Manufacturing

A recurring theme at the 63rd Global Fibre Congress at Dornbirn from 11–13 September was recycling and the associated circular economy. It stressed on the urgent need for everyone in the value chain, from machine manufacturers to manufacturing and retail, to find a common denominator—the only way to provide the consumer with products which are sustainable and affordable.

A just-published report by Global Fashion Agenda (GFA) has presented the unique characteristics of Italian fashion manufacturing, while exploring the current perceptions and challenges regarding pay equity within one of Europe’s most influential fashion industries.

As the world looks for innovative solutions to reduce carbon emissions and preserve vital ecosystems, environmental NGO Canopy underscores the critical role India can play in this global shift as it has the potential to transform 100 million tonnes of agricultural residues and polyester-cotton textile waste into valuable low-carbon paper, packaging, and viscose for the global markets.

The Australian Fashion Council has said that the kangaroo country’s fashion manufacturing industry has shed 18% of its value in the past five years but despite the downturn, key policy interventions, industry and government can together inject an additional $225m into the Victorian economy and create a further 1,500 jobs.

As of now brands and retailers that source from Bangladesh—and that have witnessed the industry’s sizeable safety and environmental investments—remain patient and committed. The long-term scenario, however, could be anyone's guess. texfash.com rounds up voices from across the globe.

Border posts remain clogged, orders and payments are stuck, and amidst all there’s also a lot of talk that the political upheaval in neighbouring Bangladesh could see shifting of orders to India. But, till government tweaks some policies, Indian apparel manufacturers making hay from the Bangla crisis appears wishful thinking.

Bangladesh's readymade garments (RMG) industry grew by a whopping 280% during the 15-year tenure of Sheikh Hasina Wazed's Awami League. Both the League and the RMG industry fed off each other, but with Hasina being ousted and public sentiments overwhelmingly against the Awami League, the country's political turmoil is bound to take its toll on the RMG industry.

The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THUAS) has launched an  innovative Regenerative Leadership Toolkit that seeks to empower creative designers with the strategies and tools necessary to foster regenerative and sustainable practices within the fashion and textile industry.

Shop hopping the summer sale? Before you step out, it is worth considering how you can sustainably add to your wardrobe while limiting its carbon footprint.

An uncertain economic climate dampening the investment and retail landscape notwithstanding, there are strong drivers in place making a transition to NextGen innovations all but certain, says a new report.