Ascend To Increase Prices Up To 20 Percent On Performance And Specialty Chemicals

HOUSTON — February 26, 2024 — Ascend Performance Materials, the largest fully integrated producer of nylon 6,6, announced global price increases on its performance and specialty chemicals, where contracts allow, as follows:

Product family Product Price Increase
Performance chemicals Adipic acid $0.25/kg
FlexaTrac® acids, esters and
specialties
FlexaTrac®-DME $0.10 – $0.25/kg
FlexaTram™ specialty amines FlexaTram™-BHM $0.10 – $0.50/kg
FlexaTram-DAM $0.10 – $0.50/kg
Signature Brands Hexatran™ $0.05 – $0.30/kg
Prionil® $0.05 – $0.30/kg

These price increases will take effect March 1, 2024. Customers should contact their sales representative for additional information.

Posted: February 27, 2024

Source: Ascend Performance Materials

Ecofashion Announces Partnership With Hilary Swank

Nigel Barker, Hilary Swank, Marci Zaroff of EcoFashion

NEW YORK CITY — February 27, 2024 — Hilary Swank will join Ecofashion’s top executive team as a design director and brand ambassador, alongside founder Marci Zaroff, and creative director Nigel Barker, the prominent TV personality and photographer.

Hilary Swank’s apparel company, Mission Statement, has been acquired by Ecofashion, a “Greenhouse” of sustainable brands led by Ecofashion pioneer Marci Zaroff. This innovative portfolio includes YesAnd, a contemporary conscious fashion brand; Farm to Home, affordable organic bed and bath products; and METAwear, a turnkey, B2B sustainable apparel and home manufacturing platform.

Ecofashion will be launching a variety of clothing capsules each year. The first capsule collection will be eight YesAnd super soft, high-quality styles of versatile little black dresses and cardigans with an average retail of $90 featuring Hilary Swank. This first collection will drop Tuesday, February 27th in collaboration with leading subscription box service, DailyLook by Adore Me.

All styles are certified organic, low-impact dyed, traceable, and ethically made. Through Ecofashion’s proprietary RESET farming and METAwear B2B manufacturing platform in India, Ecofashion brands improve farmer livelihoods, while restoring vital ecosystems through climate-smart regenerative farming practices.

“I’m thrilled to join forces with Marci and Nigel. Our partnership embodies a shared commitment and passion for eco-chic clothing that actively supports human and environmental well-being. We’re saying YES to a future where style AND sustainability coexist,” says Hilary Swank.

“As mothers and citizens of the planet, Hilary and I share a profound alignment in harnessing the power of fashion and business to co-create positive change in the world,” adds Marci Zaroff.

“Across my career, I’ve championed the mission to render exclusivity accessible. While some brands have tiptoed into sustainability and eco-friendly practices, the fashion industry often relegates it to a niche with a premium. Ecofashion isn’t just a catchy name; it’s the name synonymous with revolutionizing our perspective on fashion — what, why, and how we dress. It’s about time we collectively start making a fashion statement that resonates with our values and the planet we live on,” says Nigel Barker.

Swank, Zaroff, and Barker are proud to unite for a sustainable fashion mission, aiming to positively transform the $2 trillion global fashion and textile industry. Committed to the 5 P’s—people, planet, prosperity, passion, and purpose — they endeavor to inspire a conscious way of dressing, emphasizing style and empowerment in ethically sourced clothing.

For further details on this partnership and to explore the entire collection of brands, please visit www.ecofashion.com

Posted: February 27, 2024

Source: Ecofashion

Sustainable Apparel Coalition Rebrands As Cascale

AMSTERDAM, HONG KONG & OAKLAND, Calif.— February 26, 2024 — The Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) enters a new phase of positive impact, rebranding as Cascale, a global nonprofit alliance that empowers collaboration to drive equitable and restorative business practices in the consumer goods industry. Spanning over 300 retailers, brands, manufacturers, governments, academics, industry associations, and NGOs/nonprofits around the globe, Cascale’s members are united by a singular vision: To catalyze impact at scale and give back more than they take to the planet and its people. With members and “founding father” Rick Ridgeway, the organization will celebrate the change at a networking event in London on February 27.

