Textiles (147)
Eltex to optimize technical heat-setting operations with automated yarn tension control
Written by FWTextile machinery innovator Eltex has launched its advanced ACT-MULTI system, bringing automated, individual yarn tension monitoring directly to the heat-setting stage. Essential for stabilizing synthetic and blended yarn architectures, heat-setting requires exact parameter control to lock in twist and bulk prior to downstream weaving, knitting, or tufting. Traditional processing lines frequently suffer from micro-variations in yarn tension across tunnels, leading to uneven dye uptake and structural defects in finished materials. By independently tracking individual ends on the input side of the processing tunnel, the ACT-MULTI ensures uniform mechanical stress relief. The system is engineered to automatically regulate each yarn against a predefined reference threshold, instantly halting operations if tolerances are breached," states Brian Hicks, CEO, Eltex.
Maximizing production efficiency and yield
The integration of real-time multi-channel sensors - available in configurations up to twelve channels with working ranges spanning 300 to 600 cN - allows operators to isolate faults instantly via dedicated LED indicators. This precise monitoring capability drastically reduces material waste during high-speed synthetic yarn production. Industry analysts project that mills adopting automated feedback loops will experience significantly lower operational downtime and superior batch consistency, addressing stringent quality compliance metrics demanded by global apparel and technical textile brands.
Targeting efficiency-driven growth
Operating as a specialized textile machinery manufacturer and TMAS member, Eltex develops advanced yarn break detectors and tension monitoring systems. Serving global technical textile, tufting, and weaving markets, the company targets sustained efficiency-driven growth, supported by decades of Swedish engineering expertise and manufacturing facilities in Ireland.
Sethani Creation strengthens position in men’s ethnic fabric supply market
Written by FWSethani Creation is strengthening its position in India’s men’s ethnic fabric supply chain as demand expands across kurtas, sherwanis and contemporary occasionwear. Based in Surat’s Padmavati Textile Market, the company supplies manufacturers, retailers and wholesalers with fabrics for traditional and fusion menswear. Its portfolio spans kurta, sherwani, Indo-Western, Modi Koti, Jodhpuri, embroidery and jacquard fabrics.
Wedding and festive demand widen fabric requirements
The opportunity extends beyond traditional festive dressing. Kurtas and coordinated ethnic sets have increasingly moved into everyday and semi-formal wardrobes, while wedding-led consumption continues to support premium fabrics and embellished surfaces. Sethani Creation’s multi-category sourcing model allows apparel businesses to procure fabrics for several silhouettes through one supplier, an advantage as retailers seek shorter procurement cycles and broader seasonal assortments.
Men’s ethnicwear is no longer restricted to a narrow festival calendar, says a Surat-based apparel sourcing executive. Retailers increasingly need fabric options that can serve weddings, celebrations and contemporary occasionwear, he adds.
Wholesale reach becomes the growth lever
Founded in 2007 by Mohit and Deepak Churiwal, Sethani Creation operates from Surat, one of India’s principal textile trading centres. The company states that it supplies customers across India and offers worldwide shipping, while maintaining a wholesale-focused model. BBusiness Standard+1
For the wider market, suppliers such as Sethani Creation stand to benefit as ethnicwear brands expand assortments and regional retailers seek differentiated fabrics without carrying excessive inventory.
Founded in 2007, Sethani Creation manufactures and wholesales men’s ethnic fabrics from Surat. Its key categories include kurta, sherwani, Indo-Western, Modi Koti and Jodhpuri fabrics. The company is focused on wholesale and broader distribution, but does not publicly disclose revenue or formal financial targets.
Unresolved tax discrepancies threaten India’s synthetic textile growth
Written by FWIndia’s expanding man-made fiber sector faces critical working capital constraints following structural adjustments in indirect taxation. While recent fiscal revisions successfully unified finished apparel, fabrics, and yarn at a competitive 5 per cent Goods and Services Tax rate, foundational petrochemical inputs remain heavily burdened. Essential raw materials including Purified Terephthalic Acid and Mono Ethylene Glycol continue to attract an 18 per cent levy, establishing a persistent thirteen-percentage-point inversion across the supply chain. Industry assessments indicate that this disconnect blocks between Rs 2,000 crore and Rs 3,000 crore in unutilized input tax credits annually. Operating under a severe tax mismatch restricts liquidity for mid-sized mills trying to scale operations, notes Rajesh Mehta, President, Synthetic Filament Weavers Association.
