26 August 2023, Mumbai 

The growing consumer awareness regarding sustainable and environmentally-friendly clothing is fueling an increase in the demand for clothing repair and re-wear services by high-end brands worldwide.

What all you need to know

Reference to context 

Growing consumer demand for sustainable fashion is driving the adoption of scalable repair services. Japan is a leader in this space, and governments are promoting repair services to reduce waste.

Challenges of providing repair services

Employing the principle that a timely fix prevents greater issues, numerous prominent fashion companies are establishing scalable and profitable after-sales repair services to extend the lifespan of their products. This endeavor comes with challenges related to logistics and workforce management, which they are actively overcoming.

The role of Japan in the repair and recycling sector

Leading the forefront of this movement is Japan, where local brands have long been engaged in repairing traditional kimonos through in-house services. They are now expanding this restorative ethos globally by collaborating with international brands.

The global adoption of repair services

On a global scale, premium brands including Patagonia, Nudie Jeans, Zara, Levi’s, and Uniqlo, among others, are introducing repair services with a strong focus on sustainability and waste reduction.

Even fast-fashion giant Uniqlo now offers repair services at select stores in Japan, specializing in tasks like mending tears, adding embroidery to existing clothing items, conducting alterations, and addressing issues like torn puffer jackets and damaged jeans.

Government initiatives to promote repair services

Similar initiatives are emerging in Europe as well. The French government recently announced plans to subsidize clothing and shoe repairs to minimize waste starting from October 2023. Inditex, the company behind Zara, is expanding repair services across major markets and has already introduced mending services in Britain. 

H&M has partnered with a startup for its 'Close the Loop' program, encouraging customers to deposit used clothing in in-store recycling bins and receive vouchers for future purchases. 

Similarly, Sephora has launched 'Beauty (Re) Purposed' to address hard-to-recycle packaging waste, successfully reaching its target audience and driving profits.

Challenges of the repair-and-re-wear apparel sector

Nevertheless, major retailers are grappling with a shortage of skilled labor as they strive to meet the growing demand for clothing repair and re-wear. This segment requires specialized skills and focused effort, which many young employees are not inclined to pursue. 

Additionally, the prevalence of affordable fast fashion means that the average middle-class shopper might not have the financial means or motivation to invest in repairing old garments. 

The repair-and-re-wear apparel sector promotes brand loyalty and longevity, yet it remains a niche market that is just beginning to gain momentum.

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21 August 2023, Mumbai

The apparel industry is facing increasing pressure to provide comprehensive skills training and development for its workforce. This is due to several challenges, including:

• Growing demands of consumers for faster and more cost-effective product delivery. Consumers are demanding shorter lead times and lower prices, which puts pressure on apparel businesses to streamline their operations and find ways to reduce costs. This can be difficult to do without a skilled workforce that can operate efficiently and effectively.
• Need to comply with transparent and sustainable supply chains. Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental and social impact of the apparel industry. This has led to a growing demand for apparel businesses to adopt transparent and sustainable supply chains. This requires a skilled workforce that is knowledgeable about these issues and able to implement them in practice.
• Lack of comprehensive skill assessments. There is no standardized way to assess the skills of apparel workers. This makes it difficult for businesses to identify the skills gaps in their workforce and to develop training programs that are tailored to their specific needs.
• Shortage of budget for training. Apparel businesses are often under financial pressure, which can make it difficult for them to invest in training and development. This is especially true for small and medium-sized businesses.
  

Solutions to the Skills Gap

What all you need to know

There are several things that apparel businesses can do to address the skills gap. These include:

• Focus on employee career growth. Businesses should create a culture of learning and development where employees are encouraged to develop their skills and advance their careers. This can be done by providing opportunities for training and development, as well as by offering clear career paths.
• Develop a coherent methodology for assessing training effectiveness. Businesses should develop a systematic way to assess the effectiveness of their training programs. This will help them to ensure that they are investing their resources in the most effective way possible.
• Revive traditional skills. Some traditional skills, such as sewing and patternmaking, are becoming increasingly scarce in the apparel industry. Businesses should consider reviving these skills by offering training programs or by hiring experienced workers with these skills.
• Partner with industry associations and educational institutions. Businesses can partner with industry associations and educational institutions to develop and deliver training programs. This can help them to tap into the expertise of these organizations and to get access to high-quality training programs.

