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Nextevo CEO Harold Koh is leading a pineapple leaf fiber company that caters to apparel brands and retailers. The demand for pineapple fiber is increasing due to its numerous benefits, such as being harvested after the fruit, not requiring water or fertilizer to grow, and providing a supplementary income for small-scale farmers. Koh chose Vietnam for Nextevo's first production facility due to its strong textile and apparel industry and young, skilled workforce. The company aims to be a solution provider and is focused on sustainability, profitability, and future growth. They are also exploring new market opportunities and considering expanding their production facilities. [Extracted from the article]

CETTEX, a government agency in Tunisia, has opened new testing laboratories in Tunis to meet the demand for more testing facilities in the textile and clothing industry. The labs are certified to comply with international testing standards and offer chemical, physical, and toxicological analysis. CETTEX aims to attract international brands to Tunisia and encourage them to base their production there. The agency has also implemented sustainable practices, such as a water treatment system and solar energy panels. CETTEX plans to promote its services through marketing campaigns and participation in international industry fairs. [Extracted from the article]

The International Labour Organization (ILO) is promoting an eco-friendly textile initiative in Türkiye to address the negative impacts of fast fashion and create formal job opportunities in the sector. The initiative began with a workshop on eco dyeing and printing, providing training on natural dyeing techniques and other fabric printing methods. The ILO aims to expand nature-based solutions to tackle informal employment, low wages, and low productivity. The pilot project at EkoDoku aims to create green jobs and promote inclusiveness for Syrians under temporary protection, international protection applicants, and host communities. The ILO is also supporting the "HarmonyUnity" collection, which promotes sustainable living. The ILO office for Türkiye aims to address the challenges faced by textile workers, particularly women, by ensuring decent employment, income, and access to essential services and social protection. The ILO highlights the potential for nature-based solutions to generate additional jobs and improve environmental goals. The ILO has also recently partnered with the Uzbek government to improve labor conditions and promote social justice in Uzbekistan. [Extracted from the article]

A report by Know The Chain reveals that 58% of global multinational companies are prepared to address forced labor risks in their supply chains. The report focuses on risks related to supply chain forced labor and aims to provide guidance and examples for companies to address these risks. It also highlights areas for improvement, such as engaging with unions and disclosing data on grievance mechanisms. The report emphasizes the role of companies in advancing human rights and states that ignoring or externalizing human rights risks is no longer a viable business approach. [Extracted from the article]

Haelixa and regenagri have partnered to advance regenerative agriculture traceability. By using advanced DNA marking and testing technology, the collaboration aims to ensure traceability and support the integrity of regenagri claims throughout the supply chain. This joint effort also aims to drive transparency and resilience in agricultural systems, benefiting consumers, farmers, and the environment. Haelixa's DNA testing provides a reliable third-party method to verify the origin of products, and the partnership with regenagri extends these benefits to the regenerative sector. [Extracted from the article]

Fashion brands are being urged to conduct responsible sourcing in Bangladesh due to recent political events that have impacted the garment industry. Non-profit organizations, including amfori, Cascale, Ethical Trade Initiative, and Fair Labor Association, are calling on companies to remain stable partners with their suppliers in Bangladesh and implement responsible purchasing practices. They recommend conducting enhanced human rights due diligence, respecting international human rights laws and standards, and engaging with workers and their representatives. Additionally, responsible businesses should communicate transparently with suppliers, ensure timely payment for orders, and avoid canceling orders or imposing penalties. UNI Global Union and IndustriALL have also called on fashion brands to maintain their engagement in Bangladesh to support the country's democratic and economic future. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses new guidance from the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) that aims to support human rights disclosures. The guidance explains how the Social & Labor Convergence Program's (SLCP) Converged Assessment Framework (CAF) can assist companies in complying with the CSRD. The CSRD is designed to enhance transparency and accountability in addressing human rights risks in global supply chains. The SLCP's CAF collects data that aligns with international labor standards and national labor laws, providing valuable information for human rights disclosures. The guidance serves as a resource for brands and other stakeholders navigating the complexities of the CSRD. [Extracted from the article]

