Latest fibres & fabrics news and analysis articles 
The latest developments in fibres and fabrics, trade show reports and news on individual companies
Hong Kong's changing role in the apparel industry
10 February 2012
China's rise over the past two decades as the leading location for apparel sourcing has had a knock-on effect on Hong Kong's role in the global garment industry, shifting it from a manufacturer to a servicing and sourcing centre. It will take on even more diverse roles in the future, according to industry executives speaking at recent conferences in Hong Kong. Vicky Sung reports.
US: Cotton stockpile figures weigh on futures prices
10 February 2012
Cotton prices for March delivery have dropped to 90.3 cents a pound on the ICE Futures US exchange in New York after the latest monthly figures from the US Department of Agriculture forecast a rise in production and a fall in consumption for the current season.
Emerging markets drive investment in nonwovens
10 February 2012
Rapid growth in demand in emerging markets is driving investment in nonwovens, according to a new report - with several nonwovens roll goods producers expanding to target markets in Asia, Australasia, the Middle East, North Africa, South America and Southern Africa.
Top stories on just-style this week...
10 February 2012
The most-read stories on just-style this week included news that Nike has lent its support to a new waterless fabric dyeing process, the recommendation that international brands and retailers address the low wages of Cambodian garment workers, and reports that despite facing a tough year, China's textile and clothing industry is set for further growth.
GERMANY: Hybrid yarn developed for sport and leisure wear
10 February 2012
Researchers in Germany have developed an innovative new yarn for sport and leisure wear which is based on regenerated cellulose fibres and said to combine the benefits of synthetic and woollen fibres.
UK: Woolmark relaunches Cool Wool campaign
10 February 2012
The Woolmark Company is hoping to boost uptake of lightweight Merino suiting fabrics this summer with the reintroduction of its 'Cool Wool' campaign.
US: Zero discharge initiative "should include suppliers"
9 February 2012
Plans by six apparel and footwear brands and retailers to eliminate the discharge of hazardous chemicals from their supply chains by 2020 have been widely praised by a group of stakeholders - but are aiming for a challenging deadline and should have been expanded to include suppliers, they say.
Viewpoint: Cambodia's garment sector faces continued challenges
9 February 2012
With much of the success of Cambodia's garment industry based on its well-publicised commitment to basic labour standards, it's perhaps not surprising that the sector finds itself under a spotlight when it comes to wider worker welfare issues. Indeed, several events that have taken place in recent weeks highlight some of the challenges faced by the local industry.
INDIA: Rising interest rates a "mounting crisis" for exporters
9 February 2012
The chairman of the group that represents Indian apparel exporters has warned of a "mounting crisis" as rising interest rates and a slowdown in demand from customers in the US and EU weigh on businesses.
SOUTH KOREA: Hyosung develops new dyeable elastane
9 February 2012
South Korean yarn producer Hyosung has developed a new dyeable version of its Creora elastane fibre, which it is launching next week in partnership with European Stretch Fabrics.
US: Rising costs push yarn maker Unifi to Q2 loss
9 February 2012
Yarn maker Unifi Inc has reported its first quarterly loss in over two years after high raw material prices and weak demand overshadowed higher sales.
CAMBODIA: Tribunal urges "immediate steps" on garment pay
8 February 2012
A two-day hearing in which over 200 Cambodian garment workers gathered to give evidence on pay and conditions at factories has recommended that international brands and retailers take "immediate steps" to address the issue of poverty wages for factory workers.
US: Nike backs waterless fabric dyeing process
8 February 2012
Sporting goods giant Nike Inc has teamed up with a Dutch textile machinery company that has developed a way to dye fabrics without using water - and says it hopes to boost the technology's uptake throughout the apparel industry.
EU: Industry group backs anti-counterfeiting pact
8 February 2012
The body representing the European textile and apparel industry is urging the European Parliament and EU member states to adopt legislation designed to combat global copyright infringement - despite mounting public opposition to the treaty.