Examples of Initiatives to Address the Skills Gap

There are several initiatives that are being taken to address the skills gap in the apparel industry. These include:

• Apparel Training & Design Centre (ATDC). The ATDC is India's largest vocational training network for the apparel sector. It offers a variety of training programs, including technical design, product development, and quality control.
• NIFT TEA Knitwear Fashion Institute. The NIFT TEA Knitwear Fashion Institute has been implementing skill training programs for industry needs. It has a good placement record and has been recognized for its outstanding contribution to skill development.
• Haryana Skill Development Mission (HSDM). The HSDM had signed in the past a MoU with the Apparel Made-Ups & Home Furnishing Sector Skill Council (AMH SSC). This will help to align the training providers of HSDM with the AMH SSC and ensure that their courses are aligned with the National Occupational Standards (NOSs).
• Ministry of Education and University Grants Commission (UGC). The UGC has in the past jointly implemented a project with Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) to reduce the skill gap of mid-level managers in the textile and Readymade Garments (RMG) sector.

Conclusion

By investing in training and development, apparel businesses can ensure that they have the skilled workforce they need to succeed in the global marketplace. 

By addressing the challenges and implementing the solutions outlined above, the apparel industry can create a more skilled and sustainable workforce for the future.

The apparel industry is facing a skills gap due to changing consumer demands, environmental concerns, and lack of training. Businesses can address this by investing in training and development, reviving traditional skills, and partnering with industry associations.

Here is a more detailed explanation of each point:

• Changing consumer demands: Consumers are demanding faster and more cost-effective product delivery, as well as products that are made sustainably. This puts pressure on apparel businesses to streamline their operations and find ways to reduce costs, which requires a skilled workforce.
• Environmental concerns: Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of the apparel industry. This has led to a growing demand for apparel businesses to adopt sustainable practices, such as using recycled materials and reducing water waste. This requires a skilled workforce that is knowledgeable about these issues and able to implement them in practice.
• Lack of training: There is no standardized way to assess the skills of apparel workers, which makes it difficult for businesses to identify the skills gaps in their workforce and develop training programs that are tailored to their specific needs. Additionally, many apparel businesses are under financial pressure, which can make it difficult for them to invest in training and development.

By addressing these challenges and implementing the solutions outlined above, the apparel industry can create a more skilled and sustainable workforce for the future.

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23 August 2023, Mumbai

Apparel Imports

In June 2023, apparel imports fell by 23% year-on-year to $6.6 billion in the US. China's share of the US apparel import market decreased by 5% since 2021.

In June 2023, apparel imports also declined by 10% year-on-year to $7.0 billion in the EU. Bangladesh's share of the EU apparel import market increased by 2%, while China's share decreased by 3% since 2021.

In June 2023, apparel imports in the UK rose by 5% year-on-year to $1.9 billion. China's share of the UK apparel import market decreased by 6% since 2021.

In June 2023, apparel imports in Japan were unchanged at $1.6 billion, both year-on-year and year-to-date. 

China held a 51% share of the Japanese apparel import market.

Retail Sales

In July 2023, US monthly apparel store sales increased by 5% year-on-year and year-to-date to $18.2 billion. 

Home furnishing store sales decreased by 10% year-on-year and by 1% year-to-date to $4.7 billion. Online sales of clothing and accessories grew by 1% in Q2 2023 compared to Q2 2022.

In July 2023, UK monthly apparel store sales increased by 3% year-on-year to £3.7 billion. Online sales of clothing grew by 10% in Q2 2023 compared to Q2 2022.

India's Apparel Exports; Exports decreased by 21% year-on-year to $1.1 billion in July 2023.

Key Takeaways

Apparel imports fell in the US, EU, and UK in June 2023, but remained unchanged in Japan.

China's share of apparel imports declined in all markets except Japan.

US apparel store sales increased in July 2023, while home furnishing store sales decreased.

UK apparel store sales increased in July 2023, and online sales of clothing grew.

India's apparel exports decreased in July 2023.

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19 August 2023, Mumbai

A Sustainable Way to Reduce Waste in the Fashion Industry

Upcycling is the process of transforming waste materials into new products of higher quality or value. In the context of fashion, upcycling means giving old clothes a new lease on life by repairing, altering, or repurposing them. 

This can be done in a variety of ways, depending on the materials and the creativity of the upcycled.

What all you need to know

Benefits of Upcycling Fashion

Upcycling fashion has many benefits, both environmental and personal.

