Industry News | 6/5/24
2024 SPESA Executive Conference Registration Now Open!
Registration for the 2024 SPESA Executive Conference in Montréal is now open! We are thrilled to host this year's event in Canada, a first for SPESA, and to have the opportunity to focus on sewn product manufacturing in North America.
We are working on the event agenda and details to share with all of you soon, but encourage everyone to register at the current early bird rate and reserve your spot for this exciting event!SPESA members are eligible for a discounted registration rate for this event. We will also create individual discount codes for each of our members that you can share with your customers and networks to entice them to join you at the conference.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Blossom Your Business with Aptean Apparel PLM (Sponsored Content)
Aptean Apparel PLM is here to revolutionize your workflows. We streamline processes, foster seamless collaboration, accelerate time-to-market, empowering your design team to unleash their creativity. With our support, your designers can fully immerse themselves in their craft, ensuring a smoother journey from concept to creation.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Elevate Textiles Releases 2024 Sustainability Report
Press Release | June 5, 2024
Elevate Textiles, a global provider of advanced, high-quality products and mission critical textile solutions, has released its annual Sustainability Report. Elevate and its distinguished brands, including SPESA member American & Efird (A&E), share updates and progress on sustainability commitments and collaborations related to the company’s 2025 and newly announced 2030 goals.
MAS Holdings and Ambercycle Partner To Propel Sustainable Fashion
Fashion United | June 5, 2024
MAS Holdings, a global leader in apparel manufacturing, has entered a three-year offtake agreement with Los Angeles-based Ambercycle to boost textile regeneration. This partnership allows MAS to use Ambercycle’s circular polyester, cycora, accelerating Ambercycle's production capabilities.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Alvanon Announces 3D Tech Fest 2024: The Physical-Digital Evolution
Press Release | June 4, 2024
SPESA member Alvanon, a world leader in sizing and fit technology, has announced the theme of its fifth annual 3D Tech Fest — 3D Tech Fest 2024: The Physical-Digital Evolution. Online from September 23-27, 2024, the free-to-attend virtual conference is dedicated to exploring the opportunities created by converging physical and digital technologies in the creation and delivery of fashion. Alvanon issued an open call for speakers and sessions that can shed light on fashion's ongoing physical-digital transformation.
Mexico’s President-Elect Could Be a Boon for Nearshoring
Sourcing Journal | June 4, 2024
Jorge Gonzalez Henrichsen, co-CEO of outsourcing firm The Nearshore Co., said nearshoring could benefit from a Sheinbaum administration because she “may not feel compelled to play politics, but rather focus on ‘getting things done.'” The newly-elected Claudia Sheinbaum’s background as a physicist and commitment to sustainability are seen as positives leading to likely increased investments in Mexico’s infrastructure.
Canada Border Disruption? What Shippers Should Know on Possible Strike
Supply Chain Dive | June 4, 2024
Shippers moving freight between the U.S. and Canada on trucks may be faced with lengthy border delays as soon as Thursday unless the Canadian government reaches a new labor deal with its border agents. Supply Chain Dive shares what industry experts say shippers can expect and potential workarounds if no deal is reached.
Is Digital Fashion Still in Fashion?
Vogue Business | June 4, 2024
In the last couple of years, crypto crashed, NFTs fell off a cliff, and metaverse-mania fizzled. Vogue Business asks those working at the forefront of digital fashion about its future.
Two Major EU Sustainability and Human Rights Regulations Signed into Law
Fashion Dive | June 4, 2024
The European Union has formally adopted the Ecodesign regulation and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). The Ecodesign regulation will introduce sustainability requirements related to durability, a product’s environmental footprint, and ease of repair, reuse, and upgradability, and also requires products to have a digital product passport embedded with information on how the product was made. The CSDDD requires large companies to watch for and remedy negative impacts to the environment and human rights caused by their activities or that of business partners along the supply chain, and makes companies liable for such impacts.
Startup Refiberd Uses AI Technology To Advance Intelligent Sorting for Textile Recycling
eTextileCommunications | June 4, 2024
Refiberd pairs a hyperspectral camera with AI and proprietary software to reveal fiber composition and contaminant presence in textile waste. The company’s founders say this technology has the potential to divert up to 70% of the textile waste stream to high-value recyclers. The company was also featured in Business Insider here.
Textile Recycler Renewcell Acquired Out of Administration by Altor
Business of Fashion | June 4, 2024
Swedish private equity firm Altor Equity Partners has acquired the remaining assets of bankrupt textile-to-textile recycler Renewcell. The months-long acquisition process has been closely watched by many in the industry anxious to know the fate of a business that represented one of fashion’s most advanced prospects to turn old clothes into new textiles at scale. Renewcell will now operate as a new company under the name Circulose. Textile World rounded up a few industry responses to the announcement here. Renewcell recently sold its pilot facility to Biosorbe, a Swedish company that makes a bio-based oil-spill-absorbing product.
