ICAC: 2015-16: Another Season Of Uncertainty

WASHINGTON — July 1, 2015 — In 2014-15, the Secretariat predicts a midpoint of 71 cents/lb for the Cotlook A Index with a narrow range of 70 to 73 cents/lb. In 2015-16, international cotton prices may remain stable, though this will depend in part on changes in world cotton stocks. In 2014-15, world ending stocks are forecast up 9 percent to 21.9 million tons, reflecting a stock-to-use ratio of 90 percent. Starting in 2010-11, the world has accumulated 13.4 million tons of stock due to production volumes exceeding consumption volumes. In 2015-16, stocks are projected to decrease 5 percent to 20.9 million tons, reducing the excess volume by 1 million tons. Stocks held outside of China are expected to decrease by 3 percent, to just under 9 million tons, by the end of 2015-16. However, much of this will depend on how the Chinese government handles its reserves. Last month the Chinese government announced that it planned to start selling its stockpiles, estimated at around 11.3 million tons, at a price close to the current market price in the hopes of keeping the market stable. However, no further details have been announced so far, and it’s uncertain how successfully China will be able to sell off its excess cotton stock without destabilizing the market.

World cotton area in 2015-16 is projected down 6 percent to 31.3 million hectares, due largely to lower prices in 2014-15. Assuming a world average yield of 764 kg/ha, production could reach 23.9 million tons, down 9 percent from 2014-15. China’s cotton area is forecast to decrease by 12 percent to 3.8 million hectares, and production down by 16 percent to 5.4 million tons in 2015-16. While low cotton prices during 2014-15 in India are expected to cause cotton area to decrease by 5 percent to 11.6 million hectares in 2015-16, falling prices for competing crops and a modest increase in the minimum support price may forestall a greater decline. The Indian monsoon arrived earlier this year compared to 2014-15, and yields may improve 3 percent to 547 kg/ha, limiting the decrease in production to 6.4 million tons. Low international cotton prices have limited farmer enthusiasm to plant cotton, and area in the United States may contract 15 percent to 3.3 million hectares.

Production is forecast to decline by 12 percent to 3.1 million tons. Area in Pakistan is projected to contract 6 percent to 2.7 million hectares due to low domestic prices in 2014-15, and production is expected to decrease 11 percent to 2.1 million tons.

In 2015-16, world cotton consumption is forecast up 2 percent to 24.9 million tons. China’s consumption is expected to remain stable at 7.7 million tons, though its share of total world consumption will likely decline to 31 percent, which is the sixth consecutive season of reduction since 2009-10 when it accounted for 40 percent of world consumption. India’s mill use is projected up 3 percent to 5.4 million tons in 2015-16, accounting for 22 percent of world consumption. Strong demand from countries that rely on imports to support their spinning sector is expected to boost world trade in 2015-16 to 7.7 million tons. Imports outside of China are projected up 4 percent to 6.1 million tons, partially offsetting the 9 percent decline in Chinese imports to 1.6 million tons.

World Cotton Supply And Distribution

2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16
Changes
from previous month
Million Tons Million Tons
   
Production 26.28 26.20 23.92 -0.01 0.03 0.02
Consumption 23.75 24.36 24.91 -0.01 0.00 -0.02
Imports 8.65 7.64 7.74 -0.02 0.12 0.06
Exports 8.87 7.64 7.74 -0.01 0.12 0.06
Ending Stocks 20.04 21.89 20.90 0.04 0.07 0.11
Cotlook A Index 91 71* 72**

*The price projection for 2014-15 is based on the ending stocks/mill use ratio in the world-less-China in 2012-13 (estimate), in 2013-14 (estimate) and 2014-15 (projection), on the ratio of Chinese net imports to world imports in 2013-14 (estimate) and 2014-15 (projection). The price projection is the midpoint of the 95 percent confidence interval: 70 cts/lb to 73 cts/lb.

**The price projection for 2015-16 is based on the ending stocks to mill use ratio in the world-less-China in 2013-14 (estimate), 2014-15 (projection) and 2015-16 (projection), on the ratio of Chinese net imports to world imports in 2015-16 (projection), and on the price projection for 2014-15. The price forecast for 2015-16 is the mid-point of the 95 percent confidence interval: 57 cts/lb. to 87 cts/lb.

Posted July 7, 2015

Source: ICAC
 

Master Reports Sales In Bangladesh

MACHERIO, Italy — June 30, 2015 — Two among the most important denim manufacturers of Bangladesh have chosen the groundbreaking technology of Italy-based Master S.r.l. in Macherio for the continuous dyeing of warps. At the basis there is a synergistic aim necessary to reach their future targets in terms of both quantity and quality.

