INTERNATIONAL
NATIONAL
The DGFT issued Trade Notice No. 30/2023-24 dated October 19, 2023 regarding the submission of data to the RoDTEP Committee for review of RoDTEP rates by November 30, 2023. Members of Trade and Industry are already aware that the RoDTEP Committee has been constituted for review of RoDTEP rates. After consultation with the industry, the Drawback Division has now finalized the formats for submission of data (Letter dated October 12, 2023 may be seen in this regard). The last date for submission of information to the RoDTEP Committee in the designated formats as given in Annexure B (Part 1 and Part 2) is November 30, 2023. Relevant orders and data formats etc. have been made available in the public domain at the CBIC website (cbic.gov.in) under the link > Taxpayer and Stakeholder Assistance > Public Information > RoDTEP Committee The exporting community is requested to make use of this opportunity and submit required information well within the laid down timelines with copy in MS Excel format to the email id- rodtep.dbk@gov.in. For any clarification, Shri Malay Samir, Deputy Secretary (Drawback) at 011-23340581 may also be contacted.
Source: The a2ztaxcorp.com
Commerce cannot function without shipping and making India a prosperous nation cannot be possible unless the maritime sector develops at a fast pace, stated Union Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Textiles Minister Piyush Goyal at the Maritime Excellence Achievers’ and Valedictory Session of Global Maritime India Summit (GMIS), 2023, in Mumbai today. While congratulating the awardees, Union Minister Piyush Goyal said that the Maritime Excellence Achievers’ awardees have helped to catalyse innovation in the maritime sector and make it a vibrant part of Indian economy, a contributor to India’s growth in international trade. Speaking about how Commerce Ministry is complemented by Shipping Ministry, Union Minister Piyush Goyal stated that when PM Narendra Modi had given a target to increase exports to more than 400 billion dollars, both Commerce and Shipping Ministries worked together and the PSW Ministry under the leadership of Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, achieved in almost doubling the capacity of major ports in the country, reducing the turn-around time to below 24 hours, increasing cargo handling in national waterways to almost four times. Union Minister Piyush Goyal stated that India’s merchandise exports in a short span of two years increased from 293 billion dollars in 2020-21 to 450 billion dollars in 2022-23, due to the collective efforts of the Centre, State Governments, PSUs, ports and other stakeholders, thereby recording a 55% in two years’ time span and enabling India to become a significant contributor to international trade. “We have set a target for ourselves to increase merchandise exports to a trillion dollars by 2030”, he said. He expressed confidence about creation of an enabling infrastructure for achieving this. He added that the target is to go beyond this in the Amrit Kaal and to become a developed economy by 2047, with a GDP of about 35 trillion dollars by 2047. He said that GMIS is an opportunity to develop ideas and a new vision for the sector, encourage investment from across the world and invigorate within the system a confidence needed for progress and growth of the sector. The agenda and wide variety of discussions held in various sessions offer an ocean of opportunities for investors in the maritime sector. The success story of India’s significant demand and demographic dividend can be completed only when the maritime sector leverages it. He urged participants of the maritime sector not to lose sight of the opportunities that India’s growth story will provide in the coming 30 years. The Government’s vision for Ports for Prosperity, Ports for Progress is bringing transformational changes at the ground level, which is testified by a record investments of 2.37 lakh crores committed on second day of the Summit, he added. Union PSW and AYUSH Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, MoS (PSW and Tourism) Shripad Naik, MoS (PSW) Santanu Thakur, MoS (WCD and AYUSH) Mahendrabhai Munjpara, Minister of Sports and Youth Welfare in Government of Maharashtra Sanjay Bansode, Ports, Shipping and Waterways Secretary TK Ramachandran were present amongst the dignitaries.
Source: Best Current Affairs
The possibility of a month-end conclusion of the IndiaUK FTA talks hangs in the balance as last week’s crucial round of negotiations failed to bridge differences in critical areas, including rules of origin, access for professional services, tariff cuts for key products, and work visa liberalisation, sources said. The Commerce and Industry Ministry is reaching out to line ministries, including food processing, finance, agriculture, and heavy industry, for guidance on how to proceed as officials from both sides are continuing to negotiate despite the physical round coming to an end, a source tracking the matter told businessline. “The UK has been unflinching in its demand for relaxed provisions for rules of origin (which determine the country of origin of a product), especially for automobiles and processed food, and greater market access for Scotch Whisky and cars, despite India’s refusal to go beyond its comfort level,” the source said.
