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The ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) Foundation has launched a new online tool to help the textile, apparel, and footwear industries measure and manage their air emissions. Called the ZDHC Air Emissions Module, this tool is a part of the organization's broader ‘Roadmap to Zero’ program.
The tool has been designed to help companies track two main types of air pollutants: Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions (specifically Scope 1 and Scope 2)
ZDHC's philosophy is to work on ‘input chemistry’ to manage ‘output.’ The tool calculates potential VOC emissions based on the chemical inventory used in a facility's production processes. It requires suppliers to annually report their air emissions data. This helps facilities establish a baseline and track their progress toward meeting the ZDHC's Air Emissions Guidelines.
The tool aligns with the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) to help companies set emission reduction goals in line with the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C pathway.
By providing a standardized way to track and report air emissions, the ZDHC aims to help the industry reduce its environmental impact and improve air quality in the communities where these facilities operate.
The ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) Foundation has launched a new online tool to help the textile, apparel, and footwear industries measure and manage their air emissions. Called the ZDHC Air Emissions Module, this tool is a part of the organization's broader ‘Roadmap to Zero’ program.
The tool has been designed to help companies track two main types of air pollutants: Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions (specifically Scope 1 and Scope 2)
ZDHC's philosophy is to work on ‘input chemistry’ to manage ‘output.’ The tool calculates potential VOC emissions based on the chemical inventory used in a facility's production processes. It requires suppliers to annually report their air emissions data. This helps facilities establish a baseline and track their progress toward meeting the ZDHC's Air Emissions Guidelines.
The tool aligns with the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) to help companies set emission reduction goals in line with the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C pathway.
By providing a standardized way to track and report air emissions, the ZDHC aims to help the industry reduce its environmental impact and improve air quality in the communities where these facilities operate.
Welcoming the UK government's recent announcement of liberalized rules of origin under the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) hailed it as a major boost for Sri Lanka's apparel industry.
The new reforms will permit Sri Lankan manufacturers to source up to 100 per cent of their garment inputs from any country worldwide while still benefiting from duty-free access to the UK market, says Yohan Lawrence, Secretary General, JAAF, This change reduces processing restrictions and aligns Sri Lanka's apparel sector with the ‘Comprehensive Preferences’ enjoyed by other nations under the DCTS, he adds.
The UK is one of the most important export destinations for Sri Lankan apparel. Lawrence opines, the simplified rules will allow manufacturers to be more competitive globally, diversify their sourcing strategies, and maintain consistent access to UK buyers. The changes also reinforce Sri Lanka's reputation as a reliable, value-added supplier within global fashion supply chains.
By removing sourcing restrictions, the UK has leveled the playing field for Sri Lankan manufacturers, giving them the flexibility to provide greater value to both global brands and UK consumers, Lawrence notes. The reforms will lead to expanded trade, enhanced industry competitiveness, and the creation of more jobs within the sector, he anticipates.
The JAAF also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the UK High Commission, the Department of Commerce, and the Sri Lankan apparel industry in advocating for this positive change. The new rules are expected to increase exports, improve efficiency, and strengthen the long-standing trade partnership between the two nations. As Sri Lanka's largest export earner, the apparel industry, which employs over 350,000 people directly and supports over a million livelihoods, relies on such liberalized trade agreements to drive the country's economic recovery and long-term growth.
Rahul Mehta, Chief Mentor, Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), has hailed the government's objective to simplify the GST structure by reducing the number of tax slabs and to make essential consumer products, like clothing, more affordable. This goal aligns perfectly with the interests of the apparel industry, he notes.
However, currently, garments are taxed at 5 per cent for those priced up to Rs 1,000 and at 12 per cent for those above that threshold, Mehta points out. If the 12 per cent slab is eliminated, garments in that category might be pushed into a new, higher 18 per cent slab, which would be ‘disastrous,’ he warns.
To avoid this outcome and truly benefit the industry, Mehta advocates for a single, uniform 5 per cent GST rate across the entire textile value chain. He argues, this is a solution the apparel industry has been seeking since the GST's inception. A uniform rate would not only make clothing more affordable for consumers but also resolve the long-standing issue of the inverted duty structure.
Mehta further warns, increasing the Rs 1,000 price threshold pushes garments above the new limit into a much higher 18 per cent slab. The significant gap between a 5 per cent and 18 per cent rate would encourage manufacturers to compromise on product quality to fall into the lower tax bracket, he says. It could also lead to unethical practices like under-invoicing and the growth of an unregulated ‘grey market,’ as businesses may seek to avoid the high tax rate, he adds.
