FW
India anticipates a significant rise in textile exports to the United Kingdom following the recent signing of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the nation, said Giriraj Singh, Union Textiles Minister at Moneycontrol’s Powering Bharat Summit 2025.
The Minister stated, he expects textile exports to the UK to rise from $1.5 billion to $5 billion. However, this increase will be rapid, not gradual, he added.
He attributed the anticipated export growth to the tariff reductions outlined in the FTA, emphasizing how competitors such as Bangladesh and Vietnam had previously gained an advantage in the global textiles market by entering into similar free trade agreements.
Earlier this month, India and the UK finalized a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), representing a major trade deal between the two countries that follows a period of global trade uncertainty. The FTA eliminates the existing 12 per cent tariff on Indian textile exports to the UK. This zero-duty access is projected to substantially improve the price competitiveness of Indian goods in a key market.
The India-UK FTA signifies a significant step in their bilateral trade relationship. It is the first comprehensive agreement signed between the two nations after years of discussions and occurs at a time when India is actively working to broaden its export markets and lower tariff barriers through bilateral trade agreements.
Singh also highlighted India’s robust textile value chain. India has comprehensive, end-to-end solutions in textiles, he said, adding that the government is dedicated to meeting the clothing demands of the country’s expanding population.
Addressing concerns about competition from nations like Bangladesh and Vietnam, Singh asserted, India possesses the required infrastructure, investment support, and workforce.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ensured sufficient investment in the textile sector. There is no shortage of labor in India, he stated.
The new FTA is expected to benefit not only Indian exporters but also to stimulate employment in textile manufacturing centers across various states.
Continuing their upward trajectory, India's Textile & Apparel (T&A) exports grew by 7.45 per cent in April 2025 compared to the same month of the previous year. This positive trend was driven by the strong performance of the apparel segment, which increased by 14.43 per cent Y-o-Y during the month, as per a report by the Ministry of Commerce.
Rakesh Mehra, Chairman, Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) says, the current 14.43 per cent growth in apparel exports seems to be mainly driven by increased shipments to the United States, following the announcement of reciprocal tariff measures by the US administration.
Welcoming the signing of the India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Mehra says, it will provide a further impetus to India’s T&A exports by improving market access of Indian products in the UK market.
In April 2025, Indian textile exports increased by 2.61 per cent while apparel exports grew by 14.43 per cent to $ 1.37 billion mark compared with $ 1.2 billion in April last year.
Compared to the corresponding month in 2023-24, India’s T&A sector grew by 6.3 per cent in 2024-25, as per figures released by the Commerce Ministry.
GHCL Textiles has appointed Marshal Rajendra Kumar Sonavane as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective June 1, 2025. He will succeed R Balakrishnan, who has been with GHCL for over 20 years and played a key role in driving the company’s transformation and growth.
Having originally joined GHCL as Chief Strategy Officer on January 1, 2025, Marshal has now been promoted to CEO of GHCL Textiles. In his new role, he will lead the company’s strategic and operational initiatives, focusing on innovation and strengthening its position in the market.
A graduate of BITS Pilani with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Marshal also holds an MBA in Finance and Marketing from XLRI Jamshedpur. He brings over 14 years of diverse experience across industries, known for blending strong strategic thinking with hands-on execution. His appointment signals GHCL Textiles’ commitment to long-term growth and leadership excellence.
RS Jalan, Non-Executive Director, GHCL Textiles, says, Sonavane’s extensive industry expertise and forward-looking approach are a perfect match for the company’s vision of innovation and progress. GHCL Textiles is expected to reach new milestones and continue on a path of sustainable and inclusive growth under his leadership.
Prior to joining GHCL, Marshal held leadership positions at several leading firms, including Arvind Limited, YCP Auctus, and Accenture Management Consulting.
At the upcoming edition of Apparel Sourcing Paris 2025, Myanmar Garments Manufacturers Association (MGMA) has urged its member companies to showcase ‘Made in Myanmar’ products.
To be organized by Messe Frankfurt France, Apparel Sourcing Paris 2025 will be held from September 15-17, 2025 in Paris Le Bourget, France.