Rishi Sunak’s visit British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to visit India this month-end to bolster bilateral economic and diplomatic ties and possibly finalise the India-UK FTA, together with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, by taking some tough political decisions. No dates have, however, been officially announced by either the UK or India. The FTA is expected to double bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030. As rules of origin (ROO) prescribe the minimum processing which needs to happen in a FTA partner country for a good to qualify for duty cuts, they are crucial for the negotiations.
India opposes liberal ROO India does not want liberal ROO for items such as automobiles, processed food and engineering goods as it fears that goods from EU countries could get exported to India at preferential duties couched as UK products. “Many companies in the UK still have their supply chains integrated with companies from the EU. They source a lot of inputs from the bloc. Strict ROOs which prescribe high level of processing in the FTA country may result in several UK products becoming eligible for FTA benefits because of high input content from the EU. That is why UK is adopting a hard posture in the ROO talks and want liberal product specific rules for several items,” the source explained. Wranglings on the final duty cuts and their spacing out for critical products like Scotch Whisky and automobiles are still on but may be settled with some political push, the source added. UK’s objections UK is also miffed at not getting enough openings for its professional services, including law and accountancy, while India wants to make at least some gains in work visas, which the British are not willing to offer. “Everything is uncertain, including Sunak’s visit. But the fact is that officials in both countries are trying their best to close as many gaps as possible so that the leaders could attempt to close the deal when they meet,” the official said.
Source: the Hindu Business line
The India-UK negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) are likely to continue for a few more days or even weeks that would push back the actual date of finalising and signing the pact beyond October, according to official sources. The frenetic activity of the last few weeks had raised hopes of an early conclusion of talks even though officially both sides have always refrained from setting any deadlines after the earlier date of Diwali last year was missed due to political developments in the UK.Currently the 13th round of talks on FTA is in progress. The current round started on September 3 and with a small break is still continuing. India’s commerce secretary had visited London in the first week of October to push the talks further. All this activity and arrival of a team from UK to India for continuing the round had kindled hopes that a breakthrough could be around the corner. The Financial Times reported from London on Wednesday quoting British officials “talks are not where we want them to be.” The Indian commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal had said on Friday, “We are negotiating tough issues which remain.” The proposed FTA between the two countries, negotiations for which were started in January of 2022 covers 26 chapters or policy areas. “Majority of chapters are closed or are in advanced stages of negotiations,” he had said. While less contentious issues have been sorted out, protracted negotiations are still on issues of interest to India like greater access for its skilled professionals from sectors like IT, and healthcare in the UK market, besides market access for several goods at nil customs duties. On the other hand, the UK is seeking a significant cut in import duties on goods such as scotch whiskey, automobiles, lamb meat, chocolates and certain confectionary items. Britain is also looking for more opportunities for UK services in Indian markets in segments like telecommunications, legal and financial services (banking and insurance). The London-based FT quoted a person from industry familiar with parts of the agreement as saying that India was offering less access to professional services, including law and accounting, than was found in other modern trade agreements, such as the deal the UK signed with Australia. The UK has demanded national treatment for its services businesses and greater freedom to its professionals to operate in India during negotiations. National treatment means treating foreigners and locals equally with regard to rules and regulations. It also means equal access to opportunities for overseas operators and not doing anything that puts them at a disadvantage. “Some [services] sectors haven’t got anything close to what they might have hoped for, and negotiators have been very clear that they don’t see this deal as a game-changer,” the insider quoted by FT said. The draft deal did not appear to “break new ground” in areas such as legal services, said another person familiar with parts of the deal. However, the professional services sector had always accepted that it would be difficult for the UK to extract significant concessions in particularly sensitive parts of India’s regulatory system. International law firms have historically been heavily restricted from operating in the country. Along with the FTA, both sides are also negotiating the Bilateral Investment Treaty. In this treaty the differences over the dispute resolution mechanism in holding up the conclusion of negotiations.