Physicists Decode Mechanics of Knitted Materials for Engineering Applications
Phys.org | June 4, 2024
Physicists from the Georgia Institute of Technology have taken the technical know-how of knitting and added mathematical backing to it, using experiments and simulations to quantify and predict how knit fabric response can be programmed. By establishing a mathematical theory of knitted materials, the researchers hope that knitting — and textiles in general — can be incorporated into more engineering applications.
Artistic Milliners and Germany's Vizoo Partner for Material Digitization
Fibre2Fashion | June 4, 2024
“As one of the world’s top denim manufacturers, Artistic Milliners recognized the importance of 3D technologies to meet its goal of lessening industrial waste and staying at the forefront of the textile industry’s digital transformation. At the material level, it became evident that choosing the right scanning technology partner would play a pivotal role in its digital transformation journey.”
Indian Textile Industry Urges Immediate Reforms as Modi Eyes 3rd Term
Fibre2Fashion | June 4, 2024
Narendra Modi's government is poised to begin its third term at a critical juncture for the Indian textile sector, which is currently facing multiple challenges. The country’s textile industry has outlined a comprehensive set of priorities for the new administration, including SOS demands to boost sluggish exports and stimulate overall industry growth.
How Fashion Sourcing Countries Are Navigating Green Regulations
Just Style | June 4, 2024
Just Style describes how specific fashion sourcing countries are preparing for upcoming green fashion regulations while industry experts call for wider cooperation and standardization at the global level.
Congressionally Funded Program Aims To Boost Footwear Innovation for U.S. Troops
Sourcing Journal | June 4, 2024
The University of Massachusetts Lowell, the United States Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM), and the U.S. Footwear Manufacturers’ Association, have formed a partnership resulting in the creation of a program called Supporting Warfighters through Innovative Footwear Technologies (SWIFT). Funded by Congress, the program aims to allow U.S. textile manufacturers, suppliers, and universities to work together to find innovative solutions to the footwear challenges faced by military personnel with products made in America.
Why Parachute Is Paying To Recycle Its Customers’ Used Linens
Modern Retail | June 4, 2024
Parachute is launching a textiles take-back program as it aims to ensure its products don’t wind up in landfills. And even though it will come at a cost to the company, the 10-year-old home goods brand sees greater value in helping customers declutter responsibly.
Inside America’s Last Domestic Manufacturer of Baseball Gloves
Texas Monthly | June 3, 2024
A fun look at a unique U.S. manufacturer: Decades after Rawlings and Wilson shifted production overseas, Nokona continues making hand-stitched gloves at its North Texas factory.
2024 State of the Textile Industry
Specialty Fabrics Review | June 1, 2024
Each year, the Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) surveys the readers of all of its publications to take the pulse of the current state of the U.S. textile industry. The survey asks questions on business sizes; revenue projections and recent sales context; top concerns; future plans; and a bit about the many different markets that the industry enterprises serve, from aerospace to upholstery and everything in between.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | TextileGenesis, the Textile Traceability Platform, Joins Forces with the Forest Stewardship Council ® (FSC®)
Press Release | May 30, 2024
The Lectra Group company has announced a major new collaboration with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). It will enable the implementation, via Lectra’s TextileGenesis platform, of new solutions to ensure the traceability of cellulose fibers from responsibly managed forests.
Circular Economy: Council Gives Final Approval to Right-to-Repair Directive
Press Release | May 30, 2024
The European Council has adopted a directive promoting the repair of broken or defective goods, known as the right to repair (R2R) directive. The directive creates a set of tools and incentives to make repair more attractive for consumers including requiring manufacturers to repair products which are technically repairable under EU law.
China Moves Apparel Production Abroad To Keep Sales
Just Style | May 30, 2024
China's apparel industry investment abroad continues on its upward trajectory with a focus on southeast Asia, but also further afield. Just Style shares examples of Chinese companies launching production and partnerships in Europe.
Will the New York Fashion Act ‘Get Over the Finish Line’?
Sourcing Journal | May 29, 2024
New York’s legislative session ends June 6th, which means that the bill formally known as the Fashion Sustainability and Social Accountability Act has just hours left to make it onto the docket before it has to wait till January to restart the process.
‘World’s First’ Recycled Container Garment Factory Takes Shape in Kenya
Just Style | May 29, 2024
Kenya has broken ground on the “world's first” garment factory constructed using recycled shipping containers. Currently under construction in the Athi River Export Processing Zone (EPZ), the factory is expected to be completed by December 2024 and could become a model for eco-friendly industrial design. The project is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Trade Catalyst Africa (TCA).
Taiwan’s Far Eastern Group Backs Circ
Innovation in Textiles | May 29, 2024
Drive Catalyst, the venture capital arm of the Taiwanese conglomerate Far Eastern Group — one of the world’s largest producers of both virgin and recycled polyester — is investing in U.S.-based textile-to-textile recycler Circ. By combining Far Eastern’s manufacturing capabilities with Circ’s technology, the partnership is uniquely positioned to help scale the manufacturing of textile-to-textile recycled polyester.
