The Synthetic & Rayon Textiles Export Promotion Council

MARKET WATCH 23 MAY 2023

NATIONAL

INTERNATIONAL

NATIONAL

Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat helped India become a key exporter of goods

The article says that at 0.64, India’s Export Similarity Index (ESI) for merchandise exports is the highest, along with the US, which is India’s top export destination. The rapid alignment of Indian exports with world exports in recent years shows that Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat are helping India become a key supplier to the world, an article in the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) May 2023 bulletin has said. According to the article — titled `Exploring India’s export potential through the lens of export similarity indices’ — this has happened on the back of India’s increasing specialisation and competitiveness, which has helped it ride the current trend of diversification of supply chains. India’s changing export structure is visible at the commodity level. The exports of commodities such as engineering goods, chemicals, drugs, pharma, rice, and electronics has increased, while exports of gems and jewellery, and other labour-intensive items such as textiles, leather, and leather products have declined, the article notes. “This is in line with the shifting pattern in international merchandise trade, characterised by a gradual dip in the share of textiles, clothing, hides and skins over the decades,” the article states.

Source: Money Control

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Subscriber Writes: Textiles must sew more, weave strength for India

The Textile industry engages in the design, production, and distribution of yarn, cloth, and clothing. The underlying strength of the textile industry in India is its strong production base of diverse range of fibre/yarns from natural fibres like cotton, jute, wool and silk, to man-made fibres (MMF) like polyester, viscose. India is the 3rd largest exporter of Textiles & Apparel in the world. It has a share of 4.6% of the global trade in textiles and apparel largely catering to United States, European Union, and United Kingdom. The Indian textile industry is the second largest producer of MMF after China. Cotton is the essential crop needed in textiles. The proportion of cotton is 60% of raw material consumption basket of Indian textile industry. In India, the consumption of cotton is approximately 316 lakh bales per year and holds the highest cotton acreage of 36%, of the global world area of 326 lakh hectares. The major cotton production in India comes from ten major states. The ratio of use of cotton to non – cotton fibres in India is around 60:40 whereas it is 30:70 in the rest of the world. Indian textile industry employs 45 million people across the value chain and plays a pivotal role in sustaining their livelihood. How does Indian Government promote Textile industry? Policies like Advanced Technology Upgradation Fund scheme (ATUF), setting up of Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (MITRA) Park scheme, capacity building scheme (SAMARTH) are some of the “Make in India” initiatives. “Skill India” efforts are also taken to address skilled manpower requirement in the industry to generate 7.5 lakh new employment. The purpose is to promote the ease of doing business with global players and attract fresh investments of Rs. 19,000 crore to create long term growth opportunities. Besides, 100% FDI in textiles, PLI scheme allocation worth US$1.44bn for MMF’s, and uniform GST rate at 12% on MMF, yarns and apparels are also a part of growth plan.

Current Outlook

Declining supplies, lower profit margins for spinning mills, falling yarn orders from fabric and apparel companies, and higher inflation levels have all pressured global consumption. Global cotton consumption will kick in as the world economy slightly improves in FY23-24, after a sequential decline over a few quarters. The consumer demand for finished fabrics will retreat as the global interest rates scenario gets softer.

Industry Tailwinds

Moderation in cotton prices, and freight prices upon new crop arrivals can reduce the price of final product and improve consumer demand. This supports revenues and margins for textile companies, subsides the inventory pressure, and optimises working capital when there is an increasing order flow from global and domestic clients, creating a strong brand proposition and giving better competitive positioning to textile companies in export markets.

China +1 factor, and India entering new trade tie-ups with key countries would also bring demand for domestic business and India can become an alternate supply base in future. This would mean more capital expenditure for companies to build on their capacity utilisation with value-added products to cater to strong demand and would naturally augment their revenue growth on Q o Q and YoY basis.

Industry Headwinds

Any sustained slowdown in the global export market due to inflationary pressure or any significant increase in input prices (cotton) poses key risk to companies’ earnings estimates. Geopolitical disturbances like Russia-Ukraine War reduces the demand visibility in global markets as the discretionary spend of consumers gets delayed.

