Textile Market News

The Lenzing Group, a global leader in sustainable textile fibers, has announced a refreshed branding for its flagship Tencel brand. The new theme, ‘Nature. Future. Us.’, reflects Tencel's dedication to eco-friendly practices and innovative solutions. Tencel's commitment to sustainability is rooted in its use of sustainably sourced wood and resource-efficient production methods. The brand has also been at the forefront of circular economy initiatives, exploring the use of waste materials like orange peel and cotton waste in fiber production.

Plant Health Australia (PHA) and Cotton Australia have joined forces to strengthen biosecurity measures within the cotton industry. A new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlines a collaborative approach to enhance biosecurity capacity and capability across the sector. As the peak body representing cotton producers, Cotton Australia is committed to protecting the industry from biosecurity threats. The MoU establishes a framework for consultation, management, and implementation of various projects aimed at bolstering biosecurity. These initiatives align with the National Plant Biosecurity Strategy and seek to leverage resources, extension programs, and training materials developed within the program.

The Australian wool market reopened this week after a three-week break, with a mix of positive and negative factors. While exporters reported increased business opportunities, the stronger Australian dollar against the US dollar hindered consistent volume of new contracts needed to stabilize the market. Despite the large supply and a further strengthening of Australian dollar, wool prices in US dollar saw an overall increase. This was due to improved sales opportunities and better-financed buyers capitalizing on the stronger US dollar purchasing power.

QY Research Inc. has released its latest report on the global wool worsted yarn market, forecasting substantial growth from $1.55 billion in 2023 to $2.19 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 5.3 per cent over the period. Wool worsted yarn, known for its high-quality, smooth texture, and durability, remains a preferred choice in the fashion and textile industries. Its use in producing fine fabrics and knitwear drives demand, as consumers increasingly seek luxurious and long-lasting textiles.

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories announced a major milestone in its commercialization efforts. Rigorous testing has confirmed its commercially produced recombinant spider silk maintains the exceptional strength and toughness demonstrated in previous lab trials.

Novibra's Lena spindles have set a new benchmark in textile manufacturing, offering exceptional speed, energy efficiency, and noise reduction. These innovative spindles have been instrumental in helping spinning mills worldwide enhance their productivity and competitiveness. Lena spindle's unique design incorporates several technological advancements. Its smaller wharve diameter allows for higher spindle speeds without increasing the machine's overall speed, resulting in significant energy savings. Additionally, the spindle's hydrodynamic plain bearing and small shaft tip further contribute to reduced power consumption.

The Textile Association (India), Mumbai Unit, is set to host an international conference on “Automation and Robotics in Textile & Apparel Industry” on November 15, 2024, in Mumbai. This event will explore the critical role of automation and robotics in the textile and apparel sectors. Key discussions will focus on the integration of Industry 4.0 in textile machinery, innovations in apparel production, and the broader impact of automation on textile manufacturing. The conference will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and global experts to share insights and advancements.

The upcoming Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics fair promises to be a pivotal event in the textile industry. Scheduled for August 27-29, 2024, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center, the fair will feature nearly 4,000 exhibitors from 26 countries and regions, showcasing the latest trends, innovations, and sustainable solutions. One of the highlights of the fair is its extensive fringe program, featuring over 40 seminars, panel discussions, and forums covering a wide range of topics, including sustainability, digital solutions, and industry trends. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn from industry experts, network with peers, and stay ahead of the curve.

Gimatex Industries, a leading player in the Indian textile sector, has taken its long-standing partnership with German textile machinery manufacturer Trutzschler to new heights. Since the relationship began in 2006, the two companies have collaborated on numerous innovative projects, with the latest focusing on transforming textile waste into high-quality yarn using Trutzschler's cutting-edge Integrated Draw Frame (IDF) technology.