One of the largest biannual events in Europe for manufacturers of clothing and accessories from emerging sourcing countries, Apparel Sourcing Paris 2025 brings together exhibitors from the fashion industry, attracting over 1,000 visitors. It is a platform to explore basic apparel to innovative products for buyers across the country.
MGMA has been participating in Apparel Sourcing Paris 2025 since 2022 with an aim to build a network with European buyers. The association has invited member companies to exhibit Made in Myanmar products at the event with a cost-sharing system. Those who wish to be present at the event need to pay registration fees for it.
Bangladesh is on track to maintain its position as the world's largest cotton importer in the MY2025-26, with imports projected to reach a record-breaking 8.5 million bales, according to a forecast from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Vietnam is expected to follow closely with 8 million bales, also marking an all-time high for the country, as stated in the USDA's latest ‘Cotton: World Markets and Trade’ report.
The report points to a slight recovery in global cotton consumption, anticipated to reach a five-year high of 118.1 million bales. This rebound is attributed to stable economic activity, particularly in major textile-exporting nations like Bangladesh and Vietnam.
For Bangladesh, the increase in cotton imports reflects the continued growth of its ready-made garment (RMG) industry — the cornerstone of its export economy. Mohammad Hatem, President, Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), states, Bangladesh's decision to import more cotton from the US is part of a larger strategy to narrow the trade gap between the two countries.
He notes, the record volume of cotton imports would also strengthen Bangladesh's argument for securing duty-free access for its RMG products in the US market. The government has already taken the necessary steps in this regard, Hatem says.
He further states, US cotton is considered the best globally in terms of quality and consistency, making it the preferred choice for local spinners and manufacturers. He opines, USDA's import forecast is a strong validation of Bangladesh's ability to maintain and expand its leadership in the global apparel value chain.
Global cotton trade is also projected to increase by 2.3 million bales to 44.8 million bales in MY 2026, indicating a broader rise in demand across textile-producing economies.
Having imported 15 million bales in MY 2024, China is projected to import only 7 million bales in MY 2026. The country's reduced demand has created an opportunity for Bangladesh to rise to the top, which analysts say represents a significant structural shift in global cotton trade flows.
The USDA also anticipates stable global cotton prices, supported by adequate supply, a weakening US dollar, and declining energy costs. These trends may ease cost pressures for Bangladeshi mills, which have faced high input costs over the past two years, the association adds.
A groundbreaking new study by Glimpact, has pulled back the curtain on the often-obscured environmental footprint of the apparel industry, revealing a detailed assessment of the ecological costs associated with some leading fashion brands like, Patagonia, Reformation, H&M, Ralph Lauren, and Alo Yoga. Unlike previous analyses, Glimpact looks deep into the entire lifecycle of garments – from raw material extraction and processing to manufacturing, transportation, consumer use, and eventual disposal – offering a comprehensive picture of the industry's impact.
Beyond greenwashing and vague claims
The primary objective of the study is to move beyond generalized sustainability claims and provide, quantifiable data on the specific environmental burdens created by individual apparel brands. In an era saturated with "eco-friendly" marketing and vague commitments, Glimpact aims to inject transparency and accountability into the fashion landscape.
"For too long, consumers and even industry stakeholders have relied on incomplete or high-level assessments of environmental impact," explains Anya Sharma, lead researcher for Glimpact. "Our goal was to dissect the supply chains of major brands, identify the most significant ecological hotspots, and provide a clear, data-driven understanding of the true cost of our clothes."
The relevance of this study is paramount in a world grappling with climate change, resource depletion, and pollution. The findings offer insights for consumers seeking to make more informed choices, policymakers aiming to regulate the industry, and brands looking to implement meaningful and impactful sustainability strategies.
A holistic and granular approach
What sets Glimpact apart from many previous studies is its holistic and granular approach. The findings challenge conventional assumptions about sustainability in fashion, revealing that carbon emissions account for just 23 per cent of a typical apparels product’s environmental footprint. This underscores the limitations of solely focusing on carbon reduction strategies.
