Industry News | 8/7/24
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | SPESA Welcomes New Member BRIGHI USA INC
SPESA Announcement August 7, 2024
Please join SPESA in welcoming Brighi USA to the SPESA membership! The Texas-based U.S. branch of Italian company Brighi Tecnologie Italia, Brighi develops and manufactures customized machines for pillows, cushions, quilts, sofas, carpets, and mattresses. The impressive company covers all the steps from raw material processing to accurate pre-weighing, filling, and sewing, all the way to packaging, and offers innovative solutions to recycle production scraps. Click the link to learn what makes Brighi USA unique and where you can see the team in action!
Cansew Inc. Celebrates 100 Years of Excellence and Innovation
Press Release | August 2024
Cansew Inc., Canada’s leader in industrial sewing threads, dyeing, elastic, and accessories, is celebrating a century of innovation and adaptation. Launching in 1924 as The Canadian Sewing Supply, the company operated a small family-run workshop in Montreal. Today, the third generation of the Schachter family oversees Cansew’s 100% Canadian vertical manufacturing, from the production of threads, dyeing, glazing, finishing, and winding operations. In addition to the article linked below, we also found this cool video highlighting the company’s century of progress.
How Asia Apparel Manufacturers Are Navigating Opportunities, Challenges
Just Style | August 6, 2024
Apparel manufacturers from India, China, Pakistan, and Malaysia shared insights with Just Style at the recent Source Fashion trade show on the opportunities and challenges they face in their respective markets and on the global stage.
What Suppliers Need To Know About Upcoming Legislation
Vogue Business | August 5, 2024
Brands are facing the reality of upcoming legislation that requires them to be transparent about the inner workings of their supply chain, including decarbonization, forced labor, and raw materials sourcing. Yet the work of reducing the fashion industry’s impacts often falls on suppliers as brands make ambitious public promises for sustainability, but depend on suppliers to be able deliver on them. A new report, “An Apparel Supplier’s Guide: Key Legislation in the EU, US & UK,” seeks to help explain how suppliers can navigate the evolving legislation landscape.
Japan's Amaike Develops Ultra-Lightweight Super Organza Fabric
Fibre2Fashion | August 5, 2024
Amaike LLC has developed an ultra-lightweight, extremely thin fabric known as Amaike Super Organza. Ultra-fine thread, approximately one-fifth the thickness of a human hair, is so delicate that it can be cut off by static electricity.
Primark and the Circular Textiles Foundation Launch New Training Programme
Circular Online | August 5, 2024
Primark is partnering with the Circular Textiles Foundation to deliver an advanced training programme on circular design principles for its design and product teams. The new training will cover advanced circular design principles, with a focus on recyclability, to support Primark’s commitment to make more of its clothes recyclable by design by 2027.
More Startups Are Offering Garment Take-Back Services for Brands — But Few Are Actually Recycling the Textiles
Modern Retail | August 5, 2024
In the last few years, a slew of tech-savvy startups have cropped up to help brands deal with the messy logistics of unwanted clothes. Modern Retail dives into a few of these initiatives and why “the reality of what happens to old garments after they’re collected is often far messier than advertised,” noting the difficulties of bringing textile-to-textile recycling to scale.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | AATCC Journal of Research To Become Open Access
Press Release | August 2, 2024
As of January 1, 2025, the American Association of Textile Chemists & Colorists’ AATCC Journal of Research will be freely accessible as an Open Access Journal, providing vital information about broad aspects of textile chemistry, coloration, testing, and advanced materials to textile industry researchers and professionals all over the world.
Italian Textile and Apparel Sector Faces Increased Slowdown in First Half of 2024
Fashion Network | August 2, 2024
Economic instability, inflation, high interest rates, and rising energy costs have led to reduced consumer purchasing power, further undermined by geopolitical tensions. This challenging environment is a major concern for the Italian fashion industry, as highlighted in a survey by Sistema Moda Italia, the employer's federation for the Italian fashion industry.
Production of Footwear Decreased by 1.5 Billion Pairs in 2023
Sneaker Freaker | August 1, 2024
A report published by the World Footwear Yearbook shows that the production of footwear in 2023 was reduced by 6% compared to 2022. Not including the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021 when production numbers were hit hard, this is the lowest number of shoes to be produced in the last decade.
Africa’s Bid To Become the Next Apparel Sourcing Powerhouse
Just Style | August 1, 2024
As fashion brands scramble to diversify their supply chains, an unexpected contender is emerging: Africa. From Tanzania's sustainable cotton to the continent's biggest industrial park in Ethiopia, Africa is poised to become a key sourcing destination for the global fashion industry. Just Style considers whether these nations can overcome challenges to become the next sourcing powerhouses.