Source: Financial express
H&M, the Sweden-based global fashion retailer, posted a 40 per cent increase in sales for the year ending March 2023 as it has sales of Rs. 2960 crore during 2022-23, compared to Rs. 2115 crore in the last fiscal. In overseas apparel brands in India, Zara is on number two with a revenue of Rs. 2562 crore in last fiscal. H&M is also one of the largest apparel brands online with revenues of Rs. 1178 crore from the e-commerce business, accounting for about 40 per cent of its overall sales. In its recent annual report, the company said that a new logistics centre for online sales was put into operation in New Delhi in the beginning of the year. As per H&M’s latest filing with the Registrar of Companies, its net profit increased 72 per cent during the year to Rs. 43.6 crore. Though the retailer’s sales expansion was lower compared to 49 per cent a year ago but it is still managing to retain its position as India’s largest fast fashion brand by revenues on lower pricing. H&M, which opened a store a month in India on average since its entry in the country in October 2015, also saw its slowest expansion ever last fiscal when it opened less than five stores.
Source: Apparel resources
The rupee traded in a narrow range to settle 5 paise higher at 83.23 (provisional) against the US dollar on Thursday, tracking softening crude prices in the international markets amid lingering geopolitical uncertainties. However, foreign fund outflows, a weak greenback overseas and a negative trend in domestic equities weighed on investor sentiments, forex traders said. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the local unit opened at 83.26 against the US currency and witnessed a high of 83.23 and a low of 83.28 during intra-day trade. The local unit settled at 83.23 (provisional), registering a gain of 5 paise over its previous close. The rupee declined on Thursday pressurised by a weak tone in the domestic markets and a rise in US Dollar. FII selling also weighed on the domestic currency, said Anuj Choudhary - Research Analyst at Sharekhan by BNP Paribas. The dollar index, which gauges the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, rose 0.05 per cent to 106.61. Global oil benchmark Brent crude futures fell 1.92 per cent to USD 89.74 per barrel. "We expect the rupee to trade with a slight negative bias as risk aversion in the global markets amid rising geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East may put pressure on Rupee," Choudhary said. However, any diplomatic efforts to contain the conflict in the Middle East may support the rupee at lower levels. Traders may take cues from weekly unemployment claims and existing home sales data from the US. "Investors may remain cautious ahead of US Federal Reserve Chair, Jerome Powell's speech for some cues over monetary policy trajectory. USD/ INR spot price is expected to trade in a range of Rs 83 to Rs 83.60," he said. On the domestic equity market front, Sensex fell 247.78 points or 0.38 per cent to settle at 65,629.24 points. The Nifty declined 46.40 points or 0.24 per cent to 19,624.70 points. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) were net sellers in the capital markets on Wednesday as they sold shares worth Rs 1,831.84 crore, according to exchange data.
Source: Tecoya Trend
INTERNATIONAL
According to ITMF’s Global Textile Industry Survey (GTIS) conducted in the middle of September 2023, survey participants exhibited a cautious sentiment regarding the current business situation. The indicator for the business situation stood at -27 percentage points because companies in the entire textile value chain were struggling with rising costs and weak demand. Business expectations have remained unchanged since July at around +20 pp). They have jumped into positive territory in January 2023 based on the assumption that the Chinese economy would give an additional boost, but this hope did not materialise. The analysis indicates that a hard landing of the global economy is not in sight. Order intake recovered in May 2023, but flattened in July and remained very weak in September (-28 pp). The entire textile value chain is running on minimum levels of orders. As long as brands and retailers do not increase orders, the entire value chain will continue struggling. Order backlog slightly increased globally, from 1.9 months in July to 2.2 months in September 2023. This indicator had been on a falling trend since the end of 2021. The average capacity utilisation rate dropped again globally (69%). Textile manufacturers expect this rate to remain low in six months’ time as well. Weakening demand has been the major concern in the global textile value chain for a year. In September 2023, this concern grew even stronger due to high inflation rates measured in the last few months, a phenomenon fueled by high energy and high raw material prices. Nevertheless, participants seem not to be concerned by order cancelations and inventory levels remain average along the textile value chain.
