The biggest challenge facing the Indian textile industry is competition from the other low cost neighbouring countries which attract more business from the international market because of lower production costs, ease in doing business and easier trade routes, according to an industry expert. "Competition from low cost countries like Bangladesh, Vietnam, Indonesia and Pakistan is the biggest challenge for the Indian textile industry. In the last few years, these countries have given a special impetus to their textile industry and been able to build new capacities with latest technology," Prashant Mohota, MD of Gimatex Industries Pvt Ltd told Fibre2Fashion.com. Mohota believes that the advantage with these countries lies in competitive cost or at-par cost in terms of labour, power and interest rate, and also in the ease of doing business. Many of these countries have been offered a favourable import condition in many countries like the US and the European Union which ensures an easy trade route. "They have been able to give India a run for money in terms of capturing the global market," Mohota briefs. On an additional note, he lists ramping up domestic demand within the country as another major challenge for the industry. Depending on foreign markets for Indian products may prove challenging. Promoting the use of synthetic textiles is also a major challenge, he further adds. As a solution, Mohota suggests promoting a 'Brand India' image, cluster approach and innovation, implementation of GST, and a competitive infrastructure for the textile sector.
SOURCE: Fibre2fashion
As per the latest data of Ministry of Textiles, India's exports of readymade garments jumped 33 per cent from INR72,592 crore in 2013-14 to INR96,523 crore in 2014-15. Experts opine that the stupendous uptrend will continue for the next three years. The expectation is based on three fundamentals. One, export incentives from the government, second, revival in demand from major markets such as US and Europe and, three, increase in manufacturing costs in China. In the new trade policy, the government has provided export incentives to the tune of 5-6 per cent to garments exporters and this has gone down well with garment exporters. This is one of the chief reasons why textiles companies are finding it relevant and profitable to export garments than raw materials.
A national daily quoted Jayesh Shah, chief financial officer at Arvind saying: "With the government's focus on Make in India theme, there is an increasing focus on facilitating exports of garments. A case in the point is the government's decision to provide exports incentives in the range of 5-6 per cent to garment-exporters from India in its new trade policy. I think India's garments exports' story is a five-year story." Demand revival in the US and European Union emerging from economic activities picking up in these markets has boosted garment export during the year. Krunal Modi, Manager with CARE Ratings, stated that export of readymade garment witnessed a healthy double digit growth can be primarily attributed to healthy demand from the US and the European Union which accounts for bulk of the apparel exports from India.
Lastly, there is shift in demand for garments from China to India due to rise in labour and power costs have made production in China expensive compared to India. In contrast to growth readymade garments export, cotton yarn export has been tepid. According to YnFx – Fibre and yarn Exports - India report, export of cotton yarn declined 29 per cent to INR20,890 crore in 2014-15 as China reduced its buying from India. IN US$ terms export of cotton yarn declined 17 per cent to US$3,440 million with volumes at 1,081 million kgs.
SOURCE: Yarns&Fibers
A joint statement, as a prologue to the FTA with the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) comprising Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus had been signed between India and EEU at St. Petersburg in Russia few days back. It viewed the establishment of a joint study group to work out the formalities including the finalization of the sectors that would be part of the FTA. This decision to sign the Free Trade Agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) is seen by the Tirupur knitwear exporters as a window to access the huge Russia apparel market. R. Dhanapal, an exporter said that as soon as the FTA will been signed, the exporters from clusters like Tirupur and its hinterland will be enthused to eye Russian market more because of the inherent incentives available in duty front under any free trade pact which makes the Indian products cost-competitive. T. R. Ramanathan, an industry consultant, commented that they had already been representing to the authorities and made them convinced the need to have a FTA with Russia with textiles included in it, considering the immense market potential in that country. During 2013-14, Russia has imported apparel items worth $ 7.5 billion and of which, India’s share was only $ 268 million.
SOURCE: Yarns&Fibers
Viscose staple fibre (VSF) manufacturer Grasim Industries has begun taking steps to resume production at its Nagda plant in Madhya Pradesh. In a filing to the BSE, Grasim said “with the onset of monsoon, the availability of water has improved and accordingly the operations have started to resume the production in a phased manner, with immediate effect.” On April 24 this year, the company had informed the BSE that it had started reducing production of staple fibre at its Nagda plant in a phased manner due to water shortage caused by deficient rain (less than half of normal) last year. Subsequently, the production was fully suspended. Temporarily, Grasim continued to cater to the requirements of all its customers from its three other staple fibre plants—one each at Kharach, Vilayat (both in Gujarat) and Harihar (Karnataka).
