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Green Threads DPP, based in Hampshire, has officially launched a Digital Product Passport (DPP) solution for the uniform, workwear, and outdoor apparel industries. The company aims to help brands combat greenwashing, improve supply chain transparency, and meet upcoming EU Green Deal regulations requiring DPPs for all apparel sold by 2030.
The platform works with universities, textile suppliers, brands, governments, and manufacturers worldwide to ensure compliance and provide consumers with detailed product data. Green Threads DPPs are scannable via QR codes, RFID tags, or NFC chips, offering insights into a product's origin, carbon footprint, water usage, materials, and end-of-life details.
Iain Kettleband, CEO of Green Threads, highlighted the significance of their solution, stating that brands can benefit by adopting the Green Threads DPP, which audits and tracks every stage of a product's journey. He explained that the platform empowers both businesses and consumers with easily accessible data to make informed decisions, while also driving continuous improvements in sustainability.
Green Threads also assists brands in setting decarbonization goals through tailored Carbon Reduction Plans, providing actionable data for future sourcing decisions. Benefits include compliance with EU Green Deal regulations, eliminating greenwashing, showcasing ethical and sustainability credentials, and creating a direct consumer touchpoint for brand engagement.
The DPP system goes beyond regulation, allowing brands to demonstrate their sustainability efforts, differentiate from competitors, and engage consumers more effectively, making greenwashing a thing of the past.
VT Garment Co Ltd has become the first company to achieve GSD Excellence Gold Certification through Coats Digital's new GSD Programme. The initiative aims to help manufacturers enhance efficiency and sustainability by leveraging GSD’s data-driven methodology. This achievement highlights VT Garment's commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Since adopting GSDCost, VT Garment has made significant strides, increasing sales orders by 30 per cent, improving on-time delivery by 13 per cent, and boosting production efficiency by up to 30 per cent. The company also reduced overtime, air freight, machine rental, and material costs, leading to improved profit margins.
VT Garment is renowned for its sustainable practices, producing award-winning sportswear and outerwear at its Fair Trade-certified facilities. The company has long been at the forefront of innovation in Thailand's textile sector, implementing Industry 4.0 technologies and advanced planning systems. In recognition of its achievements, VT Garment was awarded the Thailand Lean Golden Award in 2017.
With clients such as Patagonia, Jack Wolf skin, and O'Neill, VT Garment produces up to 180,000 items monthly in Thailand and Myanmar. The company recently earned LEED Green Building Platinum certification for its commitment to sustainability and resource efficiency.
The GSD Excellence Programme, designed by Coats Digital, encourages manufacturers to adopt best practices and achieve optimal production environments. The accreditation process includes rigorous assessments of GSD standards, practitioner capabilities, and efficiency benchmarks. VT Garment’s Gold Certification exemplifies the transformative impact of GSD methodology, positioning the company as a leader in manufacturing excellence.
Kunal Kapur, Managing Director of Coats Digital, praised VT Garment for its dedication to Lean manufacturing and Kaizen, noting that the company's Gold status is a model for the industry. Chalumpon Lotharukpong, VT Garment’s Managing Director, expressed pride in the achievement, which he attributed to the company's 40 years of experience in refining global standards.
This milestone demonstrates the significant benefits of GSDCost, which has optimized productivity and cost-efficiency, setting a new benchmark for the industry.
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has called on President Joe Biden to expand US efforts to secure international shipping lanes in the Red Sea from Houthi terrorism. The association also urged the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) to resume negotiations and finalize a new Master Contract agreement before its expiration on January 15, 2025.
November 19 marks the anniversary of the Houthi seizure of the British-owned cargo vessel Galaxy Leader, highlighting the growing threat to maritime security. AAFA warned that the increasing frequency of Houthi attacks forces vessels to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope, adding significant delays and costs, while exacerbating inflation and harming sustainability goals.
