FW
India’s textile sector gets a major push in the new budget, with allocations rising sharply from Rs3,342 crore (FY 24-25 revised) to Rs5,252 crore. Increased funding for ATUF and PLI schemes will accelerate industry incentives.
A five-year Cotton Mission aims to improve yields from the current 450 kg/hectarewell below the global average of 800 kgenhancing raw material availability for cotton-based industries. A new 20 per cent or Rs115/kg import duty (whichever is higher) on all knitted fabrics will curb undervalued imports, benefiting the local MMF sector.
Shuttleless looms now enjoy duty-free import under technical textiles machinery. Higher disposable incomes from a consumption-driven budget are expected to boost apparel and home textile sales. With MSMEs and women entrepreneurs dominating textiles, targeted schemes will directly benefit manufacturing.
The budget signals strong support for domestic production, higher efficiency, and industry growth.
— Sanjay K Jain, Chairman, ICC National Textiles Committee & MD, TT Limited
The Lenzing Group, a leader in regenerated cellulosic fibers, has unveiled an expanded Lenzing Lyocell Fill portfolio within its Tencel fiber family. The new offerings introduce finer fibers with diverse cut lengths, designed to enhance home textiles, apparel, and other applications.
“Our expanded portfolio, certified by EU Ecolabel and ClimatePartner, supports sustainability while offering thermal comfort, moisture control, and durability,” said Caroline Ledl, Senior Director at Lenzing AG. The fibers cater to innovative designs and applications, inspiring industry partners to redefine product standards.
The portfolio includes two fiber densities. The finer 1.7dtex variant, suitable for blow-fill technologies, blends seamlessly with premium materials like down, feather, and silk, enhancing pillows, stuffed toys, and lightweight apparel like jackets. Meanwhile, the established 6.7dtex fiber excels in carding and blow-fill applications, providing bulk and moisture control for comforters, quilts, and mattresses.
Produced sustainably from wood, these fibers align with the growing demand for reducing fossil-based material use. Their natural composition ensures skin-friendliness and eco-conscious production.
Lenzing will showcase the expanded portfolio at Heimtextil 2025 in Frankfurt from January 14–17 at Hall 11, Booth #A11. Visitors can explore the innovative potential of these fibers for diverse consumer needs.
The expanded range supports Lenzing’s commitment to combining comfort and sustainability, offering a natural choice for better sleep and eco-conscious living.
A 51 per cent decline in domestic production and delays in imported cotton shipments has led to local cotton prices in Pakistan rising to Rs 20,000 per maund.
Driven by strong export orders, the textile industry in Pakistan has shifted its focus to local cotton as imported shipments face delays. Cotton prices for deferred payments increased to Rs 20,000 per maund, while routine payments ranged between Rs 19,000 and Rs 19,500 per maund. Market analysts expect prices to rise further amid sustained demand.
Ihsanul Haq, Chairman, Cotton Ginners Forum, attributes the import delays to fumigation issues in Brazil caused by a shortage of required chemicals.
Meanwhile, in accordance with the directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) held a meeting on January 13 in Islamabad to decide whether to maintain the 18 per cent sales tax exemption on imported cotton and yarn.
The FBR meeting addressed these concerns and determined the future of tax exemptions, a decision with significant ramifications for both the textile industry and local cotton producers.
Pakistan-based denim brand Soorty Denim aims to incorporate its new fabric range Collagen Denim into new collections that align with the brand’s unique identity.
Launched last fall during Kingpins Amsterdam, Collagen Denim adopts a revolutionary approach to both fashion and function. The fabric incorporates the Umorfil technology. It is also infused with collagen peptide amino acids that are derived from fish scales. Known for their hydrating and soothing properties, these peptides give the fabric the ability to support skin health.
Available in both viscose and polyester variants, the fabric is ideal for garments designed for individuals with specific skincare needs. Some of its unique features include temperature regulation, antibacterial finishes and hydrating properties. The fabric also explores the impact of color and texture on the consumers’ mood and confidence.
The R&D teams of Soorty aim to incorporate this new fabric in innovative projects ranging from fibers and materials to advanced finishing applications. They are particularly targeting adaptive wear as it prioritizes inclusivity and accessibility.
The company also urges consumers to opt for fabrics with fits that maintain closer contact with the skin. This helps the wearer maximize the fabric’s performance, says Eda Dikmen, Senior Manager-Marketing and Communications.
Besides, Soorty is collaborating with brand partners from different markets to integrate this new innovation into their collections in the best possible way that aligns with their unique brand DNAs, adds Dikmen.
A micro-cap player in the textile sector, Lambodhara Textiles reported a 66.49 per cent rise in net profit to Rs 3.18 crore in Q2, FY25. The company’s net sales grew to Rs 60.92 crore during the quarter. It also recorded a 16.08 per cent return on capital employed (ROCE) and a low debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 1.14 during the period.
Delivering impressive results during the quarter, Lambodhara Textiles recorded a 66.49 per cent Y-o-Y rise in profit after tax (PAT) to Rs 3.18 crore. Its profit before depreciation, interest, and tax (PBDIT) also reached an all-time high of Rs 7.84 crore ($946,000).
A micro-cap company in the textile sector, Lambodhara Textiles specializes in the production of synthetic yarns, cotton yarns, and blended yarns. Known for its commitment to quality and innovation, the company caters to both domestic and international markets. Over the years,
Lambodhara Textiles has established itself as a reliable player in the industry, leveraging its expertise in textile manufacturing to deliver superior products.
Although the company faces challenges, including a modest annual net sales growth rate and a high percentage of promoter shares pledged, its financial performance highlights resilience and growth potential.
