02 April 2022, Mumbai:

Lectra, a prominent developer of Industry 4.0 solutions for the fashion, automotive, and furniture industries, has announced that its commercial and technological partnership with Microsoft would be expanded.

"Along with Kubix Link, which we released in 2020, Fashion On Demand by Lectra is now part of our cooperation with Microsoft, representing an increased link between our two companies," stated Maximilien Abadie, Chief Strategy Officer at Lectra.

It's worth noting that Fashion On Demand by Lectra combines a high-performance single-ply fabric cutter with Microsoft Azure-hosted smart digital cutting software.

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Fashion On Demand by Lectra is a turnkey solution for fashion companies that automates the on-demand production of garments from order receipt to cutting, according to the French technology company, giving brands and manufacturers complete control over all steps in their on-demand process, whether they are producing small series or customized items.

"This ground-breaking proposition also assists them in responding to the difficulties of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) that fashion sector participants today confront," Lectra adds.

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Concerns about the environment, social issues, and economic challenges now have a direct impact on consumer purchase decisions. Both the textile industry and local governments are affected by these issues. A good example is the introduction of an anti-waste law in France on January 1, 2022.

"Brands and manufacturers now have an option with Lectra's Fashion On Demand. They can manufacture single and/or bespoke orders and, as a result, can promote the proper quantity of products to ensure that they sell because they fit clients' wants and specifications," Lectra explained.

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Manufacturers are able to use a more flexible production process to produce products in small batches, resulting in increased profitability. Fashion firms may adjust their offering in real-time thanks to this adaptability, without sacrificing efficiency, fabric consumption (which can account for up to 60% of a garment's production costs), or agility.

"Through this partnership with Microsoft, Lectra pushes technological innovation, speeding the digital transformation of fashion companies and manufacturers," said Gilles d'Aramon, Microsoft France's General Manager of Global Partner Solutions.

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CREDITS: PR NEWS WIRE & Apparel Resources.

10 March 2022, Mumbai:

Uniqlo owner Fast Retailing Co 9983.T is suspending its Russian operations temporarily, it said on Thursday, reversing its previous position and adding that it condemned acts of aggression.

While numerous brands announced their exits from Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, Fast Retailing's founder had told Japanese media that the company would continue operating its 50 stores in Russia because "clothing is a necessity of life".

ALSO READ: 'Uniqlo India' sales jump 

But on Thursday it said: "While continuing our Uniqlo business in Russia, it has become clear to us that we can no longer proceed due to a number of difficulties.

"We condemn all forms of aggression that violate human rights and threaten the peaceful existence of individuals."

RELATED ARTICLE Uniqlo India reduces their losses 

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CREDITS: nasdaq.com.

31 March 2022, Mumbai:

TMC Ltd. of New Zealand introduces 'Herculan,' a performance fabric made from overabundant interior textile wool.

TMC Ltd. The owner of Nuyarn spinning technology and a known inventor in the performance fiber and garment arena, has created Herculan, one of the first products in the world to combine better performance benefits of wool with durability and sustainability for the apparel market.

TMC's proprietary Nuyarn spinning machines were modified from the ground up to accommodate strong wool – the coarsest and most durable grade of wool fibers (>38 microns), which was previously only suitable for interior textiles such as flooring and upholstery. Herculan, a patented technology, is said to be the result of more than three years of R&D.

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Carpet wool, as the industry calls it, has a poor market value and is often too expensive to treat, package, and export in recent bearish years, so it ends up in landfills.

Interior Textile Wool is predicted to account for 40 to 50% of worldwide wool yield, according to the International Wool Textile Organization (IWTO) (source).

These coarse long wool fibers are drafted around a performance filament with the new breakthrough method, generating an exceptionally fine yarn - Herculan – that outlasted some of the industry's best synthetic fabrics in the Martindale abrasion tests pound for pound.

