FW
Joachim Hensch, a German Consultant, ex-MD Hugo Boss factory in Turkey, having transformed a factory consisting of 4000 workers into a smart factory, addressed industry professionals, during a Knowledge Session on Smart Manufacturing & Digitalisation during Bharat Tex, offering valuable insights into the transformative power of smart manufacturing and digitalization.
The rise of Hyper-Personalization
He began by emphasizing the critical shift away from traditional mass production towards a model centered on hyper-individuality. "We are no longer in an era where one-size-fits-all products dominate the market," Hensch stated, highlighting the growing consumer demand for personalized experiences. This shift, driven by the digital age, presents both opportunities and challenges for manufacturers. Meeting these individualized needs while maintaining profitability requires a fundamental rethinking of production strategies.
The power of the Digital Twin
A key concept Hensch introduced was the "digital twin" in manufacturing. Using Tesla's production line as an example, he explained how vehicles are capable of self-checking during assembly. "This is not just about quality control at the end of the line; it's about integrating intelligence into the manufacturing process itself," he noted. This proactive approach, characteristic of smart manufacturing, leverages technology and human oversight to ensure quality and efficiency throughout the production lifecycle. The digital twin allows manufacturers to simulate, analyze, and optimize production processes before physical implementation, leading to improved quality, reduced costs, and faster time-to-market.
Democratization of automation
Hensch showcased several innovations reshaping the manufacturing sector, including the increasing accessibility of autonomous robots. He cited the dramatic reduction in cost and increased functionality of these robots, making them viable for a wider range of applications. The plummeting price of robotic solutions is democratizing access to automation, enabling smaller manufacturers to compete with larger players and enhance their productivity.
The dawn of Humanoid Robotics
The presentation also explored the potential of humanoid robots, particularly Tesla's Optimus, to revolutionize factory operations. Hensch projected significant production numbers for Optimus, signaling a broader trend towards integrating advanced robotics into everyday manufacturing processes. The introduction of humanoid robots promises to further automate tasks, improve efficiency, and potentially reshape the manufacturing workforce.
The cultural imperative of Digital Transformation
Hensch emphasized that digital transformation is not just about technology; it requires a significant cultural shift within organizations. "Digital is not just a trend; it is a fundamental part of our lives," he asserted. He urged companies to adapt their production strategies to meet the demands of a fast-paced, consumer-driven market that expects rapid delivery and customization. This requires a shift in mindset, embracing data-driven decision-making, agile methodologies, and a culture of continuous improvement.
Adapt or be left behind
The session concluded with a stark reminder of the competitive landscape. Hensch highlighted the success of companies like Shein and Amazon, which leverage digital technologies to connect vast networks of factories and offer unprecedented production speeds. He warned that manufacturers who fail to embrace digital transformation risk being left behind. "Is your production ready for this?" he challenged the audience, stressing the urgency of adopting smart manufacturing and digitalization to remain competitive in the global market. Hensch's message was clear: in the age of hyper-personalization and rapid technological advancement, adaptation is not just an option, it's a necessity.
In a dynamic showcase of India's textile prowess, Yogesh Kansal, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles, addressed in one of the knowledge sessions during Bharat Tex 2025, an event that has a global audience from 120+ nations, alongside 5,000+ exhibitors. This event underscored the Ministry's commitment to transforming India into a dominant force in the global textile landscape.
A three-pronged strategy for growth
Kansal articulated the Ministry's three-pronged strategy: bolstering trade, attracting investment, and strengthening the domestic market. He emphasized India's position as a leading textile and apparel exporter, setting an ambitious target to more than double export figures within the next five years. The palpable enthusiasm at the exhibition signaled strong potential for achieving this goal.
India's unique textile ecosystem
India's textile ecosystem, uniquely encompassing the entire value chain from raw fiber to finished garment, was highlighted as a key strength. "We export raw cotton, fabrics, and designs," Kansal stated, emphasizing India's comprehensive capabilities. With a rich, five-millennia-long textile heritage, India consistently ranks among the world's top five nations in key textile metrics, including apparel exports and the overall scale of its textile sector.