Key Focus Areas for Textile companies

Agro-based industry – exposure to vagaries of nature across the globe fluctuates the cotton crop prices, crop yield and causes supply bottlenecks. Cost Rationalisation – companies need continued focus on optimising operating expenses, marketing, and rentals. Margin improvement initiatives – Move to higher retail price products, focus on higher thread count sheets and higher grams per sq. meter (GSM) in Towels. Develop new and innovative products and leveraging consumer sentiments and behaviour to earn premium. Digital Imperatives – Increase capacity utilization of plants through digitization of processes and adopting lean practices, keeping exclusive merchandise for online, inclusive planning with e-commerce players. ESG Compliance – implementing ISO 140001 at manufacturing sites, use of treated sewage instead of freshwater in production, replacing coal with biomass to avoid emissions.

Financial Outlook of Textile Companies for FY23 YoY and QoQ

With global economy still reeling under the pressure of slowdown and customer sentiments relatively subdued, margins and revenues of the companies’ exhibit muted performance in FY2023. Textile Sector outlook remain cautiously optimistic but is expected to improve in FY2024 as we gradually retreat headwinds.

Source: The Print.in

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Open Network for Digital Commerce created to democratize the existing ecommerce ecosystem of the country: Shri Piyush Goyal

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal said that Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) was created to democratise the existing ecommerce ecosystem of the country during his virtual address at the “ONDC Elevate” program in Bengaluru. Shri Goyal chaired the program and said that ONDC is an engine of growth that has the potential to redefine the industry completely. The Minister said that a significant number of sellers on the network is itself a testimony to ONDC's impact as digital commerce is being re-imagined. Shri Goyal engaged with all Network Participants during the Open House, noting their feedback and guiding them to redouble their efforts to democratize digital commerce in India. The Minister also noted in response to queries from participants that, “any marketplace joining ONDC should come with serious commitment, and not for namesake”. He also pointed out that when a platform comes on ONDC, it should be in the spirit of give and take, and not just simply taking benefit from the network without contributing back to its progress. “ONDC Elevate” commemorated ONDC's one-year completion, fostering a collaborative environment by bringing together participants and ecosystem players of the network. It provided a platform for open discussions on accomplishments to date and facilitated brainstorming sessions to shape the future trajectory of ONDC. The members of the ONDC Advisory Council – Dilip Asbe, CEO, NPCI, Adil Zainulbhai, Chairman, Capacity Building Commission and Jaxay Shah, Chairman, QCI also attended the event. This interactive session gave participants the opportunity to share their suggestions, and to benefit from the guidance of the Hon’ble Minister and the advisory council members. Shri T. Koshy, MD & CEO, ONDC said that as ONDC completes a year of its operations, it's an ideal time to take a look back on what has been achieved so far while preparing for the future. He said that from 5 cities to 236 cities, the network has continuously evolved with diverse participation of merchants. The group also discussed the various milestones ONDC has completed in the past year. From the launch of beta testing on September 29, 2022, ONDC has scaled to 36,000 sellers, 45+ Network participants and 8+ categories, with a weekly average of 13,000+ retail orders and 36,000+ mobility rides per day with peak transactions reaching 25,000 retail orders on a day. The workshop also focused on the impact ONDC is generating, especially for SHGs and non-digitized sellers.

Source: PIB

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Telangana govt to set up textile clusters in Dubbaka

With an aim to provide a glimpse to weavers in Dubbaka of what Sircilla weavers had achieved during the last few years, Medak MP Kotha Prabhakar Reddy took weavers from Dubbaka to Saramally Textile Park in Rajanna Sircilla district following instructions from IT Minister KT Rama Rao. The weavers went through the textile park to understand how their Sircilla counterparts adopted new technologies to produce better designs and market them. The MP said Dubbaka weavers would be imparted training to understand modern technologies which were being used in Sircilla, Pochampally and Warangal. The State government would set up textile clusters in Dubbaka on the lines of Sircilla to provide a livelihood to weavers of Dubbaka. He said Minister Rama Rao had assured him all support to replicate the work of Sircilla in Dubbaka shortly.

