MATEXIL The Manmade and Technical Textiles Export Promotion Council (erstwhile SRTEPC) has successfully hosted its Annual Export Award Function in Mumbai to recognize and felicitate member companies for their outstanding export performance in FY 2023-24. The Event celebrated excellence in Export, with approximately 50 awards presented across various categories of the Manmade Fibre Textiles. Giriraj Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister of Textiles, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and conferred the awards upon the distinguished winners. The Event witnessed the presence of senior Government officials along with industry leaders from the Textiles industry. A key highlight of the evening was the unveiling of MATEXIL’s newly developed Website and Trade Dashboard of the Council, designed to provide comprehensive trade insights on Manmade Fibre and Technical Textiles. Speaking at the event, Giriraj Singh commended MATEXIL and its Chairman, Bhadresh Dodhia, for this pioneering initiative. He emphasized the crucial role of reliable and customized textile data in policy formulation, noting that the new dashboard would bridge an existing information gap. He further reiterated the Government’s commitment to boosting textile exports and achieving the ambitious target of USD 100 billion in exports by 2030. In his address, Bhadresh Dodhia, Chairman of MATEXIL, highlighted the resilience of the Manmade Fibre Textiles sector amid global challenges. He announced that the sector had registered a positive growth of over 6%, attributing this success to the hard work of the exporters and Government’s unwavering support. He also extended his gratitude to Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Minister of Commerce and Industry, for his dynamic leadership and continuous backing of the industry.
Shaleen Toshniwal, Vice-Chairman of MATEXIL, in his closing remarks, reiterated the importance of the Export Awards in motivating industry players. He noted that this tradition of recognizing excellence has encouraged new exporters to strive for greater achievements in the global market. Among the leading companies honored at the event were Reliance Industries Limited, Grasim Industries Limited, D’Décor Exports Private Limited, Sangam India Limited, Vardhman Textiles Limited, RSWM Limited, and Banswara Syntex Limited, among others. The Export Award Function serves as an important platform to acknowledge industry excellence and further inspire Indian companies to expand their global footprint in the Manmade Fibre Textiles sector.
Source: Fashion Business
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed concern over the growing issue of textile waste in India, linking it to the rising global trend of fast fashion. In his monthly ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address, the PM highlighted the alarming impact of textile waste, emphasizing how the habit of discarding old clothes in favour of new ones has become increasingly common. “Have you ever wondered what happens to the clothes you no longer wear? They turn into textile waste,” he said. Citing research, the prime minister pointed out that less than one percent of textile waste is recycled into new clothing worldwide. He further noted that India ranks as the third-largest producer of textile waste, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable solutions. Despite the challenges, PM Modi lauded various initiatives across the country aimed at tackling textile waste. He emphasized that many Indian startups are developing textile recovery facilities and contributing to the growth of sustainable fashion. “Several organizations are working to empower ragpicker communities, while many youngentrepreneurs are engaged in recycling old clothes and footwear to distribute to those in need. Textile waste is also being transformed into products such as decorative items, handbags, stationery, and toys,” he said.
The prime minister also highlighted the rise of circular fashion brands and clothing rental platforms, which allow consumers to rent designer outfits instead of purchasing them outright. During his address, he commended the significant contributions of three Indian cities—Panipat, Bengaluru, and Tirupur—towards sustainable textile waste management. “Panipat in Haryana is emerging as a global hub for textile recycling. Bengaluru is setting an example with innovative technological solutions, collecting more than half of the textile waste in the region. Similarly, Tirupur in Tamil Nadu is making strides in waste management through wastewater treatment and renewable energy initiatives,” he said. PM Modi urged citizens to be more conscious of their fashion choices and to support sustainable practices that reduce textile waste.
