event brings together graduates from over 80 fashion colleges and universities, providing a vital bridge between education and industry.
Shima Seiki will exhibit as part of the Digital Fashion Hub, a dedicated zone spotlighting cutting-edge fashion technologies. The company will showcase its subscription-based APEXFiz design software, aiming to drive awareness and adoption within undergraduate fashion curricula. With rising demand for skilled operators of its software, Shima Seiki is encouraging educational institutions to integrate APEXFiz into programs to better prepare students for careers in fashion design and manufacturing.
APEXFiz, based on the company's SDS-ONE APEX series, enables designers to plan, visualize, and simulate realistic textiles using 3D virtual sampling. It supports various techniques including flat and circular knitting, weaving, socks, and embroidery. By replacing the need for physical samples, the platform reduces waste, shortens lead times, and supports sustainability goals helping digitally transform the fashion production process.
Uniquely positioned as both a software and machinery manufacturer, Shima Seiki allows seamless data conversion from digital design to knitting machine programming, ensuring a smooth transition from concept to production.
Shima Seiki also extended congratulations to all participating graduates, expressing enthusiasm for their future impact on the global fashion industry.
Shrinking yields in the world's second-largest producer, India's cotton industry has prompted the Indian government to launch the National Cotton Productivity Mission, a comprehensive strategy focusing on crop diversification, significant yield improvement, introducing new, high-quality seed varieties, and promoting mechanized farming practices. These measures aim to revitalize India's cotton economy, which has been impacted by inconsistent yields.
According to the agriculture ministry, India's cotton output has steadily declined, from approximately 33.7 million bales in FY23 to an estimated 30.7 million bales in FY25. Moreover, India's cotton yield, around 465 kg per hectare in FY25, is significantly lower than China's average of over 2,170 kg/ha. China is currently the world's largest cotton producer, accounting for 26 per cent of global production, while India holds the second spot with 21 per cent.
As part of this five-year mission, the textiles ministry, in collaboration with the agriculture ministry, is consulting with experts, farmer groups, and state governments. Its aim is to double the yield from 465 kg/ha to 1,000 kg/ha across 11 major cotton-growing states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
The declining yields have directly impacted cotton prices, which have risen from Rs 7,100-7,500 per quintal in 2024 to Rs 7,600-7,900. This price surge is making operations unviable for spinning mills, with some already curtailing operations.
Emphasizing on the urgency to improve export-led growth, Prabhu Dhamodharan, Convenor, Indian Texpreneurs Federation, says, with 60-65 per cent of India's apparel exports being cotton-based, higher domestic cotton prices, driven by poor yields and increased minimum support prices, are making Indian cotton less competitive globally. Yield improvement is the ‘only sustainable way forward,’ he asserts.
While India's cotton yarn exports rose to $12.04 billion in FY25, cotton imports also increased, to 2.15 million bales during October-March FY25. The National Cotton Productivity Mission is in its early stages, with further consultations planned.
Owner of its namesake popular Japanese lifestyle brand, Human Made Inc has successfully implemented Centric PLM (Product Lifecycle Management), a solution from Centric Software to significantly enhance the company's operational efficiency and boost its ongoing brand expansion efforts.
Established in 2010 by founder Nigo, Human MDE operates under the compelling theme, ‘The Future Is In The Past.’ Inspired by Nigo’s extensive vintage archive, the brand blends classic American casual fashion with diverse elements from workwear, military, sports, and outdoor styles.
After evaluating several product lifecycle management systems, Human Made ultimately chose Centric PLM. Their decision was based on the software's specialized functionality tailored for the apparel industry and Centric Software's proven track record of successful global deployments. Centric PLM provides a robust set of tools designed to streamline critical product-related processes, including planning, design, sourcing, pricing, and sales. This integration fosters improved collaboration and greater operational transparency across the entire value chain.
With Centric PLM now fully integrated, Human Made anticipates notable improvements in its product development timelines and overall decision-making. These enhancements are expected to play a crucial role in driving the brand's long-term business growth.
Fabrice Canonge, President, Centric Software, says, the successful PLM rollout with Human Mde Inc had yielded impressive results to date. Centric Software aims to support the brand’s continued success and global growth.
Centric Software offers enterprise solutions that assist businesses across various sectors, including apparel, footwear, home décor, cosmetics, and consumer electronics, in achieving their digital transformation objectives.