Source: The Telangana today.com

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Crafting sustainable office interiors: A fusion of recycled materials and natural ventilation

The evolving global focus on sustainability and environmental conservation has seeped into the corporate world. Companies are increasingly opting for eco-friendly office interiors that minimize their carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier work environment. In this article, we delve into the fascinating world of sustainable office interior design, exploring innovative ways to create environmentally responsible spaces that leverage recycled materials and natural ventilation systems, fostering a greener and more productive workplace.

Recycled Materials: Giving a New Lease of Life 1. Reclaimed wood: Sourced from old buildings, barns, and warehouses, reclaimed wood adds a touch of rustic elegance while reducing deforestation. It can be used for flooring, wall cladding, and custom furniture pieces. The unique character and patina of reclaimed wood also bring a sense of history and authenticity to the workspace. 2. Recycled metal: From aluminum to steel, repurposed metal materials can be incorporated in various forms, such as ceiling panels, partition frames, and lighting fixtures. These materials are not only durable but also help reduce the energy-intensive process of extracting and refining raw metal ores. Additionally, using recycled metal contributes to a modern, industrial aesthetic that many contemporary offices embrace. 3. Recycled glass: With endless customization options, recycled glass can be employed for countertops, wall partitions, and decorative accents. Its use in the workplace reduces the demand for new glass production, conserving resources and energy. Moreover, recycled glass offers a sleek and sophisticated appearance, perfect for modern office spaces. 4. Eco-friendly textiles: Opt for upholstery and curtains made from recycled or sustainable fabrics, such as organic cotton or recycled polyester. These materials not only offer the same quality and aesthetics as their conventional counterparts but also reduce the overall environmental impact. By selecting environmentally responsible textiles, companies can support sustainable practices within the textile industry. 5. Repurposed office furniture: Instead of purchasing new furniture, consider refurbishing and repurposing existing items, or sourcing second-hand furniture from auctions, liquidations, or thrift stores. This practice not only saves resources but also gives new life to pieces that might otherwise end up in landfills.

Natural Ventilation: Harnessing the Power of Nature 1. Building orientation: When designing a new office or refurbishing an existing one, consider the building’s orientation to make the most of the prevailing winds for natural ventilation. Properly positioned windows and openings can encourage cross-ventilation, reducing the need for artificial air conditioning and creating a more comfortable working environment. 2. Ventilation shafts and stacks: Installing ventilation shafts and stacks can enhance airflow within the office, providing fresh air while expelling stale air. This passive system helps maintain a comfortable temperature without relying on energy-consuming mechanical ventilation. 3. Greenery and indoor plants: Incorporating greenery and indoor plants into office spaces not only boosts aesthetics and employee well-being but also helps filter pollutants, improving indoor air quality. Select low-maintenance plants that can thrive in office conditions, such as snake plants, pothos, or peace lilies. Consider installing living walls or green dividers to further enhance the biophilic elements of your office design. 4. Solar chimneys: Solar chimneys utilize solar energy to heat air, creating an upward draft that drives natural ventilation. By integrating solar chimneys into the design, offices can benefit from improved air circulation and reduced dependence on mechanical systems. 5. Skylights and light wells: Introducing skylights or light wells in strategic locations can boost natural lighting while facilitating airflow. These architectural features not only minimize the need for artificial lighting but also contribute to a more pleasant and energy-efficient work environment. The fusion of recycled materials and natural ventilation systems can help create a sustainable office interior design that benefits both the environment and occupants. By adopting these eco-conscious practices, businesses can take a significant step toward reducing their environmental impact and promoting a healthier, more productive workspace. Embracing sustainability in the corporate world is not just a trend—it’s the way forward for responsible, forward-thinking enterprises.

