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The PPIC Statewide Survey delivers nonpartisan, objective, advocacy-free information on the perceptions, opinions, and public policy preferences of California residents. PPIC invites input, comments, and suggestions from policy and public opinion experts and from its own advisory committee, but survey methods, questions, and content are determined solely by the PPIC survey team. The PPIC Statewide Survey relies on a rigorous survey methodology and is a charter member of the American Association for Public Opinion Research Transparency Initiative. The survey is conducted regularly throughout the year in the key areas of government, the environment, K-12 education, and higher education. Key findings from the current survey include: (1) More than eight in ten Californians think K-12 students are falling behind academically during the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) Most Californians approve of Governor Newsom's handling of the K-12 education system; most also approve of the way he is handling school reopening; (3) Most say that the state's public schools should be at least partially open now, and six in ten are concerned that schools will not be open for full-time in-person instruction this fall; and (4) Majorities say their local public schools do an excellent or good job of preparing students for college and for the workforce, but four in ten parents would opt for private school if cost and location were not at issue. [For the accompanying survey methodology report, see ED618123.]

Key findings from the current survey: (1) many California parents see school closures for COVID-19 as somewhat of a problem and are concerned with providing productive learning at home; (2) an overwhelming majority of parents approve of school districts' handling of closures and Governor Newsom's handling of K-12 education; and (3) as optimism wanes about the economy, views on school bonds are mixed. The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) Statewide Survey delivers nonpartisan, objective, advocacy-free information on the perceptions, opinions, and public policy preferences of California residents. PPIC invites input, comments, and suggestions from policy and public opinion experts and from its own advisory committee, but survey methods, questions, and content are determined solely by the PPIC survey team. The PPIC Statewide Survey relies on a rigorous survey methodology and is a charter member of the American Association for Public Opinion Research Transparency Initiative. The survey is conducted regularly throughout the year in the key areas of government, the environment, K-12 education, and higher education. [This report was supported with funding from the Sobrato Family Foundation.]

Spinnova, a next-gen fibre maker, reported a decrease in revenue for the first half of 2024 compared to the previous year. The company aims to be EBIT positive in the medium term and does not expect to require additional external funding. Spinnova has focused on selling its fibre technology to raw material partners and downstream textile manufacturers. The challenges faced by sustainable material companies include higher costs compared to standard fabrics and the need to demonstrate scalability and concrete commercial benefits. Consumers may not necessarily pay a price premium for sustainable apparel products, but the fashion industry's push for sustainability and circularity is an irreversible long-term trend. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the growing popularity of secondhand fashion and its potential to change the fashion industry. It highlights the success of online marketplace Vinted, which reported its first profit and significant revenue growth. Other platforms, such as eBay, are also embracing secondhand fashion by removing fees for sellers. The article mentions a partnership between Vinted and Oxfam for London Fashion Week, aiming to promote secondhand fashion and raise funds for Oxfam's work. Experts believe that the rise of digital platforms for secondhand fashion can encourage more sustainable and circular business models in the industry. [Extracted from the article]

Esprit, an apparel brand, has managed to reduce its expected losses for the six-month period from HK$714m to HK$95m through the restructuring of its European subsidiaries. However, this reduction was partially offset by one-off impairments and provisions. Esprit has announced plans to reestablish itself as an intellectual property management company and liquidate some of its subsidiary companies. The recent financial situation of the subsidiaries was greatly impacted by insolvency proceedings and poor performance. Esprit had ended discussions with a potential bidder for its China business and is considering other proposals. [Extracted from the article]

Clarks, the British shoemaker, is reportedly ending its partnership with Reliance Retail in India due to differences over terms. As a result, Clarks is closing its stores in India, including those in Inorbit and DLF malls. This move is seen as an "exit strategy" for Clarks' Indian business, although there is a possibility of the brand returning in a different form. Clarks first entered the Indian market in 2009 through a partnership with Future Group and considered India a key strategic market. Clarks has not commented on the matter, and Reliance Retail has not responded to requests for comment. [Extracted from the article]

eBay will be participating in the European Outdoor Summit 2024, along with Reskinned and Certilogo, to discuss the topic of driving brand success through recommerce. The event will take place in Cambridge, UK, and will feature a variety of speakers from the outdoor sector and experts from the University of Cambridge Judge Business School. The summit has been sponsored by Gore-Tex since its inception in 2014, and other sponsors this year include YKK, Bleckmann, EXPED, and Outdooractive. eBay recently announced that it is now free for individual sellers to sell preloved fashion items, in support of the circular fashion movement. [Extracted from the article]