AAFA president and CEO Steve Lamar emphasized that these disruptions hurt US businesses, workers, and consumers. The rerouting of ships increases shipping expenses and delays, adding further strain to US ports, including East and Gulf Coast facilities. Lamar stressed that the apparel and footwear industry, already grappling with inflation and supply chain challenges, cannot withstand additional setbacks.
With a potential labor dispute looming, AAFA also urged the ILA and USMX to avoid a strike that could disrupt critical ports and worsen inflation. Lamar emphasized the importance of continuing negotiations to reach a fair agreement before the contract expires to ensure economic stability and mitigate further disruptions to the global supply chain.
The Indian apparel industry has been making significant strides in the global market, with impressive growth recorded from April to September 2024. Key markets like the USA, UK, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands witnessed double-digit percentage increases in Indian apparel imports during this period.
Growth in Key Markets:
|
Country |
Growth Rate (%) |
|
USA |
11.5 |
|
UK |
7 |
|
Germany |
6.7 |
|
Spain |
18.1 |
|
Netherlands |
27.7 |
FTAs Unlock New Opportunities:
India's strategic Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with South Korea, Japan, Australia, and Mauritius have further fuelled the growth of the Indian apparel industry. These FTAs have reduced tariffs and streamlined trade procedures, making Indian apparel more competitive in these markets.
|
Country |
Growth Rate (%) |
|
South Korea |
20.1 |
|
Japan |
9.4 |
|
Australia |
9.6 |
|
Mauritius |
13.2 |
Reasons for growth:
Several factors have contributed to the remarkable growth of the Indian apparel industry:
• Skilled workforce: India boasts a large pool of skilled and cost-effective labour, which is a major advantage for the apparel industry.
• Favourable government policies: The government's supportive policies, including initiatives like "Make in India," have encouraged investment in the sector.
• Rising global demand: The increasing demand for affordable and stylish apparel has created opportunities for Indian manufacturers to tap into new markets.
• Improved quality and design: Indian manufacturers have significantly improved the quality and design of their products, making them more attractive to international buyers.
Sudhir Sekhri, Chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), while expressing his optimism on social media about the future of the Indian apparel industry, mentioned, "India's fashion industry is on a roll! With impressive growth rates in key markets like the USA, UK, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands, our exports are soaring to new heights. And thanks to our strategic Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with South Korea, Japan, Australia, and Mauritius, we're unlocking even more opportunities to showcase our talent on the international stage."
Data Comparison:
|
Country |
Growth Rate (%) |
Growth Rate (%) (April-September 2023) |
|
USA |
11.5 |
8.2 |
|
UK |
7 |
5.3 |
|
Germany |
6.7 |
4.1 |
|
Spain |
18.1 |
12.9 |
|
Netherlands |
27.7 |
21.5 |
Indian apparel industry is poised for further growth
The Indian apparel industry is poised for further growth and success in the global market. With its strong foundation, skilled workforce, favorable policies, and expanding market access, India is well-positioned to become a major player in the global apparel industry.
Eight innovative design talents have been selected as finalists for the 2025 International Woolmark Prize, the prestigious award celebrating fashion innovation and sustainability.
The finalists include ACT N1 (Italy), Diotima (USA), Duran Lantink (Netherlands), Ester Manas (Belgium), LGN Louis Gabriel Nouchi (France), LUAR (USA), Meryll Rogge (Belgium), and Standing Ground (UK/Ireland).
This marks the first biennial edition of the prize, which has supported design talent for over 60 years. Each finalist will receive AU$60,000 to create six Merino wool looks, showcasing the fiber's versatility and eco-friendly properties. One designer will win AU$300,000 to advance their business, with opportunities to feature in leading global retailers.
IB Kamara, Creative Director for Off-White and Editor-in-Chief of Dazed, has been appointed Guest Artistic Director for the event. Kamara will play a key role in highlighting the work of the finalists and supporting their contributions to the future of fashion.
The program’s Innovation Academy offers mentorship from industry leaders like Gabriella Karefa-Johnson and Sinead Burke, alongside support from partners like Byborre and Knitwear Lab.
