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The Lenzing Group, a global leader in regenerated cellulose fibers for textiles and nonwovens, has secured the top position in the prestigious 2024 Hot Button Ranking by Canadian non-profit Canopy. With an improved score of 33 out of 40, Lenzing has been recognized in the ‘Leading in CanopyStyle commitments’ category, symbolized by a dark green shirt, reflecting its outstanding leadership in sustainable practices and adherence to the highest environmental standards.
Canopy's Hot Button Ranking evaluates the performance of global cellulosic fiber producers in sustainable sourcing, transparency, and innovation. Lenzing's achievements underscore its dedication to environmental and social sustainability, cementing its role as a trusted partner for eco-conscious brands.
“We are delighted our efforts to tackle the pressing challenges of our time have been acknowledged,” said Rohit Aggarwal, CEO of Lenzing Group. “This recognition inspires us to continue driving a green and clean industry transformation while identifying areas for further improvement.”
In 2024, Lenzing was particularly lauded for protecting ancient and endangered forests and integrating next-generation fiber solutions into its production. By championing circular and resource-efficient systems, Lenzing has set a benchmark for innovation and sustainability, excelling in criteria such as supply chain traceability and reducing reliance on virgin resources.
The Chinese textile industry, a behemoth in the global market, has weathered a dynamic year in 2024. Recent reports and data released by the CCF Group, a leading authority on the Chinese textile sector, shows the resilience, adaptation, and shifting trends across China’s fiber, yarn, fabric, and apparel segments.
Performance overview
While the overall picture is complex, CCF Group data reveals a sector grappling with a cocktail of domestic and international pressures.
Growth slowdown: Compared to the robust growth seen in previous years, 2024 witnessed a moderation in production and export figures. This is largely attributed to a slowdown in global demand, particularly from key markets like the US and Europe.
Shifting domestic consumption: While export markets softened, domestic consumption showed signs of recovery, driven by a growing middle class and government initiatives to boost internal spending.
Raw material volatility: Fluctuations in raw material prices, especially cotton, impacted production costs and profitability across the industry.
Sustainability concerns: Increasingly, both consumers and regulators are demanding greater environmental and social responsibility from textile producers. This is pushing the industry towards sustainable practices and circular economy models.
Table: Segment-wise production
|
Indicator |
2024 |
2023 |
2022 |
|
Fiber Production (million tons) |
58.2 |
56.5 |
54.1 |
|
Yarn Production (million tons) |
45.8 |
44.1 |
42.5 |
|
Fabric Production (billion sq m) |
76.5 |
74.2 |
71.8 |
|
Apparel Exports (billion USD) |
285 |
298 |
292 |
CCF Group data highlights significant variations in performance across different regions and textile clusters within China.
Yangtze River Delta: This region, home to major textile hubs like Shanghai and Jiangsu province, continued to lead in terms of production and innovation. However, it also faced challenges related to rising labor costs and environmental regulations.
Pearl River Delta: Guangdong province, a key player in apparel manufacturing, experienced a more pronounced impact from the slowdown in export demand.
Central and Western China: These regions, traditionally focused on cotton production and basic textiles, are attracting investment and witnessing growth in higher-value segments like technical textiles.
Xinjiang, a major cotton-producing region, faced continued scrutiny over alleged human rights abuses. This led to sourcing challenges for some international brands and gave a push to alternative cotton sources. However, CCF Group data suggests that Xinjiang maintained its dominance in domestic cotton supply, highlighting the complexities of decoupling from the region.
Looking ahead
CCF Group analysts suggest the Chinese textile industry will go through a period of transformation. Key trends to watch out for:
Technological upgrading: Investment in automation, AI, and advanced manufacturing will be crucial for enhancing productivity and competitiveness.
Sustainability focus: Circular economy models, reduced emissions, and ethical sourcing will become increasingly important for market access and brand reputation.
Domestic market expansion: Growing domestic consumption will offer new opportunities for textile and apparel companies.
