Unicef to launch child rights project in Sindh cotton areas

In an attempt to eliminate child labour and present children with a better future, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (Unicef) has decided to initiate a child rights project in the cotton farming areas of Khairpur and Ghotki districts in Sindh province of Pakistan.

An Unicef official at the District Commissioner’s office in Ghotki said the main reason behind selecting the two districts for their child rights project was that children of the area are deployed in cotton picking or such other tasks by their parents or other persons due to financial adversities.

The official further informed that Unicef intends to set up temporary schools in the region to impart knowledge to those children who are currently not getting education.

The project would also try to persuade members of union councils in the two districts to admit their children in temporary Unicef schools, he added.

Read entire post Unicef to launch child rights project in Sindh cotton areas @ Fibre2fashion

Cameroon raises cotton price to curb smuggling

In an effort to deter cotton growers from smuggling their harvested crop to neighbouring Nigeria, Cameroon’ state firm SODECOTTON has raised its procurement price of raw cotton from last season’s 200 CFA francs per kg to 255 CFA francs (US$ 0.5) per kg, a rise of 27.5 percent.

SODECOTTON said the move is aimed at discouraging illegal export of raw cotton to bordering Nigeria in expectation of higher returns there.

It said Cameroon farmers illegally exported around 16 percent of their last season’s total production to Nigeria, where they reaped almost double the prices for their produce as compared to domestic market.

The state firm pre-finances the farmers’ by providing them fertilizers, seedlings and other inputs. In exchange, the farmers enter into a contract for selling their produce to the firm.

However, the farmers breached this agreement and preferred to illegally ship out their produce to Nigeria in expectation of better returns, which caused SODECOTTON to incur a loss of around 24 billion CFA francs (US$ 47.37 million) this year.

Read entire post Cameroon raises cotton price to curb smuggling @ Fibre2fashion

Wesley Mancini Rug Collection launched

Wesley Mancini, Ltd., in partnership with Due Process Stable Trading Co., officially unveiled a selection of their new rug design offerings to members of the home furnishings industry at the bi-annual ITMA Showtime Market in High Point, NC on Tuesday, December 6.

With this most recent partnership, Due Process continues its trend to innovate and expand by becoming the first rug company to be accepted into the International Textile Market Association.

Membership with the ITMA will allow Due Process to bring the company's experience and product offerings to a new range of related industries which have never previously included floor coverings in their design catalogs or sales strategies, and help turn area rugs into an integral part of their overall business.

According to David Grasse, President of Due Process, "This partnership is an incredible opportunity for us and our clients. The rug industry is becoming increasingly driven by fashion."

"With fabrics at the forefront of the latest fashion trends, we are excited to be the first and only rug manufacturer to bridge the gap between these two industries in order to bring such desirable designs and patterns from Wesley Mancini to our rug offerings."

Read entire post Wesley Mancini Rug Collection launched @ Fibre2fashion

Samsung Total to set up one million tons PX plant

Samsung Total Petrochemicals will invest US $1.44 billion to set up a greenfield paraxylene (PX) plant at its existing Daesan complex in South Korea.

The new plant which will have a PX capacity of one million metric tons is expected to be begin commercial operations in the third quarter of 2014.

Samsung Total is a joint venture between South Korea based Samsung Group and French chemical major Total Group.

With the addition of new PX capacity in 2014, PX capacity at Samsung Total will touch 1.6 million metric tons.

Read entire post Samsung Total to set up one million tons PX plant @ Fibre2fashion

‘Ensure women’s participation in Pakistan handicrafts’

Stating that women have an important role to play in the country’s development, those participating in the Helping Hand Relief and Development (HHRD) programme laid emphasis on ensuring participation of women in the country’s handicraft industry.

Rural women from across the country participated in the programme and displayed their handicrafts, which greatly interested the people.

HHRD Country Director Fazal Ur Rehman said that in this modern age, it is not possible for any country to attain success and long term development without skill enhancement and technical training.

He added that promotion of technical and vocational skills is vital for sustainable growth of any country, and equally important is to impart skills to people and to motivate them to work and strive for excellence, to set an example for generations to come.