“Cascale’s vision reflects my mission to inspire responsible businesses that commit to transparency and benefit people and the planet,” said Ridgeway, author, adventurer, former vice president of sustainability and public engagement at Patagonia, and Cascale’s co-founder. “Its enduring collaborative spirit and unwavering commitment to sustainability has delivered tremendous impact – but we still have work to do, together. As Cascale evolves to address the needs of a broader scope of consumer goods beyond apparel and footwear, I’m proud to celebrate this new vision of an organization that is close to my heart.”

The “Cas” in Cascale is “SAC” reversed, while “CA” refers to “collective action,” and “scale” references scaled ambitions. The “C” in Cascale evokes a new “phase” similar to lunar cycles in nature, as well as moonlight or a mirrored reflection. The logo’s elements symbolize the organization’s three member categories, and external stakeholders, all critical players in advancing the unified strategy announced in September 2023. Cascale is pronounced “kæsk eɪl.”

“Over the years, this organization has consistently demonstrated commitment to living out its values and embracing change for collective good,” said Tamar Hoek, Cascale board chair and senior policy director at Solidaridad. “I am excited to continue my involvement as board chair at Cascale, alongside executives and staff, and work with members and partners in this exciting new chapter. This is the next evolution towards impact.”

“Collaboration is at the heart of creating positive change in the industry,” said Krishna Manda, Cascale vice chair and vice president, corporate sustainability at Lenzing Group. “Just as we’ve emphasized before, no single player can drive this alone. Cascale’s impactful work has set the stage for a transformative journey. We are thrilled to continue supporting the organization in its next phase of development, building on the revised strategic plan. This is not just a transition; it’s a shared evolution towards a healthier and greener future for everyone.”

History and Higg Index

In 2009, Walmart and Patagonia founded the SAC to convene apparel industry stakeholders on a pre-competitive basis and develop a common approach to measuring sustainability. In 2010, the SAC launched the Higg Index suite of tools, which are used by businesses and organizations to measure, evaluate, and improve social and environmental impact in the textile, apparel, and footwear industry. Each year, over 24,000 users rely on the Higg Index for improved benchmarking, reduced auditing, and proactive action. As home furnishings, sporting and outdoor goods, and bags and luggage companies began joining the SAC and using the Higg Index tools alongside existing corporate and non-corporate SAC members, the organization identified the need for a more expansive name: Cascale reflects its goal of scaling collective action. As of January 2024, 10 percent of Cascale’s members serve or operate in product categories adjacent to apparel and footwear.

“At Dunelm, we remain as ambitious as ever about being a company that focuses on growing sustainably,” said Christina Downend, head of climate change at Dunelm, a home furnishings retailer and Cascale candidate member. “This has meant combining long-term thinking with shorter-term, achievable, and measurable goals. The Cascale global community and Higg Index tools have helped us on that journey, not least as we develop initiatives such as our Better Manufacturing programme, where we are supporting and engaging our suppliers on their own transitions to net zero. Our goals cannot be met without collaboration and we are excited to be part of this community, to share knowledge and ideas so that we all make progress to fulfill our ambitions.”

Programs

Cascale drives impact at scale through three foundational pillars — Combat Climate Change, Decent Work for All, and Nature Positive Future — forming a unified strategy for industry transformation through collective action programs that guide members from action to impact. The Decarbonization Program, launched in 2022, is one leading example of these programs in action: It aims for members to achieve a 45 percent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030. As of 2023, Cascale’s corporate members are required to set science-based targets (SBTs) for reducing GHG emissions; by the end of that year, when the organization launched the Manufacturer Climate Action Program (MCAP), over 50 percent of these members had set or committed to set SBTs.

Cascale is now building and expanding impact programs focused on responsible corporate practices, circular product design, and responsible manufacturing, while advocating for effective policy that aims to leverage collective action, making systemic change not just possible but inevitable.