Shasha Denims Ltd., a company extremely concerned with the needs of environmentally sustainable development that are imperative today, is the first one in the Asian continent to add a new IndigoGenius® machine representing the top in dyeing technology to the other two slasher dyeing machines it owns at present.

The revolutionary dyeing technology with indigo and sulphur dyestuffs in inert environment of the Genius modules allows to obtain a better penetration and fixing to the yarn and therefore an increased colour yield as well as savings up to 80% about in caustic soda and sodium hydrosulfite combined to a considerable decrease in the consumption of washing water.

IndigoGenius combines to the above ecological, economic and quality advantages also a special flexibility of operation as it allows to carry out, besides the traditional dyeing, also unusual dyeing procedures to manufacture new and exclusive denim items with original, peculiar and unique features that cannot be obtained with traditional machines.

Shasha Denims by adopting the new dyeing system IndigoGenius, with exclusive rights for two years in Bangladesh, paves the way to environmental sustainability and has deservingly positioned itself in the forefront for the production of new denim items always inspired to tradition even though projected into the future we all hope to be increasingly “eco-friendly” and “green”.

Mahmud Denims Ltd., being more traditional, instead decided to add a new machine for rope dyeing mod. IndigoRope® (pat.) to the machine it already had. This new machine isn’t only the logical development of the traditional ones but it is mainly the result of special changes, significant technological innovations and solutions that have made it more ergonomic and rational.

It is the most evolute and technologically advanced machine of this category being at the same time easy to operate, rational and reliable. IndigoRope is a machine which combines tradition and innovation, which assures dyeings of high quality, that are reproducibles and economical. It is also pleasant to remark that both machines are equipped with special removable fumes and odor extractor fans to safeguard the health of the operators and the hygiene of the workplace.

Posted July 7, 2015

Source: Master

 

C&A Recognized For Outstanding “Fit” Consistency On Its Collections

NEW YORK — JUNE 30, 2015 — Alvanon, a leading global apparel business expert, has announced that C&A Buying GmbH & Co. has been awarded the highly respected AlvaInside Certification, the world’s first and only professional accreditation dedicated to apparel fit consistency. The AlvaInside Certification is awarded to C&A for its efforts to establish a more consistent fit for products across its size range.  As a result of the certification C&A is now using the AlvaInside logo and “Consistently Accurate Fit Certified by Alvanon” on specified garment labels in its newly launched Autumn/Winter 2015 ladieswear and denim ranges.
 
Developed by Alvanon’s strategic team of apparel consultants, AlvaInside is awarded to client companies who can demonstrate consistency in the execution and implementation of fit across the apparel development process.  Alvanon advised, supported and audited C&A’s product development and strategic fit practices over a ten month period during which the retailer revised its processes and tools in line with current best practice. 
 
As Helen Walczak, head of ladieswear PD&D C&A Buying GmbH & Co. explained: “We are very pleased to have been awarded the AlvaInside fit certification. Over the past year we have tackled head-on the challenge of delivering consistent fit across our key fashion, denim and lingerie ranges.” Jackie Lewis, unit leader of technical services, C&A Buying GmbH added: “With Alvanon’s support we have worked tirelessly to understand our customer demographic and apply best practice and consistency to our product development practices and processes. Alvanon’s expertise and evaluation has been invaluable.”
 
Ed Gribbin, president, Alvanon Inc., and lead consultant on the C&A AlvaInside audit said: “What C&A has achieved in such a short space of time is outstanding. It has recognized that aligning product development processes, implementing best practice at every level and executing accurate, consistent fit is the way to increase customer satisfaction and brand loyalty thereby driving sales, growth and profitability.“ He concluded: “It is immensely difficult to achieve an AlvaInside certification and C&A is a very worthy recipient.”  
Posted June 30, 2015

Source: Alvanon

NCTO Applauds President Obama For Signing Trade Promotion Authority Into Law

WASHINGTON — June 20, 2015 — The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) applauds President Obama for signing Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) into law earlier today. TPA establishes congressional negotiating objectives and institutes parameters associated with the final congressional review of international trade agreements. Additionally, TPA formalizes consultation mechanisms between Congress and the Executive Branch on trade agreements as they are being negotiated.

 “TPA is a vital part of overall U.S. trade policy which seeks to ensure strong and rational international trade agreements that fully incorporate the interests of American textile workers and the middle class,” stated NCTO President Augustine Tantillo. “We applaud both President Obama and those members of Congress who supported the passage of Trade Promotion Authority. This legislation will help to ensure that free trade agreements help to boost American exports, create jobs, and strengthen the U.S. economy.”