Mr. Rehman said that the programme is aimed at providing skill development training and enhancing the skills of rural women.

Read entire post ‘Ensure women’s participation in Pakistan handicrafts’ @ Fibre2fashion

NTC unveils new logo to revamp image

As a part of its efforts aimed at earning itself a recognition as a world class textile firm, the state-owned National Textile Corporation (NTC) has adopted a new corporate logo that echoes its new image.

Unveiling the new logo, Union Textiles Minister Anand Sharma said the Government is determined to develop NTC as a world class environment-friendly integrated textile firm and a representative and leader of the industry.

The revival-cum-modernisation programme and unveiling of the new corporate logo form a part of these efforts, he said.

He said the current efforts would surely help the Corporation, which is a key textile industry player, to develop into an integrated enterprise with a capacity to satisfy the needs of the nation.

With its highly competitive revitalization strategy, NTC has remarkably emerged as a debt-free firm within just a short period of time, the Minister added.

The Minister also unveiled two refurbished stores of NTC via satellite link up. One of these stores is located in Delhi, while the other one is in Tamil Nadu’s Coimbatore. This forms a part of refurbishing of the Corporation’s 93 outlets which would have the new look of NTC across the country.

Read entire post NTC unveils new logo to revamp image @ Fibre2fashion

‘Christmas mood’ - small gains in NY cotton market

Plexus Cotton Limited reports that New York futures went nowhere this week in thin pre-holiday trading, as March edged up 95 points to close at 87.24 cents.

A look at the daily trading volume says it all, as the highest turnover amounted to just 9'136 contracts. Interestingly though, many of the traders that were active added new bets, because open interest increased by around 4'000 contracts since last Thursday. Obviously there are still some traders seeking protection against further declines, but there are also some new longs entering the market.

The Chinese Reserve continued its support by taking yet another 1.0 million statistical bales of domestic cotton into its stockpile, bringing the total amount to 8.2 million bales, not counting an estimated 4.5 million bales of imports. Many observers now feel that the Reserve will lift as many as 18.0 million bales of domestic and imported cotton off the market, which would be more than the global production surplus this season.

Read entire post ‘Christmas mood’ - small gains in NY cotton market @ Fibre2fashion

Low import duty hits Himachal silk growers

The Central Government’s move of reducing import duty on raw silk from 30 percent to 5.15 percent through its 2011-12 Budget has come as a major blow to the sericulture industry of Himachal Pradesh.

The effects of the Central Government’s move were visible in the declining silk cocoon prices, as the autumn crop arrived in the market this year, Himachal Pradesh Minister for Industries Kishan Kapoor said.

He informed that the move has impacted livelihood of more than 9,000 sericulture farmers of Himachal Pradesh, who are directly engaged in cocoon cultivation in the State, particularly in lower hills of Mandi, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Sirmaur and Kangra districts.

Read entire post Low import duty hits Himachal silk growers @ Fibre2fashion

Chairman APTMA concerned over alarming decline in textile exports

Chairman All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) has expressed deep concerns over alarming decline in textile exports during November 2011 due to energy shortage and high interest rate.

He said the five major sectors of textile industry, including cotton yarn, cotton cloth, knitwear, bed wear and towel have registered steep fall in quantity terms during November 2011.

Chairman APTMA said the textile exports of cotton yarn have declined by 11 percent in November 2011 against corresponding period, followed by 22 percent drop in cotton cloth, 38 percent in knitwear, 40 percent bed wear and 20 percent in towel in quantity terms.

He said the decline is worsening with every passing month since the start of new fiscal year, which means there is less production for exports in the country due to obvious reasons.

According to him, the APTMA has been crying over the situation since day one and the latest report of the SBP annual report has corroborated the APTMA concerns.

The SBP annual report has pointed out that the manufacturing sector has suffered a serious setback. The industrial growth was negative 0.1 percent in financial 2011 due to prolonged power outages and reduction in gas supplies.