Source: Times of India

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Small-scale textile mills in Tamil Nadu reduce production

Over 1,500 small or medium-scale textile and open-end spinning mills in Tamil Nadu have decided to reduce production to 50 % of the capacity from Monday, said S. Jagadesh Chandran, secretary of the South India Spinners Association. Mr. Chandran, along with president of Indian Spinning Mill Owners’ Association G. Subramaniam, president of Recycle Textile Federation Jayabal, and president of Open-End Spinning Mills Association G. Arulmozhi, told presspersons here that due to high bank interest costs and electricity charges, price of yarn produced in Tamil Nadu had increased by nearly ₹20 a kg in the last six months. “There is a lot of yarn and fabric that are imported from Bangladesh and this includes yarn produced in China,” claimed Mr. Subramaniam. “We have tried our best to reduce production costs. But, a mill with 10,000 spindles incurs ₹10 lakh loss a month,” said Mr. Chandran. The situation has turned worse in the last six months. The imported yarn is cheaper than that produced in Tamil Nadu by ₹5 - ₹10 a kg, he added. There are containers with imported yarn and fabric in Tiruppur and Somanur. The mills do not have much yarn stock because they are selling at a loss to meet the fixed costs, the mill owners said. Hence, the mills decided to scale down production to 50 % capacity and if the situation does not improve, there will be no option but to shut down production completely, they said. “It is said that 10 containers of yarn are coming to Tamil Nadu every day from Punjab. We are not competitive in the domestic and export markets,” added Mr. Arulmozhi. These MSME mills in Tamil Nadu, accounting fo 1.6 crore spindles and 10 lakh rotors, produce yarn worth ₹145 crore a day and give direct employment to almost five lakh workers. The Central government should take measures to reduce interest rates to the previous level of 7.75 %, give one year moratorium for those who had benefitted from the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme, check import of yarn and fabrics, and support exports. The State government should collect maximum demand charges only for the electricity consumed, should not increase the tariff again this year, and give 15 % capital subsidy for MSME mill that want to invest in renewable energy, they demanded.

Source: Times of India

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India size for apparel, shoes close to rollout

The Union textiles ministry is finalizing the measurements and standards for clothes and shoes that would fit Indians better, three government officials aware of the development said. Currently, international and homegrown brands available in India use measurements from the US or the UK for garments, such as ‘Small’, ‘Medium’ and ‘Large’. However, Indians’ body types differ from the western ones in terms of height, weight or specific measurements of body parts such as the shoulders and bust, throwing up problems in fitting. Size charts for Indians are expected to arrive with the help of 3D scanners that would take computerized body measurements of 25,000 men and women, aged 15 to 65, in six cities—New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Shillong, and Hyderabad, the person cited earlier said. “India size has been a demand from the industry for quite some time as the Indian body type is notably different from the prevailing size in the UK or the US. The basic difference would be in the waist-legs ratio and an India size that is customized to our body type will fit much better. The India size would more likely be closer to the UK size than the US," Randeep Singh Arora, head of new business initiatives at Gokaldas Exports said. In 2018, the textiles ministry said the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) would conduct a study to come up with a size chart for Indians and complete the project in 2-3 years. The National Sizing Survey of India project was expected to cost ₹31 crore, with the textiles ministry contributing ₹21 crore and NIFT the rest. “Size India will surely give impetus to the growing domestic market for fashion goods. With greater focus on e-commerce and flexible lot sizes, size India will offer the much needed size fit to the domestic consumers. The growing domestic manufacturers, retailers and consumers give the required ecosystem to roll out size zero. The country with the largest population deserves its own size chart," Chandrima Chatterjee, secretary general of the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI).