“We know that synergies exist across industries and regions. Building on our experience and success in bringing together different actors across global apparel and footwear value chains to create shared tools and solutions, now is the time to expand our reach and engage a wider membership base to drive collective action at scale,” said Andrew Martin, executive vice president at Cascale. “Together, we are seeking to shape a consumer goods industry that gives back more than it takes to the planet and its people.”

Partnerships

Cascale continues to act on the belief that partnership is the new leadership. Traditional business models exacerbate rather than mitigate social and environmental problems; accepting the status quo is antithetical to the organization’s mission. Cascale works collaboratively to shift the industry from silos to collective action: With the Apparel Alliance (Apparel Impact Institute, Textile Exchange, ZDHC Foundation, and Cascale), Social & Labor Convergence Program, Policy Hub, Fair Wear Foundation, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH programs, and many others, Cascale continuously develops and supports initiatives that aim to catalyze impact at scale. Following its spin-off from the SAC in 2019, Worldly, the exclusive platform for the Higg Index tools, has become the leader in environmental and social impact data for the apparel and footwear industry.

“Stakeholders across the value chain prioritize sustainability performance aimed at industry-wide harmonization, reduction of duplicative efforts, and radical collaboration for tool, program, and policy adoption,” said Carolina van Loenen, director of stakeholder engagement at Cascale. “Our new name and branding reflect our expanded ability to increase our community’s collective impact. Cascale remains committed to embracing the diverse perspectives of our members, partners, and external stakeholders to align on meaningful action.”

Posted: February 27, 2024

Source: Cascale

ANTA And Kyrie Irving Celebrate The Launch Of ANTA KAI 1 — A Fusion Of Heritage And Innovation Designed

LOS ANGELES — February 27, 2024 — ANTA proudly announces the global launch of the ANTA KAI 1, the first addition to Kyrie Irving’s signature line of basketball footwear.  This isn’t just another sneaker release; it’s a cultural mosaic curated by illustrious Black Footwear Design Director Jared Subawon, whose six-year tenure at ANTA has been marked by sneaker drops that resonate deeply and push the boundaries of design.

With culture at the forefront, Subawon’s creative direction showcases ANTA’s commitment to uplifting talent and narratives within the sneaker world, reinforcing the brand’s investment in diversity and progressive representation. The ANTA KAI 1 is a celebration of this commitment and a step forward in sneaker culture that emphasizes the power of inclusive storytelling through design.

The ANTA KAI 1 sneaker speaks volumes, serving as a conduit for Kyrie’s “Enlightened Warrior” ethos. Subawon’s KAI 1 design language is fluent in performance and heritage, creating a visual and functional masterpiece. The silhouette’s aerodynamic contours echo Kyrie’s slick, gravity-defying transitions and crossovers. At the same time, the hieroglyphic-esque code on the upper brings a narrative punch, essentially KAI’s code, grounding the sneaker in ancestral strength. Drawing inspiration from ancient hieroglyphics and ciphers, Senior Graphic Designer, Astin Davis, designed these symbols to represent inspiration and encouragement. Inspired by specific elements of Kai’s game, the graphics on the shoe tie back to Kyrie’s Native American roots, giving him the capabilities of supernatural strength, agility, focus, and speed. ANTA is spelled out in KAI’s code on the laces. “The Journey is the reward” is engraved into the midsole tooling. Kai’s code spells out Kyrie Irving across the strap on the heel pull tab.

The shoe’s shape is meant to look aerodynamic to portray Kyrie’s unorthodox maneuvers and transitioning while on the court.

Every warrior needs their amour when going into battle. Here is a good example with a forefoot lockdown strap for protection.

“As Chief Creative Officer and a player, I’ve woven the essence of my heritage and my heart for basketball into the design of ANTA KAI 1. This is more than a shoe; it embodies our ancestors’ strength and the future we’re building. Every detail, from the hieroglyphics to the aerodynamic shape, tells the story of where we’ve been and where we’re going. Join me in stepping into this new chapter.” – Kyrie Irving

Harnessing the advanced capabilities of virtual reality technology, ANTA’s design team innovatively crafted the shoe’s silhouette and redefined the limits of imagination and functionality. This state-of-the-art approach allowed for a more intuitive design process, giving life to the sneaker through a virtual, three-dimensional space, enabling the designers to explore and refine every curve and contour with unparalleled precision and creativity.