NCTO looks forward to continued collaboration with both the Executive Branch and Congress to develop trade agreements that fully represent the interests of U.S. textile manufacturers, which employ 499,500 workers nationwide.

Posted June 30, 2015

Source: NCTO
 

Houston-based Company Textile Recycler Increases Recycling Efficiency And Productivity With Automated Sorting Systems

ABINGDON, Md. — June 30, 2015 — Textile Recycler, a member of the Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles Association (SMART), the international trade association of the for-profit used clothing reuse and recycling industry, diverts more than half a million pounds of clothing and 10,000 pounds of shoes each week from landfills with the use of automated sorting systems.

According to Jackie King, executive director for SMART, for more than 400 years, the used clothing and textile recycling industry has relied heavily on manual sorting and grading processes and has seen little to no technological advances since its inception. In 2009, Textile Recycler installed a patented auto grading system from Smart Innovations to eliminate the manual sorting of recycled clothing, increasing efficiency and productivity, and reducing labor costs. In 2014, Textile Recycler installed an automated shoe sorting system and is the only textile recycling company in the world to use one.

“Unlike others in our industry, with the use of automated conveyor systems to sort clothing and shoes, we are able to gather and measure a vast quantity of information from the items that we collect,” says Munir Hussain, president of Textile Recycler. “With this new technology, we are forging new paths and standards for our industry.”

“With an automated sorting system, Textile Recycler can intake more recycled clothing and shoes, thus reducing the amount of textiles which end up in landfills each year,” says King.

Posted June 30, 2015

Source:
 

Cotlook’s Estimates Indicate Smaller Addition To World Stocks In 2014-15, And Modest Reduction In 2015-16

BIRKENHEAD, United Kingdom — June 25, 2015 — Cotton Outlook’s world production number for 2014-15 has been lowered this month by 63,000 metric tons.

Increases in the figures for Australia and Uzbekistan have been more than offset by reductions for China and smaller markets. The forecast for 2015-16 has been lowered by 206,000 metric tons, owing primarily to a sizeable decrease for China.

World raw cotton consumption has been raised by 49,000 metric tons for 2014-15 and 56,000 for the following season. This has resulted from increases in both seasons for Vietnam, offset partially by decreases for Brazil.

The rise in global stocks in the current season is thus now expected to be slightly less than two million metric tons, while a decline is foreseen in 2015-16 of 570,000 metric tons.
 

Posted June 30, 2015

Source: Cotton Outlook
 

German Minister To Opens ICA Bremen’s, State-Of-The-Art Cotton Testing Laboratory

BREMEN, Germany — June 25, 2015 — The German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Dr. Gerd Müller, officially opened ICA Bremen’s new and improved cotton testing laboratory.

Based at its existing location in Bremen’s Cotton Exchange Building, the upgraded laboratory will incorporate a new and improved range of state of the art facilities to meet the growing demands of the global cotton and textile industry.

Jens Lukazcik, ICA Bremen Director said: “Leadership can not only be demonstrated by words, but by innovative action. As the leading institution for HVI testing it is our obligation to ensure that we provide the highest standards possible. We are very proud that this new lab will, once again, raise the bar and set another new level of excellence in HVI testing. We are delighted that Dr. Müller, who started the Partnership for Sustainable Textiles in 2014, is able to join us to open this fantastic new facility.”

Kai Hughes, ICA Bremen’s Managing Director added: “By expanding and improving the existing ICA Bremen laboratory, we are better equipped to deal with the increasing testing and research requests we have been receiving. We are confident that the laboratory now has everything it needs to allow us to offer an even better service to the cotton and textile industry.”

Improvements to the laboratory include the upgrading of facilities for pre-conditioning and conditioning of samples, improved capability to handle large orders and bigger volumes of samples and the capacity for instrument testing and manual classing to be performed in close proximity.

The added space will allow for even more testing equipment in the future.

The new laboratory, which is operated in cooperation between ICA Bremen and the Bremen Fibre Institute (FIBRE), will include important instruments for cotton testing, such as HVI testing, AFIS testing, stickiness testing and gravimetric trash content determination, as well as testing equipment for other natural fibres, such as wool and flax/hemp.

The ICA Bremen collection of world cotton standards will continue to be held in a separate room nearby.

