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Source Fashion, Europe’s premier event for responsible sourcing, will return to Olympia London from 18th to 20th February 2025. The show has released its Exhibitor List, offering visitors a preview of the hundreds of makers and manufacturers from over 20 countries, including key sourcing regions like Turkey, Taiwan, Ethiopia, Egypt, China, India, and Portugal. High-profile brands such as ASOS, M&S, John Lewis, and Primark are among those pre-registered to attend.
Event Director Suzanne Ellingham highlights the show’s commitment to uniting global manufacturers with retailers and designers seeking sustainable and innovative products. "Every supplier is audited and accredited, ensuring visitors can confidently source materials, fabrics, trims, and design services," she said.
Exhibitors span a range of categories, from apparel to accessories and packaging. For instance, UK-based Dee Kay Knitwear offers custom wholesale solutions, while Portugal’s WonderRaw delivers premium organic cotton garments with a focus on sustainability. India’s Coton Code Garments specialises in high-quality knitted apparel, while Turkey’s ION Tekstil combines style and affordability in circular knitted apparel.
The event also champions ethical practices, with exhibitors like Egypt’s The Fashion Incubator promoting women’s empowerment and Madagascar’s Anaka supporting local artisans through education and skill-building. Visitors can explore everything from luxury silks by Modern Star Silk to Nepal’s Chyangra Pashmina, renowned for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship.
Source Fashion continues its collaboration with the International Trade Centre to spotlight exhibitors from Ethiopia, Madagascar, Tanzania, and Nepal, ensuring sustainability remains at the heart of the show.
With its new mid-week dates, the February 2025 edition promises an improved experience for visitors, bringing together raw materials, white-label solutions, and bespoke manufacturing services. This season’s curated floorplan includes Womenswear, Menswear, Footwear, Accessories, Source Luxury, and Technology & Services.
Source Fashion 2025 cements its role as a vital platform for international sourcing, helping brands bring their visions to life responsibly and sustainably.
United Legwear & Apparel plans to adopt TradeBeyond’s multi-enterprise platform to strengthen supply chain transparency and governance, reinforcing its commitment to ethical sourcing. The move highlights the company’s focus on maintaining high standards for sustainability and compliance amidst increasing regulatory demands.
TradeBeyond’s AI-powered traceability tools will enable United Legwear to navigate complex compliance requirements, ensuring transparency from raw materials to final product delivery. These tools include real-time document authentication and chain-of-custody tracking, simplifying adherence to laws such as the US Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) mandates in North America and Europe.
Chris Volpe, Chief Operating and Financial Officer, United Legwear & Apparel, emphasizes, TradeBeyond’s advanced traceability tools provides the company with a comprehensive view of its entire supply chain, ensuring responsible sourcing and strengthening supplier relationships.
The integration of TradeBeyond’s CBX platform is part of a phased deployment strategy aimed at automating critical compliance processes. This platform will improve collaboration with suppliers, many of whom are based in Asia, and reduce risks by validating essential compliance documentation.
The AI technology embedded in the platform analyzes vast amounts of supply chain data, identifying irregularities or compliance issues. These capabilities will help United Legwear meet stringent requirements while addressing upcoming regulations focused on recyclability and carbon footprint reporting.
Michael Hung, CEO, TradeBeyond says, the CBX platform empowers United Legwear to maintain compliance with evolving regulations while enhancing efficiency and transparency across their supply chain.
United Legwear & Apparel, a 25-year leader in designing and distributing legwear, bodywear, and accessories, collaborates with renowned brands like Puma, Scotch & Soda, and Skechers. This latest partnership with TradeBeyond reflects its ongoing commitment to ethical practices and innovative supply chain solutions.
The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) is inviting applications for the ITMF Awards 2025, featuring three distinct categories:
ITMF Sustainability & Innovation Award 2025
ITMF International Cooperation Award 2025
ITMF Start-up Award 2025
The deadline for submissions is April 30, 2025. Winners will be announced during the ITMF Annual Conference 2025, held from September 24-25, 2025, in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The conference will provide winners an opportunity to showcase their projects to a global audience.
Founded in 1904, ITMF serves as a leading international forum for the textile and related industries. Its members span over 40 countries, representing around 90 per cent of global production across the entire textile value chain, including fibers, textile machinery, chemicals, textiles, apparel, and home textiles.
The ITMF Awards celebrate innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurial spirit, furthering ITMF's commitment to driving progress in the textile industry.
