The government of the western Indian state of Maharashtra has abolished the 3 per cent power subsidy that it was extending to large powerlooms. This will increase electricity cost and therefore, raise the cost of production for powerloom operators in the state, who are already facing challenges due to weak demand and unusual increase in cotton prices. The Maharashtra government used to give relief of ₹150 crore every year in the form of 3 per cent subsidy to more than 10,000 powerlooms. According to Textile Commissioner Sheetal Teli Ugale, it was found that some powerloom operators were doing other work with the electricity connection given for running powerloom units. So, all units were mandated to submit documents and information related to electricity consumption, textile production and sale through an online portal. According to the rule implemented in June 2020, powerlooms with load more than 27 HP were mandated to furnish the information. But only 970 cotton mills and processing units submitted the documents and information. Subsequently, the Textile Commissioner asked the discom Mahavitaran to send electricity bills without subsidy in the last month of previous year. However, the voice of protest became louder only after the bills without subsidy were distributed in the state by Mahavitaran and its franchisees. Powerloom operators in Ichalkaranji, Bhiwandi, Malegaon and Solapur—the major textile industry hubs of the state—said that it will make running powerlooms more difficult. Industry associations said that powerlooms will be on the verge of closure due to higher cost of production due to abolition of power subsidy. Heavy electricity bills have become a serious challenge for the powerlooms at a time when they were already facing problems amid high cotton prices and weak demand. An industry body of Ichalkaranji said that the industry is already upset with the electricity charge being hiked by ₹1.20 per unit. Maharashtra’s finance minister Ajit Pawar had assured that the price hike would be reduced to ₹0.75 per unit. But even after two years the assurance is yet to see the light of the day. Regarding the new rule, the organisation said that the Department of Textiles has asked to upload several years and several decades old invoices, which was troublesome for the industry. Purushottam Vanga, president of Bhiwandi Padmanagar Powerloom Weavers Association, told Fibre2Fashion that the abolition of electricity subsidy will increase the electricity bill of powerloom operators who are currently facing dual challenge of weak demand and unusual surge in cotton prices.
Source: Fibre 2 Fashion
According to the data tabled by Sitharaman, the highest amount of GST compensation yet to be released will go to Maharashtra, at Rs 11,563 crore. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in Rajya Sabha (RS) on Tuesday that Rs 96,756 crore had been disbursed to states as goods and service tax (GST) compensation, but Rs 53,611 crore was still pending. “The Centre is committed to release full GST compensation to states/Union Territories, according to the GST (Compensation to States) Act, 2017, for the transition period by extending the levy of compensation cess beyond five years to meet the GST revenue shortfall, as well as servicing the loan borrowed through a special window scheme,” Sitharaman said in reply. According to the data tabled by Sitharaman, the highest amount of GST compensation yet to be released will go to Maharashtra, at Rs 11,563 crore. Some other states with high GST dues pending include Uttar Pradesh (Rs 6,954 crore), Tamil Nadu (Rs 6,733 crore), and Delhi (Rs 5,461 crore). The shortfall is calculated, assuming 14 per cent annual growth in GST collections by states over the base year of 2015-16. The five-year period ends in June.
Source: Business Standard
Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) of Madhya Pradesh will see extensive growth owing to the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed recently between India and United Arab Emirates (UAE), said officials of Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASSOCHAM). The agreement is enhancing agri products, textile and food processing exports from MSMEs of Madhya Pradesh. Saud Salim Al Mazrouei, Director, Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF), Government of Sharjah said they are improving infrastructure to suit requirements of industries and hoping to attract investments from MP which is known as the hub for MSMEs. Mapping the growth for MSMEMs of Madhya Pradesh, Akhilesh Rathi, Vice President, ASSOCHAM said, “The free trade agreement is a great advantage for Industries of Madhya Pradesh involved in exports of textile and food processing products.” The trade pact is expected to help small businesses to enlarge their reach to the other countries and benefit upcoming sectors such as fintech, edtech and others. Trade relations between India and UAE are expected to grow even further after this agreement. “Government of India’s Make in India and Aatma Nirbhar Bharat initiatives of supporting MSMEs will receive a much needed boost through this pact,” said Irfan Alam, Deputy Director, ASSOCHAM. In February, 2022 India and the UAE signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the aim of increasing bilateral merchandise trade to USD 100 billion by 2030.