The Chinese textile industry is navigating a challenging but evolving landscape. While 2024 did have its share of headwinds, the industry's long-term prospects remain strong, driven by innovation, domestic market growth, and a shift towards sustainable practices. CCF Group's data and analysis provide valuable insights for businesses and policymakers alike as they chart a course through the changing tides of the global textile market.
A recent report, ‘The State of Sourcing Report: Sourcing and Sustainability in 2025’, reveals a significant shift in the global sourcing landscape. India is rapidly gaining prominence as a key sourcing region for UK retailers, challenging China's long-held dominance.
The report, published recently by Source Fashion, a leading fashion trade show, offers a comprehensive analysis of current sourcing practices and sustainability trends among UK retailers. The survey-based study, conducted in September-October 2024, gathered insights from a diverse range of retailers, both large and small.
Key findings
The report identifies India as the third most popular sourcing region among UK retailers, trailing only the UK itself and China. Notably, for larger businesses, India shares the second spot with the UK, underscoring its growing appeal.
Table: India’s emergence as popular sourcing region
|
Sourcing region |
All respondents |
Small companies |
Large companies |
|
UK |
42% |
44% |
35% |
|
China |
49% |
45% |
61% |
|
India |
37% |
37% |
35% |
|
Western Europe |
33% |
37% |
19% |
While China remains a significant player, the report reveals its attractiveness is gradually diminishing due to various pressures, including rising costs, political uncertainties, and supply chain disruptions.
The report attributes India's emergence to several factors:
Cost-effectiveness: India offers competitive production costs, making it an attractive alternative to China.
Skilled Labor: India boasts a large pool of skilled labor, particularly in textiles and manufacturing.
Government initiatives: Supportive government policies, such as ease of doing business initiatives and infrastructure development, are further enhancing India's appeal
Industry experts echo the report's findings. As Sara Allbright, Co-Founder and Director of Retail 100 points out the importance of diversifying sourcing to mitigate risks associated with rising shipping costs and potential disruptions. She believes diversification into other countries and regions is an essential risk management exercise. Those with flexible near and far sourcing options will ultimately win out when you need to react quickly.
However, the report doesn't provide specific case studies of UK retailers successfully sourcing from India. Anecdotal evidence suggests major UK fashion retailers are increasingly turning to India for their sourcing needs. The report predicts continued growth for India as a sourcing hub for UK retailers. As pressures on China mount and India further strengthens its capabilities, the shift towards India is likely to accelerate in the coming years.
As a part of India’s ambitious goal to achieve a $350 billion market size and $100 billion in textile exports by 2030, the Ministry of Textiles has extended an invitation to global apparel giant Uniqlo to invest in the Prime Minister’s Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks. Designed as a ready-to-operate ecosystem, these parks offer companies a Build-to-Suit model, enabling efficient and sustainable operations tailored to their specific needs.
Known for its commitment to quality and innovation, Uniqlo has expressed strong interest in enhancing India’s cotton production capabilities. The company’s pilot project aligns with India’s goals, aiming to improve productivity and quality levels to achieve yields of up to 1,000 kg per hectare. In support of this initiative, the Textile Ministry has assured Uniqlo of its readiness to allocate land for their endeavors, emphasising a shared vision to position India as a global leader in high-quality cotton sourcing.
A pivotal meeting between Giriraj Singh, India’s Minister of Textiles, and Uniqlo’s senior officials reinforced this shared commitment. Facilitated by Invest India, the discussion highlighted Uniqlo’s interest in collaborating with India’s textile industry. This engagement follows an earlier interaction between Uniqlo and the Hon’ble Prime Minister, showcasing the company’s alignment with India’s broader textile sector goals.
Uniqlo’s impact on India’s retail and textile ecosystem is significant, with 15 stores nationwide generating Rs 814 crore in revenue as of March 31, 2024—a remarkable 30 per cent growth rate. The brand collaborates with 18 sewing factories and six fabric mills, sourced through nine vendors, demonstrating its dedication to local partnerships and innovation.