SOURCE: Fibre2fashion
The Southern India Mills Association (SIMA) has stressed on the need to train the workers on a scientific basis and adopt scientific work norms to achieve higher productivity. SIMA in coordination with Apparel, Make-ups and Home Furnishing Sector Skill Council (AMHSSC) promotes by Apparel Export Promotion Council, organised a seminar on Tuesday to educate the garment and made-up segments on PMKVY skill development scheme. It was inaugurated by the AMHSSC chairman A Sakthivel. Under this scheme, fresh trainees would get a cash reward from Rs 6,000 to Rs 12,000 per trainee and Rs 2,500 for experienced workers to get trained and certified. Speaking at the event, SIMA deputy chairman Senthilkumar said, “The industry has been facing acute shortage of skilled manpower and people prefer to migrate to other business due to several challenges faced by the industry. Retention and absenteeism have become two major constraints for the industry to sustain its working performance and achieving higher productivity.” He advised all the textile manufacturing units to take full advantage of the PMKVY skill development scheme and train the workers on a scientific basis. He also said, “There is an urgent need to train the workers on a scientific basis and adopt scientific work norms to achieve higher productivity. This will help in meeting customer requirements and sustain the competitiveness in the globalised environment.” He added that SIMA is equipped with highly competent and qualified industrial engineers and HR professionals and advised all the textile manufacturing units to utilise the services of SIMA to implement the PMKVY scheme.
SOURCE: The New Indian Express
The penalty in cases of customs duty fraud has been reduced by 10 per cent by the Finance Ministry. Section 28 of the Customs Act, 1962, has been amended and now the amount of penalty payable in cases involving fraud, collusion, wilful mis-statement or suppression of facts with the intent to evade payment of duty, shall be fifteen per cent instead of 25 per cent. Also, there will be a penalty not exceeding ten per cent of the duty sought to be evaded or Rs 5,000, whichever is higher, for improper export and import of goods. Sections 112 and 114 of the Customs Act which, respectively provide for penalty for improper import and export of goods, have been amended by insertion of new clauses to provide for a penalty of up to 10 per cent of the duty sought to be evaded or Rs 5,000, whichever is higher, according to Finance Act, 2015. The Ministry has also rationalised imposition of penalty on central excise duty and service tax evasions by fraud and other means. In case of any wilful evasion of central excise duty, a penalty equal to the duty evasion will be payable. Similarly, the penalty will be hundred per cent of Service Tax amount involved in such cases.
A reduced penalty equal to 15 per cent of the Service Tax amount is to be paid if Service Tax, interest and reduced penalty is paid within 30 days of service of notice in this regard, the Act said. There will be no penalty imposed on an assessee if the customs, excise duties or service tax are not properly levied, if those amounts along with interest are paid within 30 days of issuance of show-cause notices, it said. The penalty waiver, which is part of Finance Act, 2015, that got President Pranab Mukherjee's assent last month, is applicable in cases of fraud, collusion or wilful mis-statements.
SOURCE: The Business Standard
The downturn in India's business sentiment seems to have bottomed out as listed firms reported significant improvement in production levels, domestic as well as export orders this month, a survey said today. Deutsche Boerse's MNI India Business Sentiment Indicator, a gauge of current sentiment among BSE-listed companies, rose by 7.7 per cent to 67.1 in June from 62.3 in May. Results of the June business survey provide a tentative sign that the downturn in overall sentiment may have bottomed, it said. "It would be unwise to read too much into one month's data but the brighter tone of the June survey provides an early signal that the trend decline in sentiment since peaking in September last year may have run its course," MNI Indicators Chief Economist Philip Uglow said. As per the report, the June interest rate cut seems to have contributed to the rise in business confidence. Moreover, the depreciation in rupee stimulated exports orders. In the policy review meet on June 2, RBI had cut interest rate by 0.25 per cent for the third time this year to spur investment and growth but hinted that there may not be any more cuts in the near-term. "Exporters have been benefiting from the rupee's depreciation and demand for labour is at the highest for a year," Uglow added. Having acted as a dampener on sentiment for months, there was finally an up-tick in demand from abroad as the export orders indicator rose 13.2 per cent in June. Moreover, firms also anticipated that the weaker rupee would help support external demand over the coming months. On inflation, the report said though companies' input costs have risen sharply in 2015, they were reluctant to pass on rising costs to customers. MNI Indicators, part of the Deutsche Boerse Group, offers macroeconomic data and insights into businesses and investment community.