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has named Khandoker Rafiqul Islam as its new president, following the resignation of former president Mannan. The new board aims to restore foreign buyers' confidence in Bangladesh's apparel industry and assure them of the country's safety. The BGMEA plays a significant role in the country's apparel sector and stability is crucial for the industry's success. [Extracted from the article]

UK apparel suppliers are using sustainability as a way to overcome the challenges posed by Brexit. TS Knitwear, a family-run business in Leicester, is using locally sourced wool and seamless garment technology to reduce waste and increase its sustainable credentials. FIGASTORE, another Leicester-based supplier, focuses on offering quicker turnarounds compared to competitors based further away. National Weaving, a family-owned label business in Wales, is supplying sustainable labels made from recycled yarn and has quick turnaround times. These suppliers are finding success by emphasizing their sustainability practices and local appeal. [Extracted from the article]

Fashion brand Ganni has partnered with Canopy, an environmental organization, to ensure that its textiles and packaging are sourced from sustainable materials. Ganni has committed to removing any fibers sourced from ancient and endangered forests and has joined Canopy's Pack4Good scheme. The brand will also work on developing low-carbon, circular alternative materials, including textiles made from recycled fabrics and packaging made from agricultural waste products. Ganni aims to minimize its environmental impact and achieve a 50% reduction in its carbon footprint by 2027. [Extracted from the article]

Fashion industry insiders are optimistic about the potential impact of a new free trade agreement (FTA) between the European Union (EU) and the Philippines. The Philippines is being considered as a sourcing destination due to its innovative ideas and potential for sustainable manufacturing. Companies like Bayo Atelier, Hibla, and PAMMÉ are showcasing their products, which include quality fabrics and garments that tap into the country's heritage and strength in crafting and weaving. These companies also prioritize sustainability and social benefits, making them attractive to markets like Europe and the UK. [Extracted from the article]

Shein, an apparel company, has filed a lawsuit against rival Temu, accusing them of counterfeiting, trademark and copyright infringement, and false advertising. Shein claims that a Temu employee stole trade secrets to replicate their best-selling products. Shein also alleges that Temu encourages sellers to infringe on intellectual property rights and impersonates Shein on social media. Temu denies the accusations and criticizes Shein for fabricating claims. Legal battles between the two companies have been ongoing, but it is unlikely that either company will benefit from the litigation. Shein is also reportedly considering an IPO in London. [Extracted from the article]

Zara and Mango continue to dominate the Spanish fashion market, with Zara holding a 9.1% share and Mango holding a 2.8% share in 2023. Both companies have seen strong sales growth, with Inditex reporting a 10.4% increase and Mango reporting a 15% increase. Zara's success is attributed to its comprehensive knowledge of the home market and its ability to respond quickly to trends, while Mango's focus on a more upmarket identity is expected to drive future growth. H&M, on the other hand, has seen a decline in market share due to uninspiring ranges, with Zara and Mango overshadowing its offerings. Other significant players in the Spanish market include Nike, Primark, and Inditex-owned brands Stradivarius, Pull&Bear, and Berksha. However, Inditex's Bershka brand has been struggling due to increased competition from Shein. [Extracted from the article]

Sae-A Trading, an apparel company, has hired six graduates from its school in Haiti. The school, called S&H School, offers education in Creole, English, French, and Spanish and aims to prepare students for global opportunities. The graduates will be placed in various departments within the company, such as quality assurance and production planning. Sae-A Trading plans to expand its internship program to include more students and facilitate the transition from education to employment. The company's investment in education is part of its broader corporate social responsibility strategy. [Extracted from the article]

Zara and Circ have launched their second collaboration, featuring four items made from 100% Lyocell fabric. Circ claims to be the only platform that can successfully separate polycotton blended textile waste and recover both cellulosic and synthetic fibers. The items have a natural look and feel and are available in the US and select markets. This partnership aims to promote widespread adoption of sustainable materials and improve product circularity in the fashion industry. Zara has been working with Circ since 2022 when its parent company, Inditex, invested in the circular fashion start-up. Last year, they released a collection of womenswear made from recycled raw materials. [Extracted from the article]

The Slow Fashion Caucus, a group focused on reducing the environmental impact of fast fashion, is urging President Biden to include representatives from the fashion and textile industries in the new White House Task Force on Climate and Trade. In a letter to the president, the caucus highlights the significant climate challenges facing the fashion industry and argues that it is a "fundamental missing piece" in discussions on the climate crisis. The letter also states that the fashion and textile industry is responsible for an estimated 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions and that textile waste has increased 80% since 2000. The caucus believes that including the fashion and textile industries in the task force will help capture the economic and job opportunities in sustainable fashion and textile manufacturing. [Extracted from the article]