The countdown to Yarn Expo Autumn has begun, as exhibitors, visitors, and industry experts prepare to meet on this premier textile trade platform. From August 27 to 29, the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai will host a showcase of innovative, sustainable, and high-quality yarns and fibers. Over 500 suppliers from 15 countries and regions will converge at Yarn Expo Autumn, offering a diverse range of products. The India Pavilion and Pakistan Zone will feature a wide selection of traditional and eco-friendly cotton and fancy yarns, respectively. Visitors can explore dedicated zones for chemical fibers, cotton yarns, and fancy yarns, showcasing the latest trends and advancements in the industry.

Unifi has revolutionized textile recycling with its new white-dyeable filament yarn and ThermaLoop insulation material. Made entirely from recycled polyester, these products offer virgin-quality performance while reducing waste. Repreve filament yarn is a versatile high-performance polyester suitable for various applications. It is dyeable, ensuring endless color possibilities. The ThermaLoop insulation provides exceptional warmth and recovery, available in different formats to suit various needs. Both products are globally accessible and can be easily integrated into existing supply chains.

The global silk market is booming, driven by increasing demand for luxury textiles and advancements in sericulture. However, challenges persist, particularly in the labor-intensive sericulture industry. Despite health risks associated with sericulture, the market is expected to grow by $5 billion from 2024 to 2028, with a CAGR of 9.24 per cent. Key players are investing in research and development, especially in spider silk, which offers exceptional strength and flexibility. Spider silk, a focus of intensive research, holds promise for creating lightweight, durable materials. Companies like Kraig Biocraft Laboratories are leading the way in this area. Beyond textiles, silk has applications in medicine, cosmetics, and more. The market for silk protein is expanding due to its use in surgical sutures, personal care products, and even nutraceuticals.

India's textile industry is experiencing a period of significant growth, driven by government incentives, robust FDI, and increasing global demand. The sector, already a major employer, is poised to become a key player in the global textile market. As per Invest India, the domestic textile market is expected to reach $350 billion by 2030, driven by a CAGR of 10 per cent. Exports are projected to reach $65 billion by FY26. The government's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme has been instrumental in attracting investments and boosting production.

Tehran is currently hosting a major textile industry exhibition, IRANTEX, featuring over 290 domestic and international companies. The event showcases advancements in textile machinery, raw materials, and business opportunities, with notable participation from companies in Iran, Germany, Italy, Taiwan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, South Korea, Turkey, Pakistan, Austria, Switzerland, India, Japan, and China. A significant focus of the exhibition is yarn production, a critical component of the textile industry. China, India, and Turkey, top textile exporters, are prominently featured, with 100, 18, and 12 companies respectively presenting their yarn products.

Hyosung is set to introduce innovative sustainable textile solutions at the China International Textile Fabrics and Accessories Expo in Shanghai from August 27-29. Spread across 828 sq. mt, Hyosung’s booth will lead 27 partners, forming a significant exhibition group to present eco-friendly and high-tech yarns. key highlights include Hyosung’s RCS-certified regen spandex, made from recycled manufacturing waste, and regen BIO spandex, produced using renewable resources, significantly reducing carbon emissions. The company will also unveil its Creora fresh spandex, now produced in China, known for its odour-neutralising properties and high elasticity.

The Partnership for Cotton initiative, co-founded by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and FIFA, has welcomed Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) as a new member of its steering committee. The announcement was made during the committee's latest meeting in Cotonou, Benin, in early June. CmiA, a standard under the Aid by Trade Foundation, collaborates with nearly one million small-scale farmers across eleven African countries. Tina Stridde, MD of the foundation, highlighted the importance of sustainable cotton production, emphasizing that this partnership will enhance Africa's cotton value chain. Launched in February 2024 at the WTO's 13th Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi, the initiative aims to boost the cotton and textile sectors in West Africa, particularly in the "Cotton 4" countries—Mali, Chad, Burkina Faso, and Benin—alongside Côte d’Ivoire.

Natural fibers are emerging as a cornerstone of sustainable innovation across industries. At Techtextil 2024, these materials took centerstage, demonstrating their potential to deliver both high performance and environmental benefits. The demand for natural, functional textiles is skyrocketing. From automotive to construction, industries are seeking eco-friendly alternatives without compromising on quality. With the market for natural fibers projected to reach $103 million by 2031, innovation is accelerating to enhance their performance.