Source: Tecoya Trend
Textile and clothing exports fell for third month in a row due to growing production costs and liquidity crunch, according to statistics issued by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics on Wednesday. The export value of textile and clothing exports shrank 9.95 per cent in the first quarter (July-September) FY24 to $4.12 billion from $4.58bn in the corresponding period last year. In September, the textile and clothing exports contracted 10.88pc to $1.36bn from $1.52bn in the same month last year. Caretaker Commerce Minister Gohar Ejaz last month announced that the government would soon offer regionally competitive energy prices to textile exporters and resolve their cash flow issues by releasing pending sales tax refunds. However, the decision was yet to be implemented The exports of textile and clothing contracted by 14.63pc to $16.50bn in FY23. However, the total merchandise exports dipped 12.71pc to $27.54bn from $31.78bn in the preceding year. The PBS data showed the exports of readymade garments shrank 11.21pc in value in July-September but grew by 8.24pc in quantity, while knitwear dipped 15.83pc in value but grew 34.14pc in quantity, bedwear posted a negative growth of 10.02pc in value and but grew 1.39pc in quantity. However, towel exports slightly increased by 2.89pc in value and 16.24pc in quantity, whereas those of cotton cloth dipped by 18.15pc in value and 7.50pc in quantity. However, the export of raw cotton and yarn increased by over 12pc and 33.5pc during the first quarter of FY24. The export of made-up articles — excluding towels — dipped by 5.40pc, art, silk and synthetic textile by 23.08pc and tents, canvas and tarpaulin by 8.24pc in July-September from a year ago. The import of textile machinery declined by 75.38pc in July-September — a sign that expansion or modernisation projects were not a priority. Furthermore, the import of raw cotton also dipped by 68.73pc in July-September from a year ago. However, the import of synthetic fibre was increased by 21.41pc followed by 113.90pc rise in synthetic silk yarn and 42.80pc in worn clothing. In the first quarter of FY24, the total exports dipped 3.63pc to $6.91bn this year from $7.17bn over the last year.
Imports of oil, eatables dip Oil and eatables imports dipped 29.41pc in the first quarter of the current fiscal year to $5.35bn from $7.58bn a year ago, PBS data showed. A noticeable decline was observed in both the quantity and value of major imports during the period under review amid the economic slowdown and a steep fall in the purchasing power of consumers. In dollar terms, the oil import bill dipped by 28.03pc to $3.50bn during 3MFY24 from $4.86bn in the same period last year. In rupee terms, the decline was relatively lower at 5.86pc because of massive currency devaluation and amounted to Rs1.02tr this year, compared to Rs1.08tr last year. As a consequence, exports of petroleum products were down by 82.82pc in 3MFY24 from a year ago. The foreign sales of crude oil and petroleum products were down by 100pc and 39.43pc, respectively. According to the PBS data, the imports of petroleum products declined by 36.55pc in value during July-September and 26.03pc in quantity. Import of crude oil decreased by 18.36pc in quantity while the value decreased by 30.10pc. Similarly, liquefied natural gas imports dipped by 7.36pc during July-Sept FY24 on a year-on-year basis. On the other hand, liquefied petroleum gas imports declined 7.79pc in the months under review. The reduction in import quantities of crude oil and petroleum products is a clear indication of reduced transportation amid slowing down economic activities. This also suggests lower capacity utilisation of local oil refineries, compared to the last year, resultantly affecting their profitability.
Food products The food import bill also fell by over 32pc to $1.85bn in the first quarter from $2.72bn in 3MFY23 with a major drop in the arrival of palm oil and pulses. The import of palm oil declined 33.21pc followed by a 1.45pc dip in pulses and 25.91pc in soya bean oil. However, the import of tea surged by 22.34pc, and dry fruits over 51pc during the period under review.
Machinery arrivals Machinery imports plunged 6.29pc to $1.65bn in July-September from $1.76bn in 3MFY23 mainly due to a decline in almost all categories of machinery excluding office machinery and mobile phones. Mobile phone imports surged by more than 89.71pc to $304.05 million, up from $160.26m. This is the single largest share of overall machinery import value in the first quarter. Machinery imports of textile, power generating, agriculture and electrical appliances dipped during the period under review. The transport sector’s imports tumbled 32.65pc to $405.64m in the July-September period against $602.29m in the same months last year.