Posted June 30, 2015

Source: ICA Bremen
 

The Rupp Report: The 17th Shanghaitex

The 17th Shanghaitex was organized by Adsale Exhibition Services Ltd., Shanghai Textile Technology Service & Exhibition Center and Shanghai International Exhibition Co. Ltd. It took place June 15-18, 2015, at the Shanghai New International Expo Center. The show is sponsored by ShangTex Holding Co. Ltd., China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Shanghai Sub-council and China Chamber of International Commerce Shanghai Chamber of Commerce.

For years, China’s economy has soared with double-digit growth. However, over the past two years, the Chinese economy showed a very slight drop. So-called experts from the West predicted a crisis for China, although this didn’t bother the government very much.
 
Transformation
Slowly, upon the request of the government to have more stable and sustainable growth, Chinese products are coming closer to meeting international standards. Additionally, it was the plan of the Chinese leaders to support the domestic industry to a larger extent. And that happened too. Therefore, it was going to be very interesting to see how Shanghaitex would turn out given this somewhat unusual economic climate.
 
Even the organizers of the show said: “China’s textile and garment industry has entered the phase of transformation and upgrade. Rising labor costs is becoming a tremendous challenge for the industry, which is intensive in labor. Applying new technology to improve the industry’s productivity, improving product quality and exploring new markets will be the key factors affecting companies’ long-term development.”
 
The Event
Unfortunately, the weather in Shanghai was not very favorable for the event. Pouring rain for almost the whole show bothered visitors, including foreign visitors. Shanghai’s airport had to cancel more than 200 flights due to heavy rain on Wednesday.
 
To inform its readers about the general outcome of the exhibition, The Rupp Report interviewed more than 10 European exhibitors to gather their impressions of the four-day show. Unanimously, all executives were happy with the show. Of course, more than 90 percent of the visitors came from mainland China. However, some foreign visitors — mainly from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh — also were welcomed. Overall, there were fewer visitors, but, so reported many questioned people, the quality of the visitors was much better. “No tourists or brochure collectors,” replied many exhibitors.
 
The question “Did you recognize a difference between the last ITMA Asia and this Shanghaitex?,” was answered very clearly. Everybody said that ITMA Asia attracts more international and larger numbers of visitors than Shanghaitex, and that Shanghaitex is becoming more of a local event. On top of that, some also said that ITMA Asia is much better organized than Shanghaitex; and this event is kind of a contact platform, but nothing more.
 
Most Important Market
Despite rumors of  “shrinking Chinese economy,” Asia in general, and China in particular, are still the most important markets for the global textile machinery industry. The interviewed manufacturers judged the importance of Asia up to 70 to 75 percent, and some 10 to 15 percent is going to Europe, if Turkey is included in this market region and the balance is “the rest of the world.” However, some other Asian countries such as India, Indonesia, and particularly Vietnam as one of the most promising markets, but also Korea and Thailand were mentioned. One thing should not be forgotten, said some machinery producers, the Chinese market is guided by semi state-owned companies, while the Indian textile manufacturers are usually private companies
 
The changing market environment for China with regards to labor and energy costs influences the Chinese market heavily. However, thanks to its sheer size, China is still the most important market. In a scale of 1 to 10, all interviewed exhibitors said China is on top with a rank of between 8 and 10. Though, said many Europeans, because of the still positive economy, for some regional service centers of the European suppliers, it is no easy feat to find qualified employees on the Chinese job market.
 
Changing Business Environment
That some Chinese manufacturers already have reacted to the new conditions, was mentioned more than one time. They invest now heavily in foreign countries to get cheaper labor costs and to stay competitive on the global market. Also, the main focus is changing. It is very well known that China is by far the largest man-made fiber producer in the world and much more capacities are on the way to be installed. On the other hand, there are still many millions of tons of cotton in stock. Most of the questioned people were convinced that, in the near future, man-made fibers will play a more important role for the Chinese textile industry than the more expensive cotton fiber.
 
The Future
“Does the market need a show in China every year, like ITMA Asia and Shanghaitex?,” was one of the key questions asked by the Rupp Report. Surprisingly, even Chinese people said no to this. One event every two years would be more than sufficient. In this context, it was very interesting to note that none of the big producers of weaving machines was present at Shanghaitex — none.
 
However, all are expecting a good year in 2015. “China is investing,” said one person, “not in capacity, but in quality.” Despite the fact that India is gaining ground and some other neighbor countries too, everybody is convinced that the strength, purchasing and producing power of China will stay for many years to come. More detailed information about ShanghaiTex will come in a future Rupp Report. By the way, ITMA Asia was an issue that was very much a focus of attention. But that’s another story to be reported on very soon.