Balancing domestic demand and global exports
The Ministry recognizes the importance of a robust domestic market, which is experiencing impressive annual growth of 7-8 per cent. This dual focus on domestic consumption and export markets strategically positions India for global success. "We are home not just to natural fibers but also to man-made fibers," Kansal added, showcasing the breadth and depth of India's textile production capacity.
Supportive government policies and stable macroeconomic conditions
Government stability and supportive policies are crucial enablers of this growth. Kansal emphasized the stable political environment, low inflation, and favorable macroeconomic conditions that contribute to India's journey towards a $5 trillion economy. He showcased key Ministry initiatives, including the PM Mitra scheme and the National Technical Textile Mission, designed to enhance the competitiveness of the Indian textile industry.
Incentives and Support Mechanisms for Stakeholders
Kansal proactively engaged stakeholders, outlining the extensive range of subsidies and support mechanisms available at both central and state government levels. He explained the synergistic approach, noting, "If the federal policy is supporting a Mitra park, the state-level policy is providing direct capital subsidies and other incentives to reduce manufacturing costs," demonstrating a coordinated effort to optimize support for the sector.
A vision for long-term global leadership
The Ministry of Textiles' vision extends beyond mere economic growth; it is about crafting a narrative of resilience, innovation, and collaborative partnerships. With strong government support and a thriving textile ecosystem, India is poised to make significant strides on the world stage, solidifying its position as a vital player in the international textile market for generations to come.
Global textile leaders converge in New Delhi
Union Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh inaugurated Bharat Tex 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, in the presence of buyers and government dignitaries from over 110 countries. The event aligns with the Prime Minister’s 5F vision - farm to fibre to factory to fashion to foreign, emphasizing India’s ambition to lead the global textile industry.
The inauguration featured a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony led by Singh, joined by Minister of State for Textiles Pabitra Margherita, Textiles Secretary Neelam Shami Rao, Additional Secretary Rohit Kansal, and other officials. The event focuses on transforming the industry through sustainability, circularity, and digitization. The AEPC Executive Committee members also attended the opening.
Sustainability at the core of Bharat Tex 2025
Addressing the gathering, Singh highlighted the government's initiatives to boost the sector and welcomed international buyers, stressing that Bharat Tex 2025 will provide an unparalleled business experience. AEPC Chairman Sudhir Sekhri noted that the event has attracted participation from over 110 countries and major global brands, reinforcing India's position as a reliable textile partner. Japan leads the list of apparel buyers, followed by the UAE, Iran, the USA, Spain, the UK, South Africa, Russia, and Australia.
Top international brands attending include Apparel Group (UAE), Primark Stores Ltd (Ireland), Adastria Co Ltd (Japan), Idkids (France), Melon Fashion Group (Russia), and Al Safeer Group (UAE), among others. Sekhri emphasized the growing importance of sustainability, with Bharat Tex 2025 showcasing organic fabrics, recycled materials, and energy-efficient production technologies.
India’s textile sector, once hampered by limited global engagement, is now at the forefront of international trade. The four-day event features exhibitions, knowledge sessions, thematic discussions, G2G and B2B meetings, MoUs, product launches, and interactive pavilions. Bharat Tex 2025 aims to set new benchmarks by integrating cutting-edge technology and eco-friendly practices.
The event is expected to attract over 6,000 international buyers and 120,000 visitors, including policymakers, CEOs, and industry leaders. Covering the entire textile value chain - fibre, yarn, fabrics, garments, home textiles, and technical textiles, Bharat Tex 2025 is poised to solidify India’s role as a global textile powerhouse.
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has responded to President Donald Trump’s decision to review all trading partners for potential countermeasures rather than imposing immediate reciprocal tariffs.
