Gildan Publishes Its 19th Environmental, Social, And Governance (ESG) Report

MONTREAL — August 16, 2023 — Gildan Activewear Inc. is pleased to announce that it has published its latest Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report, marking the company’s 19th year of public ESG disclosures. The report highlights Gildan’s 2022 performance against key targets and the strong momentum generated across all of its global operations in the first year of activating its Next Generation ESG strategy.

“Looking back at 2022, I am pleased with our continued commitment to ESG across our operations and our enhanced processes and cross-functional collaboration and accountability,” says Glenn J. Chamandy, president and CEO of Gildan. “ESG is one of the three core pillars of our Gildan Sustainable Growth (GSG) business strategy, and as we continue our journey towards achieving our 2030 ESG targets, we are committed to delivering and reporting on our progress.”

2022 ESG highlights:

  • Tied 25 percent of all Gildan’s senior executives’ strategic objectives to their annual short-term incentive plan to support the advancement of ESG targets;
  • Included sustainability-linked terms in its existing $1 billion revolving credit facility;
  • Reduced absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 10.9 percent (compared to a 2018 base year);
  • Reduced water intensity by 18.4 percent (compared to a 2018 base year);
  • Sourced 21.7 percent of its cotton supply from verified U.S.-grown cotton suppliers (USCTP) and Better Cotton;
  • 14.2 percent of total SKUs of packaging and trim materials specific to apparel (which include carton, polyester, paper, and cotton-poly trims) now contain recycled materials or have relevant sustainability certifications;
  • Achieved 30.3 percent gender parity in the collective group representing director-level and above employees, up from 26.7 percent in 2021;
  • Contributed $1.1 million to community initiatives; and
  • Published its first stand-alone Climate Change Disclosure Report.

Recent 2023 achievements include:

  • The Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) validated Gildan’s 2030 near-term targets to reduce Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 30% by 2030 from a 2018 base year*. SBTi also validated Gildan’s target to reduce Scope 3 emissions by 13.5% by 2030 from a 2019 base year; and
  • Obtained the first ISO 45001 certification at one of Gildan’s sewing facilities in the Dominican Republic.

Recognitions:

Gildan continues to be recognized for its ESG practices.

  • Included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the 10th consecutive year in 2022;
  • Included in CDP’s Leadership Band in 2022;
  • Named one of the “World’s 100 Most Sustainable Corporations” by Corporate Knights;
  • Included in “Canada’s Best 50 Corporate Citizens” by Corporate Knights;
  • Designated as a 2023 “Top-Rated ESG Company” by Sustainalytics’ ESG Risk Ratings; and
  • Accorded “Prime” status by Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) ESG Corporate Rating.

The full 2022 ESG Report is available here.]: https://gildancorp.com/media/uploads/sustainability_reports/bgildans_2022_esg_report.pdf

*The target boundary excludes land-related emissions and removals from bioenergy feedstocks. 

Posted: August 16, 2023

Source: Gildan Activewear Inc.

Textile Recycling: Trützschler And Balkan Join Forces

Markus Wurster (left) and Osman Balkan

MÖNCHENGLADBACH, Germany — August 16, 2023 — The cooperation with Balkan Textile Machinery. INC.CO completes our product portfolio for recycling by cutting and pulling solutions, making us the first full-liner in spinning preparation for recycling! Thanks to our combined machinery expertise and technological know-how our customers can produce yarns at the highest possible quality level — and literally turn waste into value.

We are happy to introduce Balkan Textile Machinery. INC.CO, a partner that not only complements our product line but also shares our values. Both Balkan and Trützschler are family-owned companies for whom sustainability in the textile chain is a major concern. Balkan is well established in Turkey, one of the most important markets for textile recycling. Their robust and reliable machines help to cut, mix and tear textile waste to individual fibers, and to press them into bales of secondary fibers. These bales can be fed to the preparation process with Trützschler machines.