Impacting MSME competitiveness and export margins
Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises dominate the domestic processing landscape, leaving them disproportionately vulnerable to prolonged refund processing cycles and credit blockages. Although statutory refund mechanisms exist, administrative bottlenecks delay capital recovery, impairing the ability of domestic producers to invest in modern automated machinery and sustainable recycling infrastructure. Market analysts project, unless upstream polymer taxes align with downstream rates, Indian synthetic textile exporters will struggle to maintain global cost parity against regional competitors.
Targeting a large share of global textile trade
Comprising extensive spinning, weaving, and processing clusters across Gujarat and Maharashtra, India's synthetic textile sector supplies high-volume polyester and blended yarns to global apparel brands. The industry focuses on scaling technological capabilities, targeting a larger share of worldwide technical and fashion textile trade.
MAS Holdings steps up investments in India amid domestic re-alignment
Written by FWMAS Holdings is scaling up its manufacturing capabilities in India through significant capital deployment while concurrently restructuring legacy operations within Sri Lanka. The international apparel manufacturer is directing approximately $93 million toward expanding its production footprint in Tamil Nadu, targeting enhanced integration with regional textile supply chains.
Accessing India's vast domestic raw material ecosystem and expansive labor scalability allows us to maintain competitive pricing for global fashion brands, notes a senior corporate strategist closely monitoring the regional reallocation. The operational shift reflects broader competitive pressures as major suppliers seek tighter proximity to raw material inputs and more resilient cost structures.
Economic pressures and regional competitiveness
The structural adjustment follows a challenging operational environment characterized by subdued global apparel demand, fluctuating energy tariffs, and post-crisis economic recovery hurdles in Sri Lanka. Recent domestic facility consolidations, including the repurposing of select sewing units into specialized fabric processing hubs, highlight the enterprise's transition toward higher-value textile engineering. Industry analysts emphasize. while the Indian expansion unlocks thousands of direct manufacturing jobs and closer alignment with preferential trade frameworks, it concurrently intensifies discussions regarding the retention of export-driven manufacturing capacity across South Asian economies.
Focusing on sustainable textile engineering
Headquartered in Sri Lanka, MAS Holdings designs and manufactures intimate apparel, sportswear, and performance clothing for major global fashion brands. Operating across numerous international facilities, the enterprise focuses on technical innovation and sustainable textile engineering, maintaining a strong financial position anchored in global export markets.
SIMA hails Tamil Nadu’s call for elimination of cotton import duty
Written by FWThe Southern India Mills’ Association (SIMA) has supported the petition by C Joseph Vijay, Chief Minister, Government of Tamil Nadu, to eliminate the 11 per cent import duty on cotton. This executive intervention comes at a volatile juncture for the apparel sector, where a 25 per cent rise in domestic cotton prices - climbing from Rs 54,700 to Rs 67,700 per candy in just two months - has severely compressed manufacturing margins. With yarn prices following suit, rising to Rs 330 per kg, the industry faces an acute liquidity drain that threatens the viability of India’s $184 billion textile business.
Bridging the productivity deficit
The urgency of this policy shift is underscored by a widening supply-demand gap. While the Ministry of Textiles recently approved the Rs 5,659 crore ‘Mission for Cotton Productivity’ to address stagnant yields, the industry remains in a deficit cycle. Domestic production for the 2025-26 season is estimated at approximately 291 lakh bales, trailing a domestic demand of 328 lakh bales. Durai Palanisamy, Chairman, SIMA, emphasizes, while the Mission is a welcome long-term structural fix, the immediate 11 per cent tariff barrier renders Indian mills uncompetitive against Asian rivals who enjoy duty-free access to global fiber markets.
Safeguarding the value chain
Industry analysts warn that a shortage of even 1 lakh bales risks the livelihoods of 1 lakh workers across the value chain. By removing the import duty, the government could stabilize supply without impacting farmers, who remain insulated by a Minimum Support Price (MSP) currently 20 per cent above market rates. This fiscal recalibration is viewed as essential for India to reach its $350 billion textile vision by 2030, ensuring that regional clusters in Tiruppur and Coimbatore can maintain their export commitments amidst intensifying global competition.