Source: KNN India
Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal applauded the progress of e –daakhil portal which enables online filing of consumer complaints and urged the authorities to facilitate virtual hearings in all cases. Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Textiles, and Commerce & Industry said effective enforcement of laws is necessary to protect consumer interest and encourage high-quality products and services, but legal provisions should not be used to harass small businessmen and traders. Addressing a day-long event on "Fair Digital Finance" on the occasion of the World Consumer Rights Day, Shri Goyal highlighted the plight of small businesses and said: "It is necessary to stop harassment of small traders and small businessmen in the name of law." In his inaugural address, the minister flagged the issue the need to decriminalize of certain provisions of Legal Metrology Act and lauded the initiative taken by various authorities to protect the interests and rights of consumers, but he also urged all the stakeholders to deliberate on the issue of decriminalization. Shri Goyal in his inaugural address flagged the issue pertaining to the need for decriminalization of certain provisions of Legal Metrology Act and urged all the stakeholders to deliberate on the implications of decriminalization keeping in view of ease of doing business as well as protecting consumers. Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ms. Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Mr Justice R K Agarwal, President of National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), Shri Nandan Nilekani, Non-Executive Chairman of Infosys, and other dignitaries also attended the event. Shri Goyal said there were about 90,000 persons booked for first offence under various Sections of Legal Metrology Act 2009 and around 90% of these cases under three Sections that is Section 33, 36 (1) and 25 of Legal Metrology Act which deal with penalties for using unverified weight of measurement, selling non-standard products, and use of nonstandard weights and measure. He shared the yearly data of the first offence, which can be compounded, and the second offence, which can lead to imprisonment under the LM Act. In 2018-19, cases registered under first offence were 89,724 while under second offence were only 11. Similarly, in 2019-20, cases registered under the first offence were 91,818 while under the second offence were only 2 cases. In 2020-21, cases registered under the first offence were 84,824 while under the second offence there was zero case registered. "Large number of first offences and almost nil second offences calls for introspection by all of us. Therefore, it is imperative that we ensure small entrepreneurs are not harassed by misuse of law," he said. He expressed the hope that by the World Consumer Rights Day next year, decriminalization of certain provision of Legal Metrology Act should reach finality, and urged all stakeholders to discuss the matter. Shri Goyal shared instances of actions being taken by the Department of Consumer Affairs against misleading advertisements. He said that action was taken against a Toothpaste company claiming to be World's No. 1. Similar action was taken against another company claiming to have sold out the stock within no time. "If you want to know about the power of Consumers, then look at India and see how demand by proactive consumers for high-quality products have spurred Indian companies to perform better," he added. He said that today is World Consumer Rights Day. With rights come responsibilities of officers as well as consumers. "I have suggested for virtual hearing of Consumer Courts to facilitate Consumers," he stated. Shri Goyal also talked about the Quality Standardisation work being undertaken by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mentioning that hallmarking has provided consumers with the long-due right to Quality, Purity & transparency. He said that till December 2021, more than 1.3 lakh jewellers have taken registration from BIS for selling gold hallmarked jewellery, while 987 BIS recognized assaying & hallmarking centres are operative in the country. Taking the message of Prime Minister Shi Narendra Modi 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and Sabka Prayas' forward he urged all the state governments, industry associations and other stakeholders to put forth their best efforts in bringing a balance between allowing genuine business opportunities while taking stringent action against unfair business practices which are detrimental to consumer protection and tries to circumvent the existing law. He also highlighted that business should support new policy decisions which are aimed at furthering consumer protection and requested them to constructively work with government to create holistic environment for business as well as consumer protection. He further emphasized that Consumers need to be more aware, should demand quality products and thereby endeavor to make India a world leader in providing high quality product and services. Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal, applauded the progress of e –daakhil portal which enables online filing of consumer complaints and urged the authorities to facilitate virtual hearings in all cases. Highlighting 'justice delayed is justice denied' he expressed his concern over number of vacant positions in various State and District Consumer Commissions and the fact that Supreme Court had to intervene. He urged all the State Governments to fill up their vacancies at the earliest. The Chief Guest for the event Nandan Nilekani attended the event virtually and in his address pressed on the need for changing with the changing digital platforms and highlighted that with the increasing complex digital protocols, one has to be prepared for more complex consumer redressal methods which requires a wholesome approach by the Government. In this regard, he highlighted the need to redesign the consumer dispute redressal mechanism taking into consideration of Artificial Intelligence and making use of speech to speech, speech to text and text to speech open platforms to make the online dispute resolution mechanism available in multi lingual format. He highlighted that, today's digital transactions are multi party and hence resolution of such