In conclusion, while the intentions behind the GST reforms are ‘commendable’ and ‘long overdue,’ Mehta emphasizes, the government must be meticulous in its implementation to avoid unintended, harmful consequences for the apparel industry.
According to a report by marketsandmarkets.com, ‘Textile Recycling Market – Global Forecast to 2030,’ the global textile recycling market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.2 per cent from $8.41 billion in 2025 to $11.88 billion by 2030.
This rapid growth is driven by a combination of environmental, economic, and regulatory factors. As the global textile industry expands, particularly with the rise of fast fashion, a massive amount of waste is being generated. This has led to growing concerns about pollution, resource depletion, and climate change, prompting consumers and brands to embrace circular business models. Additionally, governments worldwide are implementing stricter policies, such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and landfill bans, which are pushing manufacturers to manage their waste more responsibly. Advances in mechanical and chemical recycling are also making it more feasible to process complex fiber blends.
The polyester and polyester fibers segment is the fastest-growing material in the market due to its widespread use in fast fashion and activewear. Advancements in chemical recycling now allow for the creation of high-quality, recycled polyester (rPET), which is increasingly being adopted by brands to meet their sustainability goals.
The pre-consumer textile waste category is projected to grow fastest because it is easier to recycle. Pre-consumer waste, such as cutting scraps and production overruns, is cleaner and more uniform than post-consumer waste. Brands are creating closed-loop systems to recycle this waste internally and align with zero-waste goals.
The online channel is growing rapidly due to its convenience and scalability. Digital platforms simplify textile collection, resale, and donation, while e-commerce sites boost sales of recycled products with features like digital labels and sustainability credentials.
The Asia Pacific region is expected to have the highest CAGR. As the world’s dominant textile manufacturing hub, countries like China, India, and Bangladesh generate a massive supply of waste. Governments in the region are increasingly focusing on sustainable waste management, and international brands are investing in local recycling infrastructure to meet global targets. This combination of supply, policy support, and growing awareness is positioning Asia Pacific as a leader in textile recycling.
In a major strategic move to boost its clothing business and compete with rivals like Next and M&S, John Lewis is launching 100 new menswear and womenswear brands in its stores.
This expansion includes high-end labels such as Mulberry, which will feature an exclusive collection of bags and accessories. Other new additions include brands like Akyn, By Malene Birger, and Iro. The retailer is also diversifying its offerings with specialized labels, such as Japanese camping wear brand Snowpeak and parkas from British designer Nigel Cabourn. This latest initiative builds on a previous expansion earlier this year, which saw 49 new fashion brands added for the spring/summer season. John Lewis currently stocks 650 clothing brands.
This fashion initiative is a key part of the company's wider $800 million turnaround program, which also involves store renovations and hiring more staff. The overhaul is being led by Peter Ruis, who joined the company last year with over 30 years of fashion experience. Ruis's goal is to give customers even more reasons to shop in our brilliant stores and to more than double the retailer's clothing revenue from $1.2 billion to $2.5 billion.
While Next and M&S have grown their share of the clothing and footwear market over the past five years, John Lewis's market share has remained flat at 1.5 per cent. However, this new push comes at a opportune time, as M&S has recently been hit by a cyber attack that disrupted its online and click-and-collect services for weeks. According to Louise Deglise-Favre, Analyst, Global Data, this situation creates a clear opportunity for John Lewis to capture some of this lost spending.
In addition to the new brands, John Lewis is expanding its own-label lines, including its largest-ever cashmere collection this autumn, which is expected to boost cashmere sales by at least 20 per cent. According to Rachel Morgans, Fashion Director, John Lewis, the retailer is carefully curating a premium quality range and is focused on adding brands that appeal to their customers rather than simply ‘chasing numbers.’
Global apparel retailer Uniqlo has launched its new Uniqlo and Comptoir Des Cotonniers 2025 Fall/Winter Collection. Combining French chic with Uniqlo’s ‘LifeWear’ philosophy, this capsule collection features seven items with a focus on high-quality materials, carefully selected colors, and modern design details.
The new collection highlights boxy cuts and matching sets. A key feature is the thick corduroy series, which includes curved pants, jackets, and miniskirts that can be worn as standalone pieces or as coordinating sets. Knits in the collection are designed to be simple yet sophisticated, with a focus on fabric and silhouette. The color palette for the collection includes navy, off-white, red, forest green, and chocolate brown, chosen to complement fall and winter styles.