The rubber threading is derived from Kyrie’s tribal roots, complementing his unorthodox maneuvers. The carbon fiber midfoot plate provides substantial torsional rigidity, ensuring seamless transitions from heel to toe. The rubber compound on the shoe excels in providing optimal traction for effective banking and smooth transitions. Additionally, the TPU lateral sidewall enhances stability and offers protection, facilitating confident movement on and off the court.

This sneaker is kitted with a TPU-integrated ANTA logo that transitions seamlessly into the design, reflecting Kyrie’s fluid playstyle and adding an element of finesse to the wearer’s game. The midsole packs a lightweight punch, providing responsive cushioning that lets hoopers cut, sprint, and jump without feeling weighed down, giving them the liberty to express their full potential on the court.

The color selection curated by Kyrie and ANTA’s Color Design Director, Shaneika Warden, draws inspiration from the beliefs of Native peoples, integrating the symbolism of the four directions with the psychological and physical impacts that colors exert on the body and mind. Each color corresponds to a distinct discipline: Strength, Agility, Focus, and Speed. Strength is embodied in a combination of silver armor with explosive reds and oranges, symbolizing endurance, resilience, and divine guidance to correct misguided paths. Agility is represented by analogous layers of digital purples, reds, and blue, with an accent of green, making a Pan-African statement emphasizing nobility, magic, and mystery. Focus is encapsulated in a rich teal, grounding the body and mind while sparked by hot orange, symbolizing imagination and visualization. Lastly, Speed is conveyed through yellow, the quickest color for the human eye to perceive. This choice focuses on light, enlightenment, and mental stimulation, elevating energy levels for all creation.

“The ANTA KAI 1 color is rooted in cultural symbolism, color psychology, and fashion trends. It is meant to celebrate the greatest gifts one can possess within the physical and metaphysical form, for not just one being, but all beings,” stated designer Warden.

The ANTA KAI 1, retailing for $125 and available in sizes 8 to 15, is ready to rock the sneaker scene with its debut across select hotspots, embedding itself in the tapestry of urban sneaker lore:

  • We are kicking off at Sneaker Politics in Dallas’ Deep Ellum, a hub of street culture, on March 6th and ANTA.com.
  • Dropping at Extra Butter, NYC’s Lower East Side sneaker haven, on March 7th.
  • Landing at Nice Kicks in San Francisco, the historic home of sneakerheads, on March 9th.

With the ANTA KAI 1 launch, ANTA and Kyrie invite athletes, artists, creators, and sneakerheads to experience a shoe that is not just an athletic tool but a narrative piece—a fusion of tradition, performance, and cutting-edge design.

Posted: February 27, 2024

Source: ANTA

Keynote Speaker Michael Heinz Announced For The National Plastics Expo — NPE2024

WASHINGTON — February 27, 2024 — The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) announced the participation of Michael Heinz, chairman and CEO of BASF Corp., as one of two keynote speakers for NPE2024. Heinz will address topics including challenges facing the industry, the importance of collaboration along the value chain, and the future of sustainability during his keynote session, “Our Plastics Journey: The Road to a Sustainable Future.”

“We are thrilled to have Michael give NPE’s keynote address,” said PLASTICS President and CEO Matt Seaholm. “Michael is an important voice and can speak to the critical issues facing our industry. I have no doubt he will inspire attendees to make our industry stronger and more sustainable for present and future generations.”

Heinz’s participation is scheduled for Wednesday, May 8, at 8 a.m. in the Chapin Theater at the Orange County Convention Center.  NPE2024 takes place May 6-10, 2024, and will feature more than 100 educational sessions, and more than 100 speakers, both on and off the show floor, representing the global plastics industry.