Crisis and the UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT) are partnering on a recycling trial to reduce clothing waste. The organizations aim to educate consumers on which clothing items can be reused or recycled, in order to reduce the amount of donated clothing that cannot be resold. They are currently collecting donations at Crisis charity shops in London, where customers can sort their items into rewearable and non-rewearable categories. The initiative hopes to encourage consumers to pre-sort their clothing before donating in the future. The UK has an estimated 1.6 billion items of unworn clothing in homes, many of which could be reused or recycled. This collaboration is part of a larger effort by UKFT and the British Fashion Council to develop a circular fashion ecosystem in the UK. [Extracted from the article]

The Sixth IFCO event, held in Istanbul from 7-9 August 2024, attracted 18,000 visitors and aimed to highlight Istanbul's importance as a hub for the international fashion industry. The number of international attendees increased by 13.9% compared to the previous year, with Asia being the most represented region. The event included a B2B Meeting with participants from 20 countries, and industry leaders and ministers expressed their commitment to boosting garment exports. The event also featured a Trend Area hosted by Istanbul Moda Academy and showcased collections from over 20 designers. The next IFCO event will take place in Istanbul in February 2025. [Extracted from the article]

Virtual wardrobe apps, such as Whering, Indyx, Combyne, 30 Wears, and Good on You, are gaining popularity as consumers look for alternatives to real-world shopping. These apps allow users to virtually log their wardrobes, create outfits, and track their wearing patterns, helping them avoid impulse purchases and reduce costs. Virtual wardrobes also cater to the trend for classic and timeless styles that can be worn for multiple occasions. Additionally, these apps address environmental concerns by encouraging users to maximize the use of their existing wardrobe and suggesting sustainable alternatives. However, the time-consuming process of cataloguing and uploading items remains a challenge. Fashion brands can potentially partner with these apps to be featured in personalized shopping guides and gain valuable insights into consumer preferences. [Extracted from the article]

Ambercycle, a company specializing in circular solutions for textile production, has received a $10 million investment from Shinkong. This investment will allow Ambercycle to expand its production capacity and meet the growing demand for decarbonized polyester. The company plans to start operations at its new factory by 2026. Ambercycle has previously signed supply deals with apparel manufacturers MAS Holdings and Inditex, further establishing its presence in the industry. The investment from Shinkong demonstrates their commitment to sustainable textile production and the future of decarbonized polyester. [Extracted from the article]

Authorities in Seoul, South Korea conducted inspections on products sold by Shein, AliExpress, and Temu and found that multiple products from all three companies did not meet legal standards. The products included shoes from Shein that contained high levels of phthalates, with one pair being 229 times over the legal limit. Shein hats also tested positive for formaldehyde. Insoles inside sandals sold by Temu were found to contain lead at a level 11 times higher than the permitted limit. Shein and AliExpress have not yet responded to requests for comment. This follows previous test results in May 2024 that found harmful chemicals in children's shoes sold by Shein. Shein has stated that it takes product safety seriously and works with third-party testing agencies to ensure compliance. [Extracted from the article]

Victoria's Secret & Co has appointed a new CEO, Super, who will take over from current CEO Martin Waters in September. Super previously served as the CEO of rival lingerie brand Savage X Fenty and has experience at companies such as Urban Outfitters, Guess, and American Eagle Outfitters. In a statement, Super expressed excitement about joining Victoria's Secret and working towards making it the world's leading fashion retailer of intimate apparel. The outgoing CEO, Waters, expressed pride in his achievements at the company and thanked the team for their hard work. Victoria's Secret reported a decline in sales and profits earlier this year. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the growing market for adaptive apparel, which caters to consumers with physical disabilities. While some high-end fashion brands have been offering adaptive clothing for years, value fashion retailers and high-street names are now starting to explore this market. The article highlights the importance of involving consumers in the product development process and cites examples of successful launches, such as Marks and Spencer's stoma underwear. The article concludes by emphasizing the positive impact that involving consumers can have on the adaptive fashion industry. [Extracted from the article]

Nike has announced that it will no longer accept online orders from customers in Turkey due to changes in Turkish law. The country recently updated its customs law, reducing the value of goods that can be imported using its Simplified Customs Declaration. This change has resulted in increased duty rates on shipments, causing Nike to suspend online orders from Turkey. The company cited concerns about the timely delivery and customs clearance of orders as the reason for this decision. Nike will continue to monitor the situation and notify customers whose orders will be affected. [Extracted from the article]