Source: Fashion Business
Panipat has become a global hub in dealing with textile waste. Prime Minister Narender Modi also recently praised that Panipat’s textile industry in Haryana is helping in earning huge foreign exchange and has become a global hub in dealing with ‘textile waste’, where rugs coming from 90 countries, yarn and cloth being made having annual turnover for amount worth rupees 3,650 thousand crores from waste cloth (rugs). There are about 350-400 textile industries in this textile city in North where yarn and cloth are made by recycling the rugs coming to Panipat from about 90 countries are stored in 140-150 warehouses in the district producing over 20 lakh kilograms of yarn every day. Information reveals, nearly 270 tons of textile waste arrives in Panipat every day. Apart from this, polyester yarn is also being made by recycling PET bottles, even clothes are being made from this. The former Union Minister of Textiles has given the message of environmental protection by wearing jackets made of polyester yarn. Entrepreneurs are importing waste cloth from foreign countries including USA and European countries to produce cloth and exporting it to the same countries to earn foreign currency, besides utilizing foreign waste in manufacturing textile products. There are eight units in textile town Panipat producing polyester yarn from PET bottles, which also include plastic bottles and broken cans. This is how the box is made from plastic thread. By recycling water, cold drink or any other bottle, white coloured plastic granules and chips are made first. According to information, in past three years, nearly 70 new units have been set up in Panipat to produce yarn from waste. After that the grain is sent to different units and plastic sheet is made from the thread. The plastic sheet is put into the rag machine and fiber is prepared. Fiber strips prepared in automatic spinning mills is sent to the yarn making mill. The yarn making mill puts this plastic fiber in the mixture machine along with cotton fiber, after coming out of the mixture machine it reaches the filter machine through the conveyor belt, when the waste comes out from the filter and the fiber goes to the yarn making machine first and the fiber strip is prepared from automatic spinning mills and the strip passes through another machine by conveyor belt and a fine pet yarn is formed. There are around 150 units in Panipat which make thread by recycling the rugs sent back to America and European countries. According to the entrepreneurs of this sector, they are not getting any facilities from the government so far, and demanded this industry should be tax free, because the tax on the cloth which these entrepreneurs buy has already been paid.
Source: The Financial World
US President Donald Trump has said that the reciprocal tariffs, set to be announced on April 2, will apply to “all countries” without exception, dashing hopes of any relief to India. The announcement comes even as both nations continue negotiations over tariff concessions under a proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA). “All countries… essentially all the countries that we're talking about. There is not a cut off,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, denying reports that reciprocal tariffs will target a smaller group of 10-15 countries with the biggest trade imbalances with the US. He, however, insisted the tariffs would be “generous”. “We are going to be much nicer than they were to us,” he said. Without naming India, Trump took aim at trade practices in Asia. “You go to certain places, you take a look at every single country in Asia, what they have done to the US in trade. I won’t say anybody has treated us fairly or nicely. But we are going to be much more generous to them.” A day earlier, Trump had described India’s tariffs as “brutal” but expressed confidence that trade relations between the two nations would “work out very well.” The two countries have agreed to finalise the first tranche of a BTA by the fall of 2025. Official-level trade talks concluded on Saturday after four days of discussions, with both sides agreeing to begin sector-specific virtual engagements in the coming weeks. A Barclays report last week estimated that $22 billion worth of India’s exports — accounting for 30 per cent of exports to the US and 5 per cent of total goods exports — are at risk from the new tariffs. “Given close trade ties, we expect India to adopt a conciliatory tone on select tariffs and also address some non-tariff barriers,” the report said. So far, there is no clarity on how the reciprocal tariffs will be structured, making it difficult for countries to formulate a response. Trade experts suggest the tariffs could be applied at a country-wide level on all imports, at a sectoral level targeting specific industries, or on individual products and commodities. Given the complexities involved in making these calculations, and the tight implementation timeline, broad country-wide tariffs could be the most straightforward option. Barclays noted that India’s trade-weighted import tariff on American goods is around 10.5 per cent, significantly higher than the US’ corresponding tariff rate of 2.7 per cent. “The largest tariff differentials are on agricultural goods, automobiles and processed food (25-40 per cent). They are relatively lower for petroleum products, gems and jewellery, and electrical machinery and equipment,” it said.
Source: Business Standard
Synopsis Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen will meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio this week amid tensions over U.S. interest in Greenland. The meeting is set for the NATO foreign ministers gathering in Brussels, though it might be canceled due to strained Denmark-U.S. relations. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen is set to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio this week in the first high-level talks since President Donald Trump's re-election and his vow to "take control" of Greenland, the Financial Times said. The prospect of such talks comes amid simmering tension between the two nations over U.S. interest in taking control of Greenland, the Arctic island controlled by Denmark since 1721. The meeting is planned for the sidelines of a gathering of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels set to begin on Thursday, the paper said on Tuesday, citing two officials briefed on the preparations. However, the officials warned the event could be cancelled because of tense relations between Copenhagen and Washington, it added. The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen is visiting Greenland from April 2 to 4 for talks with the new government of the semi-autonomous territory just days after a visit by U.S. Vice President JD Vance. On his trip, Vance accused Denmark of not doing a good job of keeping the island safe and suggested the United States would better protect the strategically located island.
Source: The Economic Times
TESTEX’s new TESTEX CIRCULARITY label, which focuses on extending product lifecycle, empowers brands and manufacturers to embrace circular economy principles in textiles. At the heart of the TESTEX CIRCULARITY concept is a commitment to minimising waste and maximising the lifespan of textiles through responsible design, production, and consumption. The circular economy seeks to preserve resources, combat climate change, and reduce pollution by ensuring that products and materials are given new life after their initial use. Through reuse, repair, and recycling, products don’t become waste but instead continue to generate value while reducing their negative environmental impacts.