Two additional honors will be presented at the final event, the Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation and the Supply Chain Award, recognizing exceptional contributions to Merino wool and sustainable practices.
With a legacy that includes Karl Lagerfeld and Yves Saint Laurent, the Woolmark Prize continues to spotlight transformative design talent committed to sustainability.
India's textile and apparel trade fair, Bharat Tex 2025, is set to host a promotional roadshow in London from Nov 27-28, 2024. The event aims to showcase India’s strengths in textile manufacturing and explore opportunities for international partnerships. It will be held in anticipation of the main fair scheduled from Feb 14 -17, 2025 in New Delhi.
The two-day roadshow will include a symposium, exclusive one-on-one meetings, and round table discussions on the first day, while the second day will be dedicated to additional meetings with Indian delegates. This format will offer ample opportunities for direct engagement and in-depth discussions about the future of the textile trade.
Bharat Tex 2025 seeks to enhance India's reputation as a global textile hub and to foster new business connections with international markets. Although many UK-based brands and retailers already have strong ties with Indian manufacturers, the London roadshow will provide a platform to explore new trends, partnerships, and opportunities in India's thriving textile and apparel industry. Attendees will participate in B2B and B2G meetings, sign memorandums of understanding (MoUs), and engage in other networking activities.
Organised by the Textile Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) with the support of India’s Ministry of Textiles, Bharat Tex 2025 will emphasise the advancements in India’s textile sector, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and investment potential. The fair is designed to attract global interest in India’s growing capabilities in textile production and design.
At the Bharat Tex 2025 Curtain Raiser event in New Delhi, Giriraj Singh, Union Textiles Minister, highlighted the sector's significant potential, projecting that India's textile industry will grow to $350 billion by 2030, creating an estimated 35 million jobs. The roadshow in London will pave the way for deeper international collaborations and investments that will contribute to this ambitious growth trajectory.
Set for continued growth next year, Vietnam’s garment industry is looking to diversify its key export markets as it waits to see what steps will be taken by US President-elect Donald Trump in terms of tariffs.
According to the Vu Duc Giang, Chairman, Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS), the country’s garment exports will rise to $47-$48 billion in 2025 while this year, the country’s apparel exports will rise by 11.3 per cent to an estimated $44 billion. To leverage this growth, the association will continue to diversify its export markets, products and clients, he adds.
Garments from Vietnam are exported to about 104 markets, but the US remains its biggest market, accounting for about 38 per cent of the country’s apparel shipments this year. The Southeast Asian nation is the second-largest supplier of clothes and shoes to the U.S., according to the American Apparel & Footwear Association.
Vietnam is the world’s third largest apparel producer and exporter after China and Bangladesh, according to VITAS. The trade group sees positive momentum for exports next year as many garment companies have already received orders for the first quarter, Giang added.
China's dominance in the US garment import market is waning. After reaching a peak around 2010, its market share, both in terms of value and the number of units, has been steadily declining. This trend has significant implications for both the US and Chinese economies, as well as the global garment industry.
Statistics clear the picture
China's share of US garment imports peaked around 2010, with nearly 40 per cent market share in value terms and over 45 per cent in units. Since then, there has been a consistent decline, with China’s share in 2024 estimated at around 25 per cent in value and 35 per cent in units. Interestingly, the decline is more pronounced in terms of value than units, suggesting a shift towards cheaper garments from other sources. The Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA) data too supports the trend. For example, in 2010, China accounted for 39.5 per cent of US apparel imports by value. By 2023, this had fallen to 27.2 per cent.
There are several reason for this decline. For a start, rising labor costs in China is a major factor. As China's economy has grown, so have wages, making it less competitive as a source of low-cost garments. Meanwhile, US importers are increasingly diversifying their sourcing to reduce reliance on any single country, particularly in light of geopolitical uncertainties and supply chain disruptions. Growth of other manufacturing hubs like Vietnam, Bangladesh, and India has increased competition, attracting investment and market share. OTEXA data too reveals, Vietnam has been a major beneficiary of this shift. Its share of US garment imports by value has increased from 7.9 per cent in 2010 to 15.7 per cent in 2023. In fact, Nike, once heavily reliant on China, has significantly diversified its sourcing. In its 2023 fiscal year, Vietnam accounted for 31 per cent of its footwear production, surpassing China's 24 per cent reveals Nike Fiscal Year 2023 Impact Report.