Read entire post Chairman APTMA concerned over alarming decline in textile exports @ Fibre2fashion

Woolmark launches 'Wool Celebration' campaign to throw light on wool benefits

Welcome winters this year with the ‘Wool Celebration’ campaign by Woolmark, subsidiary of Australian Wool Innovation Limited. This is a unique initiative by Woolmark, a not-for-profit company owned by 30,000 Australian woolgrowers to educate Indian consumers about the benefits of wool and the various attributes of Merino, world’s finest wool fabric.

‘Wool Celebration’ will be celebrated in the shopping malls across North India where leading brands and retailers offer quality woolen products.

The major brands closely associated with the initiative including Raymond, Monte Carlo, Reid & Taylor, Park Avenue, Gadoni of Italy, ColorPlus and Shingora among others will play a vital role in conveying the message to consumers via in- store promotions. Exciting events, games and fun activities will be organized in & around the malls to mark the celebrations.

Expressing his excitement on introducing this campaign to India, Mr. Amir Sheikh, Country Manager, India says “Wool is a premium fibre and products made of wool should have consumers’ full confidence. The campaign is an attempt by Woolmark Services India Private Limited, a subsidiary of Australian Wool Innovation, to educate Indian consumers about fine wool. We want Indian consumers to fall in love with wool all over yet again.”

He further adds, “Wool is not just a functional requirement but is becoming a fashion prerequisite of Indian consumers. The growing consumer demand for premium and differentiated products make it imminent to educate Indian consumers about versatility of wool and help them to buy best natural product.

Read entire post Woolmark launches 'Wool Celebration' campaign to throw light on wool benefits @ Fibre2fashion

China to assist African nations on cotton production

China will be extending technical and financial support for cotton production over next few years to four leading African cotton producing countries (C4), namely, Burkina Faso, Mali, Benin and Chad.

The joint programme was announced by Chinese Commerce Minister Chen Deming and Ministers or representatives of the C4 countries.

Technical assistance in researches, sponsorship for training projects, technology transfer, experience sharing, and provision of seeds, fertilizers, pesticides and agricultural machinery would all form a part of the two-way support programme.

Mr. Chen said some of the Chinese apparel and textile industries may shift to Africa in due course of time, and added that some such instances of relocation are visible at present.

Read entire post China to assist African nations on cotton production @ Fibre2fashion

Pleasing sales in Aussie wool market

Australian Wool Industries Secretariat Inc (AWIS) releases wool sale report for the week ending 16th December 2011.

The Australian Wool Exchange (AWEX) Regional Indicators finished 2.2% higher, on average, in Sydney, Melbourne and Fremantle this week when the US exchange rate fell by 3.6%. These were the last sales prior to the three week Christmas break.

The market stated slowly on Tuesday, but gained strong momentum on Wednesday after reports of sales to China, and later sales in Europe. The upward movement continued on Thursday, when only the South sold. It was a pleasing finish prior to the three week Christmas break. The fall in the US exchange rate was helpful in a week of low global economic confidence.

The Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) has finished the first half of the season at 1189¢, 158¢ higher than in the same week last year. The season average of 1233¢ is 302¢ higher than the season average at the end of Week 24 last year.

The bigger rise in the Western Indicator was associated with increases of 36¢ and 53¢, respectively in the 18.0 and 18.5 AWEX Micron Price Guide (MPGs) in Fremantle on Tuesday.

Read entire post Pleasing sales in Aussie wool market @ Fibre2fashion

WA growers to benefit from new Spearwood wool store

Elders Limited has welcomed the announcement by AWH Pty Ltd to relocate to a modern warehousing facility within the Spearwood Distribution Park in mid-2012.

Elders Zone General Manager – West, James Cornish said West Australian wool growers will benefit from Elders and the selling centre moving into the new facility, just 200m from the current location.

“Having our show floor, selling centre and offices all in the same building will provide efficiencies for wool growers and all who use the facility,” he said.

The new wool store and selling centre has state of the art unloading facilities and is designed to have a quick turnaround for unloading of both large and small trucks and facilities for clients to inspect their wool alongside representatives from global wool buyers.

“Elders looks forward to meeting our clients at the new facility in 2012 and providing them with the opportunity to see first hand this latest investment in the WA wool industry,” James saiid.