Key benefits of the TESTEX CIRCULARITY label include:
Durability: Products are designed to last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Repairability: Garments are crafted to be easily repairable, allowing consumers to extend their lifespan. Recyclability: At the end of a garment’s life, materials can be broken down and repurposed, minimising waste. With the TESTEX CIRCULARITY label, TESTEX supports brands and manufacturers in “closing the loop”, reducing their environmental impact while continuing to grow responsibly. For consumers, choosing products with the TESTEX CIRCULARITY label means making a responsible choice that contributes to a sustainable future.
Who is the TESTEX CIRCULARITY label suitable for?
Brands looking to align their products with circular economy principles. Manufacturers aiming to produce garments that meet the highest sustainability standards. By adopting the TESTEX CIRCULARITY label, brands and manufacturers can lead the charge toward a more sustainable and responsible fashion industry.
About TESTEX
TESTEX is a globally operating and independent Swiss testing and certification institute. Our expertise lies in testing, analysing and certifying textiles and leather. In addition to the headquarters in Switzerland, the TESTEX Group and its subsidiary OETI now operate with 40 branches across North America, Europe, Asia and Africa and around 400 employees worldwide.
Source: Eco Textiles
The difficult business environment for Vietnamese enterprises operating in Myanmar has been compounded by the recent earthquake, according to the Vietnam Trade Office in Myanmar. Though all Vietnamese businesses reported safe, trading is expected face significant obstacles, the trade office said. The quake caused massive infrastructure damage inside Myanmar, disrupting power supplies, telecommunications networks. The scale of destruction is vast. According to Nguyen Duong Kien, Trade Counsellor of the Vietnam Trade Office in Myanmar, infrastructure damage, such as collapsed walls and power outages disrupting telecommunications, will undoubtedly create further barriers to trade between the two nations. Travel between regions has become increasingly difficult, leading to sky-high logistics costs and further complicating business operations, a Vietnamese media outlet reported. The ongoing instability and conflict inside Myanmar have led to the closure of several customs stations along its borders with China and Thailand, further restricting trade.
Generator-induced power is driving up operational costs.
Therefore, Myanmar’s economic recovery in the short term looks increasingly unlikely. Vietnam’s trade with Myanmar has already been on the decline, and the earthquake is expected to exacerbate this trend. The two-way trade turnover was reported $574 million in 2024, a 16-per cent year-on-year (YoY) decrease. The first two months of 2025 saw an even steeper decline, with a 29-per cent drop in total import-export turnover, amounting to just $72 million. Vietnam primarily exports textiles and garment materials, footwear, fertilisers and plastics to Myanmar. The decline in trade can be attributed to several factors, including Myanmar's ongoing import restrictions as well as the fact that most goods must have import licences. These licences are difficult to obtain due to complex internal procedures, further hindering the flow of goods. Many Vietnamese companies have been forced to export their goods through Thailand before transporting them across the border to Myanmar. This significantly raises costs, as these shipments are not officially counted as exports from Vietnam to Myanmar.
Source: Fibre2fashion
EDANA, the leading global association and voice for nonwovens and related industries has published its annual overview of the high-level figures from the EDANA Statistics Report on Nonwovens Production and Deliveries for 2024. According to the latest data, in 2024, compared to data from 2023, nonwovens production in Greater Europe increased in volume by 2.6% to 2,976, 400 tonnes, and by 2.9% in surface area resulting in 85.1 billion square meters of nonwovens being manufactured. However, differing trends were observed at the national level when comparing production between Greater European countries, and when assessing the various production processes of nonwovens and market segments. Jacques Prigneaux, EDANA’s Market Analysis and Economic Affairs Director, further expanded on the trend: “In the aftermath of two consecutive declines of more than 5% in 2022 and 2023, the production of nonwovens in Greater Europe has reverted to its pre-pandemic level in terms of weight. At the same time, the production in surface area grew faster, resulting in an average grammage of 34.9 gsm, as opposed to the 37.2 gsm recorded in 2019.” According to the latest data, in 2024, compared to data from 2023, nonwovens production in Greater Europe increased in volume by 2.6% to 2,976, 400 tonnes, and by 2.9% in surface area resulting in 85.1 billion square meters of nonwovens being manufactured. However, differing trends were observed at the national level when comparing production between Greater European countries, and also when assessing the various production processes of nonwovens and market segments. Jacques Prigneaux, EDANA’s Market Analysis and Economic Affairs Director, further expanded on the trend: “In the aftermath of two consecutive declines of more than 5% in 2022 and 2023, the production of nonwovens in Greater Europe has reverted to its pre-pandemic level in terms of weight. At the same time, the production in surface area grew faster, resulting in an average grammage of 34.9 gsm, as opposed to the 37.2 gsm recorded in 2019.” Wetlaid nonwovens, which experienced a significant decline in 2023, demonstrated the most substantial growth rates this year. Conversely, airlaid was the only web-forming process to register a decline in 2024, yet it was also the sole process to exhibit growth the previous year. Spunmelt production continues to dominate in terms of surface area. Drylaid exhibited limited growth, attributable to the positive developments seen in the production and sales of Air-through and Hydro-entangled materials. The predominant end-use for nonwovens continues to be the hygiene market, accounting for 27% of deliveries, amounting to 797,300 tons, and exhibiting a 1.7% growth in 2024. Last year, the most substantial growth sectors for nonwovens were building and roofing materials (+14.2%), food and beverage applications (+13%), cotton pads (+4.9%), and personal care wipes (+4.8%).