“We are now able to provide a complete line-up of technologically leading machinery which has been specifically developed for rotor and ring yarns from recycled materials,” said Markus Wurster, director, Sales and Marketing at Trützschler Group. “Customers benefit from less complexity when planning and executing a mill project. The combined processes from Trützschler and Balkan are perfectly fine-tuned, reliable and reproducible. And of course, customers have access to Trützschler’s premium service.” Osman Balkan, owner of Balkan Textile Machinery. INC.CO, added: “I am very happy that we can join forces with such a strong international player like Trützschler. Together we can make a significant contribution to dealing with textile waste globally.”

Processing secondary fibers with appropriate card clothing

Of course, appropriate card clothing is part of our complete recycling solution. Trützschler Card Clothing continuously developed their card clothing to meet the technological challenges in the processing of secondary fibers and to improve the resulting yarn quality. Special attention has been paid to the flat top as the heart of the carding process. Trützschler Card Clothing has combined the strength of MT/PT 40 and the cleaning power of MT/PT 45, resulting in the development of the MT/PT 45R — the new flat top for recycled materials. The right combination of flat top and cylinder wire is the key for yarn quality. Therefore, Trützschler Card Clothing offers various cylinder wires suitable for different recycling applications depending on production rates, type of textile waste and raw material — pure or blends. Thanks to this specification, customers can benefit from the best possible carding result, long lifetime of wires and high production in recycling applications.

“We are excited to offer our customers globally a complete package for recycling from June 2023 onwards,” Wurster said, “including tearing line, blow room, card, draw frame, card clothing and of course our service and technological know-how.”

TRUECYCLED stands for state-of-the art recycling installations from Trützschler. These Trützschler preparation processes enable manufacturers to achieve a high-quality end-product from hard waste. With TRUECYCLED, manufacturers can rest assured they use the best technology and a reliable and reproducible manufacturing process — the pre-requisite for high-quality yarn made from hard textile waste. How does a TRUECYCLED process look like? It is based on Trützschler’s technological recommendations and a Trützschler machinery line-up to ensure ideal results from recycled materials. For example, Trützschler recently worked with a fashion company to make use of their own pre-consumer waste. Thanks to a special combination of Trützschler blow room machinery, the usage of TC 19i for Recycling and Trützschler draw frames, it was possible to create a ring yarn containing 60 percent of pre-consumer waste — a true TRUECYCLED product! Trützschler customers and partners may use the brand TRUECYCLED for both the process itself and the end-product, as long as it contains a significant amount of textile waste.

Posted: August 16, 2023

Source: Trützschler Group SE

Felix Schoeller Achieves Gold Status By Ecovadis For The Fourth Time

OSNABRÜCK, Germany — August 16, 2023 — Global specialty paper manufacturer Felix Schoeller has been awarded Ecovadis Gold status for the fourth time in a row. The company, headquartered in Osnabrück, Germany, once again achieved an improved result and improved its overall score.

Ecovadis awards Gold status to companies that demonstrate exemplary performance in the areas of environment, social responsibility, ethics and sustainable procurement. Felix Schoeller was certified as having made the greatest progress in the area of the environment. The rating agency also highlighted the company’s efforts in the area of labor and human rights.

Confirmation of corporate strategy

“For us, the renewed Gold rating is not only confirmation of our efforts to date, but also motivation to continuously improve,” emphasized Gallenkamp, CEO of Felix Schoeller. “We do not pay lip service to the issue of sustainability. Our goal is to continue to play a pioneering role in the paper industry and to work together to develop sustainable solutions that meet the needs of our customers and the environment in equal measure.”

In 2019, the specialty paper manufacturer from Osnabrück was assessed by Ecovadis for the first time. Sustainability is an integral part of the corporate strategy and anchored in the corporate vision.

Detailed assessment procedure

Ecovadis is a leading, independent platform for assessing the sustainability performance of companies worldwide. The award-winning companies are assessed against a comprehensive set of criteria that includes environmental, social and ethical aspects.

Posted: August 16, 2023

Source: Felix Schoeller Holding GmbH & Co. KG

NC State Wilson College Of Textiles To Create First Of Its Kind Textile Training And Education Program In Honduras

RALEIGH, N.C. — August 15, 2023 — North Carolina State University’s Wilson College of Textiles has been awarded a $2 million, two-year grant from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to develop a technical textile training program, titled Hilando Oportunidades (Spinning Opportunities) in northern Honduras. USAID, through Hilando Oportunidades, is transforming the lives of Honduras’ youth by providing skills and training for careers in the textile industry.