•         Environmental benefits: 

Upcycling helps to reduce waste and conserve resources. The fashion industry is a major contributor to waste, producing around 92 million tons of textile waste each year. Upcycling can help to reduce this waste by giving old clothes a new life.

•         Personal benefits: 

Upcycling can be a fun and creative way to express your personal style. You can customize old clothes to fit your unique taste and needs. It can also be a great way to save money.

How to Upcycle Fashion

There are many ways to upcycle fashion. Here are a few ideas:

•         Repair torn or damaged clothes: 

This can be done by sewing, darning, or patching.

•         Alter clothes to fit better or change the style: This can be done by taking in or letting out seams, adding or removing sleeves, or changing the hemline.
•         Repurpose clothes into new items: 

This could include making a tote bag from an old t-shirt, a quilt from old jeans, or a pillow from a worn-out sweater.

•         Get creative!: 

There are endless possibilities when it comes to upcycling fashion. Be creative and see what you can come up with.

Upcycling Initiatives by Brands

Rising consumer awareness of the environmental impact of the fashion industry has led to brands and companies embracing upcycling. Some brands that have launched upcycling initiatives include:

•         Doodlage: This sustainable fashion brand launched a 100% upcycled or recycled collection in 2022.
•         Pomogrenade: This Bengaluru-based ethical fashion brand upcycles old clothes and textiles to create new garments.
•         RaasLeela: This Gujarat-based label upcycles traditional textiles to create modern garments.
•         The Second Life: This platform connects people who want to give away or sell their unwanted clothes with people who want to upcycle them.
•         Patch over Patch: This social enterprise teaches people how to upcycle clothes and textiles.

The Future of Upcycling Fashion

The fashion industry is slowly waking up to the importance of sustainability. Upcycling is one of the ways that the industry can reduce its environmental impact. As awareness of upcycling grows, we can expect to see more brands and consumers embracing this sustainable practice.

Upcycling fashion is a sustainable way to reduce waste in the fashion industry. It gives old clothes a new lease on life and can be done in a variety of creative ways.

Here are some of the benefits of upcycling fashion:

• It reduces waste and conserves resources.
• It can be a fun and creative way to express your personal style.
• It can save you money.

Here are some ways to upcycle fashion:

• Repair torn or damaged clothes.
• Alter clothes to fit better or change the style.
• Repurpose clothes into new items.
• Get creative!

There are many upcycling initiatives being launched by brands and companies. As awareness of upcycling grows, we can expect to see more brands and consumers embracing this sustainable practice.

Epilogue

Upcycling fashion is a fun, creative, and sustainable way to reduce waste and conserve resources. There are many ways to upcycle fashion, so get creative and see what you can come up with!

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14 August 2023, Mumbai

Context setting

India's textile sector is a major driver of the economy, providing employment to millions of people and generating billions of dollars in export revenue.

The sector is highly diverse, with a wide range of products and services, from traditional handwoven fabrics to cutting-edge textiles.

It is also highly competitive, with a large number of small and medium-sized enterprises.

India's textile sector is a major driver of the economy, providing employment to millions and generating billions in export revenue. It is facing challenges, but the India-EU FTA could help it become a global leader.

What all you need to know

Export Performance

India is a major exporter of textiles, with exports worth $7.3 billion in 2022.

The EU is a major destination for Indian textiles, accounting for 9% of India's total textile exports.

However, Indian textiles face stiff competition from other countries, such as Bangladesh and Vietnam, which have preferential tariff arrangements with the EU.

India-EU Free Trade Agreement

India is negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) with the EU, which would eliminate tariffs on textiles and other products.

The FTA would also address other issues important to the textile sector, such as sustainability and intellectual property rights.

Conclusion

The India-EU FTA has the potential to boost the Indian textile sector and help it become a global leader.

The sector is facing some challenges, such as rising costs and competition from other countries. However, it is also well-positioned to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the FTA.

Additional Points

India has one of the world's oldest textile traditions, dating back thousands of years.

The textile sector is a major employer in India, providing jobs to millions of people.

The sector is a major source of foreign exchange earnings for India, generating billions of dollars in export revenue each year.

The sector is facing some challenges, such as rising costs and competition from other countries. However, it is also well-positioned to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the global economy.

The Indian textile sector is a key driver of the economy and has the potential to play a leading role in the global textile industry. The India-EU FTA is a major opportunity for the sector to grow and prosper.

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23 August 2023, Mumbai

Fashion is often seen as a frivolous and superficial industry, but it can also be a powerful tool for social justice. 