Source: The Dawn.com
Renewcell, the world’s first commercial-scale textile-to-textile recycling factory, is revolutionizing the recycling industry. Located in the seaside town of Sundsvall, Sweden, Renewcell’s enormous warehouse is a hub for transforming textile waste into a new material called Circulose. Instead of ending up in landfills or incinerators, textile waste is picked up by Renewcell and given a second life. The fashion industry generates mountains of textile waste, and the question of what to do with it has become increasingly pressing. Waste colonialism, the practice of wealthier countries offloading their waste onto poorer nations, and overproduction have contributed to the growing problem. Images of discarded garments littering beaches and deserts highlight the urgency of finding sustainable solutions. Renewcell’s plant is able to process 60,000 tonnes of textile waste annually, but this is just a fraction of the waste produced by the EU and Switzerland. McKinsey estimates that about 70% of garment waste ends up in landfills or incinerators, while the remaining 30% is collected through various means. However, a significant portion of the clothing sent to developing countries is of poor quality and ends up being burned or dumped in rivers. While other companies have developed chemical recycling technology, progress towards achieving commercial scale has been slow. Mechanical recycling also exists but accounts for a small percentage of the market. The challenges faced by textile recyclers include the difficulty of handling blended fibers, a lack of infrastructure for waste collection and sorting, and the need for large orders to justify building larger factories. Renewcell has the advantage of partnering with fashion brands such as Levi’s, Ganni, and Filippa K, which has helped boost its sales. The company is working to expand its capabilities to handle synthetic materials and increase its capacity to 120,000 tonnes by 2024. They are also exploring opportunities to open additional locations in the US, Asia, and Africa. Legislators are starting to take notice of the textile waste crisis. Extended producer responsibility schemes will hold brands accountable for the end-of-life phase of their products. The EU has banned the destruction of unsold goods starting from 2024, and textiles will be collected separately, similar to paper and glass. The UK is also taking steps to stimulate circularity and create a textile recycling industry. While progress is being made, the rapid pace of production in the fast-fashion industry poses a challenge. Brands like H&M, which has invested in Renewcell and sells clothes made from Circulose, are working towards circularity. Take-back programs and initiatives to use textile waste in production are steps in the right direction. The world’s first commercial-scale textile-to-textile recycling factory is a game-changer for the fashion industry. Renewcell’s innovative approach to tackling textile waste is setting a new standard for sustainability and circularity. With greater investment and support, the industry can work towards reducing its environmental impact and creating a more sustainable future.
Source: Energy Portal
The Karl Mayer Group not only supports customers with innovative machinery, digital solutions and professional services, but also with applications expertise and industry networks. Accordingly, last month, the group’s American subsidiary, Karl Mayer North America, inaugurated an annual technology conference for the textile community. The purpose of the conference is to connect the textile supply chain, share knowledge and applications experience, and learn from others within the textile community. “We would like to position the Karl Mayer Group as a thought leader within the industry, Karl Mayer North America hosted the inaugural Textiles Innovation Conference on September 12-14 at its TexLab in Greensboro, North Carolina. The conference involved technology demonstrations, supplier exhibits, and guest speakers, with around 120 guests participating in the event along with 15 guest speakers presenting various industry topics. An exhibition with 20 suppliers provided information on yarn and fibre manufacturers, automation solutions, and university programs.
Program focused on adding value Representatives of the Karl Mayer Group presented the latest production technologies for warp and flat knitting, including the HKS 3-M as the first tricot machine of the digital generation, the DS OPTO, a warp preparation machine that combines the sectional warping of weaving preparation with the direct warping of warp knitting preparation to create a universal hybrid principle, and Stoll’s highly efficient flat knitting machine in the innovative ADF series. Live demonstrations on how to operate the machinery accompanied the theoretical explanations. Guest speakers covered topics including sustainability, prototyping, warp preparation, and the future of knitting. A technology comparison evaluating the benefits of warp knitting versus weaving was also presented. from North Carolina State University presented a New FlexFactory for the study of ondemand textile manufacturing principles. Donna Brin, CEO of bFIVE40 presented on Automotive 3D Knitting, focusing on the advantages of flat knitting for rapid prototyping, customisation, and scalability.