Prigneaux added “thanks to data collected in two units, our statistics provide EDANA members with the opportunity to thoroughly analyze trends in tonnage and surface area across 11 production processes and at least 83 market segments.”
EDANA extends its appreciation to all contributing companies that participated in the data collection process. Their valuable input ensures an accurate and detailed representation of the nonwovens market. “Without the input from participating companies”, Jacques Prigneaux noted, “these figures could have not been compiled, and we would like to thank them again for their efforts in sending their input to us. This data, combined with continuous monitoring of the industry, guarantees that EDANA statistics serve as a valuable planning and benchmarking instrument for all member companies.” A comprehensive analysis, including deeper insights into production trends, market evolution, and strategic outlooks, is available exclusively to EDANA members. This report serves as a critical resource for companies looking to navigate the evolving nonwovens landscape. In addition, in November 2024, EDANA, together with INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, released the Global Nonwoven Markets Report, A Comprehensive Survey and Outlook, 2023-2028. This edition offers a comprehensive analysis of global nonwoven macro drivers, supply and demand trends, and an expanded regional trade section. The report forecasts a steady growth in demand for nonwovens across key sectors over the next five years. This report is available for purchase in the following page. EDANA remains dedicated to supporting the nonwovens industry by providing market intelligence, advocacy, and networking opportunities.
Source: Indian Textiles
Known as a leader in fiber technology, FIT (formerly known as Fiber Innovation Technology) is now a part of Universal Fiber Systems. This latest investment in Johnson City, Tennessee, represents a strategic expansion of Universal Fiber Systems capabilities and commitment to innovation and customer service to our expanding global market, now serving twenty-two diverse segments. "We're thrilled to add FIT to Universal Fiber Systems! I've long admired FIT and am impressed with what Chris Parris and his team have accomplished," said Marc Ammen, CEO of Universal Fiber Systems. "We will be supporting FIT by expanding its production capacity in the very near future to continue advancing our market leadership." FIT, known for its cutting-edge approach to fiber solutions, has been at the forefront of technological innovations in the industry. "FIT and I are very excited to join the Universal Fiber Systems' team," remarked Chris Parris, General Manager of FIT. "We look forward to the new growth this venture will bring, and continuing our tradition of innovation, expertise, and unparalleled customer service, now under the Universal Fiber Systems umbrella." This acquisition underscores Universal Fiber Systems' dedication to enhancing its product offerings and service capabilities. The integration of FIT into Universal Fiber Systems not only expands its operational footprint but also enriches its technical prowess and response to market needs. "Adding FIT's innovative capabilities and expert team to our portfolio enhances our ability to serve and respond to our customers more effectively," added Ammen. "It ensures we remain at the cutting edge of fiber technology and continue to push boundaries in the ever-evolving industries we serve."
The partnership marks a significant step in Universal Fiber Systems' strategy to lead the industry in sustainable, high-performance fiber solutions while diversifying our portfolio in fiber technology, empowering both Universal Fiber Systems and FIT to better serve global customers with enhanced products and services.
Source: Fibre2fashion
Dhaka last week reiterated its call for reducing interest rates for Chinese loans from 3 per cent to 1-2 per cent, and also sought a waiver on commitment fees for Chinese-funded projects. The call was made during Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus's bilateral meeting with Chinese executive vice-premier Ding Xuexiang on the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference in Hainan. Ding said China would fund modernisation efforts of the Mongla Port and the Dasherkandi Sewage project in Bangladesh and assured Chinese funding to purchase four ocean-going vessels for state-run Bangladesh Shipping Corporation. Yunus also secured a commitment for Bangladesh to enjoy duty-free and quota-free access to the Chinese market until 2028. He discussed relocating Chinese manufacturing plants to Bangladesh as well, domestic media outlets in Bangladesh reported. Beijing is keen to start free trade negotiations with Dhaka, he said at the meeting with Yunus. Despite China granting Bangladesh 99-per cent duty-free access in 2022, the latter’s exports to the former have actually declined.
Source: Fibre2fashinon