“I am honored to be part of the largest plastics industry trade show in the Americas. As an industry, driving innovation toward a more sustainable future is our imperative. I am excited to share my thoughts on what is needed to make this journey a successful one and exchange with many of you at NPE,” Heinz stated.

Heinz assumed the role of chairman and CEO of BASF Corp. in 2021, leading all activities of the North American affiliate of Germany-based BASF SE, one of the leading chemical companies worldwide. BASF is a leading provider of raw materials, additives, and polymers crucial for the production and enhancement of various plastic products. With its extensive portfolio and commitment to innovation, BASF plays a pivotal role in driving forward advancements in plastics technology and sustainability within the industry.

Heinz has been a member of the BASF SE Board of Executive Directors since 2011. In this role, he is responsible for the divisions Agricultural Solutions, Nutrition & Health, Care Chemicals, Region North America and Region South America. Heinz has been with BASF for four decades and has spent more than ten years in various leadership positions in the United States. Earlier in his career, he oversaw BASF’s activities in Ecuador and Mexico. Born in Mannheim, Germany, Heinz studied Business Administration at the College of Applied Sciences in Ludwigshafen, Germany and graduated there in 1987. He received his Master of Business Administration degree from Duke University, NC in 2000.

For more information about NPE2024 and to register, visit npe.org.

Posted: February 27, 2024

Source: The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS)

Eastman And Patagonia Join Forces To Tackle Global Textile Waste Crisis

KINGSPORT, Tenn. — February 27, 2024 — Eastman is excited to announce a partnership with Patagonia to address textile waste.

The outdoor apparel company teamed up with Eastman to recycle 8,000 pounds of pre- and post-consumer clothing waste, which Eastman processed through its molecular recycling technology. The process involves breaking down Patagonia’s unusable apparel into molecular building blocks that Eastman can use to make new fibers.

“We know apparel waste is a major problem, and consumers increasingly want better, more sustainable solutions when their most loved clothing reaches the end of its life,” said Natalie Banakis, materials innovation engineer for Patagonia.

“Our collaborations show the world what’s possible when it comes to sustainability,” said Carolina Sister Cohn, global marketing lead for Eastman textiles. “We have the technology to make the textiles industry circular, and we know it requires collaboration with innovative brands to make circular fashion possible. This is only the beginning, and we look forward to more collaborations throughout 2024.”

Posted: February 27, 2024

Source: Eastman

Apex Mills Announces The Appointment Of Molly Kremidas To Its Business Development Team

INWOOD, N.Y. — February 27, 2024 — Apex Mills, the premier manufacturer of specialty USA-made industrial textiles announces the appointment of Molly Kremidas to join its business development team.

In her new role, Kremidas will be responsible for driving the continued growth of warp, circular knits, elastics, 3D spacer fabrics, and enhanced finishes and treatments within the shapewear, activewear, and intimate apparel sectors.

Molly Kremidas

During the past decade, her career includes director positions at brr°, TIPA, and Nilit America where her responsibilities focused on business development, marketing, and branding initiatives with textile manufacturers, brands, and retailers within the activewear, cycling, yoga, and other textile markets.

“It is an exciting time for Molly to join our team, said Jonathan Kurz, CEO, and president of Apex Mills. “Molly will be a strong asset to our customers seeking innovative textile solutions in the activewear, cycling, intimate apparel, and shapewear markets,” said Kurz. “Her unique business development experience with start-up and global fabric companies will play a critical collaborative role with our Insight Textiles management teams.”

“I am excited about this new opportunity to join Apex Mills and contribute to business initiatives and textile efforts,” Kremidas said.

She begins her role Feb. 26 and looks forward to meeting customers at upcoming industry events.

Kremidas holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from The American College of Applied Arts in Fashion Merchandising and is a Board Member of the Northwest North Carolina YMCA.