Source: Live mint

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The Handmade Tale: Where To Buy The Heritage Handlooms Of Kutch

The landscape of Kutch (also spelled Kachchh) acts as a stark backdrop for some of the most vivid and colourful textiles in India. With a range of diverse yet syncretic communities, it is also one of the country's biggest hubs for crafts and textiles. The region is known for the exquisite embroidery work of nomadic tribes as well as for textiles made of "kala cotton", one of the few genetically pure cotton species remaining in India. Indigenous to Kutch, kala cotton is one of the only species of old-world cotton that is still around. It is a rain-fed crop and does not use any pesticides or synthetic fertilisers. The best part is that these organisations sustain local craft livelihoods and use local resources. If you are ever in the area, these are the places you must visit to experience the art of some of the most stunning examples of ancient textile traditions in the world. Khamir showcases the crafts, heritage and cultural ecology of Kutch. They were founded after the 2001 earthquake and are renowned for their innovations that fuse ancient Kachchhi crafts with different textile technologies and unconventional raw materials. One such example is reflected in their use locally sourced camel wool sourced from unt maldharis, or camel herders, to make textiles, carpets and ropes. According to Khamir, a number of concerns are currently facing camel pastoralists in Kachchh, including decreased grazing supplies that have caused a decline in herd populations. Khamir created the Camel Wool Project to improve these means of subsistence and protect the local camel populations. Pastoralists have historically used the wool. Khamir is also known for its assortment of kala cotton textile products, which promote the sustainable cotton textiles in conjunction with regional ecosystem. Then there are the Kutch Weave Craft items made by the local Vankar community. It is distinctive as it employs a nearly 600-year-old tradition of extra-weft weaving and the manual insertion of decorative supplementary wefts that resembles embroidery. Other ancient Kutch crafts can be found here as well, such as Reha metalware, which is produced using one of the oldest casting techniques known—sand casting—in which recycled metals are melted and poured into previously-used moulds made of river sand.

Kala Raksha They make exquisite hand embroidered and patchwork products using only natural fibres and wherever possible natural dyes. The product range includes exquisitely hand embroidered, patchwork and applique garments, home furnishings, and accessories. Kala Raksha is known for sewing schools that empower rural women and girls through skill development. They also have a museum which focuses on tshowcasing the traditional arts of the communities they work with, from embroideries of Rabaris, and peoples of the Thar Parker, to replicas of Kachhi Rabari and Maru Meghval ornaments. The collections has nearly 800 objects. You can pick up salwar-kameez sets (tunic and pant suits), shawls and scarves, patchwork quilts, toys, purses, and gifts. They are particularly known for a range of stunning embroidered jackets. Their raw materials are sourced from other artisan groups. The handloom fabric is dyed locally with natural dyes brewed from roots, flowers, leaves and fruits and hand embroidered by women artisans. The embroidery and patchwork motifs draw on the rich traditions of the artisans' indigenous styles. Many of their designs are passed down generations. Some designs are revivals based on their permanent collection, and others are contemporary innovations.

Shrujan This organisation works with artisans in Kutch to revive the age-old art of hand embroidery. It was established in 1969 to support the work of Kutchi women artisans. You can pick up bags, textiles, and home decor items embroidered with their trademark tiny mirrorwork. Their products reflect the various embroidery styles that are unique to each community. There is the dense and bold work by the Ahir community, animated with floral motifs, mirrors, peacocks and parrots; the JatGaraasiya and Jat-Fakiraani of the Jats; the Sodha-Pakko of the Sodhas; the Soof and Khaarek of the Meghwad-Maarus; and the Rabaari of the Rabaaris. “Embroidery is like an identity–people know when they see a particular kind of embroidery that this person comes from that tribe,” says Ami Shroff, director of Shrujan. “But this has been changing gradually. One, many people wear synthetics now. Second, the tribes have begun borrowing from each other so the distinct styles are getting mixed.”