MycoWorks’ Biobased Mycelium Incorporated into Cadillac SOLLEI
Press Release | August 1, 2024
Biotechnology company MycoWorks, announced that SOLLEI, Cadillac's latest concept vehicle, is the first automobile to incorporate a mycelium biobased material developed in collaboration with General Motors. MycoWorks' breakthrough Fine Mycelium™ technology engineers mycelium, the infinitely renewable root structure of mushrooms, to craft a range of innovative materials that can be used as bio-based alternatives to plastic-based products. Click here for additional industry coverage on alternative leathers hitting the automotive and furniture industries.
Unspun Raises $32M for 3D Weaving Machines
Fashion Dive | July 31, 2024
Weaving technology company Unspun announced a $32 million Series B funding round led by technology venture capital firm DCVC. The funding will be used to help scale production of Unspun’s Vega 3D weaving machinery, technology designed “to help brands realize a low-inventory, nearshore and automated supply-chain for woven products.” It will also allow the company to localize apparel manufacturing across North America and Europe, according to a press release.
Two High-End Made-in-America Furniture Manufacturers Merge in North Carolina
Furniture Today | July 31, 2024
Made-in-America furniture manufacturer Charleston Forge has acquired West Virginia-based case goods manufacturer MacKenzie-Dow. The acquisition brings together two family-owned high-end domestic furniture manufacturers. MacKenzie-Dow’s production will be moved to Charleston Forge’s facility in North Carolina.
Saudi Arabia Adopts New Technical Regulations for Textile Products
Kohan Textile Journal | July 31, 2024
On January 12, 2024, Saudi Arabia officially adopted a new edition of its Technical Regulations for Textile Products (which took effect in July), superseding the previous regulations. The revised regulations establish essential requirements for textile products and outline the conformity assessment procedures suppliers must follow to ensure their products meet the standards for entry into the Saudi Arabian market.
Beware IKEA: Solid Knitted Three-Dimensional Furniture Could Be a Reality
Interesting Engineering | July 31, 2024
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a prototype machine capable of knitting triangular or rectangular prisms in various sizes. The researchers note chairs, tables, and more could be knitted with a future version of the machine and a fabrication technique known as solid knitting.
What Exactly Does “Regenerative” Mean in Fashion?
Fashion United | July 30, 2024
The term “regenerative” is popping up more and more often. But what does it actually mean? And what are regenerative agricultural practices and is there such a thing as regenerative fashion? Fashion United does a good job explaining the components of the industry’s latest buzzword.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Lectra Sees 9% Revenue Growth in First Half of 2024
Fashion Network | July 29, 2024
After a slowdown in 2023, Lectra has returned to growth in the first half of 2024. The period saw a 9% increase in revenue, reaching €262.3 million.More highlights from Lectra this week:
The United States Fashion Industry Association: Findings Show Sharp Increase in Sourcing Executives Who Are Concerned About the Protectionist Trade Policy Agenda in the U.S.
Press Release | July 29, 2024
The United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) has released its eleventh annual Fashion Industry Benchmarking Study, a survey of executives from leading fashion brands, retailers, importers, and wholesalers. Conducted in conjunction with Dr. Sheng Lu, Professor in the Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies at the University of Delaware, the survey asked respondents about their business outlook, sourcing practices, utilization of Free Trade Agreements and preference programs, and views on trade policy.
Arc’teryx and Skip Partner To Introduce MO/GO: Revolutionizing Mobility with the World’s First Pair of Powered Pants
Press Release | July 29, 2024
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Arc’teryx and Skip announced the launch of MO/GO™, the world’s first pair of powered pants designed to “make human movement more joyful.” Designed to support users to be more active through increasing stamina and reducing pain, MO/GO utilizes wearable robotics to tackle mobility challenges caused by aging, fatigue, and injury that limit millions of people’s ability to move through life.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Zünd Installs First Cutter at a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Company Announcement | July 26, 2024
UNESCO inscribed Palace Green Library on the World Heritage List in 1986 for its significance to the whole of humanity. Its collections represent the best of humanity’s thirst for knowledge and understanding. Its latest installment? A Zünd Digital Cutter.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | VDMA Textile Machinery Association Members Position Statement: Textile Machinery for a Sustainable Textile Industry
Press Release | July 26, 2024
In a position paper published at the end of July, the companies organized in the VDMA Textile Machinery Association comment on the ambitious EU regulations and their national implementation for the sustainable and circular transformation of the textile and clothing industry.
Athletics-Running Brand On Launches Spray-On Marathon Shoe in Bid for Paris Spotlight
Reuters | July 26, 2024
Running brand On made its latest move in the supershoe race on the eve of the Paris Olympics, unveiling a marathon shoe produced by a robotic arm spraying material onto a mold to create a sock-like upper with no laces. The "LightSpray" production method used in Zurich, with fewer parts required per pair, challenges the usual footwear manufacturing model which relies on shipping finished shoes from factories in Southeast Asia to shoppers in the U.S. and Europe.