On World Environment Day 2025, the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) launched the Green Innotextile Base (GIB) in Shanghai, marking a significant step in cross-regional green innovation. Established in collaboration with Pudong New Force Incubator and the Pudong-Hong Kong Institute for Technology Transfer and Innovation, the GIB was unveiled at the Innostech 2025 Shanghai-Hong Kong Seminar.
Located in the Yangtze River Delta, GIB will drive sustainable development, promote circular economy practices, and facilitate research on advanced textile and apparel materials. It also aims to integrate fashion with artificial intelligence, strengthening innovation in the textile sector.
The GIB aligns with national green goals while setting technical standards, providing certifications, and enabling faster adoption of new technologies. It will also support Hong Kong-based enterprises with market expansion and investment opportunities, promoting deeper industry collaboration.
HKRITA Chairman Teresa Yang noted that the platform will bridge industry, academia, and research, promoting smart manufacturing and embedding sustainable fashion into the textile value chain. GIB, she said, aims to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility.
Geng Zhongwei, Chairman of Pudong New Force Incubator, emphasized that the platform will offer AI-powered automation and value-added services to support startups and enhance incubation effectiveness.
Chan Yi Ngok of the Pudong-Hong Kong Institute highlighted GIB's role in driving talent development, global collaboration, and sustainable productivity in the region.
HKRITA also announced a partnership with NeoRita Sustainable Technologies (Shanghai) Ltd to develop vegan leather using bacterial cellulose, showcasing Hong Kong’s innovation in sustainable materials and creative industries.
A global leader in textile machinery manufacturing, Bruckner has officially opened its own subsidiary in India, Brückner Textile India. A significant milestone in the company's global
expansion strategy, this move strengthens the German business's presence in a key market.
Brückner has operated in India since 2007. The company operates in collaboration with Universal MEP Projects & Engineering Services. This long-standing partnership has been instrumental in establishing the Bruckner brand and significantly increasing its customer base in the region.
The establishment of Brückner Textile India highlights Bruckner’s long-term commitment to the Indian market. This new subsidiary will enable the company to offer more direct service to customers, foster stronger relationships, and respond more efficiently to evolving needs.
This strategic expansion further strengthens Brückner’s standing in India, recognized as one of the world's fastest-growing regions for textile production and machinery manufacturing.
A subsidiary of Aitken Spence PLC, ACE Apparel has become the first and only company in Sri Lanka to earn the prestigious OEKO-TEX Organic Cotton certification for its products. This significant accomplishment underscores ACE Apparel's unwavering commitment to sustainable manufacturing.
The certification was formally presented to ACE Apparel during the recent Hohenstein Global Sustainability Conference in Sri Lanka. Ivonne Schramm, Global Head, OEKO-TEX Certification and Head-Certification Body, Hohenstein, Germany, presented the accolade.
Lushan Perera, CEO & Director, Aitken Spence Apparel, says, the OEKO-TEX Organic Cotton certification underscores the company’s dedication to sustainability and excellence in manufacturing, The certification is a testament to the team's hard work and its commitment to reducing environmental footprint, he adds.
A globally recognized standard, the OEKO-TEX Organic Cotton certification ensures textile products are manufactured using environmentally friendly and socially responsible methods.
This recognition highlights ACE Apparel's comprehensive efforts to integrate sustainable practices throughout its operations, from responsibly sourcing organic cotton to implementing eco-conscious production processes.
A new landmark report released by the Circular Fashion Innovation Network (CFIN) outlines major strides and a comprehensive roadmap for accelerating the UK's transition towards a circular fashion ecosystem. The "CFIN May 2025 Report" reveals achievements in mobilizing the industry, identifies substantial growth opportunities in circular business models, sustainable manufacturing, and recycling infrastructure, and calls for continued collaboration and investment to position the UK as a global leader in sustainable fashion.
The CFIN, a collaboration between the British Fashion Council (BFC), UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT), and Innovate UK, has successfully convened over 250 organisations, representing 42 per cent of UK’s clothing sales by volume, to drive practical, market-driven solutions for circularity.
"CFIN has redefined how our industry approaches sustainability by creating practical pathways rather than theoretical ideals," said Caroline Rush CBE, Former CEO of the British Fashion Council. "What makes this network extraordinary is its ability to unite stakeholders from across the entire value chain, breaking down traditional silos and fostering genuine collaboration."