AAFA President and CEO Steve Lamar acknowledged the administration’s goal of reducing foreign trade barriers but cautioned against a tariff-heavy strategy. “We appreciate the effort to lower tariff and non-tariff barriers and welcome a comprehensive review of foreign policies,” he said.
However, Lamar warned that this approach risks economic prosperity by overlooking the crucial role of ethical and fairly traded imports. “Putting America first means ensuring stability for businesses, affordability for consumers, opportunities for farmers, and support for millions of trade-dependent US jobs,” he stated. He argued that sweeping tariffs could raise costs for manufacturers, restrict export markets for farmers, and increase consumer prices.
AAFA emphasized the importance of predictability in trade policy and urged collaboration with Congress, which holds constitutional authority over tariffs. “We look forward to contributing to this review and working with the administration to develop a strategy that truly benefits the US economy,” Lamar concluded.
Invista has opened its new $13 million Texas Technology Center (TTC) in Katy, Texas. This nearly 40,000-sq-ft facility will house over 50 R&D, engineering, advanced process control, EHS, transformation, and project team members, along with data scientists.
The TTC will support Invista's global technology needs for its Nylon and Propylene businesses, focusing on chemical intermediates and polymer product lines. It features advanced analytical and experimental capabilities to accelerate Invista's research and development programs.
Jerry Grunewald, Vice President-R&D, Invista, states, the TTC will be a hub for innovative projects and partnerships, keeping the company at the forefront of the industry. To meet customers’ demands Invista will continue to focus on innovation, he emphasizes.
Brook Vickery, President and CEO, Invista, opines, the TTC will accelerate the teams' contributions to advancing the company’s businesses. Its Asia Innovation Center in Shanghai provides world-class facilities on both continents, he notes. The company’s teams are making new discoveries and developments to meet its customers’ demands and drive innovation.
The TTC will support Invista’s use of advanced technologies and the development of new, innovative products to address unmet market needs.
Karl Mayer has been equipping customers with warp knitting expertise since 1960, and its training programs remain highly sought after. In 2024, the company conducted 104 courses for 432 learners across academies in Germany, China, India, Japan, and Turkey. Its online training platform, launched in 2022, is also gaining traction, with 564 active accounts from 50 countries by December 2024.
“We’re seeing a shift from on-site training to digital formats,” says Sophia Krinner, Product Owner Academy at Karl Mayer. Many professionals now find online courses sufficient, reducing the need for travel. The 2025 program opens for enrollment in January, with a 25 per cent discount on the ‘Introduction to Warp Knitting’ e-learning course in February.
While over half of last year’s courses followed the standard program, demand for specialized training is rising, particularly in fishing net production, process optimization, and quality improvement. These sessions often take place at customers’ facilities, ensuring practical relevance.
Trainees praise the courses for enhancing their technical skills. “I now understand the connection between machine parts and product properties,” says Fang of Shawmut Corp., USA. Others highlight the impact on their daily work and design innovations.
Karl Mayer continues expanding its digital offerings, adding courses on energy efficiency and textile analysis in 2024. A new warp knitting knowledge check, launched in January 2025, helps customers assess their skills and choose the right courses.
Expanding its brand’s international presence, footwear brand Steve Madden has acquired UK-based luxury brand Kurt Geiger for £289 million (approximately $360.09 million) in an all-cash transaction.
Owner of brands like Dolce Vita and Betsey Johnson, New York-based Steve Madden plans to purchase Kurt Geiger from private equity firm Cinven. Kurt Geiger's portfolio includes the KG Kurt Geiger and Carvela brands, sold in luxury and premium department stores such as Harrods and Selfridges.
Expected to close in Q2, FY25, the deal will be funded through a combination of existing cash reserves and debt. Kurt Geiger generated revenues worth £400 million for the 12 months ending February 1, 2025. On the other hand, Steve Madden's 2024 revenue is projected to reach $2.25 billion, according to LSEG data.