Cellulose Fibres Conference 2025 is generating excitement in the industry as six pioneering products have been nominated for the prestigious innovation award, set to take place in Cologne on March 12-13. This annual award, organized by nova-Institute and sponsored by GIG Karasek, honors companies that demonstrate creativity, technological advancement, and ecological impact. The award’s goal is to recognize not only innovative products but also the courage to innovate for a sustainable future.
The six nominees, selected by a jury of experts, are set to showcase their solutions at the conference, where attendees will vote live for the top three winners. Over 220 participants are expected to join the event, which will include presentations and the award ceremony on March 12.
The nominees include Fibers365 (Germany), with its ‘hemp365’ material made from regional, chemical-free hemp fibres that reduce reliance on fossil-based binders. Releaf Paper France (France) transforms urban fallen leaves into sustainable cellulose fibres for eco-friendly packaging, while SA-Dynamics (Germany) presents cellulose aerogel textiles as a biodegradable alternative to fossil-based insulation materials. Sci-Lume Labs (USA) introduces Bylon, a renewable, waste-derived biosynthetic fibre that is biodegradable and recyclable.
TMG Automotive (Portugal) offers Refiber, a sustainable automotive material made from biopolymer and cellulose waste for car interiors. Lastly, Uluu (Australia) is developing biodegradable textiles made from seaweed-derived materials, replacing plastics in fashion and reducing microplastic pollution.
These innovations are expected to set new standards in sustainability across multiple industries.
The Union Budget 2025-26 introduces the Cotton Productivity Mission, a five-year plan to increase India’s cotton yield from 450-500 kg to 1,000 kg per hectare. With advanced technology and scientific support, the initiative aims to boost farmer income and secure raw material supply for the textile and apparel sector.
Additionally, income tax revisions and exemptions are expected to drive consumption and economic growth. Coupled with potential RBI rate cuts, these measures will enhance spending power and demand across industries.
Prabhu Dhamodharan, Convenor of the Indian Texpreneurs Federation (ITF), welcomed the initiatives, stating that they align with the industry's long-term vision. The focus on cotton productivity and economic stimulus will strengthen India's textile sector and boost its global competitiveness.
The Life Cycle Assessment Sum`mit (LCAS-2025), held on January 9-10 at SASMIRA, Mumbai, championed sustainability in India’s technical textiles sector. Inaugurated by Sanjay Savkare, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister of Textiles, Maharashtra, the event underscored the importance of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in driving a sustainable future for the nation’s textile and infrastructure industries. Savkare emphasized innovation and sustainability as pillars of growth for India’s textile ecosystem.
Organized under the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) and supported by the Maharashtra Government’s Department of Textiles, the summit featured notable attendees, including Rajeev Saxena, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, and Roop Rashi, Textile Commissioner. SASMIRA unveiled Circular Weaving Technology for Seamless Tubular Geotextiles, developed with Lohia Corp Ltd, to strengthen weak soil. Eve Essential, a SASMIRA-supported start-up, launched reusable hygiene products, advancing sustainability in personal care.
Key industry leaders, including Yogesh K Kusumgar, Raj Kumar Lohia, and Anjani Prasad, were honored for their contributions, while Manish Raval was lauded for transformative achievements. Savkare awarded Sanjay Saini of SASMIRA for Excellence in Research & Innovation.
With sessions led by global experts and support from organizations like Reliance Industries and ICT, the summit emphasized LCA’s potential to align Indian industries with global sustainability standards. LCAS-2025 set the stage for integrating LCA practices, positioning India as a leader in sustainable technical textiles.
Retailers across the United States are reassessing supply chains after Mexico announced significant tariff hikes on textiles and apparel. On December 19, the Mexican government revealed protective measures imposing a 15 per cent tariff on textiles and up to 35 per cent on finished apparel imports.
These tariffs aim to shield Mexico’s textile industry from low-cost Chinese goods, a critical move to support nearly 500,000 workers, according to Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard.
The new tariffs also challenge US e-commerce brands that have relied on Section 321’s de minimis provision, which exempts customs duties on shipments valued under $800. Many companies had been routing goods from China through Mexico before shipping them to the US, a strategy now in jeopardy.
Ryan Martin, president of ITS Logistics, highlighted a significant increase in inquiries from businesses as they work to navigate the new tariffs. He noted that many companies are in the early stages of assessing their options and gathering information to determine the best path forward amidst the uncertainty.
Adding to the uncertainty, President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to impose a 25 per cent tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada and an additional 10 per cent on Chinese goods. These measures, aimed at curbing illegal immigration and drug trafficking, could further disrupt trade flows.
The Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF), founded by Michael Otto, has developed an advanced e-learning platform to ensure effective implementation of The Good Cashmere Standard (GCS). This platform supports knowledge transfer to improve conditions for producers, animals, and the environment.
The platform offers free, automated access to training for trainers, auditors, and producers, featuring courses on GCS fundamentals and animal welfare. A knowledge library, containing the full standard and other essential documents, complements the program. “The positive feedback from users highlights the platform’s importance for an impact-driven organization like ours,” says Figo Li, GCS’s China representative.
With interactive elements, videos, quizzes, and a modular system, the platform emphasizes user-friendly, customized learning. Vanessa Löwenich, GCS training project manager, highlights the system’s adaptability, enabling trainers to create courses tailored to local conditions and individual needs.
Since its launch in 2022, the platform has grown, becoming central to all AbTF standards. It empowers users to address sustainability challenges in cashmere production, including biodiversity preservation and supply chain transparency.
Attendees of the 2025 Good Cashmere Conference in Hamburg can delve deeper into these topics. Virtual reality tours of Inner Mongolian model farms, alongside international speakers, will provide insights into biodiversity, animal welfare, and sustainable practices.
The innovative platform cements AbTF’s reputation as a leader in sustainable solutions, equipping partners with tools to meet evolving challenges in the cashmere industry.