Posted: February 27, 2024

Source: Apex Mills

INDA Appoints Dan Noonan As New Director Of Memberships And Business Development

CARY, N.C. — February 27, 2024 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, has named experienced sales and business development professional, Dan Noonan, as its new director of Memberships and Business Development. Noonan brings 20 years of experience leading sales teams across the United States at Localedge/Hearst Media Services.

Dan Noonan

Noonan will be responsible for enhancing the value of INDA membership and its industry supporting programs. He will work with staff, leadership, and members to identify and expand opportunities to enhance our programs, services and our relevance to the industry.

“We are pleased to have Dan on board at INDA. Dan will surface opportunities which boost the value of INDA membership while supporting our mission for industry growth,” said Tony Fragnito, INDA President & CEO.

“I’m excited to join the team at INDA. It’s only been a few days, but I’ve already found that this is an amazing group that is dedicated to both our members and the industry as a whole. I’m really looking forward to connecting with our membership to learn more about their individual needs and what role INDA can play in delivering value to them.”

Noonan holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Providence College.

For questions regarding INDA membership, Dan Noonan may be reached at dnoonan@inda.org

Posted: February 27, 2024

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Re:NewCell (Renewcell) Decides To File For Bankruptcy

STOCKHOLM — February 25, 2024 — The Board of Directors of Re:NewCell AB (publ) (“Re:NewCell”) has today decided to file for bankruptcy of Re:NewCell AB (publ). The bankruptcy application will be filed at the Stockholm District Court.

The reason for the decision to file for bankruptcy is that Re:NewCell has not been able to secure sufficient financing to be able to complete the strategic review, announced on 20 November 2023, with satisfactory result. As part of the strategic review, Re:NewCell has had well advanced negotiations with its two largest shareholders, H&M and Girindus, its existing lenders BNP Paribas, European Investment Bank, Finnvera (as partial guarantor), Nordea, AB Svensk Exportkredit and potential new investors as well as other stakeholders regarding long-term financing solutions. Unfortunately, it is now clear that these discussions have not resulted in a solution which would provide Re:NewCell with the necessary liquidity and capital to ensure its operations going forward.

“I regret to inform that we have been forced to take this decision to file for bankruptcy. As we have a strong belief in the company’s long-term potential, we have together with our advisors spent very substantial time and efforts into trying to secure the necessary liquidity, capital and ownership structure for the company to secure its future. As part of the negotiations, we have had intense dialogues with both current main owners, new investors and our banks, as well as other stakeholders. However, these discussions have not been successful. This is a sad day for the environment, our employees, our shareholders, and our other stakeholders, and it is a testament to the lack of leadership and necessary pace of change in the fashion industry” said Chairman of the Board of Directors Michael Berg.

Posted: February 26, 2024

Source: Re:NewCell AB (“Renewcell”)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates BHARAT TEX 2024 – India’s Largest Textiles Mega Event At Bharat Mandapam

NEW DELHI — February 26, 2024 — BHARAT TEX 2024, a global textile mega event in the textile industry, was officially launched today at Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This monumental event is orchestrated by a collaborative effort of 11 Textile Export Promotion Councils, with backing from the Ministry of Textiles.

Built on the twin pillars of trade and investment and with an overarching focus on sustainability, the 4-day event promises to be a tapestry of tradition and technology, attracting, besides policymakers and global CEOs, over 3,500 exhibitors, over 3,000 buyers from over 50 countries, and more than 40,000 trade visitors from 100 countries.

An exhibition spread across nearly 2 million sq ft of area and encompassing the entire textile value chain, will help position India as a global powerhouse in textiles, showcasing its capabilities and generating momentum throughout the entire Indian textiles ecosystem.

Bharat Tex 2024 is a prominent international industry platform, featuring exhibitions, knowledge sessions, thematic discussions, Government-to-Government (G2G) meetings, Business-to-Business (B2B) networks, the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), product launches, thematic and interactive pavilions and various other activities.

Inspired by the 5F Vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, the event scheduled from February 26-29 has a unified Farm to Fashion focus, covering the entire value chain.