Marking a significant expansion into the booming athleisure market, Irish fast-fashion retailer Primark has launched its largest-ever performance collection. Blending style with functionality, this new activewear range offers a broad range of athletic apparel for men, women, and children. It caters to the demands of both fitness enthusiasts and casual wearers.
Featuring a wide variety including technical sports bras, leggings, joggers, and tops, the collection is designed with performance in mind, It utilizes advanced fabrics that provide enhanced comfort and support. Key innovations in the collection include four-way stretch materials for flexibility, sweat-wicking technology to keep wearers dry, and breathable fabrics for maximum airflow during workouts. Apparel pieces in the collection have been made to go through rigorous testing to ensure they meet high standards of quality and longevity.
To elevate the shopping experience, Primark has introduced dedicated spaces in select stores to showcase the new performance line. These areas are designed to inspire customers, featuring ballet bar-inspired rails, gym-themed props, and informative panels highlighting the collection’s features. The immersive displays aim to create a dynamic environment that reflects the energy of the activewear collection.
Valued at $1.3B in 2023, global lyocell fiber market is likely to hit $3.42B by 2032. Explore Credence Report insights on growth drivers, Lenzing AG, Birla Cellulose, and more!
Valued at $1.3 billion in 2023, the global lyocell fiber market is expected to grow at a robust CAGR of 10.20 per cent, reaching $3.42 billion by 2032. According to a report by Credence Report Inc, this growth is being driven by lyocell’s increasing adoption in clothing, home textiles, and industrial products, thanks to its sustainability, biodegradability, and superior performance.
Growing environmental awareness among consumers and industries is fueling demand for lyocell fiber. Leading innovation in this sector are companies like Lenzing AG and Birla Cellulose. Lenzing’s Tencel™ Lyocell fibers recycle over 99 per cent of solvents and water, while their Lenzing™ Lyocell Dry fiber enhances moisture management in hygiene applications, reducing reliance on plastic fibers.
Birla Cellulose has developed Nullarbor fiber, which is finer than silk and significantly stronger than conventional lyocell. Lenzing also sources wood from certified sustainable forests and plans to increase its production capacity to over 100,000 tons annually by 2025. These advancements underscore the industry’s commitment to eco-friendly innovation.
Lyocell’s high tensile strength, moisture management, breathability, and softness make it a preferred material in various applications. In apparel, lyocell is being widely used in activewear, casual wear, and intimate wear, thanks to its hypoallergenic and skin-friendly properties. The growing demand for luxurious yet sustainable home textiles, such as bed linens and curtains, is also boosting the fiber’s adoption in home décor.
The healthcare and hygiene sectors are leveraging lyocell fiber’s biodegradability for single-use products. Lenzing’s recent developments allow for innovative, sustainable alternatives to plastic-based materials, further broadening its market appeal.
Rapid urbanization and rising disposable incomes in Asia-Pacific and Latin America present significant growth opportunities for the lyocell fiber market. E-commerce platforms are also enhancing visibility and accessibility for lyocell-based products in these regions.
Sustainability-focused regulations and industry policies are creating favorable market conditions. Companies adopting zero-waste production and carbon-neutral operations are gaining a competitive edge. Moreover, blending lyocell with other fibers, such as cotton and polyester, is enabling manufacturers to create unique, high-performance textiles for fashion, technical, and medical applications.
As political tensions simmer between India and Bangladesh, the intricate textile trade relationship between the two South Asian neighbors hangs in the balance. Here is a look at the interwoven textile supply chain, the stakes, indispensable links, and potential vulnerabilities for both nations.
A symbiotic relationship
India and Bangladesh share a deeply intertwined textile trade relationship, characterized by complementary strengths. India dominates the upstream segment, providing raw materials like cotton, yarn, and fabrics to Bangladesh. Bangladesh, in turn, leverages its competitive labor costs to focus on downstream garment manufacturing, exporting finished apparel globally, including to India.
Table
Trade flow 2022-23 Value (% bn) Key items India to Bangladesh Exports $11 Cotton, yarn, fabrics, dyes, chemicals India from Bangladesh Imports $1.89 Ready-made garments, knitwear, home textiles
The two countries have some indispensible links. For example, Bangladesh's reliance on Indian inputs for garment industry, a cornerstone of its economy, means any disruptions in supply could cripple production and impact export commitments. Also, Bangladesh provides a significant market for Indian textile products, particularly yarn and fabrics. Losing this market share would deal a blow to Indian manufacturers. Bangladesh also has lower labor costs that make it an attractive destination for garment manufacturing. This benefits global brands and retailers, contributing to the affordability of clothing.
