Spinnova, a trailblazer in sustainable textile materials, has enlisted Rejlers Finland Oy as its partner to craft a comprehensive process design package. This collaboration marks a pivotal step in planning the expansion of Spinnova fiber production, underscoring a commitment to sustainable innovation in the textile industry.

The partnership entails expert consultation, design, and plant sizing for upcoming phases of production-scale unit development, devoid of geographic constraints. The versatile process design package is adaptable globally, facilitating the scaling of production regardless of the raw material base.

Of notable significance is Spinnova's patented technology, capable of producing textile fibers from various sources including wood and waste streams, without resorting to harmful chemicals. Teemu Lindberg, Executive Vice President at Spinnova, emphasizes the package's role in formalizing insights gleaned from previous endeavors, positioning it as a cornerstone for future plant implementations.

For Rejlers Finland Oy, this collaboration aligns seamlessly with their strategy of championing circular economy initiatives. Samuli Kyttälä, Senior Vice President of Industry at Rejlers, sees the partnership as a testament to their prowess as a project partner for technology developers, solidifying their foothold in advancing novel technologies.

Anticipated to commence in the first half of 2024, this collaboration signifies a concerted effort towards sustainable innovation, poised to reshape the textile landscape.

SaXcell, a pioneering textile recycling innovator, showcased its fabric and garment samples at PV Paris alongside Birla Cellulose, a major player in man-made cellulosic fiber manufacturing. This collaboration, displayed from February 6 to 8, highlights their joint effort in producing recycled man-made cellulosic fibers. SaXcell's innovative textile waste pulping technology, paired with Birla's advanced wet spinning expertise, has yielded high-quality sustainable "SaXcell" recycled fibers, meeting the circular textile demands on a commercial scale.

Süleyman Kocasert, CMO of SaXcell, emphasized the global importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the textile industry's social and environmental challenges. He highlighted the urgent need to transition from a linear to a circular economy, stressing the impact of SaXcell and Birla's joint innovation and production capabilities.

Aspi Patel, Chief Technology Officer of Aditya Birla Group and Birla Cellulose, expressed the firm's commitment to expanding circular fiber offerings through partnerships with innovators, recognizing the crucial role such collaborations play in advancing circularity in the global textile value chain.

SaXcell B.V., founded by researchers from Saxion University in 2015, specializes in recycling used textiles into feedstock for sustainable man-made cellulosic fibers. With a pilot factory established in 2020, SaXcell plans further expansion with a Small-Scale Production plant in Enschede, The Netherlands, by 2024.

Birla Cellulose, a sustainability-focused MMCF producer, operates 12 manufacturing sites with environmentally efficient closed-loop technologies. Recognized for its commitment to sustainability, Birla Cellulose collaborates actively with partners to enhance the sustainability of its value chain.

In a pioneering collaboration, Tencel, the pioneering textile brand by Lenzing, partnered with Intimasia for its 6th edition, signaling a transformative leap forward for India's intimate wear sector. The fusion of these industry leaders sparked a wave of innovation, showcased at the Tencel x Intimasia event held in Mumbai from January 22 to 24, 2024, solidifying its status as South Asia's premier B2B fashion expo for intimate wear.

Spanning 120,000 sq ft, the event featured over 250 exhibitors and 300+ brands, attracting more than 20,000 retailers, distributors, and 500 delegates. Tencel intimasia served as a nexus for industry players, offering a platform for product demonstrations, collection unveilings, and networking opportunities.

The surge in demand for Tencel lyocell, modal fibers, and Lenzing Ecovero viscose fibers within the Indian market was palpable, evidenced by the diverse collections on display and the keen interest from manufacturers and retailers. Renowned for their eco-friendly credentials, derived from sustainable wood sources with significantly reduced carbon emissions and water consumption, these fibers meet stringent environmental standards.

Endorsed by leading brands and designers, Tencel's cellulosic fibers have redefined intimate wear, boasting superior moisture absorption, breathability, and lasting softness, ensuring optimal comfort and hygiene.

The inaugural Lingerie Fashion Week, a highlight of the event, showcased a spectrum of intimate, loungewear, and sportswear products. Collaborations with Direct-to-Consumer and mainstream brands like Bummer, XYXX, and Red Rose unveiled cutting-edge innovations, reaffirming Tencel's influence on contemporary fashion trends in India.

Avinash Mane, Senior Commercial Director of Textile Business at Lenzing AMEA & NEA, emphasized the brand's commitment to enhancing the Indian intimate apparel market through premium quality and consumer-centric solutions.

Running concurrently, Source NXT provided a vital sourcing platform for global manufacturers, suppliers, and buyers in the hosiery and knitwear sector. Lenzing's spotlight on Tencel and Lenzing Ecovero fibers facilitated a global dialogue on manufacturing trends and innovations, further cementing its position as an industry leader.

Sri Lanka's Textile Manufacturers' Association (STMA) is urging the government to extend a value-added tax (VAT) exemption currently enjoyed by handloom textile producers to power loom manufacturers as well. The association argues, this move will ensure e survival of the local industry and the livelihoods of thousands of workers.

The crux of the issue lies in the uneven playing field created by the current VAT structure. Locally produced fabrics face a 15 per cent VAT, making them more expensive compared to imported textiles that are exempt from the tax. This price disparity discourages consumers from choosing domestic products, putting the local industry at a significant disadvantage.

EANS Perera, Chairman, STMA, emphasises, the decision to levy VAT only on local manufacturing textiles has jeopardized the livelihoods of around 50,000 people, especially those in the power loom sector. Currently, imported handloom and power loom textiles are VAT-exempt, while domestically produced power loom fabrics are not, he adds. .

He urged the government to extend the VAT exemption to power loom manufacturers. This will level the playing field and create a fairer market environment for the local industry, he adds.