Key Features of the Event:

The key features of the session include the following:

  • 20,00,000 Sq. Ft Area for exhibition and trade fair showcasing Apparel, Home Furnishings, Floor Coverings, Fibres, Yarns, Threads, Fabrics, Carpets, Silk, Textiles based Handicrafts, Technical Textiles and many more.
  • Retail High Street focusing on India’s fashion retail market opportunities
  • Dedicated pavilions on sustainability and recycling with focus on showcasing Tiruppur sustainable cluster and Panipat recycling cluster
  • Fashion show showcasing Indian Textiles Heritage
  • Grand launch of various Government Initiatives such as Kasturi Cotton, Vision Nxt and India Size
  • Indi-Haat showcasing India’s traditional sector of Handicrafts and Handlooms
  • Interactive fabric testing zones and product demonstrations
  • Art jugalbandi focusing on Sustainability
  • Masterclasses by crafts persons with over 3 generations of tradition and history
  • MoUs signing between various stakeholders for investment, technology transfer, research and academic collaborations

Knowledge Sessions:

Bharat Tex 2024 has been designed to attract top level policy makers, business CEOs, investors, textile thought leaders, industry captains, sustainability champions, multilateral organizations, global institutes, and other stakeholder to deliberate on issues and challenges faced by the global textiles industry and India’s strengths that can be leveraged to address these issues.

Below are the key knowledge sessions, that would ideate on the future of Global textiles value chain:

  • 3 Dedicated CXO Roundtables (International, Domestic and Technical Textiles).
  • Over 40% of all sessions focusing on three pillars: Sustainability, Resilient Value Chains and Indian prowess in global Textiles industry.
  • 14 marque sessions on ESG, Sustainability, Circularity and Recycling and Green Financing
  • 3 Country Sessions and 5 State Sessions on opportunities, investment and trade
  • 3 dedicated sessions on the future of Indian Textiles: Large scale investment (PLI), Infrastructure (PM MITRA) and Ease of Doing Business
  • 9 dedicated sessions on Synthetic Fibres and Technical Textiles – Growth Drivers of Indian Textiles Industry
  • Global Mega Trends shaping the future of Textiles industry
  • Factory of the Future with emphasis on AI and Block Chain based smart manufacturing
  • Resilient Global Value Chains and how India role as a preferred sourcing destination
  • Indian Textiles Vision 2047 – Global leader in Textiles
  • Retailing in one of the fastest growing consumer market in the world
  • Local for Global – Weaving the ultra-luxury brands from India
  • Leveraging Digitization for Indian Textiles industry
  • Start-ups and Entrepreneurship – Young India fueling the Future of Textiles
  • Skilling & Enhancing Productivity – Future proof workforce
  • Decolonizing Indian Crafts – Building a strong ‘Brand India’ for traditional sector (Handicrafts and Handlooms)
  • Many other sessions covering other topics such as India Size, Standards, QCOs, Handmade Carpets, etc.,

Showcasing Indian Textiles Heritage:

Indian culture is woven with textiles heritage of this country dating back several centuries. The country is renowned for its diverse range of textiles right from silk, muslin and white gold (cotton) during the medieval era to the intricate designs, dyeing techniques, embroideries and world-famous weaves showcasing the country royal textiles traditions. Bharat Tex 2024 will highlight the richness of Indian textiles and strengthen its image as a custodian of tradition, innovation, and sustainability. It will also celebrate India’s reliability as a competitive, sustainable textile manufacturing hub across the entire value chain, from raw materials to end products.

The Theme Pavilion at the event would be based on ‘Vastra Katha’ with below sub-themes weaving India’s past heritage with India’s global position in Textiles industry and the future of Global Textiles, spearheaded by India.

  • Virasat – Showcasing India’s textiles history, heritage and the prominence of the country during Medieval Era
  • Vikas – Showcasing the modern textiles powerhouse with capability, scale and manufacturing excellence
  • Vishwas – Global eyes on new India and how the country can power Global textiles industry towards a sustainable future.