SOURCE: The Business Standard
Snapping its 4-day winning spree, the rupee slipped by nine paise to close at 63.61 against the US dollar on Tuesday on fresh demand for the American currency from banks and importers on the back of a firm greenback overseas. Besides, foreign capital inflows into equity markets restricted the rupee’s loss against the dollar, forex dealers said. The rupee resumed lower at 63.58, against Monday’s level of 63.52 at the Interbank Foreign Exchange (forex) market. It hovered in a range of 63.65 and 63.55 during the day before finishing at 63.61, showing a loss of nine paise. It had gained 74 paise, or 1.16 per cent, in previous four sessions. Veracity Group Chief Executive Officer Pramit Brahmbhatt said, “Rupee slipped against the US currency on sustained month-end dollar demand from oil importers, which forced the local unit to trade weak.” The trading range for the spot dollar/rupee pair is expected to be within 63.25 and 64.00. The dollar index was trading higher by 0.82 per cent against its major global rivals on Tuesday.
In the overseas market, the dollar gained against the yen and the euro today as risk-taking sentiments strengthened following signs of progress in Greece's bailout talks and upbeat US economic data. Meanwhile, the benchmark BSE Sensex rose by 74.16 points, or 0.27 per cent, to settle at 27,804.37. Veracity Group Chief Executive Officer Pramit Brahmbhatt said, "Rupee slipped against the US currency on sustained month-end dollar demand from oil importers which forced the local unit to trade weak." The trading range for the spot dollar/rupee pair is expected to be within 63.25 to 64.00. In the forward market, the premium for the dollar continued to decline on sustained receivings from exporters. The benchmark six-month premium payable in November eased to 197-199 paise from 199-201 paise on Monday while those maturing in May, 2016 also closed lower at 426-428 paise from 426.5-428.5 paise.
The Reserve Bank of India fixed the reference rate for the dollar at 63.64 and for the euro at 71.62. The rupee moved up further against the pound sterling to 100.39 from 100.43 previously and advanced further against the euro to 71.31 from 72.00 previously. The domestic unit rose against the Japanese unit to 51.39 per 100 yen from 51.51 previously.
SOURCE: The Business Standard
The international crude oil price of Indian Basket as computed/published today by Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas was US$ 61.40 per barrel (bbl) on 23.06.2015. This was higher than the price of US$ 60.86 per bbl on previous publishing day of 22.06.2015.
In rupee terms, the price of Indian Basket increased to Rs 3907.50 per bbl on 23.06.2015 as compared to Rs 3865.22 per bbl on 22.06.2015. Rupee closed weaker at Rs 63.64 per US$ on 23.06.2015 as against Rs 63.51 per US$ on 22.06.2015. The table below gives details in this regard:
|
Particulars |
Unit |
Price on June 23, 2015 (Previous trading day i.e. 22.06.2015) |
Pricing Fortnight for 16.06.2015 (May 28 to June 11, 2015) |
|
Crude Oil (Indian Basket) |
($/bbl) |
61.40 (60.86) |
62.08 |
|
(Rs/bbl |
3907.50 (3865.22) |
3966.91 |
|
|
Exchange Rate |
(Rs/$) |
63.64 (63.51) |
63.90 |
SOURCE: PIB
The exports of textiles and garments from Pakistan showed negative trend in the first eleven months of fiscal 2014-15 compared to the previous fiscal, the latest data showed. For eleven months beginning July 1, 2014, Pakistan earned $12.397 billion from textiles and apparel exports, registering a decline of 1.7 per cent over $12.611 billion exports made in the same period of 2013-14, according to the data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. However, the exports of value-added clothing sector showed positive growth in July-May 2014-15. Category-wise, knitwear exports grew by 5.28 per cent year-on-year to $2.2 billion, while exports of non-knit readymade garments were up by 10.59 per cent to $1.906 billion. Among textiles, raw cotton exports fetched $146.259 million in the eleven-month period, showing a drop of 28.22 per cent compared to exports of $203.758 million made during the corresponding period of previous fiscal. Likewise, cotton yarn exports fell by 7.52 per cent to $1.722 billion, as against exports of $1.862 billion made during the same period last fiscal. Exports of cotton fabric dropped 11.47 per cent to $2.277 billion during the period under review, while bedwear exports declined by 1.95 per cent to $1.920 billion, the data showed.