The company previously outlined plans to diversify its product sourcing away from China following the outcome of the US presidential election.
China’s Xinjiang region synonymous with cotton is deeply entangled in controversy, raising ethical and economic questions that reverberate throughout the global supply chain, including impacting India's cotton trade.
Xinjiang's dominance in Chinese cotton production
Xinjiang accounts for a staggering proportion of China's cotton output. Recent estimates suggest over 80 per cent of China's cotton originates from Xinjiang, with the region producing around 5 million tonnes annually. This dominance is driven by several factors like favorable climate, as Xinjiang's dry climate and ample sunshine create optimal growing conditions for cotton. The Chinese government has heavily invested in Xinjiang's cotton industry, providing subsidies and infrastructure development. And large-scale farms in Xinjiang have readily adopted mechanized harvesting, increasing efficiency and output.
In fact, Xinjiang's cotton production has significantly impacted China's overall cotton industry. First it has help in reducing imports as China, once a major cotton importer, has seen its import dependence decrease due to Xinjiang's production surge. This has direct implications for India, a major cotton exporter. On the other hand exports have grown. China has emerged a significant exporter of cotton yarn and finished textile products, leveraging Xinjiang's cotton. This increased competition affects Indian textile exports. Xinjiang cotton also helps China's massive textile industry, feeding domestic demand for apparel and other goods.
India's perspective
While India is a major cotton producer, the dynamics of Xinjiang's production influence its cotton trade with China. First is that it has resulted in lowering exports to China as China's domestic production increases, reliance on Indian cotton imports diminishes. This is reflected in the declining trend of raw cotton exports from India to China. However, India has seen a rise in cotton yarn exports to China. This suggests that despite Xinjiang's cotton dominance, there is still demand for specific yarn varieties and qualities that India can fulfill. The rise of China as a textile exporter, has been led by Xinjiang cotton and this presents competition for India in the global market.
Table: China’s cotton production, imports
|
Year |
China's cotton production (mn tons) |
Xinjiang's Share (%) |
China's cotton imports (mn tons) |
India's cotton exports to China (mn tons) |
India's cotton yarn exports to China ($ mn) |
|
2021 |
5.9 |
85 |
2 |
0.8 |
550 |
|
2022 |
6 |
87 |
1.8 |
0.6 |
680 |
|
2023 |
6.1 |
90 |
1.5 |
0.5 |
720 |
|
2024 |
6.2 |
94.8 |
1.0 (estimated) |
0.4 (estimated) |
750 (estimated) |
(Source: National Bureau of Statistics of China, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, Ministry of Commerce and Industry India, Texprocil)
Table: China’s leading cotton trading partners
China's exports: Vietnam, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Turkey
China's imports: United States, Brazil, Australia
India's Exports: Bangladesh, Vietnam, China, Pakistan
Uncertainties, controversies arond Xinjiang cotton
There are several controversies around cotton from the Xinjiang region. Allegations of forced labor in Xinjiang continue to cast a shadow over the region's cotton industry. This impacts the ethical sourcing policies of many companies globally, including those in India. Meanwhile trade disputes and political pressures related to Xinjiang cotton create uncertainty in the global market. This can disrupt established trade flows and impact Indian exporters. The environmental impact of cotton production in Xinjiang, including water usage, is also a growing concern. This raises questions about the long-term viability of such large-scale cotton production.
However, the fact is Xinjiang cotton plays a pivotal role in China's domestic textile industry and holds significant sway in the global cotton market. This has direct and indirect consequences for India's cotton trade, impacting its exports of raw cotton and yarn to China. While India continues to be a significant player in the global cotton market, navigating the complexities arising from Xinjiang's production, including ethical concerns and geopolitical tensions, remains crucial for India's cotton industry.
India's textile and apparel industry, while deeply rooted in history, faces significant supply chain challenges in fibers, yarns, and fabrics. Though renowned for its cotton and silk production, the industry struggles with modernization, fragmentation, and reliance on imports. These hurdles prevent it from fully capitalizing on the burgeoning domestic fashion market and establishing a dominant global presence.