Hilando Oportunidades forges a unique partnership between three North Carolina higher education institutions — Wilson College, Gaston College and Catawba Valley Community College — that are nationally recognized for their leadership in textiles innovation, research and education from the historic and current seat of the textile industry in North America, and the Universidad Tecnológica Centroamericana (UNITEC), a leader in providing technical and engineering education in Honduras. Education technology partner Shimmy, an industrial startup that provides training through mobile applications, brings an innovative training platform and a proven track record in delivering effective app-based training in challenging environments to the team.

Wilson College of Textiles Dean David Hinks said: “Through Hilando Oportunidades, Wilson College and our partners have the rare opportunity to transform the lives of thousands of Hondurans by providing pathways to better employment and brighter futures while simultaneously enabling a sustainable regional textile supply chain with key allies that also drives economic prosperity here in North Carolina.”

The project, led by Melissa Sharp, associate director of Zeis Textiles Extension (ZTE) in Wilson College, will deliver training to at least 1,500 Hondurans in yarn spinning, knitting, dyeing and finishing, and apparel production. Sharp says a key aspect of the program is the development of trackable credentials that will empower workers in Honduras’ textile industry and expand the routes to advancement. Credentials will be issued through Credly and maintained by NC State, providing third-party evidence of skills and training attained through Hilando Oportunidades.

Dr. Andre West, ZTE director, believes the project will have lasting impacts beyond direct employment. “As we continue to establish training and academic programs in Honduras,” West said. “we are also building the local body of knowledge which creates an ecosystem where entrepreneurs and innovations can thrive and drive positive change in our industry.”

The impacts of the unique partnership between Wilson College, Gaston College and Catawba Valley Community College are already significant in North Carolina, where the entities collectively provide comprehensive training and education in textiles from operators and managers, to researchers and executives. By leveraging the strengths of each organization, Hilando Oportunidades will address the employment needs across multiple sectors and job levels in the textile industry.

Dr. John Hauser, president of Gaston College, said: “Gaston College is proud to be part of this innovative partnership. We look forward to bringing our textile expertise and knowledge to Hilando Oportunidades as we all develop education and workforce training programs that support the textile co-production between Honduras and the United States.”

Dr. Garrett Hinshaw, president of Catawba Valley Community College, shared: “We at Catawba Valley Community College are grateful for the partnerships that have been established through the development of programs to empower not only the residents of North Carolina, but also citizens around the world. This unprecedented initiative will continue to expand economic opportunities at a scale that has not yet been realized.”

Local leadership in community outreach and training delivery is essential to the long term success and sustainability of the training program. UNITEC will lead the local effort to build the training capabilities and deliver in-person training in San Pedro Sula and Choloma Cortés.

“UNITEC is delighted that Honduras is receiving support from USAID and our partners to promote the development of skilled labor to support and strengthen the country’s textile industry,“ said UNITEC CEO Rosalpina Rodriguez. “Academic quality and social responsibility are fundamental pillars of UNITEC, and we will bring our full experience in these areas to train Hondurans with the necessary skills and knowledge to build successful careers in the textile industry.”

A major component of the program will be developed by Shimmy Technologies, who will create app-based training modules and machinery simulations to expand access to the training and increase knowledge retention for trainees.

“We are thrilled to pioneer a transformative approach that merges new, gamified ed tech with well-established university training methods backed by unparalleled subject matter expertise,” said Sarah Krasley, CEO of Shimmy Technologies. “By combining these powerful forces, we are extending our reach to empower the youth of Honduras to explore and embark upon meaningful careers within the manufacturing sector,” she added.

The textile industry both in the U.S. and in Honduras will also be active participants in the program, supporting the training, hiring trainees and providing input on workforce needs. The Think HUGE Textile cluster, led by Jesus Canahuati, has understood from the beginning that significant new investments in the textile industry were coming to Honduras and the Northern Triangle and that it is of vital importance to prepare the people in the region to qualify to fill the jobs being created by this growth. This partnership among NC State University and its allied community colleges, UNITEC and the textile industry associations, supported by a grant from USAID, will address that opportunity now and for the long-term future.