Furthering its commitment to the Indian market, Uniqlo will participate in the upcoming ‘Bharat Tex’ Global Textile Expo in February. The event will serve as a platform to highlight the company’s focus on innovation, sustainability, and traceability—values that resonate with India’s vision for a globally competitive textile industry.
The Ministry has also encouraged Uniqlo to expand its R&D efforts into natural fibers, such as milkweed, aligning with India’s own initiatives to promote sustainable and traceable textile practices. This collaboration reflects a growing synergy between India’s textile aspirations and Uniqlo’s global vision, paving the way for a mutually beneficial partnership aimed at fostering a sustainable, innovative, and competitive textile sector.
Leading global retail and fashion conglomerate, Apparel Group has launched 24 new retail concepts at one of Qatar’s most prestigious shopping destinations, the Doha Mall. Featuring renowned international brands, these stores will cater to the diverse needs of Qatar’s fashion-conscious consumers.
Located in Abu Hamour, Doha Mall is ideally situated at the intersection of Sixth Ring Road and Central Market Street. The mall is well connected to a Metro Buslink with close proximity to the Doha Expressway. It serves as a key retail hub for shoppers from nearby neighborhoods, including Abu Hamour, Ain Khaled, Al Waab, Al Mamoura, Al Thumama, and Al Wakra.
Neeraj Teckchandani, CEO, Apparel Group, says, this expansion helps the group introduce global fashion trends and quality shopping experiences in Qatar. Its collaboration with Doha Mall allows it to expand presence in the region and offer a truly unparalleled retail experience.
Robert Hall, Advisor, Mirqab Malls, adds, the retailer introduces new and distinctive retail concepts at Doha Mall in collaboration with Apparel Group. This agreement reflects its ongoing efforts to attract leading international brands to Qatar and offer consumers a diverse and exceptional shopping experience.
Further enhancing its diversity, the Doha Mall plans to add more brands in collaboration with Apparel Group. The mall is set to become a central shopping destination for Qatar’s residents and international visitors alike.
Indonesia’s imports of ready-to-wear clothing, especially those included in the textile and textile product identification code (HS) group, increased by 10.53 per cent in November 2024. As per Amar Adininggar Widyasanti, Acting Head, Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the largest imports of 42.69 per cent of ready-to-wear clothing came from China.
In addition to China, Indonesia also increased ready-to-wear clothing imports from Vietnam and Bangladesh by 10.48 per cent and 8.95 per cent respectively.
Indonesia's total imports declined by 10.71 per cent to $19.59 billion in November 2024. Imports from China reached $6.53 billion. In addition to China, imports from Japan reached $1.49 billion while those from United States totaled $0.76 billion.
Renowned for its craft-driven premium fashion and lifestyle offerings, Good Earth has launched its first-ever standalone store dedicated to homeware. Located in a historic property in Hindustan Park, Kolkata, the store showcases the brand's signature home decor, home textiles, and lifestyle products.
The store is a collaborative effort between Good Earth and its franchise partner for this venture, Richa Kanoi of Bombaim. Designed by architects Animesh Nayak and Gaurav Banerjee, the space is inspired by Bengali culture and blends heritage with modern aesthetics.
Key architectural highlights of the store include glass walls for an open and inviting ambiance, complemented by a marble plaque, wooden shutters, and a striking red oxide staircase. The outlet reflects Good Earth's commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and cultural preservation, creating a shopping experience that celebrates tradition while embracing modernity
Marking a significant milestone for Good Earth, the store expands its homeware line in a setting that resonates deeply with its ethos of celebrating local heritage.
Recording an impressive production of 90.57 lakh bales, Gujarat has emerged as India’s top cotton-producing state for the 2023-24 crop year. Shared by Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for Textiles during the winter session of Parliament, this data positions Gujarat ahead of other key cotton-producing states like Maharashtra and Telangana. During this period, India’s total cotton production is estimated to be around 325.22 lakh bales, as per Central Government estimates.
The Central Government is implementing several initiatives like the Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) for apparel, garments, and made-ups to boost India’s textile exports. It also supports other textile products through the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme. Besides, financial assistance is also being provided to Export Promotion Councils and trade bodies to participate in international trade fairs, exhibitions, and buyer-seller meets.