“The wool industry has changed significantly over recent decades and the move to a modern and consolidated facility is a sign that wool handlers and brokers are adapting to grower requirements,” he said.

Read entire post WA growers to benefit from new Spearwood wool store @ Fibre2fashion

Teijin begins recovery efforts at polyester units

Teijin Limited announced that efforts to restore operations have begun at three facilities in Thailand, where operations have been suspended due to flooding since October.

The facilities are Teijin Polyester (Thailand) Limited in Pathum Thani Province, Teijin (Thailand) Limited in the Bang Pa-in Industrial Estate and Teijin Cord (Thailand) Co., Ltd. in the Rojana Industrial Park, the latter two both located in Ayutthaya Province.

Efforts to identify the level of damage to facilities and equipment are underway, following the complete removal of floodwaters from the facilities in the end of November. Teijin plans to increase the number of technical staff dispatched from Japan to support the earliest possible resumption of operations.

To minimize the impact on supply chains and deliveries, which vary by customer and product, Teijin has shifted fiber production to other plants outside Thailand, including Teijin Fibers’ Matsuyama Plant in Japan, Tifico Fiber Indonesia Tbk in Indonesia and manufacturers in Taiwan.

Although Teijin personnel have been affected by the flooding, no casualty has been reported among group employees or their families.

If Teijin concludes that group performance is expected to experience a significant impact due to the effects of the flooding, relevant information will be disclosed immediately.

Teijin is a global technology-driven group operating in eight main fields: aramid fibers, carbon fibers & composites, polyester fibers, plastics, films, medical & pharmaceuticals, fiber products marketing and IT businesses.

Read more about Teijin begins recovery efforts at polyester units @ Fibre2fashion

Cotton Fabric Cleans Itself When Exposed to Ordinary Sunlight

Washington, Dec 15 (IANS) Scientists from China are developing a cotton fabric that can clean itself of stains and bugs when exposed to ordinary sunlight.

Environmental researchers Mingce Long and Deyong Wu, from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Hubei University for Nationalities, China, say their fabric uses a coating made from a compound of titanium dioxide, the white material used in white paint, foods and sunscreen lotions.

Titanium dioxide breaks down dirt and kills microbes when exposed to some type of light. It is used in self-cleaning windows, kitchen and bathroom tiles, odour-free socks and other products, the journal Applied Materials & Interfaces reported.

Self-cleaning cotton fabrics have been made in the past, but they self-clean thoroughly only when exposed to ultraviolet rays.

A new cotton fabric has been developed that cleans itself when exposed to ordinary sunlight, said a statement of the American Chemical Society.

Their report describes cotton fabric coated with nanoparticles made from a compound of titanium dioxide and nitrogen, said the statement.

The report shows how the fabric coated with the material removes an orange dye stain when exposed to sunlight. Dispersing the nanoparticles composed of silver and iodine accelerates the discoloration process. The coating remains intact after washing and drying.

View more Textile News at Fibre2fashion

‘We specialize in tailor-made solutions’ – Parth, KB Corp

“Share your idea of any textile equipment or machine with us and our excellent R&D team will design and deliver a tailor-made solution”, says a confident Parth Panchal. Parth aged 29, is Director (Sales) and also overlooks export sales of KB Corporation, a textile machinery and equipment manufacturer.

KB Corporation established in 1967 by Mr JR Panchal, offers complete range of dyeing to drying machines in batch/continuous form. It also has in its product portfolio, size preparation equipments and colour kitchen equipments for denim production. It also specializes in delivering tailor-made solutions for the wet processing & finishing industry.

The major product mix of KB Corporation includes, Cabinet Yarn Dyeing Machine, Continues Yarn Dryers, Hydro extractor, Continuous Dryer, Size Preparation Vessels, Size Storage Vessels, Braiding Machines, etc.

Ahmedabad based, KB Corporation was one of the early pioneers of open-width machines in the mid-1970s, when the technology at that time in use was, rope dyeing and bleaching. It has a modern machinery production plant and is also in the process of setting up a new plant nearby Ahmedabad.