Canahuati, who is also a leader in the Honduran Textile and Apparel Association expresses his “gratitude to USAID; to the North Carolina college and university network — Wilson College, Gaston College, and Catawba Valley Community College — and to UNITEC, for this powerful initiative that is key to the consolidation of the US-Central American and Dominican Republic (CAFTA-DR) supply chain.”

Canahuati shared: “We are enthusiastic for the start of its implementation in Honduras and also look forward to its replication and expansion to other CAFTA-DR countries. Our region has a historic and unique opportunity to bring textile and apparel manufacturing back from Asia. For this purpose, the most important investment must be geared towards the training and education of our people. Better opportunities here — through skilling, reskilling and upskilling to meet the needs of a constantly evolving market — will empower us to lead in innovative, environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing, allowing CAFTA DR countries to be competitive, flexible and fast to market using sustainable processes and technologies.”

Kim Glas, president and CEO of the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), stated: “We commend USAID for providing this critical funding to NC State Wilson College of Textiles in partnership with the other two North Carolina institutions and UNITEC. We also appreciate the support of the State Department, under the leadership of Under Secretary Jose W. Fernandez, the administration and Honduran officials who understand the importance of this significant partnership to help expand growth opportunities in the U.S. and Central American textile and apparel industries. This funding, combined with collaboration of this scale, comes at a pivotal time for the co-production chain in the CAFTA-DR region and the United States, which is experiencing significant textile and apparel investment and benefiting from the nearshoring and onshoring of production. The unique partnership demonstrates the critical need for education and training programs for the next generation of academics and textile employees to be positioned for a global sourcing paradigm shift that is leading to an incredible expansion in the co-production chain currently supporting more than 1.1 million workers.”

The Hilando Oportunidades project is one of the many assistance projects supported by the
American people through USAID. Since 1961, USAID has worked closely with the Honduran people to improve their well-being.

Posted: August 15, 2023

Source: North Carolina State University’s Wilson College of Textiles

AirPerm Air Permeability Tester Redesign Now Allows For PPE Specific Testing

ROCK HILL, S.C. — August 10, 2023 — SDL Atlas has released the next generation of its versatile AirPerm Air Permeability Tester. The AirPerm now has test head options specific for testing personal protective equipment (PPE), allowing for Face Mask Testing to EN 14683 and Foam Testing to ASTM D3574 & EN ISO 7231.

Other features of the new AirPerm include:

  • Touch screen controller within easy reach;
  • Test results stored on the main controller and exported via a USB drive;
  • Automatic ranging system eliminates need for operator interface during a test;
  • Powerful, yet quiet vacuum accommodates a variety of test plates to suit every application and features easy checks for daily verification;
  • 20 cm test head comes standard and is used for instrument calibration;
  • Eight additional heads available; and
  • Side drawers for test head and accessory storage.

The AirPerm makes air permeability testing affordable while maintaining confidence that test results meet international and retailer standards for textiles, nonwovens, and paper providing quick, straightforward results in the unit of measure of your choice.

Posted August 15, 2023

Source: SDL Atlas

 

GK Global Chairman & Forbes Books Author Yusuf Amdani To Speak At Upcoming 38th World Fashion Convention This October In Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA — August 15, 2023 — The International Apparel Federation (IAF) and the Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA) are pleased to announce the addition of Mohammed Yusuf Amdani Bai, GK Global Chairman and Forbes Books Author, to the impressive speaker line-up for the upcoming 38th World Fashion Convention being held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October 22-25, 2023.

Amdani is a successful businessman, visionary, entrepreneur, and investor. Originally from Pakistan, Amdani traces his roots to a background in the textile and yarn spinning industry. In the early 1990s, he expanded his family business to Honduras where he started a company called Pride Manufacturing that produced clothing to be exported to the U.S. Today, the organization, now known as GK Global, has an international presence, extending into Central America, the Caribbean, Mexico, and the U.S., operating in the textile, lifestyle, technology, agriculture, and real estate industries. In addition to his work with GK Global, Amdani also founded GK Foundation, an organization focused on health, education, nutrition, and sustainability for low-income and vulnerable populations.”

