Latest Update

Decarbonisation Drive and Rising Costs Reshaping China’s Role as World’s Largest Apparel and Textile Exporter: Cascale Report

China’s textiles and apparel sector stands at a crossroads of sustainability, competitiveness, and workforce responsibility. With decarbonisation targets, rising labour costs, and export diversification, the industry faces profound transformation. Policies under the 14th Five-Year Plan and “dual carbon” strategy will determine how the sector adapts to shifting global sourcing and compliance landscapes.

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CIRCULARITY / RECYCLING / SECONDS / WASTE

Tax Systems Built for Linear Economies Threaten Progress of Global Circular Fashion

Sweden’s secondhand clothing sector is growing, yet campaigners argue outdated VAT rules keep reuse expensive and fragile. Across Europe, governments are testing tax reforms to promote repairs and resale, while the EU readies wider sustainability regulations. The debate highlights whether fiscal design will entrench fast fashion or enable circular fashion to flourish.

 
FLASHPOINT: CLIMATE
GHG Emissions / FLAG Aspect

Cascale and Worldly have developed a standardised methodology for apparel and footwear companies using the Higg MSI to calculate FLAG emissions. The method separates FLAG from aggregated GHG data, integrates land use change figures, and applies base and conservative assumptions. It delivers consistent baselines, enabling compliance with Science-Based Targets initiative requirements and alignment with forthcoming GHG Protocol FLAG reporting guidance.

Climate Crisis / Fashion Emissions

The apparel sector’s carbon footprint grew sharply in 2023, underscoring the gap between climate commitments and actual performance. The rise in emissions was driven primarily by polyester usage, particularly virgin fibres. Despite growing investment in greener practices, the sector remains far off course for its 2030 goals, according to a new report from Apparel Impact Institute.

 
 
 
FOCUS: COTTON

US Cotton Trust Protocol Debuts Field Partner Pilot to Recognise Verified Regenerative Practices and Measurable Outcomes

The US Cotton Trust Protocol has introduced a Field Partner Programme pilot designed to provide brands and retailers with traceable regenerative cotton. Beginning with the 2025 crop year, the initiative establishes a framework combining practices and outcomes, supporting sustainability goals, while creating clear supply chain pathways. It aligns with the Trust Protocol’s wider commitments to verification, transparency, and continuous improvement.

 
 
SPOTLIGHT EDITIONS: SELECT 4
State of Leather 2024
Cotton for Good 2024
 
 

"Quote Unquote"

 Rakesh Sangrai
Rakesh Sangrai
Director - Textile Committee
PHDCCI
Structural bottlenecks in the technical textiles value chain—especially in processing and testing is an important issue. During this conference we do not have any dedicated session, but, we expect that during the sessions the speakers and delegates may delve on the subject and interact on this as well.

"Quote Unquote"

Stefan Mueller
Stefan Mueller
Head, Business Unit Textile Additives
Sanitized AG
The demand for antimicrobial textiles is driven by both brands/retailers and end-consumers, with each influencing the other. Brands and retailers seek antimicrobial solutions to differentiate their products and respond to growing health-conscious trends. End-consumers are increasingly aware of and demanding products that offer added hygiene benefits.
 
 
FOCUS: LEATHER

FTA With UK Promises Big Gains for Indian MSMEs in Garments, Leather and Footwear Exports

The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), signed on Thursday, removes steep tariffs on Indian exports of textiles, apparel, leather and footwear. With duty-free access to 99% of Indian goods, the deal unlocks significant growth for manufacturers across sectors. Exporters expect major gains in UK market share, driven by price competitiveness and improved supply chain efficiency.