This Platform Uses AI To Guarantee Resale Value Before Consumers Ever Buy a Product
Sourcing Journal | July 26, 2024
Croissant (a platform, not the pastry) officially launched an app using artificial intelligence to facilitate a smoother resale process for consumers — and it starts before they ever click purchase on an item. During online shopping experiences at more than 100 brands and retailers, users with the Croissant browser extension will see “guaranteed resale” prices pop up on their screen. That price represents the value Croissant’s algorithms believe the item will have on the resale market.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Diana Wyman Steps Down as AATCC Executive Vice President
Press Release | July 25, 2024
After five years as executive vice president of the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC), Diana Wyman informed the Board of Directors of her resignation, effective August 9th. In the interim, John “Jack” Daniels will fill the vacated post until a permanent replacement is named.
3Z Brands Unveils Plans To Break Ground Adding 250,000 Square Feet to Factory in Phoenix
Textile World | July 24, 2024
3Z Brands, a vertically integrated manufacturer, wholesaler, retailer, and direct-to-consumer distributor of award-winning sleep products, unveiled plans to break ground on a 250,000-square-foot expansion of its state-of-the-art facility in Glendale, Arizona. The new development will create additional manufacturing capacity, setting the company up for long-term growth in the United States.
World Emblem Launches Flexbroidery: More Cost-Effective and Sustainable Than Traditional Direct Embroidery
Textile World | July 24, 2024
Emblem and patch manufacturer, World Emblem, has announced the launch of Flexbroidery™, a new product that it says provides a more cost-effective and sustainable solution than traditional direct embroidery.
Inside Fashion’s Race for Circular Polyester
Sourcing Journal | July 24, 2024
A quiet race is shaping up within the textile industry, if not among companies themselves then against time and the status quo of cheap, plentiful, and disposable clothing maintained by virgin polyester’s ultra-low cost, versatility, and extensive, well-oiled infrastructure. Sourcing Journal shares insights.
H&M’s ‘Green’ Financing Tool Supports Supplier Sustainability
Fashion Dive | July 23, 2024
An H&M-supported collaborative financing program is recruiting more brands to join after seeing initial success with an India-based supplier. The program aims to help manufacturers access “green” loans for infrastructure investments and overcome the funding hurdles of implementing sustainable practices.
Japanese Scientists Shine Light on Treating Forever Chemicals
Sourcing Journal | July 23, 2024
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have long been scrutinized for harming the planet and the public, and taking “forever” to decompose. But now, a team of researchers in Japan claims to have found a way to break down PFAS at room temperature using visible light. The scientists from Ritsumeikan University have devised a defluorination method that may revolutionize PFAS treatment.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | UpFront with the Merrow Group Companies
The Needle’s Eye | July 22, 2024
“In the heart of Fall River, Massachusetts, the Merrow Group Companies stands as a beacon of American manufacturing excellence.” With roots dating back to 1838, Merrow has evolved from its humble beginnings into a multifaceted enterprise, renowned for its pioneering innovations in the textile industry. The Needle’s Eye shares an in-depth profile of the overarching Merrow Group Companies and SPESA member Merrow Sewing Machine Company.
Explainer: How Vulnerable Is the Apparel Industry to Technology Failures
Just Style | July 22, 2024
Following what is being dubbed the "world's biggest IT failure," Just Style investigates how it impacted the global apparel supply chain and what the industry can do to make itself more resilient to technology-related issues in future.
How Mentoring Programs Help Manufacturers Build a Future Workforce
Manufacturing Dive | July 22, 2024
With the manufacturing industry facing a worker shortfall of nearly 2 million people, many manufacturers are turning to mentorship programs to build a talent pipeline and prepare existing workers to take on leadership roles. The programs can help to train incoming workers, as well as create inclusive environments from underrepresented communities.
Raleigh Homecoming
Textile World | July 18, 2024
After back-to-back years in Atlanta, the Techtextil North America trade show has settled into its new schedule with the non-Atlanta show now happening in even years. The 2024 edition of the event — a show dedicated to the technical textiles and nonwovens industries — will take place at the Raleigh Convention Center, August 20-22, 2024. A special report from Textile World highlights the show floor and learning opportunities to come in Raleigh.
Explainer: How Is the Apparel Sector Affected Now CSDDD is Here?
Just Style | July 18, 2024
The first phase of implementing the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) could be as early as 2027. Just Style explains why stakeholders are urging fashion companies to start preparing their corporate due diligence programs.
Enhancing a Textile Plant’s Performance
Textile World | July 17, 2024
Maximizing production in a textile plant requires a combination of process optimization, quality control, technology integration, and people management. Textile World provides a practical set of steps to improve production while maintaining high quality standards. We especially like step #2: Invest in Technology Because Automation and Digitization Are More Important Than Ever.
FabricLink Network Announces Launch of The Textile Gateway
Specialty Fabrics Review | July 17, 2024
The FabricLink Network announced the launch of The Textile Gateway, an online platform that connects the textile industry to students of all ages, including elementary school and undergraduate students.
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