On September 12, 2023, Amdani will be releasing his book World of Opportunity: Bringing Sustainable Business to Fragile Economies. Published by Forbes Books, “the publishing authority for the best leaders in business,” Amdani’s book provides an in-depth guide on how to create opportunities in developing countries. His methods paint a roadmap designed to grow the middle class, reduce migration, promote sustainability, improve healthcare, and provide education to all.

“To say that Mr. Amdani is dedicated to the future of our industry would be a vast understatement,” said SPESA Chairman Ed Gribbin, CEO of Gribbin Strategic LLC, who will join Amdani on stage for a fireside chat. “He is one of the most impressive businessmen I know, having had a pulse on major industry needs — like sustainable manufacturing practices and workforce development — before others did. He’s laid a path for industry stakeholders to follow, especially across the Western Hemisphere, and I look forward to sitting down with him to discuss where we all go from here.”

The theme of the 38th World Fashion Convention is “Our Industry in Transition: Building Stronger, Smarter and More Sustainable Supply Chains.” The event will include a series of panel discussions, case studies, and keynote addresses that touch on important topics impacting the apparel, fashion, and sewn products industries today, including circularity, sustainability, digitalization, supply chain efficiencies, and the manufacturing landscape in the U.S., the Western Hemisphere, and emerging markets around the world. In addition, there will be a golf tournament, B2B matchmaking sessions for manufacturers and brands, and a city tour highlighting industry and history in Philadelphia.

“We’re thrilled to have Mr. Amdani join us in Philadelphia for the 38th World Fashion Convention,” said SPESA President Michael McDonald. “This conference is all about bringing together thought leaders from across the globe, representing every link in the supply chain, for in-depth conversations on how the industry is transitioning and what we all can do to keep up. Having Mr. Amdani join these conversations — and sharing insights from his decades-long career in both Pakistan and Honduras — will be incredibly valuable for our group of attendees.”

Posted August 15, 2023

Source: SPESA

TenCate Protective Fabrics: Next-Gen Fire Service Outer Shell Fabric Launch at AFAC 2023

BRISBANE, Australia — August 14, 2023 — TenCate Protective Fabrics, a global supplier of protective textile technology, has announced the Asia-Pacific (APAC) launch of its groundbreaking fire service outer shell, PBI® Peak5, at the AFAC emergency response conference in Brisbane on 22 August 2023.

Recognized as a must-see event for the Australian/New Zealand fire and emergency services industry, the 2023 AFAC conference serves as the ideal platform for the flame-resistant textile maker to introduce PBI® Peak5 to key stakeholders, experts, and industry professionals in the APAC region.

The primary highlight of PBI® Peak5 is its lightweight 180gsm (5.3osy) construction which delivers increased levels of comfort and maneuverability for firefighters. Moreover, the integration of patented Enforce® technology enhances its strength, making PBI® Peak5 extremely durable.

TenCate Protective Fabrics representatives will be present at the Brisbane conference to showcase the new outer shell and provide insights into the advanced technology behind its development.

Michael Laton, VP of Global Strategy and Innovation at TenCate Protective Fabrics, expressed his enthusiasm for the launch, stating, “PBI® Peak5 represents a significant leap in protective fabric technology for the fire service industry. We are thrilled to launch this groundbreaking outer shell in the APAC region, where the demand for high-performance firefighting gear is ever present.”

Engineered to meet the specific needs of emergency response professionals, PBI® Peak5 sets new benchmarks for lightweight comfort, flexibility, and unparalleled durability. Visit TenCate Protective Fabrics during the 2023 AFAC conference in Brisbane to experience PBI® Peak5 fabric in person, or learn more at the company’s website.

Posted: August 15, 2023

Source: TenCate Protective Fabrics

Team Behind Darn Tough Vermont® Debuts New Sock Brand

NORTHFIELD, Vt. — August 15, 2023 — Today, the innovation and executive teams behind Darn Tough Vermont are disrupting the sock industry with the launch of Wide Open – The Wide Width Sock. Debuting in October 2023, Wide Open will boast quality socks with style, durability, and stretch to fit wide feet, ankles, and calves.