disputes have multi party requirement. With growth in scale and speed of Digital finance in a never seen like before pace, India should usher a new era of consumer redressal and make sure that every Indian gets access to easy consumer redressal. The Minister of State for Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Rural Development Sadhvi Nirajan Jyoti in her keynote address underlined that digital technology and new business models are completely changing our ability to reach poor and excluded households with financial services. Government has always strived to bring greater financial inclusion and this is well reflected in the fact that, here was a 24% improvement in financial inclusion (FI) between March 2017 and March 2021 and as of February 2022 over 8 billion transactions are made through UPI and India payments to 428 million recipients of various Covid relief programs were made through UPI. Further, Minister urged that combined efforts should be made in making digital finance, more sound, safe and secure for consumers. The Minister of State for Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution & Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey in his key note address stressed on need for innovative regulatory approaches and digital financial services and products that centre consumer protection and empowerment. Shri Choubey in his keynote address observed that Digital finance provides more accessible and affordable services to consumers and kept business alive during pandemic, however, also exposes consumers to new risks that have the potential to adversely impact the trust of consumers, destabilize financial markets, and discourage uptake and usage of digital financial services eroding the gains made in financial inclusion. Therefore, it is vital to have strategic regulation and timely intervention which reflects better consumer protection in expanding horizon of digital finance. The Minister of State for Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Rural Development Sadhvi Nirajan Jyoti and Minister of State for Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution & Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey inaugurated virtual exhibition organized by Department of Consumer Affairs as a part of its iconic week celebrations under 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav'. President NCDRC Hon'ble Mr. Justice, R.K Agrawal in his keynote address highlighted the paradigm shift in technological advancements that world has seen in the global era of digitization. He stressed that Digital Financial Services has become a vital tool for increasing productivity, reach, financial inclusion as well as efficiency – not for individuals and corporates alone, but for a country as a whole. President, NCDRC concluded his keynote address highlighting the need for Financial Regulators, Telecom Operators and Central Payment System Authority to ensure best risk management for all consumers. The Ministers also congratulated winners of essay competition organized by National Law University Delhi, in association with Department of Consumer Affairs and Inter School online painting competition organized by FICCI Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy (CASCADE) in association with Department of Consumer Affairs as a part of celebration of World Consumer Rights Day 2022 Meanwhile, Shri Goyal along with other Ministers and dignatries released the following books: Ø Quarterly Digest of Important Decisions taken by Supreme Court, NCDRC and SCDRC prepared by National Law University, Delhi. Ø Consumer Handbook on Product Liability and Frequently Asked Questions Ø Handbook on Consumer Protection Act, 2019 Ø Consumer is King (5th edition) Shri Rohit Kumar Singh, Secretary Department of Consumer Affairs, Ms. Nidhi Khare Additional Secretary along with other dignitaries were present at the event.
Source: Dev Discourse
Tirupati Railway station will be the first station on South Central Railway (SCR) for implementing “One Station One Product” concept. The Concept of “One station One Product” has been announced by the Union Government while presenting the budget 2022-23 in Parliament. The main objective of the concept is to make each railway station a promotional hub and showcase destination for a local product, thereby giving a major boost to local industries by providing enhanced livelihood and welfare of local artisans, potters, weavers/handloom weavers, Tribals. The stations will act as a marketing channel in the form of an earmarked stall through which the local product distinct to the particular area will be sold. The Railway Stations by their very nature of having huge footfalls are mass contact areas offering huge potential for marketing any product. Under this concept, earmarked space will be provided at the station platforms for setting up of stalls for marketing and promotion of local food items, handicrafts, artifacts, handlooms, local toys, leather products, garments, traditional appliances, instruments, processed or semi processed food items, which are distinct to a particular area. A SCR release on Tuesday said, accordingly, the Railway Board has advised to identify one station on each Zonal Railway for implementation of this novel concept, initially as a pilot project for a period of 15 days. As such, Tirupati Railway station on South Central Railway has been identified as the first station on the Zone for implementation of this “One station One Product” concept on pilot basis for a period of 15 days, starting from March 25. Tirupati Railway station is the nearest alighting point to reach the world-famous Lord Balaji Temple and witnesses regular flow of rail passengers across all parts of the nation. The surrounding areas of the Tirupati station are famous for Kalamkari art and textiles. Accordingly, the station has been identified for promoting “Kalamkari Sarees and Textiles,” the release said. In addition, multiple products can also be showcased or sold at the station, if the products are indigenous to that area, such as Wood Crafting products. Stalls will be allotted on payment of nominal registration fee of Rs 500 approximately per day. Temporary stall structures would be erected by the Railways and sufficient water and electricity connection will be provided for the pilot project free of cost, the release added.