Successful inaugural conference A wide variety of professionals attended the Textiles Innovation Conference from manufacturing executives, operations managers, and product designers to maintenance specialists and supply chain partners. Founders of textile start-up companies, university professors and government trade agents were also among the guests. Some visitors travelled from afar to attend the conference – Canada, Mexico, Honduras, and Italy. Visitors were particularly impressed by the many opportunities to connect with industry colleagues. “Bravo Karl Mayer for a fantastic Textiles Innovation Conference. This conference is full of next-level ideas, industry inspiration, and great networking,” said a senior executive who attended the conference. “I had the opportunity to meet many suppliers in one place. Supply chain networking is extremely important,” commented another attendee who is a manufacturing expert. The host was also very satisfied with its inaugural conference. Throughout the event, Karl Mayer North America received many requests for follow-up meetings and quotes, as well as an order. “Our first Textile Innovation Conference has proven that being a leader in the textile industry can pay big dividends,” concluded Mariano Amezcua. There is significant interest in near-shoring and even possibly establishing textile operation in the US. Karl Mayer North America is ready to connect its customers’ new operations with the supply chain in America.
Next chapter begins Work has already begun on preparing the second annual Textiles Innovation Conference. Plans are underway to gradually expand the primary focus. “Next year, we also want to focus on brand leadership and their needs from the textile manufacturing community. We will invite key brands from the apparel, footwear, and furniture industries. Ultimately, we want to integrate automation and on-demand principles to provide unique, higher-margin products to brands and their consumers,” concludes Mariano Amezcua.
Source: Knitting Industry
With the use of Flock expanding rapidly throughout the US auto industry – especially in the design of a new generation of electric vehicles — the American Flock Association will exhibit this month at the Automotive Interiors Expo, North America, 2023, in Novi, Michigan, just outside Detroit, Oct. 24-26, 2023. This is the premier US automotive design show. Visitors can find AFA at booth A618 inside the expo’s main hall at the Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Avenue in Novi. Steve Rosenthal, Managing Director of AFA — along with AFA members who work closely with the automobile industry — will be on hand to answer questions and discuss the many ways Flocking can solve problems involved with building and designing a new automobile. For a vast number of functional and aesthetics reasons, Flocking has become essential to the design of new cars. To name just a few, this incudes surface treatments to improve the look and feel for IP bins, gloveboxes, center consoles and headliners, as well as sound dampening of various design and mechanical systems. Flocking is also used to reduce windshield glare. “Flocking reduces buzz, squeaks and rattles, and improves the appearance of many surfaces. It also provides a luxurious feel on any substrate,” said Rosenthal, “and can be applied to surfaces of nearly any size or configuration. It has become nearly impossible to find a new vehicle that isn’t designed with Flocking in some capacity,” he added. “We’re excited about attending and helping engineers and interior designers learn more about the design and mechanical problems Flocking can solve.” The Automotive Interiors Expo, North America, is a must-see for interior design teams from car manufacturers charged with keeping up with the rapidly changing world of materials, finishes and technologies used in today’s vehicles.
Source: Textile World
Ultrafabrics, the global leader in high-tech performance fabric across 11 industries, announces that one of its most enduring collections Promessa has new colors, a new recycled backcloth and anti-microbial additives have been removed. Japanese-crafted and New York-based, Ultrafabrics’ Promessa collection has long been the goto performance textile for specifiers who need a durable fabric solution for commercial interiors, furniture or healthcare applications. Confidently named for the Italian word ‘promise’, the 25-year legacy fabric collection by Ultrafabrics is the touchstone of the brand. Nicole Meier, Director of Branding at Ultrafabrics, says: “Promessa embodies the Ultrafabrics offering perfectly: unrivalled haptics, performance, and beauty. In the same breath we never rest on our laurels and continue to innovate. We are proud to add new colors, a new recycled backcloth and, as a response to feedback in the healthcare market, we have removed antimicrobial additives. Whether it’s clinical settings and airports, to restaurants and higher education, Promessa always exceeds expectation.”