Nearshoring is another factor as some US companies are shifting production closer home, to countries in Central America and the Caribbean, to reduce lead times and transportation costs.
Implications of the shift
For the US: The diversification of sourcing can enhance supply chain resilience and potentially create new opportunities for trade with other countries. However, it may also lead to higher prices for consumers in the short term.
For China: The decline in garment exports puts pressure on its economy to move up the value chain and focus on higher-value-added industries.
Global garment industry: The shift is creating a more dynamic and competitive global garment industry, with implications for labor standards, environmental sustainability, and trade policies.
While China is unlikely to lose its position as a major garment supplier to the US entirely, its dominance is clearly diminishing. The trend towards diversification and regionalization of production is likely to continue, shaping the future of the global garment industry. This presents both challenges and opportunities for all stakeholders, and it remains to be seen how these will play out in the years to come.
Eastman’s Naia Renew fibers are redefining sustainable fashion with their innovative circularity model, powered by the company’s carbon renewal technology. This process breaks down hard-to-recycle waste into molecular building blocks, transforming them into high-quality feedstock for Naia Renew fibers. The result is a versatile, biodegradable, and GRS-certified cellulosic fiber that blends sustainability with uncompromised style and comfort.
Naia Renew ES (Enhanced Sustainability), already available at scale, boasts 60 per cent GRS-certified recycled content. Its composition includes 40 per cent certified recycled waste material, 20 per cent certified recycled cellulose, and 40 per cent sustainably sourced wood pulp. Eastman aims to push these sustainability boundaries even further.
To highlight this innovation, Eastman has launched the ‘Recycled and Runway Ready’ campaign, blending photography and AI to showcase how waste can be transformed into striking garments. The campaign spans diverse styles, from formalwear to casual streetwear, reflecting the fibers versatility.
The garments, made with Naia Renew fibers, are not just conceptual, they are available globally in stores and online, featured in collections by top fashion brands. With Naia Renew, Eastman proves there’s no trade-off between responsibility and beauty. These fibers cater to countless fashion applications, enabling stylish, sustainable creations at scale.
Benefiting the textile industry, the UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT) has secured a six-year extension for the Climate Change Levy (CCL) rebate scheme. Starting on Jan 01, 2026, the new scheme will continue until Mar 2033. According to Adam Mansell, CEO, UKFT, the current scheme saves the textile industry around £5 million annually, so a new six-year extension is excellent news.
The CCL rebate offers discounts on energy taxes to textile companies in exchange for meeting energy reduction targets. This scheme specifically supports the wet processing sector, including dyeing, printing, coating, and drying activities, as well as spinning, weaving, and knitting operations. There have been no changes to the eligibility criteria, so companies already in the scheme that have met their targets or paid the buy-out fee are expected to be automatically enrolled in the new program.
While UKFT has retained the fundamental structure of the scheme as similar to previous schemes, it has made several other key changes. The new scheme will streamline reporting with targets set every two years and requirement of minimal annual reporting. Companies must also complete a mandatory annual self-certification on the 70/30 rule. The scheme will also introduce a new standardised target system to simplify energy reduction goals, eliminating confusion over previous 'relative' or 'novem' measures. Additionally, energy surpluses from the new scheme can be used to meet future targets, but surpluses from the current scheme cannot be carried over.
UKFT will continue to manage the scheme, assisting companies with paperwork, registration, and performance monitoring. To avail the benefits of this scheme, participants will have to pay a £185 fee to the Environment Agency, a £250 joining fee to UKFT, and an annual administration fee equivalent to 5 per cent of the savings achieved, which is reduced to 3 per cent for UKFT members or affiliates.