Source: United News of India
Self-reliance is not the same thing as self-sufficiency, NITI Aayog V-C said The Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative is not a closed economy but it's being globally competitive, NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Rajiv Kumar said on Tuesday as he stressed the need for building trust between the private investor, the government, the academia and the civil society. Self-reliance is not the same thing as self-sufficiency, he said about the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative at the 12th Foundation Day Lecture virtually on the topic "Atmanirbhar Bharat: Challenges in Implementation” organised by ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education, deemed to-be University. “It (Atmanirbhar Bharat) does not in any sense mean a closed economy. Self-reliance is not the same thing as self-sufficiency and we need to be quite clear in our minds that what we mean by atmanirbhar (self-reliant) is a globally competitive economy and getting integrated even more with the global trends and ‘Make in India for the World,” he said. “Self-reliance in my view is increasing our share in global flows of merchandise and services trade. I think it's time that we give ourselves the ambitious target of quadrupling our share in the next 20 years in global trade of merchandise and services,” Kumar said, adding: “We need to ensure that our share in global flows of technology and finance also increases as we go forward. That is when we will become atmanirbhar.” Kumar said the economic aspect of being self-reliant would be by ensuring that at least by 2047 (when India celebrates its centenary of independence) our per capita incomes are at least equal to the global per capita income of today or may be even of that time. He said the NITI Aayog is working with individual States to ensure that compliance burden on the private sector gets reduced.
Source: Business Standard
CAIT says currently different e-commerce entities being regulated by different entities, resulting in a piecemeal approach and causing confusion among various stakeholders Domestic traders' body Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has called for setting up of a ‘specialised regulator’ for the e-commerce sector to protect the interests of small businesses and traders. According to the traders’ body, different e-commerce entities are currently being regulated by different entities, resulting in a piecemeal approach and creating confusion among various stakeholders. Considering rapid growth of this sector and its unique sectoral issues CAIT has suggested the setting up of a regulator under the e-commerce policy that is being finalised by the government. “Owing to the technicality of e-commerce platforms, and the web of several stakeholders with different concerns, it is desirable to have such a regulator to implement the inclusive e-commerce policy, which would have ex ante regulations to be applicable in e-commerce segment, for the benefit of the entire ecosystem,” CAIT secretary general Praveen Khandelwal said while releasing a white paper on e-commerce on Tuesday. He said the regulator should direct marketplaces to not provide any discounts as it has an effect of being ‘discriminatory’ and ‘distortionary’. Currently, the e-commerce space is governed by Foreign Direct Investment Policy, Competition Act, 2002, Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and E-Commerce Rules, 2019, Information Technology Act, 2000. The white paper contains a set of 27 recommendations for the government to be incorporated in the proposed e-commerce policy and nine recommendations for the amendments planned under consumer protection rules on e-commerce. The government must address the concerns emanating from lack of platform neutrality, excessive discounting, unfair usage of data. “The e-commerce policy should give a due weightage to aforementioned concerns while formulating the way ahead for the industry,” the white paper said. It also said that the e-commerce policy should direct marketplaces to not provide any discounts as it has an effect of being ‘discriminatory’ and ‘distortionary’. The release of the white paper comes in the backdrop of the government in the process of finalising the ecommerce policy. The industry department is holding inter-ministerial consultations for the national e-commerce policy that will spell out the responsibilities of marketplaces, sellers, and ensure that consumers are able to take an informed decision before purchasing a product. The Consumer affairs ministry had proposed another set of guidelines for etailers in June last year. While the ministry has completed stakeholder consultation, rules are yet to be finalized. Interestingly, both set of rules are yet to be rolled out by the respective government departments. Any change in policy or an introduction of a new rule or a policy, have faced criticism for adding to the compliance burden for e-commerce companies or being too harsh. In fact, about a year ago, DPIIT had internally proposed creation of a regulator for the e-commerce sector, which was rejected by most ministries during inter-ministerial consultation. According to CAIT, e-commerce is presently dominated by a few big platforms and a few big sellers, who are generally affiliated to the platforms. This often puts smaller sellers in a disadvantageous position as it reduces their visibility in the market. Although the market size of e-commerce has grown, the small sellers have not seen the benefits at the same pace. Therefore, it is important to formulate a policy for ecommerce with a focus on all the stakeholders, it said.