Herculan, according to the company, is a new technology that allows wool to be utilized in high abrasion and high impact zones in garments such as socks, boots, gloves, trousers, coats, and hundreds of other possible uses without wearing out.

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Herculan outperforms both natural wool fabrics (that are twisted) and synthetic fibers in terms of moisture management, dry times, volume, aeration, flexibility, and heat retention, as well as being non-reflective, silent, and naturally odor-resistant.

This is owing to Herculan's – and Nuyarn's – unique yarn structure, which involves drafting carpet wool around a performance thread without twisting or fraying. "We are really delighted to be presenting Herculan," said Andy Wynne, CEO of TMC Ltd.

"When we first started working to transition carpet wool into the apparel sector, everyone thought we were crazy because it had never been done before," says the company. 

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"It meets the needs of consumers who want more sustainable and durable natural fibers in their garments, while also creating new potential categories for performance and technical apparel brands."

But since we had a vision and were committed, our team was able to find a solution. The results speak for themselves in terms of durability, performance, and comfort.

Wynne went on to say that the business took an underutilized and overabundant natural fiber and converted it into a robust yarn that could fulfill abrasion demands that only synthetic fibers could previously achieve, all while enhancing wool's inherent performance benefits.

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CREDITS: Outdoor compass & Apparel Resources

18 March 2022, Mumbai:

The Government of Tamilnadu unveiled its budget for the year 2022-23 today giving major thrust for the welfare of the people, infrastructure development, industrial growth, skill development, education, health, etc.

In a Press Release issued here today, Mr.Ravi Sam, Chairman, The Southern India Mills’ Association (SIMA) has hailed the various salient features of the State Budget describing it as a comprehensive and growth-oriented budget.

He thanked the Hon’ble Chief Minister for allocating Rs.32,660 crores for the industry that would attract huge investments in the State and create new jobs for several lakhs of people.

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He has said that the textile industry is the largest industry of the State that accounts for 1/3 rd of the textile business size of the Nation would be greatly benefited out of the various benefits extended under Industrial Policy that encourages scale of operation.

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Mr.Ravi Sam has stated that the allocation of Rs.2,400 crores for the infrastructure development and tackling the industry 4.0 initiatives for the Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in the State would help the industry to get skilled manpower to manage the future generation technology.

SIMA Chief has appreciated the announcement of implementing various special programmes jointly with the industry to create a skilled labour force.

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24 February 2022, Mumbai:

Sneakers made from banana or pineapple leaves, dresses from nettles or fish scales - the search for sustainable materials has taken the fashion industry to some wild places.

Experts warn these new textiles are not a quick fix for fashion's enormous problems with over-consumption and waste, but may be a necessary step in developing cleaner technologies.

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"You could possibly eat the final product," said Hannes Schoenegger, co-founder of Bananatex, which uses leaves from banana trees in the Philippines to make bags, T-shirts and a line of shoes for H&M that sold out within two hours.

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*Figures mentioned in the above article have been sourced from ET article.

24 March 2022, Mumbai:

The Circular Design Challenge (CDC) –India's largest platform and award for design entrepreneurs working in Circular Fashion, an initiative by R|ElanTMFashion for Earth in collaboration with FDCI x Lakmé Fashion Week and the United Nations and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) – is gearing up for its fourth season and has announced the names of six emerging design entrepreneurs.

The platform went across boundaries this season, partnering with the British Council and Studio MM04 for the UK and Germany, respectively, to encourage international nominations.

Throughout 55 applications were received from all over India, as well as the United Kingdom and Germany.

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Six finalists were chosen after a rigorous online pitch and review process that took into account circular design, environmental and social effect, business strategies, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Archana Datta, SCP and Circular Economy Expert – Asian Institute of Technology, Darshana Gajare, RISE Worldwide, Karishma Shahani, Design Mentor, Pranav Khanna, Business Mentor, and Rakesh Bali, Reliance Industries Ltd.

were among the distinguished jury members.