Bharat Tex – A benchmark for Sustainable Event:

As the global textiles industry grapples with environmental challenges inherent with the linear model of ‘take-make-consume-dispose’, Bharat Tex is leading the way by taking proactive steps to promote eco-friendly practices and ethical standards.

Below are some initiatives taken during the event to embed the above stated values during the event.

  • Launching Kasturi Cotton, a new standard in cotton, with transparent value chain and globally acceptable quality standards.
  • Showcasing latest innovation in process, systems and production methods to move towards eco-friendly and globally acceptable sustainable practices.
  • Exhibiting various solutions such as waterless dyeing, regenerative farming, organic and recycled raw materials aimed at reducing carbon footprint and minimizing environmental impact.
  • Promoting circular economy with resources being reused, recycled and repurposed. The event has ideation sessions on how to manage textiles waste and the exhibition would have various closed loop manufactured products.
  • The exhibitors at the event follow standard norms of ethical sourcing and fair-trade practices with their commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions and promoting culture of responsible sourcing.
  • The designer ensemble at the event would promote sustainable fibre based designs and zero-waste designs to ensure the country can move towards a sustainable value chain with ease of recycling end-use products.

Global Participation:

The event has received an overwhelming response with leading global textile companies including:

Coach, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Vero Moda, Coats, Toray, H&M, Gap, Target, Levis, Kohl’s, Nike, K-Mart, IKEA, YKK, Fortum, Lenzing, Anko, CIEL Group, Busana Group, Hyosung Corporation, Brandix Apparels, Teijin Ltd, Coats Group, Poeticgem Ltd, Italiya Inc Japan, Warp-N-Weft Designs, and Cotton Council International, having confirmed their presence. In addition, Business Delegations from key textiles hubs including US, UK, Australia, Belgium, France, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Japan, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Singapore, Brazil, Mexico, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Turkey, Philippines, South Korea, Bangladesh, Russia, Kenya, Mauritius, South Africa, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Nepal, Peru, Egypt, and Thailand.

Multilateral Organizations and Global Think Tanks:

The event has garnered interest across various agencies including multilateral organizations, global textile think tanks and NGOs including UNEP, UNIDO, Laudes Foundation, GIZ, IDH, Cotton Connect, WGSN, Fashion for Good, Better Cotton Initiative, Responsible Sourcing Network, ITMF, International Apparel Federation, ITME, BGMEA, BKMEA, Cotton Egypt Association are partnering with Bharat Tex 2024 to facilitate discussions and deliberations on Global trends in Textiles and Apparel including sustainability, circularity, traceability, industry 4.0, innovation, green financing among others.

Holistic representation of Industry Stakeholders:

This event is a perfect example of collaboration among all the value chain players represented by 11 Export Promotion Councils, covering the entire value chain from farm to end products. All top Indian textile companies across all elements of the value chain too are represented in Bharat Tex.

In addition to the EPCs, various Indian and global industry bodies and associations have overwhelmingly supported the event. Some of key bodies include CMAI, CITI, SIMA, SGCCI, TEA, GEMA, YESS, ITMF, ITME, ATMA, NIFT, among others.

Indian Textiles Industry in Unison:

The entire textiles industry covering all parts of value chain have enthusiastically participated in the event. Prominent entities including the Aditya Birla Group, Reliance Group, Arvind Fashion, Welspun Living, Indorama Ventures, Trident Group, PDS, Shahi, have signed up as sponsors of the event. In addition, SMEs have shown large scale participation across all the key clusters in the country.

State Participation:

Major Textiles States in the country including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are enthusiastically participating with dedicated pavilions and government representations.

With India’s global competitive edge in Textiles due to its recent FTAs, policy initiatives such as PLI and PM MITRA and state support packages, India’s textile sector is optimistically looking forward. Over 50 MoUs and announcements to be signed during the event will provide further impetus to investment and trade in the sector. Bharat Tex will not just showcase Indian capabilities in the sector, it will also help build Brand India in textiles and be a significant step in achieving our 2023 vision of a US $ 350 Billion Indian textiles ecosystem.

Posted: February 26, 2024

Source: Bharat Tex

Sponsors