Source: Business Standard
Meera Industries (MIL) received an order for Rs 1.45 crore from a large manufacturer and exporter of technical textiles for its ring twisting machines. In the technical textile yarn twisting space, Meera Industries has added some companies from the industrial segment to its customer lists such as SRF and Mehler Engineered Products India, Fenner Conveyor Belting, Shakti Cords and others. The net profit of Meera Industries reported to Rs 1.08 crore in the quarter ended December 2021 as against net loss of Rs 0.60 crore during the previous quarter ended December 2020. Net sales soared 222.39% to Rs 8.64 crore in the quarter ended December 2021 as against Rs 2.68 crore during the previous quarter ended December 2020. Shares of Meera Industries (MIL) fell 0.21% to Rs 97 on BSE. Meera Industries makes textile machinery. It exports its products to more than 20 countries in continents of USA, South Africa, Europe, Africa & Asia.
Source: Business Standard
NSE-listed textile company Sangam India was founded in 1984. Starting with eight weaving machines, the company now boasts over two lakh spindles and 3,000 rotors to produce PV and denim fabric. In the early 80s, the textile industry was becoming a lucrative space for budding entrepreneurs. The policy reforms materialising in India eradicated entry barriers for many to create various Indian companies, especially in the spinning sector. Ram Pal Soni, an Engineer in PwD, also thought of tapping into this opportunity, and he decided to quit his 9 to 5 job. In 1984, with an investment between Rs 20 and 25 lakh, he launched Sangam India Ltd. Starting with eight weaving machines, Mumbai-based Sangam India is now recognised as one of the leading companies in the textile industry, making an annual turnover of Rs 1,363 crore. In an interaction with SMBStory, Anurag Soni, second-generation entrepreneur and Whole-time Director, Sangam India, talks about the business’ legacy and how it is foraying into B2C space, besides B2B, to tap newer opportunities. Making of the largest textile brand In the initial days, Anurag’s father started operations with eight weaving machines, where the company sold the fabric through a small distribution network. Until 1995, the company was primarily doing weaving, after which, Anurag says, Sangam tinkered with backward integration to spinning with 17,280 spindles of PV dyed yarn and increasing it to 11,520 spindles in 1998. “The business has been profitable since inception, and so is the growth trajectory. We got listed in 1993. In 2003, my father built a 10.0 MW coalbased captive power plant, adding 35,232 spindles,” Anurag says. Sangam India has three business verticals — one, where it makes synthetic fabrics to manufacture denim, second, it also produces synthetic and cotton yarns, and third, it has expanded to the garment business. Annually, the company produces 30 million metres of PV fabric and 48 million meters of denim fabric from over 2.8 lakh spindles and 3,000 rotors. Its clientele includes Indian defence services, state police services, etc. “We have also introduced a seamless garment manufacturing facility with 54 seamless knitting machines that can produce five million pieces per annum,” Anurag tells SMBStory. In 2015, Sangam India decided to foray into the B2C vertical with the launch of C9 Airwear — a casual wear and activewear apparel brand — as it wanted to cater to consumers directly. At present, the brand is available across 1,000 multi-brand outlets in India and major online retail marketplaces. The company’s flagship brand — Sangam Suitings — operates through a distribution channel and has a pan-India network of 10,000 retailers.