The Circular Design Challenge (CDC), India's largest forum and prize for Circular Fashion designers, is gearing up for its fourth season and has released the names of six up-and-coming designers.

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The CDC is a partnership between R|ElanTMFashion for Earth, FDCI x Lakmé Fashion Week, and the United Nations and UN Environment Programme (UNEP). To enhance foreign nominations this season, the platform partnered with the British Council and Studio MM04 in the United Kingdom and Germany, respectively.

55 applications were received from India, the United Kingdom, and Germany during the process.

"We started the Circular Design Challenge to accomplish the vision of our Chairman Mukesh Ambani, to turn India into a world leader in adoption of sustainable and green manufacturing practises," said Vipul Shah, COO – Petrochemicals Business, Reliance Industries Ltd., in response to the fourth edition of the Circular Design Challenge.

The Circular Design Challenge's popularity has skyrocketed over the last four seasons.

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It has now grown into a major trend in India's fashion business, which is cultivating talent in the sustainable and environmentally friendly sectors. The Circular Design Challenge has been a huge success in India, and we're thinking about expanding it internationally."

The finalists will be mentored in a variety of ways, gaining knowledge and abilities in design and product development, business and marketing, circularity concepts, and life cycle analysis.

These courses are designed to help them become actual change agents via their businesses and inventions. Each of the six entrepreneurs will deliver a pitch to the jury live on Sustainable Fashion Day at FDCI x Lakmé Fashion Week, based on the mentorship programmes.

For the first time, the winner will be determined by including a portion in which the public may vote, with the results being added to the overall score.

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CREDITS: Indian Express & Apparel Resources.

12 March 2022, Mumbai:

Tata group firm Titan Company on Friday said its subsidiary has inked a pact to acquire 17.5 per cent voting rights in US-based Great Heights Inc for USD 20 million (around Rs 152 crore).

ALSO READ: Titan Q3 FY22 Results

TCL North America Inc (TCLNA), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company, has signed a stock purchase agreement with Great Heights Inc for a subscription of shares with voting preferred stock in the capital stock of Great Heights, the jewellery and watch maker said in a regulatory filing.

As per the pact, TCLNA would hold up to 17.5 per cent voting rights in Great Heights, it added.

RELATED ARTICLE Actor Rohit Saraf is the new brand ambassador for Titan-owned, Fastrack

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CREDITS: ET.

21 February 2022, Mumbai:

Honasa Consumer Pvt. Ltd (HCPL), the fastest-growing personal care brand house, has introduced Ayuga, a new skincare line. To connect with millennials and help popularise the brand, the company partnered with yoga and health ambassador

Shilpa Shetty Kundra. "Honasa Consumer was formed with the objective of developing a 'House of Brands' that identify and solve millennials' needs with a digital-first strategy," said Varun Alagh, co-founder and CEO of Honasa in a statement. 

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For the past two years, we've been trying to figure out why Ayurveda hasn't caught the attention of millennials in the same way that yoga has. That's when we came up with the concept of Ayuga, which combines the best of both worlds."

"Partnering with Shilpa Shetty Kundra for Ayuga broadened the brand's notion of restoring balance in life," said Ghazal Alagh, co-founder.

We're optimistic that our collaboration with Shilpa will help us spread our marketing message to millennials."

"I genuinely believe in the old sciences and have adopted a lot of the recipes and rituals in my life and have benefitted from it," Shilpa Shetty Kundra said of her affiliation with the company. 

When I first heard about Ayuga and the brand's philosophy, it hit me like a tonne of bricks. I am confident that customers will enjoy the brand and its goods, so I encourage them to restore balance in their lives by following Ayuga recipes and rituals."

Mamaearth and The Derma Co. are among the brands owned by Honasa Consumer Pvt. Ltd (HCPL).

Bhabani Blunt Hair Dressing Pvt Ltd recently purchased Bblunt, a haircare brand from Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL), as well as Bblunt salons.

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*Figures mentioned in the above article have been sourced from IndianTelevision.com & Fashion Network article.