Launching in six heights: no show, quarter, mini crew, micro crew, crew, and boot, Wide Open socks will feature unique colors and designs with sizes to fit a range from Women’s 4.5 to Men’s 14.5. Every pair will be backed by Darn Tough’s Unconditional Lifetime Guarantee — great for consumers and great for the planet. Pricing will be in line with Darn Tough’s current MSRPs.

The new brand’s commitment is more than an initiative, it’s the sole purpose of the business. In a society that caters to straight and narrow sizes, Wide Open embraces that bodies come in all shapes and sizes and believes socks should too. “Sock patterns and standards don’t exist for wide legs and feet, so we’re creating them,” said Ric Cabot, President and CEO. For the past two years, the Wide Open innovation team dug into research and development to engineer a wide width sock for everyday use. The result? The best fitting sock for anyone who needs more room for their foot, ankle, or calf.

The sock’s fit is just the beginning—the ease of putting on, the variety of styles, and the durability over time, puts Wide Open socks in a class of their own. The brand is not only challenging size conventions, but pushing people away from a disposable mindset. “When you buy a Wide Open sock, you’ll get your favorite pair of socks with a guarantee to last,” shared Olivia Littell, Innovation and Design Lead.

The feedback from product testers is game changing. Consumers who have never had socks that fit before are experiencing the emotional and physical comfort that comes with a great pair of socks.

Wide Open socks will be available online starting October 1 at www.wideopensocks.com and at brick-and-mortar locations in July 2024.

Posted August 15, 2023

Source: Darn Tough Vermont

SAITEX Releases 2022 Impact Report

LOS ANGELES — August 15, 2023 — SAITEX, a circular manufacturing system and platform based in Vietnam and Los Angeles, released its 2022 Impact Report today, highlighting the organization’s commitment to a harmonious relationship between humans, nature, and technology. The report showcases SAITEX’s transformative journey, as the innovative company continues to redefine the way denim is produced and reused. The 2022 Impact Report has been formatted to be reader-friendly and accessible to wide audiences, particularly for a new generation of curious consumers who have downloaded the document to seek insight into how the denim products they purchase are created, who is making them, and if the manufacturer aligns with their own values.

With teams across the world, SAITEX has evolved into a comprehensive ecosystem that includes Saitex Garment manufacturing facilities in Vietnam and the United States, Saitex Mill, STELAPOP upcycling, REKUT, and Atelier & Repairs. This interconnected network of entities embodies SAITEX’s core principles of respect, protection, empowerment, and collaboration.

The first section of the 2022 Impact Report shines a spotlight on SAITEX’s unwavering commitment to human-centric practices. The organization believes in providing equal work opportunities, celebrating diversity, and fostering inclusion at all levels. SAITEX ensures fair labor practices and maintains a healthy working environment for its associates. Continuous investments in training and community well-being initiatives empower and enhance the lives of SAITEX’s dedicated workforce.

One of the highlights of SAITEX’s human-centric approach is its successful collaboration of REKUT (@REKUTdenim) — a brand and manufacturing division composed of differently-abled workers — with Madewell and IKEA. Together, they have launched innovative products that have captured the market’s attention and exemplify SAITEX’s commitment to driving inclusivity and positive change in the industry.

SAITEX’s dedication to environmental preservation is another key aspect of its 2022 Impact Report. The vertical organization recognizes the fundamental importance of soil and water and actively takes proactive steps to minimize its ecological footprint. SAITEX carefully selects materials, implements holistic design principles, and utilizes closed-loop water systems, all contributing to its transition towards a circular economy. The report proudly highlights SAITEX’s recognition as a B-Corp “Best for the World in the Environment” category alongside Patagonia, further validating its commitment to sustainable practices.

Technological advancements play a pivotal role in SAITEX’s operations. The organization leverages cutting-edge innovation and emerging technologies to enhance its efficiency and product offerings. SAITEX’s smart factory, powered by applied AI, machine learning, and automation, ensures speed to market, transparency, and traceability throughout its value chain.

The 2022 Impact Report showcases SAITEX’s data-driven decision-making, vertical integration, and launch of fabric and product facts in a nutritional label format, empowering designers to make informed choices.