Using the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) method, a science-based approach adopted by the EU to standardize environmental assessments, Glimpact evaluated over 100 apparel items across a spectrum of 16 environmental impact categories. These extend beyond climate change to include critical factors such as particulate pollution, fossil resource depletion, and water use, which together constitute over 75 per cent of an apparel product’s total environmental footprint. This multi-faceted approach provides a far more nuanced understanding of ecological costs than studies solely focused on carbon.
Glimpact moves beyond broad industry averages and focuses on specific product categories and even individual garments from leading brands. This level of granularity allows for direct comparisons and highlights the varying ecological costs associated with different materials, production methods, and supply chain complexities.
The varied impacts across brands
The study analyzed a diverse portfolio of apparel from ten prominent global brands, including Patagonia, Reformation, H&M, Ralph Lauren, and Alo Yoga, across different price points and styles. Some findings and illustrative case studies involving these specific brands have emerged.
Reformation's organic cotton paradox: The study revealed that Reformation’s Tessa Hoodie, made from 100 per cent organic cotton, had the highest environmental impact among the women’s sweatshirts tested. This impact surpassed that of Alo Yoga’s Accolade Hoodie (which makes no explicit sustainability claims) and Patagonia’s Fitz Roy Icon Uprisal Hoody, which is made from a significant amount of recycled materials but not entirely (consisting of 55 per cent recycled polyester and 45 per cent recycled cotton).
Glimpact’s analysis suggests that even with seemingly sustainable materials like organic cotton, other lifecycle stages, such as energy-intensive processing, water usage in manufacturing, and the specific chemicals employed, can significantly inflate the overall footprint. The study indicated that simply changing the source of cotton used in Reformation’s hoodie or optimizing its manufacturing processes could potentially reduce its footprint by up to 40 per cent.
The misplaced focus on packaging and distribution: A significant finding of the Glimpact study is that packaging and distribution, often primary focal points in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies and marketing campaigns, account for less than 7 per cent of the total product environmental impact on average. This suggests that while important, these areas are dwarfed by the impact of raw material production and manufacturing. “Carbon is just the tip of the iceberg,” says Christophe Girardier, CEO, Glimpact. “Brands are pouring millions into recycled packaging and carbon offsets while ignoring the fact that 90 per cent of their impact is baked in before a single product is even sewn. If we don’t start measuring what really matters – raw material origin, dyeing, and fiber choices – we’re not solving the climate crisis, we’re greenwashing it.”
Raw materials and manufacturing intervention points: Consistently across all analyzed brands and product categories, raw materials and manufacturing contribute over 90 per cent of a product’s total environmental impact. This underscores that these stages are the most effective and crucial targets for meaningful sustainability interventions by brands like Patagonia, Reformation, H&M, Ralph Lauren, and Alo Yoga.
Material choices: Simply choosing a ‘sustainable’ material does not guarantee a low environmental impact. The case of Reformation’s organic cotton hoodie exemplifies this. The study highlights variations exist within material catergory. For example, the environmental impact of polyester can differ significantly depending on whether it is virgin or recycled, the energy sources used in its production, and the efficiency of the manufacturing processes.
Path to a more sustainable future
The study findings have implications for the analyzed brands and the entire apparel ecosystem. For consumers, it provides a more informed basis for purchasing decisions, encouraging a shift towards a deeper understanding of environmental impact that goes beyond surface-level claims and considers the full lifecycle of a garment. For policymakers, the detailed data, utilizing the standardized PEF method, can inform the development of more effective regulations and incentives that target the most environmentally damaging stages of apparel production.
For apparel brands like Patagonia, Reformation, H&M, Ralph Lauren, and Alo Yoga, Glimpact offers a clear and data-driven roadmap for identifying their most significant environmental impacts. The overwhelming contribution of raw materials and manufacturing to the overall footprint necessitates a re-evaluation of sourcing practices, material choices, and production technologies. Brands need to prioritize investments in innovative, lower-impact raw materials, cleaner and more efficient manufacturing processes, and fundamentally rethink their supply chain management to achieve meaningful and lasting reductions in their ecological cost.