Within India, KB Corporation supplies to prestigious textile majors like Arvind, Raymond, Soma Textiles, Ashima Syntex, Reliance Industries, Asarwa Mills, etc.

Read entire post ‘We specialize in tailor-made solutions’ – Parth, KB Corp @ Fibre2fashion

Impact of Thai Floods on Toray’s Operations

Toray Industries Inc. announced the latest situation regarding the impact of the large-scale floods in Thailand on Toray Group’s operations, the details of which are described below.

Damage Status
Ayutthaya Plant of Thai Toray Synthetics Co., Ltd. (TTS), which halted operations on the evening of October 6, began its restoration works on November 28 and is expected to restart from the end of March 2012.

TTS’s Bangkok Plant, which also halted operations on October 26 as areas near the plant got inundated (no flooding in the plant), began its restoration works on November 17 and has resumed production on December 1.

The plants of Thai Toray Textile Mills (TTTM) and TTS in Nakhon Pathom, wihch also suspended their operations for a similar reason by November 1 (partially flooded), have resumed production at TTTM on November 21 and TTS on December 4.

There has been no material or personnel damage due to the floods at Toray group companies or plants other than at Ayutthaya Plant and Nakhon Pathom Plant of TTS.

All the employees on dispatch from Toray to Thailand who had temporarily returned to Japan are back in Thailand by November 17.

Their families are also in the process of returning.

Impact on Fiber Product (Yarns) Supply
Toray has been earnestly responding to the impact on fiber product (yarn) supply following the closedown of the above plants by increasing production at group companies and replacing the products with other types of products. At the same time, the company expects only a minimal impact on supply in the Japanese market, partly because of the small volume of yarn exports from TTS to the Japanese market.

Read entire post Impact of Thai Floods on Toray’s Operations @ Fibre2fashion

In January 2012 - New LYCRA fibre technology to be launched

INVISTA, one of the world's largest integrated producers of polymers and fibres, will announce a cutting-edge advancement in LYCRA fibre technology in Paris in January. The innovation, called LYCRA fibre with W Technology, is designed to offer the European fabric industry a new level of performance in an elastane fibre for intimate apparel, offering improved whiteness retention, uniformity and brilliant colour clarity for fabrics and garments.

For the intimate apparel industry, this technology will enhance styling flexibility with increased confidence, and will be the foundation for both whites and fashion colours. It will be ideal for both warp and circular knit fabrics, delivering visible improvements and allowing robust mill processing.
,
“This new product will provide a solution for more attractive garments with higher visual impact, which is especially important for moulded garments,” said Steve Stewart, INVISTA Apparel Global Director of Intimate Apparel & Swimwear. “In a market where excellent whites and fashion colours are a requirement, LYCRA fibre with W Technology will be key to providing customers with quality they can see,” he said.

“It will incorporate new spinning, luster, and dye-uptake technologies to make the fibre the invisible secret that delivers truly visible improvements,” Stewart added.

Read entire post In January 2012 - New LYCRA fibre technology to be launched @ Fibre2fashion

We need to find urgent solution to cotton issue - AProCA

The Doha Round has ten years. Ten years now that what was supposed to make international trade a development tool for all the members of the World Trade Organization and more specifically the poor countries, sounds like a mirage. Ten years
Meetings come one after another and that discussions tall. Ten years of missed appointment and betrayed hopes.

- Gathered in General Assembly December 6, 2011 in Banjul, Republic of the Gambia,
- Recognizing the predominant place of cotton in the economies of cotton-producing countries,
- Recognizing the adverse effects of the subsidies granted by rich countries to their producers in the global cotton market, adversely affecting the development of the African cotton sector and their contribution to national economies,
- Recognizing the bottlenecks in international trade negotiations under the World Trade Organization (WTO) on Doha Round,

We, cotton producers, grouped in the Association of African Cotton Producers (AProCA), are launching urgent appeal to governments and all stakeholders involved in international trade negotiations to a swift conclusion of the Doha Round.

Read entire post We need to find urgent solution to cotton issue - AProCA @ Fibre2fashion

20 years bioRe

The production of fashionable textiles from fair-trade organic cotton through a controlled and transparent process chain. The idealistic project which started in 1991 has long since been transformed into a successful enterprise.

