Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals, has achieved a Gold rating from EcoVadis, positioning it among the top 5 per cent of over 130,000 companies evaluated for sustainability. This accolade underscores Archroma's commitment to environmental performance, ethics, labor rights, and sustainable procurement.

Mark Garrett, Group CEO, highlighted the company's dedication to sustainability through its 2030 environmental targets, which include a 40 per cent reduction in water intensity, a 15 per cent cut in energy intensity, and zero hazardous waste to landfill. Archroma also aims to slash Scope one greenhouse gas emissions by 20 per cent and Scope two emissions by 40 per cent during this period.

Martina Beitke, Group Sustainability Director, emphasized the importance of ongoing sustainability assessments since 2017, noting their role in enhancing industry standards. She praised the company’s commitment to innovation, partnership, and strong leadership in driving positive environmental and societal impacts.

A new report, ‘Voice of the Consumer Survey 2024’ by PwC India, reveals a seismic shift in the Indian consumer landscape. As digitalization accelerates, consumers are becoming increasingly discerning about where they spend their money and whom they trust with their personal data. 

The survey, based on responses from 1,000 Indian consumers, underscores the growing importance of trust, sustainability, and personalized experiences in the retail sector. While online shopping is gaining traction, physical stores continue to hold a strong appeal, with 56 per cent of consumers frequently purchasing non-grocery items in-store. However, the in-store experience needs an upgrade. Retailers must leverage technology like augmented reality and mobile payments to create engaging and seamless shopping journeys.

Trust as the new currency

Data privacy emerges as a paramount concern. Almost 82 per cent of Indian consumers consider data protection crucial for building trust. This sentiment is particularly pronounced in the context of social media, the least trusted channel despite being a primary platform for product discovery. Brands must prioritize transparent data handling practices to gain consumer confidence.

Ravi Kapoor, Partner and Leader – Retail and Consumer sector, PwC India, emphasizes the importance of authenticity in building trust. "Brands need to stay authentic to earn consumer trust and ultimately build loyalty," he said.

The rise of conscious consumerism

Indian consumers are increasingly conscious of their impact on the environment. The survey revealed that 46 per cent consumers view climate change as a significant threat, driving a surge in demand for sustainable products. A remarkable 60 per cent are actively seeking out environmentally friendly options, with 75 per cent actively seeking information on food sustainability.

“Our survey reveals three main drivers of building trust; firstly, how well do brands make life easier for their consumers; secondly, how well they connect with their consumers and finally how do they ensure inclusiveness with their consumers,” said Kapoor.

The fashion and apparel sector, a major contributor to environmental concerns, is at a crossroads. Brands must integrate sustainability into their core business models, from sourcing to production and packaging. Offering transparent information about sustainability practices, such as independent sustainability scores, can significantly enhance brand reputation.

The survey highlights the influence of social media in the fashion industry. A whopping 77 per cent of consumers discover new brands through social media, emphasizing the importance of effective digital marketing strategies. However, trust remains a challenge, with 76 per cent of consumers expressing concerns about privacy on social media. 

To thrive in this evolving landscape, businesses must adopt a holistic approach. This includes prioritizing data privacy, incorporating sustainability into core operations, delivering exceptional customer experiences, and leveraging technology responsibly. “Indian consumers’ optimistic sentiment shines through the survey with a whopping 75 per cent of consumers saying that they will increase spends in the clothing/footwear/grocery and health and beauty categories in the next six months,” noted Kapoor.

By understanding and responding to these consumer trends, businesses can build lasting relationships and drive growth in the dynamic Indian market.

With production rebounding, the United States is expected to reclaim its status as the top cotton exporter in 2024/25, as per the June 2024 World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report by USDA.

In the 2023/24 season, Brazil surpassed the US to become the world's largest cotton exporter, with exports reaching 12.4 million bales. Brazil's cotton production during the 2023/24 season is estimated to have hit a record 14.6 million bales under favorable conditions, while US production declined due to drought in the Southwest.

For over a century, the United States has been the world's leading raw cotton exporter, a position it has rarely relinquished. The most recent exception was during the marketing year 1992/93 spanning August–July, when Uzbekistan took the lead. Historically, US-grown cotton primarily was supplied to domestic mills, but by the early 2000s, raw cotton exports became predominant.

The expansion of textile and apparel product exports from countries like China, following the phase-out of import quotas in developed countries, shifted the destination of US-grown cotton to foreign mills. This shift led to increased competition from other cotton-producing nations. Recently, Brazil has emerged as a significant competitor, driven by the expansion of cotton production in its Center-West region.

World Emblem, the leading emblem and patch manufacturer, introduces Flexbroidery, a new product offering a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to traditional embroidery. 

Flexbroidery patches provide intricate detail and vibrant colors with a raised texture, applied easily in-house using low-melt heat seals. This innovation allows unlimited color options at no extra cost and enables customers to stock patches, eliminating garment shipping needs.

Flexbroidery’s heat pressing method provides an embroidered appearance without the use of threads or machinery. It is ideal for various applications, including corporate branding, personal projects, uniforms, accessories, and apparel, according to Randy Carr, President and CEO of World Emblem.

World Emblem leverages cutting-edge technology to produce customized, multi-textured emblems, including Flexbroidery, at their facilities in Georgia, Texas, California, and Mexico. World Emblem provides rapid production and delivery, setting a new standard for the industry.