Uniqlo’s ‘LifeWear’ concept is based on Japanese values of simplicity, quality, and longevity. The brand aims to create clothing that is constantly innovated to be warmer, lighter, and more comfortable.
Uniqlo is the largest of eight brands under Fast Retailing Co, a major Japanese retail holding company. With global sales of approximately 3.1 trillion yen in FY24, Fast Retailing is one of the world's largest apparel retailers. Uniqlo has over 2,500 stores worldwide, as part of the total of nearly 3,600 stores across the Fast Retailing Group's brands.
In a move that has sent a wave of optimism through its embattled textile sector, the Indian government has temporarily suspended the 11% import duty on cotton, effective from August 19 to September 30, 2025. This decision, a direct response to a long-standing demand from industry bodies, is seen as a strategic maneuver to stabilize the domestic market, bolster competitiveness, and even thaw strained diplomatic relations with the United States.
The temporary waiver, announced by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), is a crucial relief for an industry that has been struggling with high raw material costs and a challenging global trade environment. For India's textile and garment sector, which provides direct employment to an estimated 35 million people and contributes nearly 80% of the country’s total textile exports, the 11% import duty has been a significant drag on margins and a major hurdle to competing with rivals like Bangladesh and Vietnam.
The US Factor: A diplomatic overture to mitigate tariff shock
The timing of this cotton duty suspension is no coincidence. It is a calculated move by New Delhi to address escalating trade tensions with Washington. The United States has recently imposed steep tariffs on a wide range of Indian goods, including textiles, in response to India's continued purchases of Russian oil. The initial 25% "reciprocal" tariff was followed by an additional 25% levy, set to take effect on August 27, bringing the total tariff on many Indian exports to a staggering 50%.
This punitive tariff regime has put Indian exporters, especially those in the labor-intensive textile sector, at a severe disadvantage. Compared to competitors like Bangladesh and Vietnam, which face U.S. tariffs of around 20%, India's exports are now among the most expensive. This has led to a sharp decline in new orders, as American buyers are either halting shipments or seeking alternative suppliers to avoid the prohibitive costs. A study from the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) notes that the tariffs are concentrated in sectors like textiles and apparel, which are critical for employment and livelihoods.
By suspending the cotton import duty, India is not only providing a cost-cutting tool for its domestic industry but also sending a powerful signal to the U.S. The move directly benefits U.S. cotton growers, who are India's second-largest supplier. It demonstrates a willingness to address a key U.S. agricultural trade concern, potentially paving the way for a de-escalation of the tariff standoff and reviving stalled bilateral trade agreement talks. The cancellation of a scheduled visit by U.S. trade negotiators had put a question mark on the future of these discussions, making a proactive gesture from India all the more important.
Rakesh Mehra, Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI), praised the government's move as "a right step in the right direction." He acknowledged the delicate balance the government has to strike between protecting farmers' interests and ensuring the competitiveness of the textile industry. Mehra also noted the importance of this action in the context of global events, including the unpredictability from tariffs and ongoing geopolitical negotiations.
Industry leaders, including Dr. S.K. Sundararaman, Chairman of the South India Mills Association (SIMA), have repeatedly highlighted this disparity. He appreciated the move saying that it will "create a win-win strategy both for the cotton farmers and the industry to have a level playing field and gain global competitiveness." While the duty waiver provides a much-needed cost-cutting tool for mills, some farm groups and traders are wary, fearing that a surge in cheap imports could depress domestic cotton prices just as the new harvest season begins.
Price Parity: The crucial factor
The 11% import duty on cotton had created a significant price gap between domestic and international varieties. With the duty in place, the landed price of imported cotton often became uncompetitive, forcing Indian mills to rely on domestic supplies even when they were of a lower quality or insufficient quantity. The removal of this duty now allows for a crucial price correction.
For context, as of early August 2025, the average price of Shankar-6, a key Indian cotton variety, was approximately Rs 56,000 per candy (356 kg). With the 11% duty, the landed price of comparable imported cotton from the U.S. and Brazil was often higher. With the duty suspended, the landed price of high-quality imported cotton from the U.S., Brazil, or Australia will become more aligned with or even lower than domestic prices, offering mills a much-needed alternative. This is especially true for ELS cotton, which India has a domestic shortage of.