Source: outlook India

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Birla Cellulose Partners With TextileGenesis To Provide Traceability And Transparency Solutions

Cellulose, the pulp and fibre business of the Aditya Birla Group, is a sustainability focused Man-Made Cellulosic Fibres (MMCF) producer. Staying ahead of the sustainability curve Birla Cellulose makes tracer enabled sustainable man-made cellulosic fibre and integrates with traceability platform. Birla Cellulose has collaborated with TextileGenesis, a block-chain enabled digital traceability platform which tracks and verifies the use of sustainable fibres from fibre to garment. Regulatory changes towards sustainable fashion have driven big brands to set key sustainability and ESG goals by 2030 and made traceability platform a key tool in the textile and apparel industry to provide transparency across textile value chain to the end consumer. Mr. ManMohan Singh, Chief Marketing Officer – Birla Cellulose, Grasim Industries, said “Our partnership with TextileGenesisTM is one more step towards our commitment to offer complete transparent supply chain and creating visibility to the sustainably managed forests that are among the most important aspect of responsibly produced viscose. Birla Cellulose has for the last three consecutive years achieved the Dark Green Shirt status in the Canopy’s Hot Button Report, a testimony to our continuous efforts on the conservation of Ancient & Endangered Forests and robust initiatives to scale circular business models in the fashion.” Birla Cellulose is actively collaborating with brands and supply chain partners, innovators, and orchestrators such as Canopy, Fashion for Good, and Circular Fashion Partnership for scaling its circular business model. Company’s blockchain-based and molecular tracer-backed platform ‘GreenTrack – Fibre Traceability tool’ launched in 2019 has today 90+ brands and 1500+ value chain partners on boarded with over 56000 MT of fibre tracked across the globe. The platform provides end-to-end traceability of value chain from forest to fashion. Mr ManMohan Singh added “Last year, a pilot was carried out with a global brand to understand the feasibility and adaptability of the TextileGenesis platform. After a successful pilot run, Birla Cellulose is now expanding the scope to include more Brands on the TextileGenesis platform in addition to the existing GreenTrack platform”. Amit Gautam, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of TextileGenesis says “With increasing compliance and reputational risks, CEOs and Boards of top 100 fashion brands have committed to using 100% sustainable and traceable fibers over the next 5 years, with transparency being a core part of business priorities. Sustainability and traceability are intertwined, and it’s great to partner with Birla Cellulose and deliver transparency solutions for the brands. Our supply chain traceability platform will create digital solutions for Birla Cellulose innovative and sustainable fibers across the entire supply chain using Fibercoins traceability technology”. Brands today seek end to end visibility across the value chain rather than just their immediate supplier. More and more brands are encouraging environmental sustainability through business practices that helps both brands and consumers. The partnership will strengthen the sustainable credentials as well as strengthen the brand and consumer connect of Birla Cellulose.

Source: Textile World

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INTERNATIONAL

Textile recycling collection lagging in US

Fewer than 6 per cent of large American cities, according to Utah-based PromoLeaf LLC’s examination of data on recycling facilities and programmes, accept used textiles in curbside recycling bins. According to the company’s data, “only eight out of 151 cities offer regular curbside collections of clothes and textiles.” In addition to the District of Columbia, PromoLeaf gathered data from the three largest cities in each state. “The goal was to identify the cities where clothes and apparel are recycled in a way that’s easiest and most available to Americans,” says PromoLeaf, which adds that statewide clothing recycling programs exist in 16 states and the District of Columbia. The survey indicated that 115 out of 151 cities, or 76 per cent of them, operate a recycling programme or initiative focused at reducing textile and garment waste, frequently by collecting at donation or recycling dropoff sites, despite the fact that curbside pickup may not be widespread. According to PromoLeaf, several cities are doing better than average at recycling or reusing textiles, including as Yonkers, New York; Rutland, Vermont; Dover, Delaware; and Stamford, Connecticut. Additionally, Stamford is noted as the home to numerous businesses “in the business of recycling, among other things, clothing and textiles.” According to the data, the mid-sized city ranks first in PromoLeaf’s analysis with 16 such businesses per 100,000 residents. New York and Los Angeles, the two most populous cities in America, “have the highest number of clothing recycling-related monthly searches,” according to PromoLeaf. Atlanta and Boston, according to the company, “score highly on recycling searches and have a respectable number of recycling centres that accept clothing and textiles.”