According to a report in UK newspaper The Telegraph, Boohoo is involved in a payment dispute with ten clothing manufacturers out of an estimated 500 worldwide. Boohoo claims that the decision to withhold payments is part of a program to improve quality following an increase in faulty goods from a small group of suppliers. GlobalData apparel analyst Louise Deglise-Favre suggests that this dispute is a minor issue and that withholding payment based on quality is not uncommon in the fashion industry. Boohoo has faced challenges in recent years, including a drop in group revenue, but the company is taking action to return to profitable growth. [Extracted from the article]

According to the Office of National Statistics, UK retail sales in July increased by 0.5% compared to the previous month. However, textile clothing and footwear stores saw a decline of 0.1%. Non-food store sales, including department stores and clothing stores, increased by 1.4% in July, possibly due to summer discounting and sporting events. Online spending also rose by 2.5% in July 2024. Retailers are hopeful that the easing of interest rates will boost consumer confidence and spending. However, the high cost of living and potential future business rate increases remain concerns for retailers. [Extracted from the article]

The remaining 31 Ted Baker stores in the UK and Republic of Ireland are set to close, resulting in 500 job losses. The closure comes after financial difficulties for the brand, with Teneo Financial Advisory Limited being appointed as the administrator of NODL, which licensed the Ted Baker brand. The closure of the stores is seen as a sad day for British apparel, and there are concerns about the future of the brand, with the possibility of it becoming an online-only presence or disappearing altogether. The closure of the stores follows previous closures in the UK and Europe, and suppliers are unlikely to have their debts settled due to the administration of NODL. [Extracted from the article]

Cotton farmers in the US, such as Barry Evans and Aaron Barcellos, are facing slow demand for their crops. However, they believe that the current lower price of cotton presents an opportunity for fashion brands to buy the fiber at a good price. They also highlight the sustainable and traceable benefits of cotton compared to synthetic fibers, and the importance of supporting responsible sourcing and fair labor practices. The farmers hope that fashion brands will be willing to pay for these benefits and support the sustainability message. Climate change is also impacting cotton farming, with extreme weather events making it more challenging. Despite these challenges, the farmers remain optimistic about the sustainability benefits of cotton and hope that fashion brands will support their efforts. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the impact of Vietnam's authoritarian politics on the apparel sector. Tô Lâm, the newly appointed president of Vietnam, has close ties to Russia, which has raised concerns about weakening trade links with the West. Some experts believe that Lâm's crackdown on corruption and firm rule could benefit the apparel industry by prioritizing infrastructure development and ensuring greater discipline and stability. However, Lâm's pro-Russian stance may weaken demand in Western markets due to concerns about human rights abuses. The article emphasizes the importance of considering the impact on important partnerships and prioritizing human rights and the environment for the EU and the US. [Extracted from the article]

The recent political upheaval and protests in Bangladesh have created an opportunity for India's apparel sector. Western brands are enquiring about the possibility of sourcing more from India due to concerns about Bangladesh's sourcing reliability. Mumbai-based CareEdge Rating predicts that India could sell an additional $200m to $250m in the near term and $300m to $350m in the medium term if the instability in Bangladesh continues. However, India's manufacturing infrastructure may limit the extent of any sourcing shift. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the need for solidarity and unity within Bangladesh's garment manufacturing industry. It emphasizes the importance of putting aside differences and working together for the greater good of the industry and its workers. The article highlights the support and goodwill expressed by international textile and fashion bodies towards Bangladesh, urging brands to prioritize human rights and responsible business conduct. It also addresses misconceptions about recent protests, stating that they are not related to the rise in the minimum wage. The author emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive global reputation and warns that infighting and disharmony within the industry could lead to brands sourcing from other countries. [Extracted from the article]