The quest for sustainable and high-performance alternatives to traditional resources has sparked a revolution in fiber use. According to the Material Innovation Initiative (MII), while alternative leathers have gained traction, the broader realm of alternative fibers remains vastly untapped, holding less than a 1 per cent market share. This underscores a significant opportunity for innovation and growth, particularly in mitigating the environmental impact of materials like silk, wool, and fur, which heavily rely on animal agriculture.
Environmental imperatives of traditional fibers
Traditional production methods for materials such as wool and silk entail extensive land use, substantial water consumption, and significant greenhouse gas emissions. Notoriously water-intensive, wool production, and the ethical concerns surrounding silk farming highlight urgent environmental and ethical considerations in these sectors.
Biotechnology, pioneering sustainable solutions
Biotechnological advancements are proving to be game-changers in material innovation. Emerging processes now allow for the biofabrication of fibers, where plant-based carbon is transformed into complex proteins using microorganisms. These engineered proteins boast customizable properties, making them suitable for diverse applications ranging from textiles to automotive components.
AMSilk, leading the charge in biofabrication
AMSilk stands at the forefront of this biotechnological frontier with their innovative biofabricated silk proteins. Conducting cradle-to-gate analyses, AMSilk has demonstrated that their biotech silk production phase contributes less than 20 per cent of the overall environmental impact compared to traditional methods. This reduction is achieved through streamlined processes that minimize land and water usage, setting a new standard for sustainable material production.
Versatility and adaptability of biofabricated fibers
The versatility of biofabricated proteins is unparalleled. These materials can be precisely tailored at a molecular level to meet specific performance criteria, from lightweight applications to robust structural uses. Already, more than 50 potential cross-industry applications have been identified, showcasing the broad scope of their potential impact.
Harnessing AI and precision bio-fermentation
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and precision bio-fermentation technology is accelerating the scalability and affordability of alternative materials. AI-driven protein engineering enables the creation of proteins with enhanced performance attributes, while precision bio-fermentation facilitates large-scale production at competitive prices. These advancements are poised to disrupt up to 50% of the global materials market, with immediate applications across textiles, consumer goods, automotive, agriculture, and food packaging.
India's role in the sustainable fiber revolution
India, renowned for its rich textile heritage, is emerging as a pivotal player in the sustainable fiber revolution. With the Indian technical textiles market projected to reach $30 billion by 2027, there is a growing demand for sustainable and high-performance materials. The government has launched initiatives like the National Technical Textiles Mission, aimed at boosting the production and adoption of technical textiles, including sustainable fibers. Efforts are also underway to promote the cultivation and processing of natural fibers such as cotton, jute, and bamboo, emphasizing sustainable practices across the industry.
India's growing startup culture is spearheading innovative approaches to sustainable materials. Companies are leveraging agricultural waste to develop biodegradable textiles and packaging solutions. Notably, Ananas Anam has pioneered a leather alternative derived from pineapple leaf fibers, gaining traction among Indian enterprises committed to sustainability.
The Indian government's support for research and development in sustainable fibers is robust, with significant investments and funding directed towards advancing these technologies. Research institutes across India are actively engaged in pioneering sustainable solutions, underscoring the nation's commitment to driving environmental stewardship through innovation.
As global industries shift towards sustainability, the convergence of biotechnology, AI, and proactive governmental support is paving the way for a new era in material innovation. With India poised to play a central role in this transformative journey, the future promises a landscape where sustainable fibers not only meet but exceed global market demands, ushering in a cleaner, greener, and more resilient future.
In Q4, FY25, major Indian textile company and a part of the LNJ Bhilwara Group, RSWM turned around from its previous quarterly losses to post a consolidated profit of Rs 16 million.
Driven by higher sales volumes and prices The company registered a 7.2 per cent Y-o-Y increase in quarterly revenue to Rs 125.6 billion. While its revenues rose by 5 per cent Q-o-Q.
Supported by strict cost controls and operational efficiencies, the company’s EBITDA for the fourth quarter increased by 44.8 per cent Y-o-Y to Rs 7.9 billion while EBITDA margins improved by 163 basis points to 6.2 per cent.