While the 2022 Impact Report primarily focuses on SAITEX’s apparel manufacturing facilities in Amata industrial park, the organization remains committed to providing a detailed impact overview for all its entities including its facilities in Los Angeles and Thailand. SAITEX recognizes the importance of reliable data and will continue to defer reporting on other entities until sufficient information is available.

SAITEX’s 2022 Impact Report stands as a testament to the organization’s relentless pursuit of sustainable manufacturing practices, fostering positive social impact, and embracing technological advancements. With this report, SAITEX reaffirms its commitment to transparency, accountability, and innovation.

Posted August 15, 2023

Source: SAITEX

Heimtextil 2024: New Carpets & Rugs Product Segment Achieves Strong Positive Response In Global Carpet Market

FRANKFURT, Germany— August 15, 2023 — New year, new business at the upcoming Heimtextil: Within just a few months, more than 75 exhibitors have already signaled strong interest in participating in the new Carpets & Rugs product segment, which extends over an entire hall level. Further promising participations are in prospect. The positive response comes from a wide range of nations – including commitments already received from Egypt, Bangladesh, China, Greece, India, Italy and Turkey. Starting with the next edition, Heimtextil is thus successfully expanding its global range of home and household textiles even further.

Already more than 75 international manufacturers of fitted, hand-woven, custom-made or machine-woven carpets, mats, runners and rugs are planning to present their latest collections, materials and textures at the next Heimtextil on Hall Level 5.1. The participation of other interested manufacturers is also on the horizon. Heimtextil is thus expanding its uniquely broad and deep product portfolio of home and contract textiles to include a product segment that is in high demand on the market – and creating additional added value for a large number of relevant top buyers.

“The high number of new exhibitors underlines the positive response to the launch of the Carpets & Rugs product segment and offers buyers the opportunity to network with new suppliers. This rounding off makes Heimtextil an even more diverse and comprehensive business platform,” says Bettina Bär, Director Heimtextil for the home textiles segment.

Hall structure: from hand-woven designs to machine precision

In the new Carpets & Rugs product segment, buyers and decision-makers for furniture stores, the carpet trade, home improvement stores and DIY specialty stores will be immersed in the diverse artistry of hand-woven rugs. Participating exhibitors include Indian manufacturers such as Rugs Inc, Mittal International, The Rug Republic, Sarla Handicrafts and new exhibitor Harkom Setabganj from Bangladesh. Other new exhibitors from India include Flora International, Heritage Overseas, Rugs in Style and Vini Decor. Also showcasing their functional and non-slip designs are coir floor mat manufacturers such as Classic Coir Factory, Floor Decor, Fibre World and new exhibitor Tufko from India.

There is also a focus on manufacturers of machine-woven carpets, which feature durable designs and the use of precision technology. Exhibitors in this area include Egypt’s Oriental Weavers Group (Oriental Weavers, Mac Carpet, Egyptian Fibres Company), Nikotex Carpets (Greece) and Italian manufacturers Fini Cop and Royaltex.

„We return to Heimtextil with high expectations – and are sure they will be exceeded with the launch of Carpets & Rugs. The opening is a great occasion to present for the first time our new sustainable handmade indoor and outdoor product collections in both high-volume and retail quantities. Thanks to the high internationality of Heimtextil and the attraction of the new area, we look forward to new global contacts with influential buyers“, says Aditya Gupta, Founder of The Rug Republic.

Frankfurt am Main: networking hub of the global carpet business

With Frankfurt am Main as an international trading hub and its worldwide reach through direct flights, all trade show participants benefit from the optimal accessibility of the site. “We are very pleased about the strong presence of international manufacturers, whose pronounced degree of professionalization, outstanding quality and strong commitment to environmental protection and corporate social responsibility play a significant role in the global carpet business. The high degree of internationalization at Heimtextil enables them to network, especially with new contacts from relevant sales markets such as North America, Europe or the UAE,” says Bettina Bär.

Even more carpet: contract carpets for the contract business in Hall 4.0

In addition to Hall 5.1, buyers for the contract business find a joint area with contract carpet exhibitors in Hall 4.0, where manufacturers present their carpet collections with functional, hard-wearing and easy-to-clean properties.

Posted: August 15, 2023

Source: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

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