On the import side, synthetic fibre imports surged 21.49 per cent year-on-year to $480.703 million, whereas imports of synthetic and artificial silk yarn witnessed a growth of 7.92 per cent to register $617.488 million. This shows that textile enterprises have increased the use of synthetic fibre and yarn in recent months. Meanwhile, the value of textile machinery imports during the period decreased by 25.3 per cent year-on-year to $411.323 million. This shows a decrease in new investment. In 2013-14, Pakistan textiles and garment exports grew by 5.3 per cent year-on-year to US$ 13.738 billion, with knitwear and woven garment exports registering a growth of 10.53 per cent and 8.67 per cent, respectively.
SOURCE: Fibre2fashion
During the first quarter of the current year, the trade balance due to the political tensions and difficulties in transport because of higher freight rates has decreased between Egypt and other African countries, according to former head of the Textile Export Council Magdi Tolba. The Egyptian exports of textiles and clothing in Africa are not large, having reached less than 5% of the total Egyptian clothing exports. The unification of the three African trade blocs in one agreement is an important step to open a new Egyptian market on a continent that trusts in the Egyptian product, said Tolba. Africa has changed a lot and important markets have emerged in East and West Africa. Most Egyptian textile exports for Europe and USA, however, do not exceed 0.5% to 1%, explaining that Africa is a good market and there is an opportunity to open new markets in Africa to compensate for the decrease in exports to Europe.
The increasing Egyptian exports in Africa require reforms and procedures to be implemented under the supervision of the Ministry of Industry and Foreign Trade. The most important of those is the removal of transport obstacles and ensuring risks of transferring exports are limited, as well as contributions by the state in holding exhibitions in African countries. Tolba suggested that the Egyptian small textile factories could be an important player in the African export market, because Egyptian products are great competitors. Libya and Sudan are the largest importers from Egypt within the framework of the COMESA agreement. Sudan acquires 50% and Libya 24% of total exports. Meanwhile, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda and Eritrea are the most important Egyptian export markets from the Border States, according to data from the Ministry of Industry.
Kenya and Zambia are the most important exporters to Egypt with each making 28%-35% of the total Egyptian imports. Libya, Sudan and Ethiopia are the countries Egypt imports most from. Total Egyptian exports to COMESA countries during the first quarter of this year amounted to EGP 401m, and Egyptian imports from COMESA countries amounted to $98m. Comoros, Eritrea, Rwanda and Seychelles, did not export to Egypt during the first quarter of the year. Egypt launched tripartite free trade area (FTA) agreement between the main three economic blocs in Africa to facilitate trade between the member states. Sherif El-Gabaly, President of the Chamber of Chemical Industries at the Federation of Egyptian Industries (FEI), said that the tripartite agreement between Egypt and Africa’s largest blocs is just a draft. The agreement has been signed with initials, it is practically non-existent, but for now the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) exists. El-Gabaly added that the agreement needs three years of implementation at least, although the COMESA existed for several years. El-Gabaly said that there are problems to be focused on to increase and revive trade movement between Egypt and Africa and solve transport and shipping problems. In addition, the current situation is not significantly favourable to activate and increase exports movement. Egypt also suffers from a crisis in hard currency, which negatively affected the exports and imports movement in recent weeks.
SOURCE: Yarns&Fibers
Vietnam's textiles and garment products exports in the first six months of 2015 could generate an estimated $12.8 billion, up 10.26 percent from a year earlier, the Vietnam Economic Times reported, citing a senior industry executive. Textile exports to the United States alone would touch $5.2 billion, up 11 percent from a year ago, it reported.
SOURCE: The Daily Mail
The ASEAN - Korea Free Trade Agreement (AKFTA) led to a significant growth in Vietnam's textile and garment industry. According to its open-access commitment, Vietnamese textile and garment products that satisfy certificate of origin norms will enjoy zero tariffs once the agreement takes effect from January 1, 2016. Currently, Vietnamese firms pay a tax of 8 to 13 percent. The FTA would be a considerable opportunity for both countries' enterprises. South Korea is Vietnam's fourth largest importer of textiles and garments, accounting for more than 10 percent of the market's export turnover, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade. It is forecast that textile and garment turnover in the South Korean market could reach $16.3 billion for 2015, increasing 11.6 percent year-on-year. In 2011, the sector's export turnover to South Korea was $900 million. A year later it increased to $1.1 billion and in 2013 it reached $1.6 billion. Last year's total of $2.4 billion was a staggering 27 per cent increase over that of 2013. South Korea currently provides nearly 20 percent of Vietnam's textiles and with the large volume of ancillary materials it also exports. According to the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (Vitas), South Korea imported US$627.4 million (S$840 million) in textiles and garments from Vietnam in the first four months of this year. The turnover marks an increase of 8.25 percent over the same period last year, making Vietnam the second largest textile and garment exporter to South Korea, after China. It composes one-fourth of South Korea's garment market.