However, the country is seriously vulnerable now. These vulnerabilities include the political volatility. The current political climate has led to uncertainty and risk, potentially disrupting established trade flows. Any disruption in cross-border movement of goods could lead to delays, shortages, and increased costs for both nations. Moreover, both countries also face competition from other textile and garment producing nations, particularly in Southeast Asia.
What's at stake is their economic growth as the textile industry significantly contributes to the GDP and employment in both countries. Trade disruptions could have adverse economic consequences. Both nations also risk losing their hard-earned positions in the global textile and garment market if the current situation persists. And supply chain disruptions and increased costs could ultimately lead to higher prices for clothing and textiles globally.
Therefore, while certain aspects of the textile trade relationship are indispensable, both countries possess some flexibility. India could seek alternative export markets, and Bangladesh could explore sourcing raw materials from other suppliers. However, such shifts would likely involve higher costs and logistical challenges. Thus the current situation underscores the importance of diversification and resilience in textile supply chains. It also highlights the need for political stability and cooperation to ensure continued growth and prosperity for both India and Bangladesh.
Pakistan's cotton industry is at a critical juncture as a confluence of factors, including surging imports, policy inconsistencies, and a decline in domestic production, threaten the livelihood of farmers, ginners, and the entire textile value chain. The situation mirrors the recent wheat crisis, where government inaction and market imbalances led to significant financial distress for farmers and millers.
Unprecedented import growth
The government's decision to allow duty-free cotton imports, coupled with an 18 per cent sales tax on domestic cotton and yarn purchases, has created a lopsided playing field that favors imported cotton. This has resulted in a record-breaking influx of foreign cotton, with imports expected to reach a historic high of 5 million bales in the 2024-25 cotton year.
Table: Import growth
|
Cotton imports (bales) |
Yarn imports (bales) |
|
October 31, 2024 |
800,000 |
|
November 30, 2024 |
1.1 million |
|
Projected 2024-25 |
5 million |
Impact on domestic production
The surge in imports has severely impacted domestic cotton sales, leading to a sharp decline in prices and a glut of unsold cotton in warehouses and ginning factories. Farmers and ginners are facing mounting losses, with cotton prices plummeting by over Rs 1,000 per maund to Rs 17,500. This situation not only jeopardizes the livelihoods of those involved in cotton production but also threatens Pakistan's agricultural and industrial economy.
The recent wheat crisis serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of policy inaction and market imbalances. The government's failure to buy wheat from farmers at the official rate led to a sharp decline in prices, causing significant losses for farmers and millers. The cotton industry is now facing a similar situation, highlighting the need for proactive measures to prevent further economic distress. The current crisis underscores the urgent need for policy intervention to address the structural imbalances in the cotton industry. Some key policy challenges include:
Duty-free imports: The removal of import duties has created an uneven playing field, favoring foreign cotton and discouraging domestic production.
Sales tax on domestic cotton: The 18 per cent sales tax on domestic cotton and yarn further disadvantages local producers and exacerbates the crisis.
Lack of support for farmers: Farmers are facing financial distress due to declining cotton prices and high input costs.
To address these challenges and ensure the long-term sustainability of the cotton industry, the government needs to take decisive action. This includes imposing sales tax on imported cotton and yarn this would level the playing field and encourage the use of domestic cotton. Removing sales tax on domestic cotton would provide much-needed relief to farmers and ginners. Investing in R&D this would help improve cotton yields and quality, making domestic cotton more competitive. Providing financial support to farmers which would help them cope with the current crisis and invest in sustainable farming practices.
The crisis in the cotton industry is a complex issue with far-reaching implications for Pakistan's economy. Addressing this crisis requires a multi-faceted approach that includes policy reforms, investment in research and development, and financial support for farmers. By taking decisive action, the government can ensure the long-term sustainability of the cotton industry and protect the livelihoods of millions of Pakistanis.
Egypt is investing $1.1 billion in revitalizing its textile industry, with a focus on modernizing the spinning and weaving hub of al-Mahala al-Kobra. The country aims to overhaul its century-old textile, spinning, and weaving factories by them into large industrial complexes capable of producing tens of thousands of tons of fabric daily. The government's modernization initiative is aimed at revitalizing an industry that once accounted for 40 per cent of Egypt’s export revenues but now contributes only 2.5 per cent to 3 per cent.