For the full FY25, RSWM's revenue increased by 18.9 per cent Y-o-Y to Rs 482.5 billion, while EBITDA grew significantly by 76.8 per cent Y-o-Y to Rs 23.3 billion. Although the company posted a net loss of Rs 4.1 billion for the fiscal year, this reflects a substantial improvement in operating performance compared to FY24’s profit of Rs 3.5 billion, attributed to investments in sustainability and product innovation.
A key highlight of fiscal year 2025 was the launch of ‘Panchtatva,’ a textile innovation platform inspired by nature’s five elements. This initiative aligns with the Indian government’s Mission LiFE, combining ancient Indian wisdom with modern sustainable textile technologies.
RSWM also entered a Joint Development Agreement with Birla Cellulose (Grasim Industries) and TACC to develop graphene-enhanced functional textiles. This aims to create high-performance fabrics with enhanced strength, breathability, and conductivity, positioning RSWM at the forefront of technical textiles.
The company is also diversifying into sustainable energy, having signed an agreement with Bhilwara Energy and other stakeholders, including a Rs 25 billion investment from Singularity Fund.
Riju Jhunjhunwala, Chairman and Managing Director of RSWM, stated, FY25 marked a shift towards a more sustainable future, with improved operational and financial performance. He also noted that the India-UK Free Trade Agreement is expected to significantly boost Indian textile exports. The company is also targeting expansion into Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Looking ahead to FY26, RSWM's priorities include scaling exports, leveraging digital technologies for process efficiency, and reinforcing its commitment to ESG goals.
Established over 63 years ago, RSWM is a major Indian manufacturer and exporter of value-added yarns, denim, knitted fabric, and green polyester fiber, exporting to over 70 countries and serving leading global brands.
Textiles major Mafatlal Industries recorded highest ever revenue growth from operations to Rs 2,807 crore in FY25 with the company also reporting a net profit of Rs 98 crore during the full financial year.
Meanwhile, Mafatlal Industries’ revenue increased by 41 per cent to Rs 450 crore in Q4, FY25 ended March 31, 2025. However, the company’s net profit declined to Rs 23 crore during the quarter as against Rs 33 crore in the year-ago quarter.
According to MB Raghunath, CEO, this growth is been primarily driven by the successful execution of large institutional orders, robust supply chain network and a well-established vendor ecosystem that remain a core strength of its business.
Having a strong order book of approximately Rs 700 crore, Mafatlal continues to see promising opportunities across the textiles, digital infrastructure, and consumer durables segments, Raghunath adds.
A flagship company of the Arvind Mafatlal Group, Mafatlal Industries is a prominent textile player offering a wide range of products including suitings, shirts, fabrics, voiles, uniforms, etc.
To meet the rising market demand, Andritz will showcase its advanced process solutions at the Textile Recycling Expo in Brussels, Belgium, from June 4-5, 2025.
The expo will focus on technologies for the automated sorting of textiles and subsequent recycling processes, serving both textile and nonwoven applications.
A leader in providing industrially and economically sound solutions for automated textile sorting and fiber preparation, Andritz is also involved in developing mechanical and chemical recycling processes.
At the expo, the company will emphasize its industrial capabilities for recycling a wide range of pre- and post-industrial and post-consumer textile waste for various applications, including acoustic and thermal insulation, bedding, and automotive padding. With over a century of experience, Andritz possesses extensive expertise in high-quality tearing equipment for the efficient production of fibers for both nonwovens and yarn manufacturing.
Andritz and Pellenc ST will also present the latest advancements from their automated sorting process at the Nouvelles Fibres Textiles facility in Amplepuis, France.
This new plant features a complete automated sorting line on an industrial scale, a pre-tearing line, and a research and development center fully equipped with Andritz and Pellenc ST machinery. Customers can conduct trials, test processes, and recycle textiles into fibers at the facility.
The line is capable of automatically sorting garments by composition and color, addressing the needs of both the post-consumer and post-industrial waste markets. It can remove hard components like buttons and zippers and preparing the material for further processing on an Andritz tearing machine. The automated textile sorting line can process textile waste to produce recycled fibers for the spinning, nonwovens, and composites industries.