SOURCE: Yarns&Fibers
The United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) conducted the second US Fashion Industry Benchmarking Study, where executives from 30 US-based fashion companies, retailers, importers and wholesalers were surveyed between March and April this year. The survey found that Bangladesh was the sixth most popular sourcing destination this year with 50 percent of the respondents currently buying from the country. The survey report was published early this week. The survey asked respondents about the business outlook, sourcing practices, utilization of free trade agreements and preference programmes and views on trade policy. Ninety percent of the respondents report having more than 100 employees and 60 percent report having more than 1,000 employees. Considering the business size of the respondents, the survey suggested the findings are well reflecting the views of the most influential players in the US fashion industry.
Bangladesh will remain a popular sourcing destination for US fashion retailers due to price competitiveness, according to a recent study by the United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA). The country is also among the top five sourcing destinations with the highest growth potential after Vietnam, India and the US. About 42 percent of the respondents expect to increase sourcing value or volume from Bangladesh in the next two years, though this figure sharply declined from 65 percent in 2014. The study said that the consistent interest in expanding sourcing from Bangladesh among US fashion companies is closely connected with the companies' strong desire to find sourcing destinations to supplement China. However, Bangladesh still has to compete with other leading suppliers in the region, particularly Vietnam, India and Indonesia. Among the respondents currently sourcing from Bangladesh, 87 percent also buy from Vietnam, 67 percent from India and 60 percent from Indonesia. Although the retailers prefer Bangladesh as a popular sourcing destination, they expressed concern about the political tensions in the country. The survey also found that companies continue to diversify their sourcing options, though free trade agreements and preference programmes remain underutilized. The survey was conducted in conjunction with Sheng Lu, an assistant professor at the University of Rhode Island's Department of Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design.
SOURCE: Yarns&Fibres
Finalisation of the free trade agreement with India by the end of this year is the "number one" priority of Australia, its Trade Minister Andrew Robb said today. India and Australia have set a target of concluding the the proposed free trade pact, officially dubbed as the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement, by the end of this year. Robb said that although the deadline is "very tight", it is "Australia's number one priority" to conclude the negotiations by end of the year. "Our negotiating team will come as often as (necessary)... we have to make that happen. Everything else will be secondary to achieve that objective," he told reporters here after the meeting of India-Australia CEOs Forum. He said services sector, which is part of the free trade pact, is important for both the countries and Australia can contribute significantly in areas such as engineering, education, healthcare, contracting, construction, design and architecture. On a question about mutual recognition agreements (MRAs), Robb said it is important but he cannot give any commitment. MRAs pave the way for recognition of professional body of one country by the other. Regulatory bodies of various professional services like engineering, accountancy and architecture are encouraged to enter into these pacts.
Replying to a question whether Australia is desperate to sign the pact, Robb in a lighter vein said: "possibly". This is Robb's fourth visit to India since September last year. The minister said he paid nine visits to China in a year when they were negotiating a free trade pact with it. A joint statement of the Co-Chairs of the Australia-India CEO Forum too said that all the members expressed strong support for the conclusion of negotiations by the end of 2015. Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, and Sam Walsh, Chief Executive of the Rio Tinto Group are the Co-Chairs of the forum. "The forum reaffirmed the importance of a high quality, mutually beneficial Australia-India CECA in driving this and called on both Governments to be bold and ambitious in their approach to the CECA," it said. Walsh said that the CECA can enhance ways to do business, help drive growth, create new jobs and generate greater prosperity for both the countries. "We also welcome the prospect that the CECA outcomes will enable access to cheaper inputs and new technologies, and foster competition, investment and innovation in both countries," the statement said quoting Walsh. The two nations first agreed to undertake a feasibility study in 2008 and since then have had five rounds of talks for India-Australia CECA.