Table 1: Comparative cotton prices (August 2025, approximate)
|
Cotton Type |
Country of Origin |
Price (per candy, 356 kg) |
|
Indian Cotton (Shankar-6) |
India |
₹56,000 |
|
Imported Cotton (with 11% duty) |
U.S.A. / Brazil |
> ₹56,000 |
|
Imported Cotton (duty-free) |
U.S.A. / Brazil |
~₹50,000 - ₹55,000 |
Note: Prices are approximate and subject to market fluctuations.
The road ahead
While the duty suspension is a welcome relief, it is a short-term fix to a long-term problem. For the textile industry to achieve the government's ambitious target of $100 billion in exports by 2030, a more permanent solution is required. This includes addressing structural issues like domestic cotton productivity, which is currently at a 15-year low, and securing a long-term, duty-free cotton import policy, especially during the off-season.
The government's "Cotton Mission," with a budget of Rs 5,900 crore, is a step in the right direction, but its full impact will take years to materialize. Until then, the industry will continue to rely on a mix of domestic and imported cotton to meet its needs. The current duty suspension, while temporary, could be the catalyst that helps the Indian textile industry regain its footing and weave its way back to global leadership.
In the quiet warehouses of northern France, bales of discarded jeans, shirts, and dresses pile higher each week. For French recyclers like Le Relais, the financial strain is becoming unbearable: they say they need €304 per tonne to break-even but receive just €156. That €148 deficit has pushed some operations to the brink of insolvency.
Across the globe, in India’s historic textile hubs of Panipat, Tiruppur, Ludhiana the sound of spinning machines and sorting tables has never stopped. Here, labor costs are a fraction of Europe’s, the recycling know-how is decades old, and the domestic market for recycled fibers is growing fast. Could this be where Europe sends its unwanted textiles for a second life?
The cost advantage
For labor-intensive tasks like manual sorting, India’s lower wages present an undeniable economic lure. In Europe, sorting can cost €100 per tonne in labor alone; in India, the same job might cost just €10-€20 per tonne. Here’s an illustrative cost comparison based on Le Relais’s figures and hypothetical outsourcing scenarios.
Table: Illustrative per tonne cost comparison based on Le Relais's stated needs
|
Cost component (hypothetical breakdown) |
Europe (current) |
India (outsourced scenario) |
Potential savings (per tonne) |
|
Collection & Initial Sorting (Europe) |
€50 |
€50 |
€0 |
|
Manual Sorting (Labor-Intensive) |
€100 |
€15 (due to lower wages) |
€85 |
|
Mechanical Processing (Labor/Energy) |
€50 |
€25 (lower labor/some energy) |
€25 |
|
Logistics (Europe to India) |
N/A |
€30-€60 (shipping waste) |
-€30 to -€60 (added cost) |
|
Logistics (India to Europe - Recycled) |
N/A |
€20-€40 (shipping recycled) |
-€20 to -€40 (added cost) |
|
Overheads/Admin (Proportional) |
€54 |
€20 (lower administrative) |
€34 |
|
Total Estimated Cost per Tonne |
€304 (Le Relais's needed) |
€140 - €170 |
€134 - €164 (potential saving) |
|
Current Revenue (Le Relais) |
€156 |
€156 |
|
|
Deficit (Le Relais) |
€148 |
Profit of €(approx) 0-16 |
Even with extra shipping costs, the savings are potentially large enough to turn deficits into slim profits.
Why India fits the bill
There several reasons that works in favour of India. First is it’s a textile powerhouse. In fact India’s textile industry is one of the largest in the world, with integrated supply chains for cotton, polyester, and blends. Recycled fibers could easily be blended into yarn production without reinventing the wheel.
Also, there is a built-in market for secondhand as India has long embraced secondhand and repurposed clothing, meaning some collected textiles could be sold directly for reuse, increasing value capture. What works for India als is the existence of strong mechanical recycling base. From cotton shoddy yarn in Panipat to wool recycling in Ludhiana, India’s mechanical recycling facilities are extensive, keeping capital costs lower than Europe’s when scaling up operations.
Panipat’s inherent issues
However, despite the attractive numbers, this is no silver bullet. Shipping bulky textile waste halfway around the world adds a major carbon cost. A 20 ft container (8-10 tonnes) from Europe to India could cost €150 to €300 per tonne in freight alone, eroding savings and undermining the “local circularity” principle central to Europe’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes.
Then there are the regulatory hurdles as India allows imports of “mutilated rags” for recycling but restricts whole used garments unless processed in special zones. European waste exporters would need to meet Indian import rules precisely.