A primary textile representative in South India
Founded in 1933, SIMA serves as the primary representative for the organized textile value chain in South India. Managing a diverse portfolio from spinning to technical textiles, the association oversees a membership of over 1,000 entities. SIMA is currently focused on facilitating the transition toward sustainable manufacturing and high-density planting systems to boost India’s long-term cotton self-reliance and global market share.
Tanzania Cotton Board, Karachi Cotton Association explore new export opportunities
Written by FWLed by Marco Charles Mtunga, Director General, a delegation from the Tanzania Cotton Board recently visited the Karachi Cotton Association to promote their shared interests and explore more opportunities for exporting cotton from Tanzania.
During the meeting, KCA officials expressed concerns about the quality of cotton being imported from Tanzania and the packaging of the cotton bales. Furthermore, they pointed out to challenges related to tracking the origin and ensuring sustainable practices, which local importers faced when buying raw cotton from Tanzania.
Mtunga assured the KCA members of addressing these issues with the Tanzanian Government to resolve them in the best interest of Pakistani cotton importers.
He explained, Cotton production in Tanzania was mainly driven by small-scale farmers, with the Shinyanga and Mwanza regions being the largest cotton-growing areas. On average, the country cultivates cotton on about a 400,000 acre farm every year. However, the amount of cotton produced per acre is lower compared to the global average, Mtunga added.
Dependent mostly on rainfall, this cotton cultivation is affected by weather conditions, the prices farmers receive, and the availability of farming supplies, agricultural advice, and new technologies. Jahangir Moghul, Vice Chairman, KCA notes, after reaching a high of 14.26 million bales in 2004-05, Pakistan's cotton production gradually decreased each year. As a result, the local textile industry is forced to import raw cotton to meet its increasing needs.
C&A recycles denim leftovers into a new flooring material
Written by FWThe Northern European fashion retailer C&A recycles denim leftovers from its own factory in Moenchengladbach, Germany into a new flooring material.
Specially designed for retail environments, the flooring material is made by recycling about 80 per cent of leftovers that include jeans fabrics, cork underlays from the bottle industry and wooden boards processed using natural products such as vegetable fats and natural rubber. The fibers are produced by the Swiss family-run company Lico using natural products such as vegetable fats and natural rubber. Moreover, the company uses energy from renewable sources, including a photovoltaic system and local hydropower plants.
The jeans flooring has been awarded with Environment Product Declaration (EPD) and the Blue Angel Award. It also won the Green Collection Award 2023.
The company providing the jeans scraps, the C&A FIT (Factory for Innovation in Textiles), is a pioneering facility in Mönchengladbach, Germany. Opened in 2021, the factory manufactures around 1,000 pairs of jeans every day using advanced automation, digitalisation and electricity from renewable sources. The factory also conserves water by using only 10–15 liters per a pair of jeans compared to the industry standard of 70 liters.
Lenzing subsidiary issues $650 million Green Notes for sustainability
Written by FWLenzing Group’s subsidiary, LD Celulose International GmbH, has successfully issued Green Notes worth $650 million. The notes, which mature on January 25, 2032, have a coupon rate of 7.95 per cent per annum and were in high demand among institutional investors.
This funding is part of a broader $1 billion financing strategy for LD Celulose S.A. (LDC), a joint venture between Lenzing and Duratex. It also includes a $350 million syndicated term loan. The proceeds from the Green Notes, along with the term loan and cash reserves, will be used to repay existing financial obligations and fund eligible green projects in line with the company’s Green Financing Framework.
Rohit Aggarwal, CEO of Lenzing Group, emphasized the company's commitment to sustainability, noting that the strong investor interest reflects Lenzing's leadership in sustainable textiles and nonwovens. CFO Nico Reiner added that the transaction transitions LDC's financing to a standalone corporate structure, supporting its position as one of the largest dissolving wood pulp plants globally, with a capacity exceeding 500,000 tons annually.
The Green Notes, issued by LD Celulose International GmbH and guaranteed by LDC and LD Florestal SA, will be listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange. This strategic move further aligns with Lenzing’s vision of enhancing sustainability in the textile and nonwovens industry.