SOURCE: The Economic Times
The Nigerian textile sector is facing a huge financial crunch as it is unable to prove its competitiveness. Although several factories have benefited from a $500m government intervention to revive the country's textile industry, according to manufacturers monetary support alone will not fix the problem. Saidu Dattijo Adahama of Adahama Textiles said that they not only need the financing but also the electricity supply which is still below 20 percent. Secondly, the business environment is not really sufficient enough for "made in Nigeria" products to compete with the Chinese imports. The Nigerian textile sector cannot compete with the Chinese without protection. Since manufacturers cannot produce enough material, this means that textile traders down the line must rely on imports, much of which is smuggled. At the same time, importers have tightened the supply chain, insisting on upfront payment since the local currency, the naira, was devalued. Traders, on the other hand, want a quick propping up of the local currency to make imports affordable. Until such interventions happen, more traders and manufacturers will be at the mercy of Asian suppliers. Cheap imported fabrics, power cuts and a rise in production costs are making it difficult to for Nigerian textile traders in the country's northern city of Kano to compete. Nura Maliya, local textile trader, said that many traders have closed shop as supply lines are drying up as distributors insist traders pay upfront before they deliver. He, too, is about to follow if things don't improve soon. In the face of stiff Asian competition, the manufacturers are asking for government protection as they can only rely on the government to lend them a helping hand in this crisis.
SOURCE: Yarns&Fibers
NGO ChemSec has released a free online chemical management tool for the textile sector to promote the substitution of hazardous substances. The textile guide shows companies how they can identify problematic chemicals in their supply chain and phase them out. At the core of the tool is a searchable database with information on some 6,500 substances. The data was sourced from several restricted substances lists of multinational brands and trade associations, as well as regional legislation in the EU and US. ChemSec's own SIN list (CW 9 October 2014) is included in the database, as well as the EU candidate list for substances of very high concern (SVHCs) and the US Prop 65 list of carcinogens and reprotoxic substances (CW 15 June 2015). Once identified, companies can read through a step-by-step guide on how to start substituting the chemicals, assess alternatives and control and audit the supply chain for future compliance. The textile guide also features a webpage on problems associated with the most commonly used hazardous substances in the textile manufacturing process. This flags up solvents, surfactants, water repellents, biocides, flame retardants, phthalates and dyes or pigments. Although anyone can use the guide, ChemSec says its target group is SMEs. To this end, the NGO has created a tool that does not require as much knowledge of chemicals from the user as, for example, the Greenscreen alternatives assessment tool. “If you search a chemical name or Cas number in the textile guide, you will immediately get an answer on whether it is toxic, as [a toxic] chemical will show up in the colour red,” says a ChemSec representative. “The data you get from Greenscreen has to be evaluated by a toxicologist or another chemical expert.” ChemSec has tested the tool with companies such as H&M, Gina Tricot, Filippa K and Åhléns, which provided feedback to include more concrete solutions for substitution. They also flagged up how hard it can be to discuss chemical matters with foreign suppliers, ChemSec tells Chemical Watch. While the NGO tried to implement this feedback, ChemSec says the textile guide is an ongoing project that will be “constantly updated, either with additional information, new solutions, guidance on how to become ecolabel-certified and/or new substances in the database”.
SOURCE: The Chemical Watch
H&M and Gap Inc have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the responsible development of Myanmar's garment manufacturing industry and are encouraging the adoption of labour reforms based on ILO guidelines. The apparel retailers, among the first to start sourcing from Myanmar following the easing of US sanctions, have issued a statement at the conclusion of recent ILO Labour Forum in Yangon.
SOURCE: The EcoTextile
The European Parliament has adopted a new resolution that officially supports efforts to improve the Commission’s garment flagship initiative; as well as supporting national sustainable textile initiatives in Germany, Netherlands, France and Denmark. Primarily aimed at sourcing practices in Bangladesh, the resolution also calls for mandatory and enforceable CSR clauses in all bilateral Trade and investment agreements signed by the EU, and also call for a mandatory reporting system to provide greater transparency within the value chain of a single product, from textile production to garment retailer.
SOURCE: The EcoTextile
More than nine out of ten textile factories in China face the risk of shutdown within three years if they fail to meet strict new pollution targets under the country's Water Ten Plan which aims to improve water supplies and shut down factories that are poisoning rivers, lakes and groundwater. Under the regulations, small factories in textile dyeing and finishing that do not comply with new national standards by 2016 will be shut-down, while by 2017, textile dyeing and finishing and leather factories will be required to complete technological upgrades. Industrial clusters and parks will also be required to have centralised treatment facilities and real-time pollution discharge monitoring in place.
SOURCE: The EcoTextile