Are Microfactories the Answer To Making Fashion On Demand?
Vogue Business | May 27, 2024
Pretty sure we’ve been asking this question for a decade… Vogue Business takes a look at small, highly-automated and connected microfactories shrinking fashion’s production impact and how tech could help to overcome the model’s limitations.
Growth Strategies for the U.S. Textile Recycling Industry
Innovation in Textiles | May 27, 2024
A new report from Fashion for Good reveals a $1.5 billion opportunity for fibre-to-fibre recycling in the United States. Launched in January 2023, the organization's Sorting for Circularity USA project aims to provide crucial insights for strategic decision-making to advance circularity in the fashion value chain.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | AFFOA Announces Winners of Product Accelerator for Functional Fabrics Award
Press Release | May 24, 2024
SPESA member Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA) announced the selection of Loomia and Z-Polymers as the first two Product Accelerator for Functional Fabrics (PAFF) program awardees. This first-of-its-kind initiative is designed to enable organizations to leverage AFFOA’s capabilities and personnel, at no direct cost, to increase the speed to market of Advanced Functional Fabric products for commercial and defense applications.
Inaugural Indigenous Fashion Week Represents More Than 100 Indigenous Nations
Fashion Dive | May 24, 2024
The Southwestern Association for Indian Arts held its first Indigenous Fashion Week in Santa Fe, New Mexico, last month. More than 100 Indigenous nations were represented during the 4-day show.
Reimagining the Apparel Value Chain Amid Volatility
McKinsey & Company | May 24, 2024
McKinsey & Company’s latest apparel survey highlights five themes shaping the industry, suggesting that brands embracing selected best practices can turn their supplier base into a competitive advantage.
Gildan CEO and Entire Board Resign Ahead of Annual Meeting
Fashion Dive | May 24, 2024
A few updates for anyone following the Gildan upheaval. Following a months-long proxy battle between the activewear brand and investor group Browning West, Gildan’s entire Board of Directors resigned and tentatively put a stop to discussions in connection with the sale process of the company. Just a few days later, the company reinstated Glenn Chamandy as president and CEO. Sourcing Journal estimates Gildan’s Board Battle Could Cost the Firm $65 Million.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | ITM Istanbul with Strong VDMA Participation
Press Release | May 23, 2024
ITM, currently taking place in Istanbul, will once again see a strong participation of member companies from SPESA’s sister association, VDMA. Almost 90 exhibitors from Germany will exhibit at the trade fair, most of whom are members of the VDMA. They cover nearly all different machinery chapters with a focus on spinning, nonwovens, weaving, knitting, warp knitting, and finishing.
Coats Group Delivers Revenue Increase of 7 Percent
Fashion United | May 23, 2024
The Coats Group recorded organic revenue growth of 7% and reported growth of 4% against a weak prior year comparator. The company said in a release that the improving trend was driven by apparel, where revenue was up 14% as customer inventories and buying patterns returned to more normalized levels. Footwear also returned to growth in the period, with revenue 6% higher year-on-year, as demand from several major brand customers picked up as their inventories also normalized.
Textile Impact Company Syre Raises $100 Million Series A – Shortlists Vietnam and Iberia for First Gigascale Plants
Textile World | May 23, 2024
Syre, the textile impact company initiated by Vargas and H&M Group which launched in March this year, announced the signing of a $100 million Series A. The funding round was led by founding investor TPG Rise Climate who was joined by an additional investment from founder H&M Group as well as several other strategic partners.
Denim Suppliers Double Down on the Western Hemisphere
Rivet | May 22, 2024
“The nearshoring exploration has persisted for several years, with American denim brands and mills turning to Mexico with hopes that the synergies between the two countries will result in a long-lasting, symbiotic sourcing partnership.” Rivet looks at examples of denim manufacturers and finishers focusing their production in Mexico.
Sourcing Journal Exclusive: State of Supply Chain Report Shows Execs Lag in Adopting AI
Sourcing Journal | May 22, 2024
New data from both Inspectorio and Blue Yonder show supply chain executives’ primary investment interests for the immediate future are sustainability and artificial intelligence. However, less than 5% using AI in their organizations said sustainability was a primary use case.
Survey on Women Empowerment in RMG Industry
Apparel Resources | May 20, 2024
A survey from Apparel Resources looks at the visibility and empowerment of women in the readymade garment (RMG) industry in Bangladesh and how the findings can help the industry address major concerns regarding women workers.
Mara Hoffman Is Closing Her Eponymous Line
Fashionista | May 20, 2024
After 24 years in business, the CFDA Award-winning designer cited high costs of sustainable materials as part of the need to close.
ICYMI | Biodegradable Fabric Might Be the Next Best Thing in Clothing
The Washington Post | May 14, 2024
“Sustainable fabrics help the fashion industry rid itself of a global waste problem.” The Washington Post highlights a few of the cool initiatives happening in innovative textiles.
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