Brother International unveils latest machines range at GTE 2024
Written by FWAt the recently concluded Garment Technology Expo (GTE) 2024 in Bengaluru, Brother International (India) unveiled its latest range of flatbed and multi-needle machines, targeting emerging entrepreneurs in the garment industry.
With a focus on small business owners, fashion students, and boutique operators, Brother India caters to the rising demand for customised monogramming and fashion designs by offering advanced machines that combine versatility with precision.
Highlighting the company’s new machines that meet the needs of small-scale manufacturers, Rudra Pratap, National Sales Head, says, these products are ideal for small businesses looking to expand their creative capabilities in a competitive market.
The products showcased by Brother India at GTE 2024 were designed to tap into current market trends, particularly the growing demand for custom apparel and monogramming.
Addressing the growing competition from Chinese machines, Pratap points out, Brother India’s machines stand out due to their superior quality, cutting-edge technology, and reliable sales and service support. Besides providing advanced machines, the company also offers adequate after-sales services to help improve the machines’ productivity.
Brother India also conducts comprehensive training programs to ensure entrepreneurs operate the machines efficiently and upgrade their skills regularly. Present in India since 2006, Brother International operates 15 warehouses across the country with a robust distribution network.
Kseniaschnaider wins PETA Germany’s Vegan Award for innovative denim
Written by FWUkrainian denim brand Kseniaschnaider, founded by Ksenia and Anton Schnaider, has been honored with PETA Germany’s 2024 Vegan Award. The brand’s Chewbacca jeans, featuring their signature ‘denim fur,’ won in the category of Best Vegan Pants. This unique material is made from reworked vintage denim and frayed offcuts, offering a sustainable and animal-friendly alternative to traditional fur.
PETA Germany praised Kseniaschnaider for its dedication to sustainability and its refusal to discard even the smallest fabric scraps. Harald Ullmann, co-founder of PETA Germany, applauded the brand’s commitment to ethical fashion, stating that the collection exemplifies how vegan fashion can benefit animals, people, and the planet.
The PETA Vegan Award, now in its 11th year, celebrates brands like Kseniaschnaider that create innovative, animal-free fashion. Other 2024 winners include GmbH, Armedangels, and Amina Muaddi for their eco-conscious designs.
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Embarking on a transformative journey, RSWM is expanding the capacity of its knitting unit besides embarking on other gradual capacity expansions. Having ventured the circular knitting fabrics market with an investment of Rs 80 crore, RSWM offers a range of innovative and high-quality knitted fabrics such as Single Jersey, Interlock, Rib, and Fleece at its new venture, LNJ Knits.
RSWM aims to capitalise on the $206 billion global knits market with its 4,800 mmtpa Banswara Plant in Rajasthan. It also aims to acquire an additional capacity of 4,300 mtpa.
The company has improved its denim division significantly and aims to further enhance the capacity of its division. RSWM also plans to foray into the garments segment and modernise equipment across all units. It has earmarked an investment of Rs 410 crore for these expansions.
In FY24, RSWM achieved net sales of Rs 4,057 crore. The company operates 12 manufacturing plants in Rajasthan, equipped with 6.25 lakh spindles, 172 looms, and 95 circular and flat knitting machines, ensuring high-quality textile production and timely global delivery. RSWM's annual production includes 1,21,000 mt of greige yarn, 24,000 mt of melange yarn, 32,000 mt of dyed yarn, 32 million meters of denim fabric, over 9,000 mt of knits fabric, and 43,000 mt of green fiber. The company employs over 10,000 skilled workers across its facilities.
Key decisions at Lenzing AG's 80th Annual General Meeting
Written by FWIn a significant move, the 80th Annual General Meeting of Lenzing AG, held on Thursday, April 18, 2024, saw the discharge of members from both the Managing and Supervisory Boards for the 2023 financial year. Additionally, the remuneration for Supervisory Board members for the 2024 financial year was established pre-emptively. KPMG Austria GmbH Wirtschaftsprufungs- u. Steuerberatungsgesellschaft secured the role of auditor for both the annual and consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year 2024.