The sportswear market has experienced a slowdown in recent months, with several major brands reporting declines in revenue and net income. This can be attributed to inflationary challenges and a sluggish consumer economy, which have led consumers to be more selective in their purchases. Additionally, the popularity of sportswear during the pandemic has waned as consumers now seek more elevated fashion. However, brands focusing on athleisure, such as Alo Yoga and Lululemon, are still experiencing strong growth. To boost sales, sports brands need to focus on innovation and differentiation, providing consumers with reasons to buy. While the market is expected to remain under pressure in the short-term, growth rates are predicted to improve as the consumer economy picks up. [Extracted from the article]

ThredUp, an apparel resale company, has announced that it is considering leaving the European market and is evaluating strategic alternatives for its European business. In the second quarter of 2024, ThredUp's revenue in Europe dropped by 18% compared to the previous year. The company's CEO, James Reinhart, stated that despite challenges, ThredUp is focused on improving its product experience, unit economics, and operations. ThredUp's overall revenue for Q2 2024 decreased by 4% compared to the previous year, but it reported an increase in gross profit. The company's FY 2024 guidance is based on consolidated and US-only operations, with expected revenue and gross margin ranges. ThredUp recently launched AI-enabled search features to personalize the shopping experience. The company's third annual Impact Report for 2023 highlighted its efforts to extend the life cycle of garments and promote a circular economy. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses recent events in Bangladesh, including protests and political unrest, as well as internal conflicts within the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA). The author reflects on their positive experience visiting Bangladesh and highlights the country's potential to become a global leader in sustainable and innovative apparel manufacturing. The article emphasizes the importance of resolving internal conflicts within the BGMEA to maintain buyer confidence and ensure the continued growth of Bangladesh's apparel sector. [Extracted from the article]

IAMBIC AI is a company that is revolutionizing the footwear supply chain by using data science and technology to create personalized fit footwear. Through a three-step process, customers can order shoes on the company's website and then use a smartphone app to scan their feet and share data on their fit preferences. This data is then used by IAMBIC's AI machine learning model to personalize the shoe last or shoe mold. The company's technology has the potential to transform the footwear industry by making custom-fit footwear more accessible and cost-effective, while also reducing waste. IAMBIC has received recognition and funding for its innovative approach and plans to expand its offerings to include dress shoes and boots. The company is open to collaborations with other fashion brands and retailers to improve sizing and fit options. IAMBIC aims to be part of the slow fashion movement by encouraging consumers to be mindful with their purchases and to invest in long-lasting, quality products. The company's biggest challenges include recruiting engineering talent and building brand awareness for its unique approach to footwear. [Extracted from the article]

The recent Gartex Texprocess India exhibition showcased innovations in sustainable fabrics, eco-friendly trims, and high-performance accessories. One company, Datatex, offers end-to-end traceability in its enterprise resource planning system, allowing buyers and consumers to know the exact source and composition of garments. The exhibition also featured AI-powered sewing machines, computerized technologies for sewing and printing, and packing accuracy solutions for finished garments. Additionally, the article discusses the challenges of adopting new technology in the Indian textile industry and the demand for certification of green chemicals. [Extracted from the article]

Lenzing, an Austrian textile company, is leading a project called CELLFIL that aims to promote sustainability and circularity in the textile industry. The project brings together 15 partners from research and industry to scale up the production of lyocell filaments, which are environmentally friendly and recyclable. The goal is to replace synthetic fibers with these filaments and develop alternative raw material sources for textiles. The project is part of the EU research and innovation program Horizon Europe and has received €6.9 million in funding. Lenzing supports the European Commission's vision for a circular economy in the textile sector and recently appointed a new CEO, Rohit Aggarwal. [Extracted from the article]

Intertek Testing Services has been partially suspended from the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) due to alleged "serious lapses." This suspension could cause challenges within the value chain for those who are certified by Intertek or have value chain partners certified by Intertek. Supply chain operators may face disruptions in their certification and transaction certificate issuance processes, and they may need to migrate to another GOTS-approved certification body. Increased scrutiny and compliance checks should be expected during this period of suspension. Intertek has 90 days to report its findings and actions to regain compliance. [Extracted from the article]