Manufacturing

A riven industry, dumping from China, GST mismatch, need for a uniform countrywide textile policy, the scourge that is fake billing — in spite of it all and more, the enormous potential that this ancient warpwork holds is shackled by systemic inefficiencies, implores Gaurang Bhagat, Treasurer at the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and Founder of the ₹1000-crore LB Tex.

The shifting dynamics of global apparel sourcing are bringing new regions to the fore, and Ethiopia is increasingly in focus. Supported by industrial investments and a young, trainable workforce, the country is courting European manufacturers seeking reliable alternatives to Asia. Susanne Pass, Managing Director of Dialog Textil-Bekleidung (DTB), outlines how sustained engagement, infrastructure development, and training can position Ethiopia as a long-term player in the international textile landscape.

Climate action NGO WRAP has unveiled a new UK Textiles Pact Roadmap to fast-track circularity and environmental progress across the industry. Despite per-tonne cuts in carbon and water use, soaring production volumes and linear business models threaten to erase those gains. The Roadmap strengthens collaboration, targets upstream emissions, and supports policy reforms for a resilient circular future.

Surat-based Man Made Textiles Research Association or MANTRA is one of the eight national level Textiles Research Associations (TRAs) and one among the leading in man-made fibres. While the key focus is the textile industry in the synthetic capital of the country, it works on the overall textile development and on technical textiles in general. In conversation with Director Dr Arup Rakshit.

The dynamics of global sourcing are evolving, and Africa is positioning itself at the heart of these shifts. With infrastructure built through Asian partnerships and an expanding manufacturing base, the continent is becoming part of a broader rebalancing of global trade. Guiding this transformation is Skander Negasi, Chief Executive Officer of Trade and Fairs Consulting, organiser of Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week, who underscores that Africa’s sourcing story is now one of resilience, resourcefulness, and rising capability.

Saudi Arabia’s growing ambitions in fashion and textiles took centre stage at the 3rd Saudi Fashiontex Expo in Jeddah. The event brought together participants from 25 countries, highlighting the Kingdom’s push to align creativity, trade, and sustainability. Steering this transformation is Filiz Karakul, Managing Director of event organiser Pyramid Group, who explains how the platform is helping redefine Saudi Arabia’s role in the global textile landscape.

Leather doesn’t need reinvention. It needs representation. At the 106^th edition of Lineapelle Milan 2025 (23–25 September), the message was clear: storytelling is key to leather’s revival as a sustainable, organic material and reimagine its future in a conscious world.

A new era of textile innovation is unfolding, driven by digital tools, material transparency, and collaborative thinking. At the heart of this transformation is Mijke van Ballegooijen, CEO of Byborre, whose platform challenges conventional production and design systems. She explains how empowering creators and rethinking supply chains can reshape the industry’s creative and environmental future.

Tunisia’s textiles and apparel industry stands at a turning point, balancing cost pressures with rising global expectations. At this year’s ITF Intertex Tunisia, conversations will extend beyond traditional strengths, focusing on sustainability, innovation, and regional integration. Managing Director Serhan Pul explains how Tunisia aims to reposition itself as a competitive, responsible, and future-oriented partner in global trade.

Türkiye’s textile sector, heavily dependent on European markets, faces mounting regulatory demands that threaten the viability of smaller firms. A recent study tested a stakeholder-driven framework across four SMEs, producing actionable sustainability priorities and targets. The findings reveal how small manufacturers can chart realistic pathways in a challenging compliance environment.