Source: Your Story
Trade between Bangladesh and Romania hovers around $49.97 million of which Bangladesh imports only $27.39 million Establishing a diplomatic mission of Romania in Dhaka will foster bilateral trade and investment as well as export of skilled manpower from Bangladesh to Romania, said business leaders at a dialogue on Tuesday. Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) organised the event on "Exploring Trade and Investment Opportunities between Bangladesh and Romania" in the capital on Tuesday. Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Mayor Barrister Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh was present as chief guest while Mayor Robert-Sorin Negoita was present as special guest at the function. DCCI President Rizwan Rahman presided over the programme. Rizwan Rahman said the bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Romania hovers around $49.97 million of which Bangladesh imports only $27.39 million. Bilateral Investment Treaties, signed in 1987, can be implemented to allow Romanian investors to invest in our rewarding and competitive economic zones in the aforesaid sectors including the automobile sector, he said. He requested Romanian businessmen to source furniture, plastic, pharmaceutical, ship, jute, leather products and RMG goods from Bangladesh at a relatively competitive price. To steer all potential economic cooperation, he later urged the Romanian government to resume its diplomatic mission in Dhaka. While addressing the event, Mayor Robert-Sorin Negoita urged for a reciprocal relationship with the business community of both the countries. Romania can be the gateway to Europe for Bangladesh, and to avail this opportunity investing in Romania will boost Bangladesh's export to Europe, he said. Mentioning that textiles products of Bangladesh have a good opportunity in Romania, he said the Romanian textile sector needs a skilled workforce that Bangladesh can offer. Urging the Romanian government to establish their diplomatic mission in Dhaka, DSCC Mayor Taposh said it will promote bilateral trade relations to a new height. He expressed hope for an intense trade relationship between Bangladesh and Romania. But for that interchanging visit of the business community is more important. Both-way tourism can be a game changer in terms of bilateral trade relations, he said. Mentioning that Bangladesh has the world's best skilled construction workers, the DSCC mayor urged Romanian entrepreneurs to hire skilled workers from here. Taposh also said the DSCC is keen to set up a desk for trade license renewal at the DCCI office.
Source: Fibre 2 Fashion
China’s southern port city of Shenzhen has been under lockdown for over a week as is the province of Jilin in the north. Shanghai has also placed new measures on its citizens. With a fresh seven-day lockdown announced in Shenzhen on March 13, there are fears of global supply chains getting affected with restrictions on port activities and entry of truckers. Shenzhen is the second-most important port in China after Shanghai, and processes about 10 per cent of the containers shipped from China every month. Shenzhen caused supply chain chaos last year with a COVID outbreak near its main port of Yantian. Citizens there will undergo three COVID tests this week, while all manufacturing and commercial activities have stopped in the city, an export hub. Cargo loading at ports has stopped this week and many vessels will most likely skip the port. Truck drivers entering the city are now required to hold negative COVID-19 test results within 24 hours, and get tested again upon arrival at the port. The city’s ports are restricting the number of vehicles that can enter each day, according to media reports from China. Many logistics companies, including Seko Logistics, Worldwide Logistics Group and Orient Star Group, have warned clients that the fresh COVID-induced restrictions will result in supply chain disruptions and affect the delivery of products from that region. As workers cannot leave homes, nothing can be manufactured or transported. Shenzhen and Shanghai are the country’s major electronic manufacturing hubs. The last time Shenzhen suffered a similar outbreak, throughput at the world’s third largest container port fell by approximately three-quarters.
Source: Fibre 2 Fashion
Amsterdam-based sustainable fashion initiative Fashion for Good has announced the eight innovators to join its 2022 Global Innovation Programme. The international group of companies were selected after pitching their raw materials, processing and end-of-use innovative solutions to Fashion for Good partners. They are now enrolled in a nine-month programme where they will receive bespoke support and guidance from industry partners to aid them with piloting, implementation, and investing activities. The eight innovators are: DyeRecycle, a UK company combining the need to recycle both dye and fabrics by developing innovative circular solutions for dyeing using textile waste. Ever Dye, a French company that has developed two chemical solutions that boost dye house production capacities and allow them to dye faster with less energy and without using any petrochemicals. IDELAM, a Franco-Swiss company developing processes using supercritical CO2 for complex, multi-material products and waste, such as jackets and footwear, to enable recycling or reuse of these materials. Kintra Fibers, a US company developing a new, plant-based polyester replacement that reduces manufacturing emissions, eliminates microfibre pollution, and enables textile circularity through chemical recycling and industrial compost. Modern Synthesis, a British biotech company whose proprietary microbial textile platform employs microbes to grow a completely new form of textile made of nanocellulose, a very strong and fine form of cellulose, which is the natural building block of materials like cotton, linen and wood. Premirr Plastics, a US company that has created a continuous flow-through (CFT) system that provides a simple, circular and eco-friendly method to chemically recycle PET, providing PET products containing recycled content that possess the same physical and chemical properties as virgin PET. Refiberd, a US company that is developing a novel textile recycling system that uses AI and a patent-pending chemical recycling process to convert used, discarded textiles into new, reusable thread. Rubi, a US company that makes textiles entirely from carbon emissions, bypassing current agriculture and manufacturing to create a product that is carbon-negative, water- and land- neutral, and naturally biodegradable. “We are excited to welcome these eight new innovators to the 2022 Fashion for Good Innovation Programme,” said Fashion for Good managing director Katrin Ley. She continued: “We are inspired by the significant impact and carbon reduction opportunities their technologies enable. With an emphasis on driving impact and implementation, we strive to provide them with the best support to expedite their exposure and growth into the market.”