Source: Apparel Resources

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ITMA 2023 Exhibitor Preview: BENNINGER

Benninger aims to become the complete system supplier with leading technology for continuous wet processing, discontinuous dyeing and remain the leader for solutions for the tire cord industry. We take seriously our responsibility towards sustainable textile production and have always stood for textile finishing plants that are particularly resource efficient. We supply overall solutions for all important textile wet finishing processes, and we specialize in the continuous open-width treatment of woven and knitted fabrics, technical textiles as well as jet dyeing machines, jiggers, along with the complete and integrated dye house supply systems such as liquid dispensing, salt and soda ash distributing systems as well as dye staff distribution systems. Our portfolio also includes caustic soda recovery plants and waste-water heat recovery systems. Thanks to our comprehensive process know-how and deep engineering understanding we offer high quality installations with excellent customer service. With our solutions, producers will make a huge contribution to Decarbonizing Textile. At this year’s ITMA Milano, BENNINGER will be presenting its latest developments: The new Benninger jet dyeing machine Fabricmaster, with unmatched water consumption figures. It is the most sustainable way of discontinuous dyeing today. Fast, cost effective and on the road to zero footprints. The chemical dispensing system, CDS, serves all kind of discontinuous and continuous machines in an accurate, unbeatable, and fast way. The new Benninger-Küsters CPB dyeing station for knitwear, the only salt-free cold dyeing process. The new Benninger singeing machine, SingeRay, ensures perfect singeing effects, cost efficiency and uniform quality.

The sustainable way of discontinuous dyeing with the new Fabricmaster – fast, cost effective and zero footprints. Benninger has produced the fastest, most versatile, and economic Jet dyeing machine of the industry and which ensures dramatically shorter process times. The Fabricmaster is not only a robust and reliable system, but the benchmark of the industry in future. Its harmonic versatility is the beacon to conquer new markets. Our passion for perfect fabric quality makes sure that you produce the widest range of fabrics at lowest cost and unmatched water consumption levels.

Salt-free dyeing of woven fabrics and knitwear Salt-free dyeing without the use of energy is only possible using the cold pad batch (CPB) dyeing process. This process is also becoming increasingly popular in tropical and subtropical regions, which is reason enough for Benninger-Küsters to adapt the CPB systems even more effectively to the climatic conditions. The heart of our CPB system is the BENNINGER KÜSTERS DYPAD, which we will also be presenting again this year at the ITMA Milano. BENNINGER is the only textile machine manufacturer with the know-how of the original S-roller technology, which is synonymous with an even dyeing result across the entire fabric width. Brand new Singeing machine “SingeRay” – the first choice to upgrade your fabric, whilst saving gas. The “100% made in Germany” singeing machine is equipped with 2 burners and a double nozzle strip. The silicium carbide burning chambers ensure complete combustion, and a constant burner temperature thanks to 4 cooling channels. Low gas consumption and a perfect flame will increase the scope of your fibres and blends. “Come and visit the leader in continuous wet processing and jet dyeing.” We look forward to welcoming you at our booth A201 in Hall 18.

Source: Textile World

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EU countries back ban on the destruction of unsold textiles

European Union governments agreed on Monday that the bloc should ban the destruction of unsold textiles, part of the EU’s green push towards reducing waste through greater reuse and recycling. Textile consumption in Europe has the fourth highest impact on the environment and climate change after food, housing and mobility. About 5.8 million tonnes of textiles are discarded every year in the EU, approximately 11kg (24 pounds) per person, much of it put into landfill or incinerated. The governments and the European Parliament need to agree on the Ecodesign Regulation before it can enter law. Under the initial March 2022 proposal by the European Commission, the Commission itself was to have determined at a later stage whether to put destruction bans in place. However, the EU governments have agreed that a destruction ban on unsold clothing should apply immediately, rather than waiting for the EU executive to carry out an assessment that could have lasted three years. Medium-sized companies, with fewer than 250 workers, would have a transition period of four years, while the smallest companies, with fewer than 50, would be exempt. Spain, which will hold the six-month EU presidency from July, is likely to hold negotiations on the law with representatives from the European Parliament. The assembly still needs to establish its position, but it appears it may favour a ban on destroying unsold textiles and electronic appliances. The new law would also create a new “digital product passport” showing a product’s environmental sustainability to help consumers make more informed choices. The European Commission has said the destruction of unsold consumer products, such as textiles and footwear, is becoming a widespread problem across the EU, particularly due to the rise of online sales. France already has an anti-waste law that bans the destruction of unsold non-food products.