Election results were also announced, marking transitions within the Supervisory Board. Markus Furst stepped down from his position at his own behest, having served since 2021. Cornelius Baur was elected as a new member, while Melody Harris-Jensbach’s tenure was extended until the 2028 General Meeting. The Supervisory Board now comprises ten members, with Cord Prinzhorn, MBA, elected as Chairman and Stefan Fida as Deputy Chairman in the subsequent constitutive meeting.
These developments reflect strategic shifts within Lenzing AG’s leadership structure, with an emphasis on continuity and fresh perspectives. The inclusion of new members and the extension of mandates signal a commitment to diverse expertise and sustained governance. Such changes could potentially influence the company's direction and decision-making processes in the coming years.
TAF leads textile innovation and sustainability at Spinexpo 2024
Written by FWThai Acrylic Fibre Co., Ltd (TAF) is poised to make waves at Spinexpo, set to unfold at the World Expo Exhibition & Convention Centre in Shanghai from March 5-7, 2024. With a focus on advancing industry collaborations, TAF's participation underscores its pivotal role in driving sustainability through its innovative Regel technology. Beyond a mere display, TAF's presence at booth V04 serves as a clarion call for sustainable practices within the textile realm.
Regel takes center stage in TAF's repertoire for its sustainability approach. Crafted from recycled acrylic fibre, Regel comes in 50 per cent and 75 per cent recycled content variants. What distinguishes Regel is its ability to match the quality and performance of virgin acrylic fibre while significantly reducing the carbon footprint of textile production. Holding both GRS certification and bluesign Approved designation, Regel exemplifies TAF's unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and innovative sustainability.
TAF's presence at Spinexpo transcends mere exhibition; it's an avenue to connect with industry luminaries, trailblazers, and potential collaborators. Tuhin Kulshreshtha, TAF's head of marketing, underscores the event's significance, emphasizing, "The Spinexpo platform offers invaluable networking opportunities, fostering partnerships that drive innovation and sustainability." With an eye toward the future, TAF seeks to leverage this premier stage to cultivate meaningful dialogues and partnerships shaping the textile landscape.
In an evolving textile landscape, sustainability takes precedence like never before. TAF's participation in Spinexpo 2024 signals a seismic shift toward eco-conscious production methods and materials. By showcasing Regel and engaging stakeholders worldwide, TAF not only contributes to the sustainability discourse but also sets new benchmarks for environmental responsibility in textiles. This exhibition stands as a pivotal juncture, heralding a collective stride toward a greener, more sustainable future.
TAF's presence at Spinexpo 2024 transcends the exhibition floor, marking a significant stride toward textile sustainability. By fostering collaborations and spotlighting the success of Regel technology, TAF catalyzes a shift toward a greener, more sustainable industry ethos. As we reflect on this momentous event, one thing is clear: the future of textiles hinges on innovation, sustainability, and collaborative efforts. TAF's participation in Spinexpo 2024 serves as a rallying cry, inspiring others to join the movement toward a more sustainable tomorrow.
Brazil’s cotton production hits record high in 2022-23: CEPEA
Written by FWIn the 2022-23 seasons, Brazil witnessed a record-breaking increase in cotton production, propelled by higher cultivation and production, as reported by the Center for Advanced Studies on Applied Economics (CEPEA). During off-season, cotton prices in Brazil experienced a notable decline from January to May, influenced by weakened demand and optimistic expectations for a bountiful crop. Export activities slowed down in early 2023, attributed to prices that sellers found unattractive.
Monthly average prices exhibited stability between May and June, followed by reaching the lowest point of the year in July. Subsequently, fluctuations in monthly averages decreased as a result of rising exports, which helped alleviate the domestic surplus. The report highlighted challenges in 2023, including logistical issues and increased transportation costs due to declining product quality.
The CEPEA/ESALQ Index for cotton recorded a significant drop of 24.4 per cent in 2023. The cotton cultivation area expanded by 4 per cent, reaching 1.664 million hectares in the 2022-23 period, according to CONAB. Productivity experienced a notable increase of 19.5 per cent, reaching 1,907 kg per hectare. Overall production saw a substantial rise of 24.2 per cent, reaching 3.173 million tons.
Globally, supported by heightened supply from China, India, and Brazil, the USDA reported 1.8 per cent increase in global cotton production to 25.395 million tons in 2022-23. Notably, production in the US and Pakistan witnessed a significant decrease during this period, according to the association's findings.