Major achievements and roadmap
The report highlights several transformative outputs, including:
- A national textile recycling infrastructure plan providing a roadmap to process the 1.3 million tonnes of post-consumer textiles generated annually in the UK. This plan focuses on building advanced sorting and fibre-to-fibre recycling infrastructure, investing in automation, developing workforce skills, and expanding market capacity for recycled products.
- An industry-supported Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework for textiles. This framework is built on mandatory participation, variable eco-modulated fees to reward sustainable practices, and ring-fenced tax revenue for circular fashion innovation and infrastructure.
Circular business models
While 81 per cent of fashion organisations surveyed include circularity in their five-year strategies, a "intention-action gap" exists, with 63 per cent of customer-facing circular initiatives remaining in pilot phases. The report identifies strong growth potential:
- Resale: Shows promise for mass market and premium retailers, with 78 per cent of initiatives currently in pilot.
- Repair: Demonstrates strong adoption in premium sectors (57 per cent of initiatives) and boasts the highest customer participation rate at 25 per cent.
- Takeback: Presents significant potential for mid-market retailers (38 per cent adoption) due to higher production volumes.
- Circular design: The most prevalent initiative (51 per cent adoption), though definitions vary.
However, the report notes that 40 per cent of UK brands struggle with effectively communicating circularity, a critical barrier to scaling these models.
For example, Circular Threads launched in 2021 by Anoli Mehta, is the UK's first resale platform for pre-loved South Asian clothing. Mehta's research found that 90 per cent respondents wanted to sell their outfits but lacked a platform. The company has seen organic growth through its online platform and a North-West London studio with an innovative eight-week rotational stock scheme. "The spotlight is completely on Western wear and UK high street retailers, but a whole industry is being ignored," Mehta says, highlighting a significant sustainability gap.
Reshoring and technological advancement
CFIN's work demonstrates concrete opportunities for reshoring manufacturing, with a feasibility study involving retailers with a combined turnover of £26.1 billion identifying potential in knitwear, jersey, printing, and Cut-Make-Trim operations. Key findings include:
- Current UK sourcing is mainly for niche, agile, or "test-and-react" demands, with garment printing being the most common activity.
- Key motivators for UK sourcing are quality, speed to market, and capacity availability.
- Successful pilot projects using AI and onshore finishing have shown faster turnaround times and reduced fabric waste.
For example, an ongoing pilot between River Island and LaundRe is showcasing a circular, onshore production model for denim finishing. LaundRe's local, responsive approach allows unwashed jeans to be finished in the UK using laser-designed patterns and sustainable processing. This model offers rapid design-to-shelf times (weeks instead of months), low-volume flexibility, reduced carbon footprint, and full transparency.
Recycling a multi-billion pound opportunity
The National Textile Recycling Infrastructure Plan aims to manage the 1.45 million tonnes of post-consumer textiles generated annually in the UK. A socio-economic impact study for a proposed National Textile Recycling Hub, involving three automated sorting and pre-processing plants (ATSPs) and one chemical recycling plant, demonstrates significant potential benefits.
Table: Socio-economic impact of national textile recycling hub (modelled)
|
Phase & Period |
Investment in UK Economy |
Total GDP Contribution (p.a. for operational) |
Employment (Job Years / Jobs) |
|
Development Phase (2025-2028) |
£58 million |
£46 million (total) |
620 job years |
|
Operational Phase (fully by 2031) |
- |
£53 million (per year) |
720 jobs |
Source: CFIN May 2025 Report
As per Adam Mansell, CEO of UK Fashion and Textile Association, their work has revealed numerous opportunities for reshoring manufacturing and developing domestic recycling infrastructure—turning environmental imperatives into economic advantages for the UK.
Driving innovation
The CFIN Novel Tech Showcase in March 2025 connected innovative startups with investors and corporate partners, focusing on end-of-life solutions, repair, technology for circularity, and re-commerce. Some emerging technologies identified were: automation and AI in resale and sorting, Digital Product Passports (DPPs), forensic tools for supply chain authentication, and advanced fibre-to-fibre recycling.