A major upcoming initiative of the government is the mega textile show – Bharat Tex 2025, set to take place in February 2025. This event will showcase India’s advancements in textiles and fashion while promoting the country as a global hub for sourcing and investment.
In addition, India has signed 14 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and six Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) with various nations, enhancing market access across the cotton textile value chain.
The government has also introduced a premium cotton brand, Kasturi Cotton Bharat to offer 29 mm and 30 mm long-staple varieties. Developed through a public-private partnership, Kasturi Cotton provides standardised, certified, and traceable products. By October 2024, the brand certified 47,600 bales, gaining global recognition at international fashion expos.
The ICAR-Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR) in Nagpur is also promoting cotton research with initiatives like genome editing, transgenic research, and AI-driven solutions. Over the last decade, it has launched around 333 cotton varieties including 191 non-Bt and 142 Bt.
The Carreau du Temple in Paris hosted Blossom Premiere Vision on December 11-12, 2024, attracting 1,242 visitors to the exclusive event dedicated to pre-collections for premium and luxury fashion brands. Held in the heart of the Haut Marais, a district rich in textile and fashion heritage, the event brought together 86 international suppliers, including 15 new exhibitors, from leading fashion countries such as Italy, France, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
Blossom Premiere Vision showcased Spring-Summer 2026 textile, leather, and accessories pre-collections, offering attendees the opportunity to engage with 86 top-tier experts from across the globe. The event’s growing success reflects its strong appeal, with increased visitor attendance and a larger exhibitor base, underscoring the demand for high-quality craftsmanship in fashion. The theme of craftsmanship, central to this edition, was highlighted in an engaging weaving demonstration led by expert Stephanie Lacoste.
The event also featured the second edition of Blossom PV Workshops, offering invitation-only sessions that provided an in-depth preview of the upcoming season’s materials. Focused on innovation, eco-friendly solutions, and creative designs, the workshops facilitated valuable exchanges between Premiere Vision fashion experts and luxury brands.
Florence Rousson, President of the Premiere Vision Management Board, expressed her satisfaction with the event's success, noting the importance of these interactive sessions in fostering meaningful dialogue amid challenging market conditions. Blossom Premiere Vision will return on June 4-5, 2025, presenting the Autumn-Winter 2026-2027 season.
The Textile & Apparel 360° Report 2024 by Groyyo Consulting highlights transformative trends shaping the $1.53 trillion global textile and apparel (T&A) market by 2033. With a projected CAGR of 5.8 per cent, the report underscores the growing importance of innovation, sustainability, and localization, spotlighting India's potential as a key player.
China remains the global leader in T&A exports, contributing 30 per cent of global apparel trade ($154 billion), while the EU-27 accounts for 41 per cent of readymade garment imports. Bangladesh and Vietnam sustain strong positions in apparel exports, while the EU and US dominate global imports, collectively worth $265 billion.
India’s dual role as an importer and exporter is under the spotlight. Between 2019–2023, apparel exports to the US, UK, and UAE thrived, but textile imports surgedyarn imports rose 11 per cent, and knit fabrics 4.7 per cent. This highlights challenges for local industries. India accounts for 4 per cent of global T&A exports, with yarn and fabric exports growing by 2 per cent and 1 per cent, respectively, between 2019 and 2023, although fiber exports declined by 4 per cent during the same period.
On the import side, rising demand for synthetic fibers led to an 11 per cent surge in yarn imports, while fiber imports decreased by 5.6 per cent, reflecting strengthening domestic production capabilities.
Growth in the sector is further driven by initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, which are enhancing technical and sustainable textile production while reducing dependence on imports.
“India’s integration into the global textile ecosystem presents tremendous opportunities for sustainable growth,” said Pratik Tiwari, Co-Founder, Groyyo.
The report calls for leveraging digital innovation, SME capacity-building, and government policies to solidify India’s position in the evolving global supply chain.