New Colors for 2024 and beyond Promessa ventures beyond the designs of today with a refreshed color palette of captivating green hues, soft reds, and warmer neutrals that elevate its leather like, soft pebble texture. The Ultrafabrics’ team of color experts scanned the horizon for inspiration and trends and added these newest shades to reflect the importance of biophilic design and desire for comforting tones. Desert Taupe – Warm, comforting Buttered Toffee – Subtle, classic Galaxy Fog – Cool, transformative Old Lime – Versatile, unassuming Olive Moss- Fresh, energising Lake Blue – Calm, crisp Fireclay – Organic, earthy Rumba Red – Rich, alluring Aqua Spring – Clean, refreshing
Recycled backcloth and safer chemistry Supporting Ultrafabrics’ material innovation goal to incorporate a minimum of 50% rapidly renewable and/or recycled materials in its portfolio by 2025, Promessa now incorporates recycled polyester and responsibly sourced viscose in the backcloth for all colors, both new and existing. Each yard of Promessa now has 8.3 recycled plastic bottles incorporated into the backcloth. Beyond innovation, the brand has taken a significant stride towards better material health and safer chemistry by eliminating antimicrobial additives from the collection. This step, while offering various advantages, does not compromise performance and expands Promessa’s suitability, particularly in projects where antimicrobial technology is not permitted.
Additional sustainability features of Promessa: PFAS-free Free of FR, PVC, plasticizer phthalates, and formaldehyde Low VOCs promote healthier indoor air quality SCS Indoor Advantage Gold certified REACH Compliant
Uncompromising Performance Exceptional durability – industry-leading 16 weeks hydrolysis results Engineered for upholstery in active, high traffic spaces 400,000 double rubs (Wyzenbeek), 180,000 rubs (Martindale) Ease of cleaning including 1:5 bleach/water solution Meier adds, “ In many ways Promessa is the ultimate definition of a performance textile and what we do here at Ultrafabrics. As much as Promessa is an achievement and a trusted product for our specifiers, it’s a promise that we are always innovating and looking to the future.”
Source: Textile World
Worn Again Technologies, a pioneer in the true circular economy for textiles, has announced its membership of the newly formed Alliance of Textile Chemical Recyclers (ACTR). Spearheaded by Accelerating Circularity, this partnership aligns perfectly with Worn Again Technologies’ mission to repurpose waste materials back into the supply chain, signaling a shift away from the old-fashioned linear textile industry. The ACTR aims to provide the textile industry with accurate information on textile chemical recycling through a unified voice. The association aims to meet these goals through educational, outreach and engagement opportunities, with the first step being the introduction of a dictionary of common terms to educate the industry on the chemical recycling of textiles. Collaborating with other leaders in the field, Worn Again Technologies and its fellow members are committed to delivering sustainable initiatives. These include advocating for chemical recycling solutions to reduce the volume of textile waste directed to landfills and incinerators, ensuring a supply of sustainably sourced, circular materials and assisting brands and retailers in reducing their CO2 footprints. Worn Again Technologies is at the forefront of the creation of a sustainable textiles industry with its chemical recycling technologies. A testament to this commitment is the development of its state-of-the-art textile recycling demo plant in Winterthur, Switzerland. This facility, designed to divert up to 1,000 tons of textiles annually from incineration, showcases its closed-loop chemical recycling technology aligning with ACTR’s goal to drive awareness about how this process can benefit the textile industry. “We formed this collective to move chemical recycling technology forward, share common definitions, and address policies in a collaborative way to maximize the elimination of textile waste to landfills and incineration” explained Karla Magruder, Founder and President of Accelerating Circularity. “Chemical recycling technology has many benefits, including quality more similar to virgin fiber and the ability to recycle multiple times.” Erik Koep, CEO at Worn Again Technologies, commented: “Becoming a member of the ACTR underscores our commitment to revolutionizing the textile industry. The potential of chemical recycling is vast, promising end products with quality akin to virgin fibers and the opportunity for further reuse. As leading experts in the chemical recycling of textiles, we bring technical know-how that will help drive impactful outreach activities across the industry. Together, we’re not just imagining a world without textile waste, we’re actively helping to build it.”
Source: Textile World