Designers, brands, and consumers can all use fashion to raise awareness about important issues, challenge stereotypes, and promote ethical and sustainable practices.

What all you need to know

Here are some specific examples of how fashion has been used for social justice:

Raising awareness: 

The fashion industry has used its platform to raise awareness about climate change, poverty, and human rights abuses. 

For example, the Fashion Revolution movement encourages people to question where their clothes come from and to demand more ethical practices from the fashion industry.

Breaking stereotypes: 

Designers have used fashion to challenge traditional gender roles and promote body positivity. 

For example, the Aerie Real campaign features models of all shapes and sizes, challenging the idea that there is only one ideal body type.

Empowering marginalized groups: 

Fashion designers have created collections that celebrate the diversity of cultures and identities. For example, the Black Panther collection by Off-White was inspired by African culture and heritage.

Promoting ethical and sustainable practices: 

There is a growing movement in the fashion industry to adopt more ethical and sustainable practices. 

This includes using recycled materials, paying fair wages to workers, and reducing the environmental impact of the industry.

How can you use fashion for social justice?

There are many ways that you can use fashion for social justice. Here are a few ideas:

Support brands that are committed to ethical and sustainable practices. There are many brands that are working to make the fashion industry more ethical and sustainable. 

By supporting these brands, you can help to make a difference.

Be mindful of the impact of your clothing purchases. 

When you buy clothes, consider the environmental and social impact of your choices. 

Choose clothes that are made from sustainable materials and that are produced in ethical factories.

Get involved in fashion activism

There are many ways to get involved in fashion activism. You can volunteer for a fashion-related non-profit organization, sign petitions, or spread awareness about ethical fashion on social media.

Fashion is a powerful tool that can be used to make a difference in the world. By being mindful of the choices we make, we can use fashion to promote social justice and create a more equitable future.

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19 August 2023, Mumbai

The global petroleum-fuel dyes and markers market is estimated to be valued at US$ 467 million in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period, 2023-2033. 

The market growth is driven by the following factors:

Increasing production of petroleum and petroleum-based products

Rising adulteration of petroleum

An increasing number of government laws regarding fuel taxes

Petroleum-Fuel Dyes and Markers

Petroleum-fuel dyes are aromatic substances that are used to add color characteristics to gasoline and other petroleum products. 

They possess inherent characteristics such as solubility and intense color and exhibit good affinity towards the end-use substrate. 

Petroleum markers on the other hand are colourless substances, which when added to fuels are detected by adding a specific reagent.

Petroleum dyes and markers are used in applications where different grades of fuels are required to be distinguished, to prevent fuel adulteration and theft, and to add aesthetic appeal to fuels.

Key Drivers

The following are the key drivers of the global petroleum-fuel dyes and markers market:

Increasing production of petroleum and petroleum-based products: The global demand for petroleum and petroleum-based products is increasing due to the growing population and rising standards of living. 

This is leading to the increased production of petroleum and petroleum-based products, which in turn is driving the demand for petroleum-fuel dyes and markers.

Rising adulteration of petroleum: 

Petroleum adulteration is the practice of adding unauthorized substances to petroleum products in order to increase their volume or improve their appearance. 

This is a major problem in many countries, and it is estimated that up to 20% of petroleum products sold in some countries are adulterated. Petroleum-fuel dyes and markers can be used to detect petroleum adulteration, which is helping to combat this problem.

An increasing number of government laws regarding fuel taxes: 

Governments around the world are increasingly imposing taxes on fuel in order to raise revenue and reduce pollution. 

This is leading to the increased use of petroleum-fuel dyes and markers, which can be used to differentiate between taxed and untaxed fuels.

Regional Analysis

The global petroleum-fuel dyes and markers market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America is the largest market for petroleum-fuel dyes and markers, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. The high demand for petroleum products in these regions is driving the market growth.

Key Players

The following are some of the key players in the global petroleum-fuel dyes and markers market:

Johnson Matthey (Tracerco)

DuPont

BASF SE

SGS SA

Innospec

Marquard & Bahls

Pylam Products Company, Inc.

John Hogg Technical Solutions

SBZ Corporation

United Color Manufacturing, Inc.

Spectronics Corporation

In summary

The global petroleum-fuel dyes and markers market is expected to grow at a steady pace during the forecast period, driven by the factors mentioned above. 

The market is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years due to the increasing demand for petroleum products and the need to prevent fuel adulteration and theft.

CREDITS:  Future Market Insights report

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