The modernization project is designed to help Egypt regain its status as a key textile producer by importing modern machinery, renovating production units, and improving production efficiency. As a result, Egypt plans to significantly add value to its cotton production, one of the world’s top producers of long staple cotton.
Historically, developing nations like Egypt have struggled to add value to raw materials such as cotton, often losing out on potential profits. However, Egypt is changing this trend by focusing on turning raw cotton into manufactured goods locally. This shift is expected to reduce the country’s reliance on cotton exports, with a growing proportion of local cotton production being used for domestic manufacturing rather than for international sales.
The Egyptian government predicts, the country may no longer need to export its cotton once the modernization program is fully implemented, likely by the end of this year or early next year. Local demand will absorb the entirety of their crop, thanks to the new factories.
In the 2024 cotton season, Egypt increased its area under cotton cultivation to about 225,000 acre from 216,000 acre in 2018. The country produced approximately 1.8 million pounds (about 4 million kilograms) of cotton, an increase from 1.4 million pounds (around 3.1 million kilograms) in 2023. However, most of this cotton is now expected to meet local industrial needs, potentially reducing the volume available for export. Currently, Egypt accounts for about 20 per cent of the world’s long staple cotton, with exports going to 22 countries, down from 55 countries in the past. This change could have a significant impact on global cotton supply.
Circular materials leader, Ambercycle has teamed up with Shenghong Holding Group to expand the production of regenerated filament yarns made with cycora® material. This collaboration addresses the global demands for circular solutions in the apparel industry by integrating cycora® into the Chinese value chain.
Ambercycle and Shenghong have been collaborating since 2024 in order to develop high-quality regenerated filament yarns using cycora® material. The partnership between these two companies helps drive scalable, impactful change across the apparel sector, says Jason Tang, General Manager, Shenghong Chemical Fiber New Material Co.
The cycora® material enables brands to integrate sustainability into their supply chains seamlessly by replacing virgin inputs with textile-to-textile regenerated materials. The partnership accelerates the industry's transition to a circular future, where waste is reimagined as a valuable resource.
Shay Sethi, Co-founder and CEO, Ambercycle, notes, the company’s partnership with Shenghong emphasizes on the brand’s shared vision for a circular future. It ensures the seamless integration of cycora® into the supply chains of the leading global brand by leveraging Shenghong's advanced manufacturing capabilities. Together, the two companies drive the adoption of circular materials across the apparel industry at the pace necessary to meet the growing demand.
The upcoming 11th edition of Surat International Textile Expo 2025 (SITEX) at Surat in Gujarat will launch Velvet Airjet Machinery.
Organized by the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI), the three-day event will be held from January 10-12, 2025 at the Surat International Exhibition and Convention Centre in Sarsana.
To be showcased for the first time in India, the Velvet Airjet Machinery will redefine velvet production by drastically lowering costs and improving fabric quality. Highlighting the transformative potential of this machinery, Vijay Mewawala, President, SGCCI states, the technology will enable India to produce high-quality velvet, eliminating the need for imports from Korea.
Currently, Indian manufacturers produce velvet with a quality number of 5,000, while Korean imports offer a superior quality number of 11,000, often used in luxury lehengas priced between Rs 50,000 to RS 100,000. Operating at 600 RPM, the new machinery will now produce the higher-quality velvet domestically. This development will reduce production costs from Rs 1,500-Rs 2,000 per meter for imported velvet to just Rs 200 per meter, making premium velvet more affordable for manufacturers and consumers alike.
The Velvet Airjet Machinery boasts advanced features such as 100 per cent electronic operation, WiFi connectivity, mobile device control, and zero-defect production, ensuring top-tier fabric quality.
SITEX 2025 will also feature several other state-of-the-art textile innovations including the 32-Head Embroidery and Viscose Jacquard Machine and other value-added fabric machines.
Creating pure and semi-silk fabrics using gold and silver wire, these indigenous machines are energy-efficient and cost-effective, offering robust service support to local manufacturers.
Recognized for advancing Surat’s textile industry in global markets, SITEX 2025 aims to modernize the sector, attract investments, and foster innovation. The exhibition provides a platform to propel Surat’s textile industry forward, says Mewawala.