PAKISTAN: Inks pact with Indonesia to boost trade
8 February 2012
Pakistan and Indonesia have signed a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) that should boost trade and investment flows between the two countries and could ultimately lead to the creation of a Free Trade Area.
NETHERLANDS: IAF appointments strengthen its structure
8 February 2012
The International Apparel Federation (IAF) has made three new appointments aimed at giving the global group "more strength and expertise to improve the value added to our members."
Comment: Perception is part of the Chinese apparel puzzle
7 February 2012
2011 is shaping up to be the worst year for China in a decade. Full year figures have not yet been released, but in the 10 months ending 31 October 2011, China's US market share measured both in units and by value was down over 4% compared with the same period in 2010. The question, asks David Birnbaum, is why?
INDIA: Indorama begins first domestic spandex production
6 February 2012
Indorama Industries Limited [IIL], a unit of Singapore-based Indorama Corporation, has started India's first spandex production plant, in a move that will provide domestic producers with a local supply of the stretch fibre.
just-style's research roundup
6 February 2012
This week's highlights from just-style's research store include trends in world textile and clothing trade, prospects for the textile and clothing industry in Brazil, and an analysis of the apparel industry in Bangladesh.
China's textile and clothing set for further growth
6 February 2012
Despite a number of challenges, China's textile and clothing industry is set for further growth while its competitors suffer declines as a result of cutbacks by retail buyers, according to new research.
HONDURAS: Stretchline sets up Central America production
3 February 2012
Stretchline Holdings, the specialist supplier of narrow fabrics and knitted elastics used in lingerie and activewear, has opened its latest joint venture in Honduras to help speed supply times to retailers and brands in the US and Canada.
WORLD: Economic slowdown could weigh on cotton prices
3 February 2012
The International Cotton Advisory Board (ICAC) has cut global demand estimates for the fibre, signalling that slower global economic growth and ample supplies could place downward pressure on prices.
Top stories on just-style this week...
3 February 2012
Among the most-read stories on just-style this week was a report on China's 12th five-year plan for the domestic textile industry, a temporary tariff waiver on products imported into the EU from Pakistan - and our annual management briefing on apparel industry issues to watch in the year ahead.
EU: WTO approves tariff waiver for Pakistan
2 February 2012
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has approved a request from the European Union (EU) to temporarily lift duties on 75 products from Pakistan - the majority of which are textiles, apparel, and footwear.
just-style management briefing: Other issues to watch in the year ahead
2 February 2012
Generally, 2012 is seen as being another challenging business year for the apparel industry. Uncertainties include the performance of the global economy, the European debt crisis, US consumer sentiment, and producer price inflation. Being able to react quickly to sourcing challenges, get more efficient in production, and reduce cycle times will help firms react to these volatile markets.
just-style management briefing: Lessons learnt from the past for the future
2 February 2012
What should apparel firms have learnt from the upheaval of the past couple of years - and what should they be doing now if they want to remain competitive into the future? Buyers and manufacturers need to build a deeper, long-term relationship our respondents said, as well as focusing on a sourcing portfolio that balances costs and risks.
just-style management briefing: Opportunities for the apparel industry in 2012
2 February 2012
Opportunities the apparel industry can look forward to this year include speed to market, which favours sourcing in the western hemisphere; growth in the number and spending power of middle-lass consumers in emerging markets like China and India; and the use of technology and the internet to make sourcing a truly global activity.
just-style management briefing: Apparel industry challenges in 2012
2 February 2012
Uncertainty is perhaps the biggest challenge facing the apparel industry in 2012. The economic situation in Europe and the US, swings in commodity prices, labour shortages and rising costs, especially in China, all add up to a worrying year.
China's new five-year plan to guide industry expansion
31 January 2012
Domestic market expansion, new materials development and the transfer of production bases are all priorities under the 12th five-year plan (2011 to 2015) for the domestic textile industry, released by mainland China's ministry of industry and information technology earlier this month.
US: NAT enters Tuscarora partnership to produce Crailar Flax
31 January 2012
Naturally Advanced Technologies has announced a partnership with Tuscarora Yarns to explore a range of blended yarns using Crailar Flax.