23 March 2022, Mumbai:

A list identifying and shaming greenwashing fashion brands might be released shortly if the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) gets its way.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is the UK's competition regulator, a non-ministerial government institution charged with enhancing corporate competition and preventing and decreasing anti-competitive behavior.

It is looking at claims made by the fashion industry in the United Kingdom and will have a list of the worst offenders soon.

Last year, the CMA warned that the corporations had until 2022 to verify that their environmental claims were legal.

ALSO READ THE NEXT GENERATION OF MATERIALS… FROM WASTE

The Green Claims Code, which was released in October, outlines how firms may advertise their green credentials while minimizing the danger of consumers being misled.

"Before leaving with their hard-earned money, more individuals than ever are evaluating the environmental effect of a product. "We're worried that too many enterprises are falsely claiming to be green, while true eco-friendly businesses go unnoticed," said Andrea Coscelli, CMA's Chief Executive.

The Green Claims Code was created for all types of organizations, from multinational corporations to small firms. Failure to comply with the law can harm a company's image with consumers, as well as lead to CMA action.

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Everything from fabric origin, manufacture, and transportation to trash would have to meet specific requirements in order for clothes to be fully sustainable. When a firm brands its products as eco-friendly, consumers should be able to learn about the complete supply chain and corporate procedures, as well as the pollution levels of the products.

According to the CMA, up to 40% of green claims made online may be false, implying that thousands of firms may be breaching the law and jeopardizing their image.

The CMA's 'worst offenders' list might soon include brands who disseminate incorrect or fraudulent information.

Companies will have to explain why specific goods or collections are environmentally friendly, as well as the percentage of recycled fibers in a garment. Shoppers spend about £54 billion on apparel and footwear each year.

Fashion is said to be responsible for anywhere between 2% and 8% of global carbon emissions, as well as waste and pollution. Every year, almost 300,000 tonnes of discarded clothing are burnt or buried in landfills in the United Kingdom.

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CREDITS: The Guardian, UK & Apparel Resources.

10 March 2022, Mumbai:

Meesho will bring down the payout cycle for sellers from 15 days to seven, the social commerce platform said on Tuesday.

The company also said that it won’t charge sellers for order cancellations - either by self or automatic ones.

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Payouts are payments made by an e-commerce marketplace to sellers after the sale happens on the platform.

The industry standard is 15 days. Meesho said it was the first company to offer a seven-day payment cycle.

RELATED ARTICLE Meesho digitized 4 lakh vendors

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CREDITS: ET.

19th February 2022, Mumbai:

The Better Buying Partnership IndexTM (BBPI), a new tool that examines buyer-supplier relationships through the lens of partnership quality, claims that by not seeking out their suppliers' ideas and insights on product and process innovation, various brands and retailers are missing opportunities to improve their businesses and incurring unnecessary costs.

It states that in order to increase corporate efficiency, businesses must collaborate with their suppliers on innovation.

ALSO READ: Leaders will forge alliances for a new era to tackle fashion’s social and environmental issues

"Brands and retailers are missing opportunities to reduce costs and increase efficiency by not partnering with and listening to their suppliers, and not fully seeing the contribution suppliers can make to the long-term success of the business," said Marsha Dickson, President, and Co-Founder of Better Buying Institute.

The BBPI allows suppliers to grade their customers based on 12 subjective criteria, with customers being classified as True Partners, Collaborators, or Detractors. Only after a buyer has consistently met a set of criteria is he or she designated as a True Partner.

The Better Buying Institute's (BBI) new Partnership Index, which awarded purchasers a score of 39 out of a possible 100, is cited by The Industry We Want (TIWW) program.

"These findings offer a clear picture of the burden suppliers face as a result of so many customers never, seldom, or occasionally giving enough time, enough visibility, consistent business, and fair financials," according to a TIWW statement.

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*Figures mentioned in the above article have been sourced from Apparel Resources article.