Source: The Print.in

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EU targets fast fashion in push for durable goods

EUROPEAN Union ministers on Monday (May 22) backed plans to crack down on fast fashion with a ban on destroying unsold clothes, as it targets more goods with tougher sustainability rules. EU competition ministers met in Brussels to approve a plan proposed last year by the European Commission, the bloc’s executive arm, to ban the destruction of textiles, shoes and other unsold consumer products. The bloc wants to reduce the environmental impact of clothes or accessories that are made but never used, especially since the proliferation of online shopping. There will be a four-year exemption from the ban for medium-sized companies, while small firms will have a general exemption. The rules will include tighter requirements for products to be “more durable, reliable, reusable, upgradable, reparable, recyclable and easier to maintain”, the member states said.

Source: The Print.in

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James Heal: Innovation In Testing Protective Clothing And PPE

Global growth in more advanced protective wear, particularly for military and emergency services sectors has led to the continued development of James Heal textile testing equipment. Accurate, reliable testing is needed to ensure fabric properties in specialist garments meet their intended purpose, which are often critical to the survival of the wearer. The James Heal team first established their Performance Testing Range having recognised the shift in consumer behaviour with trends towards ‘athleisure’ wear, and more advanced properties becoming commonplace features of everyday garments. Roll on four years from its initial launch at ITMA 2019, the James Heal Performance Testing Range has continued to expand, creating a suite of instruments that together cover a very different type of performance wear. Further development of the range has been made to include new aspects of performance testing to incorporate what they saw as an increasing area for growth in the market for technical textiles in protective wear, particularly for first responder and military kit that has very specific challenges and testing requirements. Each of the six performance testing instruments in the range has its own unique features, some groundbreaking. In particular, WickView having moved ahead of the current test standard for moisture wicking behaviour in fabric, and AquAbrasion which tests the effects of wet abrasion to better replicate real-life wear situations. Having developed their own test methods, James Heal is working with the industry to establish new standards in these revolutionary areas of textiles testing. In addition, the TruRain sustainable water repellency tester recycles water, cutting waste by 99%, and creates efficiencies to reduce operating costs by 83%. Test instruments for hydrostatic head, air permeability and drying rate complete the range. To assist the industry with this specialist area of textile testing, James Heal has released a free whitepaper: The Lab Manager’s Guide to Performance Testing. Running alongside this innovation and complementing James Heal’s line up are the more traditional textiles testing instruments, such as for flammability, abrasion, tensile strength, and tear resistance, which together are widely used across the protective wear sectors for numerous applications to test for safety, durability, as well as comfort of the wearer. Colin Whittaker, Business Development Manager at James Heal commented, “PPE fabrics and garments are critical for protecting first responders and military personnel in hazardous environments. They must possess specific functional attributes, such as flame resistance, thermal protection, breathability, and water resistance. They must also be tested to ensure that they meet the necessary standards for effectiveness and safety. The construction of these fabrics and garments is complex, often involving specialised techniques and a combination of fibres to achieve the desired characteristics. Our range of test instruments covers these complex requirements, and will continue to be developed alongside the ongoing advancement of technology in textiles.” Established in Halifax, West Yorkshire in 1872, James Heal design and manufacture textile testing instruments, which are used worldwide. The brand became part of the wider PPT Group in 2014, with a number of sister brands each focusing on testing many aspects of materials and products.

Source: Textile World

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