A legacy industry at a crossroads
With a history tracing back to the Indus Valley Civilization, Indian textiles have long enjoyed global acclaim. Today, key manufacturing hubs such as Tirupur (knitwear), Surat (textiles), and Ludhiana (hosiery) remain integral to the sector. However, the industry faces structural challenges, including a fragmented supply chain, outdated technology, and logistical inefficiencies. Additionally, dependence on imported raw materials for specialized fabrics adds to production costs. Despite these issues, India’s growing fashion and apparel sector could serve as a powerful catalyst for change.
Growing influence of fashion and apparel sector
The Indian fashion and apparel market has seen major growth. Statista projects the sector will reach Rs 171.60 billion (approximately $20.8 billion) by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 4 per cent between 2025 and 2034. This growth is due to rising disposable incomes, urbanization, e-commerce expansion, and heightened awareness of global fashion trends.
Indian designers and brands are not just imitating Western styles but are innovating with uniquely Indian aesthetics. Designers like Manish Malhotra, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, and Anita Dongre are gaining international recognition, showcasing India’s rich craftsmanship. Additionally, the rise of conscious consumerism is pushing brands toward sustainability, eco-friendly textiles, and ethical sourcing.
Fashion’s impact on the textile supply chain
The fashion and apparel sector has the potential to transform the textile supply chain by driving demand, fostering innovation, and strengthening industry collaborations.
Demand as a catalyst: The growing appetite for diverse, high-quality fabrics encourages investment in fiber production, yarn spinning, and fabric manufacturing, leading to modernization and expansion.
Focus on quality & innovation: The need for advanced textiles, such as moisture-wicking and antimicrobial fabrics, pushes manufacturers toward innovation and technology upgrades.
Collaboration & partnerships: Strengthening ties between fashion brands and textile manufacturers ensures industry-specific needs are met while providing stability and long-term growth opportunities.
Investment & infrastructure: A thriving fashion industry attracts investment in textile parks, manufacturing facilities, logistics, and research institutions.
Key areas for action
Fiber diversification: Heavy reliance on cotton exposes the industry to price and yield fluctuations. Encouraging alternative natural fibers like linen, hemp, and bamboo, along with advancements in man-made fibers, will reduce dependency on imports.
Sustainability & circularity: The industry must embrace organic cotton, recycled fibers, and eco-friendly dyes while implementing circular economy practices like textile recycling.
Yarn & fabric manufacturing challenges: The sector remains fragmented, with many SMEs lacking economies of scale, investment in automation, and standardized quality control, affecting global competitiveness.
Supply chain efficiency: Inefficiencies in logistics, cold storage, and communication among stakeholders increase operational delays and costs.
Technology & innovation: Investing in automation, digital technologies, and R&D will help improve efficiency and competitiveness in the global market.
Skill development: Expanding training programs for textile engineers, designers, and manufacturing personnel is crucial to ensuring long-term growth and expertise.
Policy support: Policies that incentivize textile investment, support exports, and improve infrastructure are essential for sustained development.
Branding & marketing: Strengthening India’s global image through trade shows, digital campaigns, and ‘Made in India’ branding can enhance market positioning.
Many Indian brands and manufacturers are already making strides toward innovation and sustainability. For example, Fabindia a leader in natural fabrics and traditional Indian craftsmanship is supporting local artisans and weavers. R|Elan is pioneering sustainable fashion with recycled polyester and eco-friendly materials. Global brands like M&S are increasing reliance on Indian suppliers for ethically produced textiles.
The bottomline is India’s textile and apparel industry stands at a crucial juncture. By leveraging fashion as a growth driver, the country can create a robust and self-sufficient textile ecosystem, positioning itself as a global leader. However, success will depend on collaboration between fashion brands, manufacturers, policymakers, and research institutions. By focusing on innovation, sustainability, and skill development, India can weave a stronger, more competitive textile future, driven by the power of fashion.