Source: Fashion United
At the spring edition of Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics which will be held from April 14-16, 2022, buyers can find latest and most innovative products that are driving and thriving off the developments in the market. The fair will show sustainable and athleisure products that will continue to dominate new trends in the fashion and apparel industry. With years of expertise, Messe Frankfurt has been a pioneer for promoting and developing sustainable initiatives through trade fairs in the textile sector. At Intertextile, the All About Sustainability zone was first introduced back in 2013, whilst the eco leaf indication in the visitor guide first appeared in 2016, demonstrating the early identification of the importance of a more eco-friendly industry. Green fabrics, fibres and solutions can be found not only in the All About Sustainability zone, but across all product group zones such as Beyond Denim, whilst high-performance fabrics for sports and outdoor wear will be on display at the Functional Lab, Messe Frankfurt said in a press release. Long-term exhibitors at Intertextile apparel, Bossa Ticaret Ve Sanayi Isletmeleri TAS from Turkey, are among the suppliers constantly innovating to achieve a more green future. Since launching their eco-friendly RESET series in 2006, each season the collection evolves further, using organic cotton, natural chemicals & dyestuff whilst manufacturing 100 per cent recycled denim from recycled cotton / PET. This spring, they will display their new S/S 22-23 products at the Beyond Denim zone, including their ‘Future Healing’ blend denim made from man made cellulosic and natural fibres. Hightech materials such as hemp, soybean, Repreve, Naia, Ciclo, and Smartcell are paired with clean indigo styles that make it the perfect choice for a seasonless style. The production process retains quality whilst using less water and energy consumption, demonstrating how innovation can meet luxury, without compromise. At Intertextile, the All About Sustainability zone will focus on green products and solutions in the industry. A returning exhibitor to the zone, Testex from Switzerland, is an independent, accredited and internationally recognised testing laboratory. Testex tests and certifies textiles and leather goods in line with stringent international regulations and standards. As a member institute of the Oeko-Tex Association, Testex is its official representative on five continents. Outside the zone, other sustainable suppliers can be found, to meet the market demand. Zhangjiangang Vcare Textile Co Ltd, China will display their featured recycled polyester Sherpa and fur products that obtain the Global Recycled Standard 4.0 certificate. They will cater to small-batch orders and personal customisations, the release added. Some key exhibitors of the Functional Lab zone at Intertextile are Ascend Performance Materials, US and Henglun Textile Vietnam Co Ltd, Vietnam. Ascend Performance Materials will launch their Acteev Performance Textiles that use natural zinc ions embedded into the material, to enable it to withstand wear, wash and heavy use. Henglun Textile Vietnam Co Ltd, Vietnam will work with partners such as Texhong, Toray, Lenzing and Hyosung to improve technological innovations. They will display a series of new, ecofriendly, comfortable and fashionable high-ends fabrics including their low-carbon & zero carbon series, anti-bacterial & anti-virus organic series, super soft series and cooling series, among others. The International zone at the upcoming fair will be housed in hall 5.1, with exhibitors categorised by product groups. Domestic exhibitors will be allocated by product end-use in halls 1.1, 5.1, 6.1, 7.1 & 8.1, whilst the Beyond Denim Zone can be found in hall 8.1. Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition 2022 will be held concurrently with the Spring Edition of Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles, Yarn Expo Spring, CHIC and PH Value at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre (Shanghai). The fair is co-organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Textile Information Centre.
Source: Fibre 2 Fashion