Quality control is another bug bear. Fast fashion’s low-quality fabrics don’t magically become better in India many still end up downcycled or landfilled. Ensuring that outsourced sorting meets European manufacturers’ recycling requirements would require strict protocols and auditing.
Moreover, lower wages can mean exploitative conditions and without rigorous oversight, the move risks becoming another case of developed nations offloading both environmental and social costs onto developing countries.
A possible hybrid approach
Experts suggest a two-track system.
• Keep high-tech automated sorting and advanced chemical recycling in Europe to preserve innovation and ensure local circularity.
• Outsource certain low-value, labor-intensive sorting and mechanical recycling to India, but under binding environmental and labor standards.
This approach could relieve short-term financial pressures while supporting India’s growing circular economy sector.
Thus outsourcing to India could help Europe close its recycling cost gap but only if done with airtight safeguards, transparent quality controls, and a shared commitment to ethical labor and environmental responsibility. If Europe sees India merely as a cheap processing site, the move risks becoming a repeat of the textile waste dumping scandals in Africa. If, instead, the relationship is built on partnership and shared value creation, it could form the backbone of a truly global circular textile economy. The choice is clear: treat outsourcing as a lifeline to prop up a failing system, or as an opportunity to build a more equitable, connected recycling network that spans Paris to Panipat without leaving a trail of waste behind.
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will host the 10th edition Asia’s premier fashion gala – Centrestage in partnership with the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) from September 3-6, 2025, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).
Its largest event yet, this year Centrestage will feature 260 brands from 24 countries and regions, with over 40 events, including 30 fashion shows, a new record for the showcase.
Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director, HKTDC, highlights, the event is a global meeting point for designers and brands. This year, it will feature acclaimed couturier Guo Pei, who will present her first solo couture show in Hong Kong, cementing the city's status as a cultural and fashion hub.
This year's Centerstage also features an impressive lineup of international brands, with pavilions from the United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Japan, and Thailand. The UK is participating for the first time as the ‘Partner Country,’ showcasing a variety of unique British designs.
Globally renowned fashion maestro Jimmy Choo will attend in person and highlight his visionary initiative, the Jimmy Choo Academy. The Czechia pavilion will present personalized fashion labels incorporating art-glass designs, while the Japan pavilion will showcase the creative force of its new generation of designers. The Thailand pavilion is returning on an unprecedented scale, bringing more than 40 brands to the show to express the rich diversity of Southeast Asian style.
A grand opening with Guo Pei
The prestigious opening event, Centrestage Elites, will be held on September 1 at M+ in the West Kowloon Cultural District. Acclaimed couturier Guo Pei will present her first solo couture show in Hong Kong, featuring 30 one-of-a-kind creations from her ‘Gilternity: An Everlasting Radiance’ collection. Inspired by the dazzling, fleeting moment of molten gold, the collection blends traditional craftsmanship with modern art. In a nod to both tradition and innovation, Guo has invited students from Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) to collaborate on the show’s opening piece.
Showcasing Hong Kong's creative talent
On September 3, Fashion Hong Kong Runway Show will be held under the theme ‘A Decade in Design: What is Seen? What is Felt?’ It will showcase the innovative collections of four Hong Kong designer brands - Angus Tsui, Arty:Active, IP Axis Industrialstudio, and selfFab. These collections will merge visual impact and emotional narrative to highlight the unique creativity of Hong Kong fashion.
The fair will be organized into six distinctive thematic zones. The new Accessories Zone will feature fashion jewelry and handbags, while the Athleisure Zone will champion sportswear. The Craftsmanship Zone will showcase traditional skills, and the Contemporary Zone will unveil avant-garde creations. The Urban Zone will spotlight youth-driven trends, including Louis Cheung's Petrolhead label. Finally, the Circular Fashion Zone will promote sustainable style, headlined by the 15th Redress Design Award Final.
Nurturing new talent
The grand finale of Centrestage 2025 on September 6, will be the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest (YDC), dedicated to discovering and nurturing new local talent. This year, designer Charles Jeffrey of the London label Charles Jeffrey Loverboy will serve as a guest judge, joining a panel of industry professionals to select winners from 10 finalists. YDC alumni brands Jesse Lee and gnastiy.com will also showcase their new collections.
Additionally, Centrestage will be staged in parallel with the HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TIME, with visitors able to view products from some 400 watch and fashion brands at the same venue.