June 23, 2015

World of Wipes® International Conference Attracts Record Attendance To Atlanta

CARY, N.C. —  June 23, 2015 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, wrapped up its ninth annual World of Wipes® International Conference, June 16-19, with the presentation of the World of Wipes Innovation Award to The Clorox Company and record conference attendance.  
 
This year’s event held at the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta Hotel drew over 500 people to Atlanta to discuss their business in wipes and attend the valuable presentations, surpassing all prior WOW conferences.  
 
The successful WOW 2015 explored topics, issues, trends, forecasts, regulations, and advances affecting the global nonwoven wipes market with a focus on flushability, specialty materials for industrial wipes, fragrances, and wet wipe preservatives. WOW is the only event of its kind devoted solely to the entire wipes value chain.
 
“We are delighted with this year’s record attendance demonstrating the vibrancy and strength of this important nonwovens segment,” said INDA President Dave Rousse. “Both industry veterans and newcomers to WOW 2015 benefitted from the many networking opportunities, educational presentations, and panel discussions on the very latest topics affecting the industry. Attendees took away in-depth knowledge on the drivers impacting wipes now and into the future to take their wipes businesses to new heights.”
 
WOW conference speaker highlights included a presentation on game-changing consumer trends and forecasts by Carman Allison, Vice President of Consumer Insights, Nielsen Canada; and a panel of experts discussing the latest in flushable wipes and legislation, moderated by Jan O’Regan, Director of Strategic Initiatives at Cotton Incorporated.
 
Participants connected face-to-face with hundreds of wipes professionals during receptions, table top displays, networking breaks, and Dining with Thought Leaders.
 
Preceding the conference, INDA’s WIPES Academy was presented by Rob Johnson, PE, Principal, Smith, Johnson & Associates. The Academy is the first and only comprehensive wipes training for the entire wipes supply chain.
 
World of Wipes Innovation Award Presented to Clorox ScrubSingles
INDA also presented the winner of the World of Wipes Innovation Award to Clorox ScrubSingles Kitchen pads, selected by conference attendees in voting, following presentations by each of the finalists. Other finalists were Brawny Industrial® FLAX Cloths from Georgia-Pacific and DuraDry® by Polymer Group Inc. (PGI).
 
The winning ScrubSingles Kitchen pad is a hybrid wipe and sponge loaded with Clorox® cleaner. The ScrubSingles formulation and nonwoven has been optimized for generating foam, allowing users to clean while minimizing fear of damaging surfaces.
 
The annual award recognizes the product that most expands the use of nonwovens and demonstrates creativity, novelty, uniqueness, and technical sophistication within the entire nonwoven wipes value chain.
 
INDA announced WOW 2016 will be held June 7-10, 2016, at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, in Chicago.

Posted June 23, 2015

Source: INDA
 

Gerber Technology And Speakers From Aeropostale And Randa Accessories To Present At PI Apparel

NEW YORK CITY — June 23, 2015 — Gerber Technology is excited to announce that guest speakers Meg Munits, director of application development at Aeropostale, and Robyn Howard, senior PLM manager at Randa Accessories, will speak about the benefits of PLM for businesses at this year’s PI Apparel 2015 Conference in New York on June 23 and 24. The annual conference attracts many of the world’s leading fashion, apparel and footwear brands and executives. Over the two-day event, industry experts will discuss how modern technology can help address opportunities and challenges surrounding product lifecycles.

Meg Munits is a guest speaker for the session entitled, “How Can PLM Help Facilitate Fast Fashion?” on June 23 at 11:15 a.m. in Room 1 at the Union League Club. Munits will speak about how Aeropostale is leveraging YuniquePLM to shorten cycle times by centralizing and sharing data. Implementation of the software with the company’s cross-functional product development teams enabled Aeropostale to bring its collections, namely the Bethany Mota line, from concept to delivery in a matter of months.

On June 24, Robyn Howard from Randa Accessories will speak in the session, “How can PLM Facilitate a Truly Global Brand?” In the session, delegates will learn how global companies are able to navigate uncertainty, innovate and adapt to changing realities as well as new market opportunities. Randa Accessories, the leader in lifestyle accessories, has taken a comprehensive and enthusiastic approach to align the people, processes and technologies across its departments in 11 countries.

YuniquePLM is web-based product lifecycle management software that helps the fashion and apparel industries communicate effectively, accelerate workflows and eliminate errors. Its latest enhancements include a new development calendar and line planning function, as well as 3D file support and mass sample request development.

Posted June 23, 2015

Source: Gerber Technology
 

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