The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) has urged the government to temporarily suspend an order permitting the trans-shipment of Bangladesh export cargo through the Delhi Air Cargo complex, citing logistical and cost concerns. 

In a communication to the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBIC), AEPC highlighted the strain caused by the Red Sea crisis, which has escalated transportation costs for domestic exporters and prompted a shift from sea to air freight.

Sudhir Sekhri, Chairman, AEPC expressed concern over the daily arrival of 20-30 loaded trucks in Delhi, slowing cargo movement and facilitating undue advantage-taking by airlines. This situation has resulted in soaring air freight rates, processing delays, and severe congestion at the Cargo Terminal of the IGI Airport, making Indian apparel exports less competitive, he said.

AEPC petitioned the CBIC to suspend the implementation of a circular issued on February 7, which expanded the trans-shipment permissions to the Delhi air cargo complex. Previously, such trans-shipments were restricted to the Kolkata Air Cargo complex. Bangladesh's significant presence in the textile sector poses a competitive challenge to India.

The Central Government has announced an extension of the Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) scheme for the export of apparel/garments and made-ups until March 31, 2026. 

This scheme offers benefits of up to 6 per cent to exporters in these sectors. Initially set to conclude on March 31, 2024, the uncertainty surrounding its expiration hindered exporters from accepting new orders beyond that date.

Bharat Chhajer, Former Chairman, Powerloom Development and Export Promotion Council (PDEXCIL), says, the extension will ensure stability in the policy regime, lower the tax burden and provide a level playing field on the principle that “goods are exported and not domestic taxes. The decision is particularly significant for the textile industry in Gujarat, a prominent textile hub, he adds. 

The RoSCTL scheme aims to offset state and central taxes and levies through rebates, alongside the duty drawback scheme, for exports of apparel-garments and made-ups. The central principle is to prevent the exportation of taxes and duties, fostering a level playing field for exports.

Rahul Shah, Co-chairman, Textile Committee, GCCI, highlights the challenges facing the textile sector. Citing a decline in India's textile and apparel exports from April to November 2023, he says, the extension of the RoSCTL scheme provides much-needed support to exporters of garments and made-ups, offering a potential boost to the industry.

RMIT University researchers have launched an initiative to enhance fabrics with nanodiamonds, aiming to expedite the body's cooling process. Through a technique called electrospinning, they found that fabric treated with nanodiamonds could lower temperatures by 2-3 degrees Celsius compared to untreated cotton.

Shadi Houshyar, Project Head and Senior Lecturer, RMIT, says, this technology could be used in numerous applications such as making innovative materials for sportswear and personal protective equipment like firefighter underlayers. 

Additionally, the study reveals, nanodiamond-coated cotton provides improved UV protection, making it suitable for outdoor summer attire.

Houshyar emphasises, the integration of nanodiamonds into fabrics could potentially reduce the need for air conditioning, resulting in energy savings of 20-30 per cent. 

Spearheaded by the Centre for Materials Innovation and Future Fashion (CMIFF), the research comprises RMIT engineers and textile researchers renowned for crafting next-generation smart textiles. Aisha Rehman, Research Assistant, RMIT, explains, nanodiamonds were selected for their robust thermal conductivity properties.

The renowned trade fair for the laundry, dry cleaning, and textile service industry, Texcare International is generating significant anticipation within the sector. 

Scheduled to reconvene in Frankfurt am Main from November 6 to 9, 2024, this event by Messe Frankurt has already garnered substantial interest from global stakeholders.

With nine months remaining until the opening, 247 companies hailing from 30 countries have already registered for the exhibition. The surge in registrations underscores the industry’s eagerness for this event.

Many market leaders are poised to leverage this premier platform to unveil their latest innovations to a diverse international audience, says Johannes Schmid-Wiedersheim, Director, Texcare. 

This year, in addition to established machinery, chemical, and textile manufacturers, Texcare will also feature new players from robotics and IT sectors, promising attendees a comprehensive insight into textile care advancements across product categories.

Texcare 2024 will be hosted in Hall 8 and the Galleria, maintaining a layout similar to its previous iteration. Notable exhibitors such as Alliance Laundry, Christeyns, Danube, and others have already confirmed their participation , ensuring a diverse showcase of industry offerings.

Elgar Straub, Managing Director, VDMA Textile Care, Fabric, and Leather Technologies, emphasises Texcare 2024 holds great significance amidst industry challenges, including regulatory shifts, labor shortages, and geopolitical uncertainties. The event will focus on key themes such as digitalisation and automation to enhance operational flexibility, sustainability, and quality.

Andreas Schumacher, Managing Director, German Textile Cleaning Association, says, physical interaction plays an important  role in the industry, especially amid rising costs and labor scarcities. Texcare's role as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration among industry stakeholders remains pivotal, he adds. 

The event's agenda encompasses an array of products and services tailored to commercial laundries, textile service providers, dry cleaners, as well as sectors like hospitality, healthcare, etc.

 Texcare International 2024 will spotlight solutions to prevailing challenges such as labor shortages and emphasise the role of digital technologies in streamlining operations. The event will focus on themes like circular economy, energy efficiency, and textile hygiene will also feature prominently, reflecting the industry's commitment to sustainability and innovation.