For example, London-based startup Amphico, born out of the Royal College of Art, has developed Amphitex (a PFAS-free waterproof, breathable membrane) and Amphicolor (a waterless textile dyeing solution). Despite significant brand interest, challenges to scaling include the gap between interest and commitment, capacity constraints, and extensive documentation demands. And as Claire Miller, Principal Textile Designer at Amphico, advises brands, "Take the leap. Move from conversation to action. Integrate these materials into actual products, even if it's a small run."
Overcoming investment hurdles
The report also highlights a £700 billion global opportunity for circular business models by 2030. However, institutional investors remain cautious due to a lack of proven returns and insufficient standardised reporting. The research debunks several investment myths, for instance:
Myth: Circular fashion is just a niche market.
Reality: The global second-hand apparel market reached £100-120 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow to £367 billion by 2028-2029. Rental fashion is valued at £6.3 billion (2023) and expected to reach £7-8 billion by 2026. The Depop marketplace, acquired by Etsy for £1.63 billion, serves as a landmark exit validating the sector's financial value.
A call for sustained action
The report concludes with a strong call for continued government and industry support to maintain the momentum achieved. "The frameworks and collaborative networks established through CFIN provide an essential foundation for continued progress—helping to position the UK as a leader in circular innovation, while creating new opportunities for growth and economic resilience," says Tom Fiddian, Head of AI & Data Economy Programmes at Innovate UK.
CFIN proposes several steps, including a CBM Accelerator programme for brands, further testing of automation in manufacturing, modelling costs for the recycling infrastructure plan, and working with the government to advance EPR legislation. The message is clear: the UK fashion industry has the tools and the collective will to forge a circular future, but sustained investment and collaborative action are paramount to realizing this transformative vision.
Source Fashion, Europe’s premier responsible sourcing event, is set to welcome a powerful lineup of Turkish exhibitors from July 8-10 at Olympia London. Over 10 internationally audited manufacturers and suppliers will feature in the Turkey Pavilion, reinforcing Turkey’s stronghold in global sourcing and sustainable textile innovation.
Key participants include Bello Valente, Bintem collection, Bordo Tekstil, Denimai, Giteks AŞ, Icone, Kiğili, Reseen, Ronin, Şenova, and Yooyu. Making its debut, Bello Valente brings its fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern design to showcase high-quality collections aimed at international fashion markets.
Plus-size specialist Ronin Textile will spotlight inclusive designs tailored for global audiences, while heritage menswear brand Kiğılı, with a legacy dating back to 1938, returns with its expansive range of modern menswear across 21 countries.
Among returning names, Y&B Group Textile A S will present their sustainable leather-like fabric crafted from tea, cotton, and biopeel. Also joining is ION Tekstil, known for stylish, circular knitted apparel with a sustainability-first approach.
Denimai, a premium denim manufacturer with bases in Istanbul, Los Angeles, and London, will make its Source Fashion debut, showcasing carefully crafted denim garments that balance innovation, sustainability, and global design sensibilities.
Suzanne Ellingham, Event Director of Source Fashion, said the Turkey Pavilion is a testament to the country’s heritage and commitment to ethical, quality production. “Our exhibitors represent the future of responsible fashion, offering UK buyers unmatched access to innovative and sustainable sourcing partners,” she noted.
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) held a heartfelt commemorative ceremony on June 4 at its Dhaka premises to honour the late Filippo Poggi, Country Controller of Primark. The event brought together Bangladeshi suppliers, BGMEA members, Primark officials, family, friends, and well-wishers to pay tribute to Poggi’s enduring contribution to Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) sector.
Participants laid floral wreaths beside his mortal remains in a solemn moment of collective mourning. BGMEA Administrator Anwar Hossain remembered Poggi as a compassionate and visionary leader who played a key role in deepening the collaboration between Primark and the local garment industry. He recalled their recent meeting at the BGMEA office, expressing disbelief at his sudden passing.
President-elect Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu described Poggi as a ‘genuine friend’ of Bangladesh’s RMG sector, applauding his deep understanding of the industry’s challenges and his unwavering support in fostering long-term partnerships.
Filippo’s wife, Fay, expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support and love shown by the Bangladesh garment community. “This tribute reflects the strong bond Filippo shared with everyone here,” she noted.
As a symbolic gesture of remembrance, a sapling was planted at the BGMEA premises in Filippo’s name. Anwar Hossain also presented a formal letter of condolence to Fay on behalf of the association and its members.
BGMEA deeply mourns the loss of Poggi and extends sincere condolences to his family and colleagues.