The seventh edition of IFCO, Istanbul Fashion Connection took place from February 5 to 8, 2025, attracting 33,788 visitors and 514 exhibitors from 151 countries. Hosted at the Istanbul Expo Centre, the event showcased a diverse range of fashion categories across eight halls, reinforcing Turkiye’s growing influence in the global fashion industry. The largest international visitor groups came from the Middle East (32.5 per cent), Asia (25.1 per cent), Europe (23.1 per cent), and North Africa (14.6 per cent).
Global platform for fashion and business
Turkiye, the world’s sixth-largest apparel supplier and the third-largest in the EU, aims to transition from a manufacturing hub to a global fashion leader. Mustafa Gultepe, President of TIM & IHKIB, emphasized the country’s strengths in design, branding, and technology, noting that Turkish brands now operate over 3,000 stores in more than 100 countries. IFCO plays a key role in this vision, establishing Istanbul as a major fashion hub in Europe.
The event provided a global networking platform, bringing together international buyers and fashion leaders. Major participants included brands from the USA, UK, France, Germany, Spain, Canada, and the Middle East, leveraging IFCO’s B2B meetings and trade connections to expand their market reach.
Showcasing diverse fashion categories
Spanning 35,000 square meters, IFCO featured key segments such as womenswear, menswear, kidswear, denim, sportswear, evening and wedding wear, lingerie, hosiery, leather garments, shoes, and accessories. TheCore Istanbul, a key highlight of the event, provided a dedicated space for over 25 designers to present their collections. Notable participants included Maison Kaisros, Alaii, Syga, Denim Heads, Tuba Ergin, Eynaco, Bianco E Nero, and Mirimalist. Designers reported strong buyer engagement, with many securing new business deals.
The IFCO Brands section featured major market players like Jakamen, Sabri Ozel, Jimmy Key, NCS, Kayra, Armine, Rojbey, and Kigılı, all of whom showcased their latest collections in individually designed store-like booths. The IFCO Kids section expanded significantly, doubling in size with 40 manufacturers in Hall 8. The LinExpo lingerie and hosiery segment occupied two halls, while FashionIST highlighted high-end eveningwear.
High-profile buyers and industry insights
IFCO 2025 saw a 5.3 per cent increase in international visitors compared to last year, with 42.1 per cent of attendees coming from abroad. Prominent buyers included John Lewis, J.P. Boden & Co (UK), Monsoon Brand Ltd (UK), Nicoli Network (Spain), Aeon Co (Malaysia), Ariat (USA), Aritzia (Canada), and Groupe Vanessa Bruno (France). The event’s structured B2B meetings facilitated direct business discussions and partnership opportunities.
The IFCO Trend Area, designed in collaboration with the Fashion Designers Association (MTD), focused on ‘Mindscape,’ a theme blending science, digital innovation, and sustainability. The Istanbul Fashion Academy (IMA) highlighted how modern technology and traditional knowledge drive eco-conscious fashion. Industry seminars covered key topics, including Spring/Summer 2026 trends from WGSN, the role of AI in fashion marketing, and the impact of digitalization on apparel design.
Sustainability and digital transformation at the core
Turkiye’s fashion industry has been at the forefront of digitalization and sustainability, aligning with global standards even before the EU’s Green Deal. Mustafa Paşahan, Vice President of IHKIB and IFCO Fair Executive Committee President, emphasized the industry's investments in sustainable production and digital advancements. IHKIB continues to lead Turkiye’s efforts in integrating EU-supported programs to drive this transformation.
Since its launch, IFCO has hosted 2,552 exhibitors and 153,000 visitors across 160,533 square meters. The event has rapidly established itself as Europe’s largest fashion fair. The upcoming eighth edition of IFCO is scheduled for August 20-22, 2025, promising another impactful showcase of Turkiye’s fashion industry.