Today, Remei AG is coordinating 48 businesses, which means that we have a responsibility for approximately eighty to a hundred thousand people, above all over 8000 farmers in India and Tanzania. Numerous projects have been completed successfully, such as building some 2560 biogas plants, 2500 fuel-efficient smokeless stoves, 20 village schools, and a training centre in India and one in Tanzania to promote organic cultivation.

It will going to celebrate its 20th jubilee.

All of which stands as proof of the single most important fact – that it is indeed possible to profitably produce and sell cotton while observing the precepts of fairness, ecology, and economy. We have made a lot of improvements – however, one thing remains the same:

Patrick Hohmann, CEO Remei AG: Our vision: Ready to wear fashion, ready to take responsibility.

We would like to thank all our customers, partners and business associates for their belief, idealism and daily commitment to making the success of bioRe possible and we hope for your continuous support.

Read entire post 20 years bioRe @ Fibre2fashion

First International Fair of cotton products starts in Turkmenistan

The first International Fair of domestic cotton products began in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan.

The fair is intended at generating higher global awareness regarding the country’s accomplishment in agricultural sector, experience sharing with world’s top-most manufacturers and deliberating with foreign firms and enterprises on cooperation issues.

Inaugurating the fair, Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted cotton as one of the key export-oriented agricultural product of the country.

He said each year textile industry base of Turkmenistan if further strengthened and several new businesses have been established and projects commissioned during the past few years. As a result, the country is able to gradually enhance its volume of cotton production.

Read entire post First International Fair of cotton products starts in Turkmenistan @ Fibre2fashion

Fourth Silk Mark Expo opens in Chennai

The fourth edition of the Silk Mark Expo organized by the Chennai chapter of Silk Mark Organisation of India (SMOI) opened on December 7 in Chennai.

The aim of the expo is to generate awareness regarding the Silk Mark, a quality assurance label, and to promote the silk industry. The exhibition will continue till December 12.

Several authorised users of the quality mark from 16 States are exhibiting their silk products prepared from Tussar, Muga, Mulberry and Eri varieties of silk through over 60 stalls set up at the Expo, Mr. PM Pandi, Deputy Director (Insp.) and Senior Executive, SMOI Regional Development Office, said.

In a move to generate awareness amongst buyers and to help people learn about genuine silk, a number of contests are being organized during the event whereby people would be asked to identify samples of mixed silk, non-silk and pure silk. Besides, silk testing facilities are also being offered at the Expo, Mr. Pandi said.

Funded by Central Silk Board, Union Ministry of Textiles, SMOI is trying to generate awareness regarding the Silk Mark which is intended to help the customers to identify genuine silk.

Mr. Pandi said SMOI allows the use of Silk Mark on the products of the members only after they have established credentials as producers, retailers and exporters of authenticate silk. Presently, 400 authorised Silk Mark users are registered with the Chennai chapter of SMOI.

Read entire post Fourth Silk Mark Expo opens in Chennai @ Fibre2fashion

Over 600 industrial units shut over gas load shedding in Faisalabad

Annoyed by the abrupt announcement made by the Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited (SNGPL) to increase the gas load-shedding from the earlier three days per week to four days a week, several textile industries in Pakistan’s Faisalabad have shutdown.

To protest against the SNGPL’s decision, over 600 industries, majority of them being value-added and export-oriented textile units, have closed. Besides industrialists, the protest is being supported by textile associations.

As claimed by the textile industry of the north zone, a steady rise in load-shedding coupled with low gas pressure is adding to the woes of the entrepreneurs as well as public. Moreover, the daily wage workers associated with the industry now would also have to endure a four-day per week redundancy.

Christmas export orders are very important for textile industry as the EU and the US buyers place bulk orders for made ups, textiles and garments during this period to meet requirements of domestic retailers and other customers who look forward to shop for their winter apparels in the month of December.

Read entire post Over 600 industrial units shut over gas load shedding in Faisalabad @ Fibre2fashion

IFAI Expo Asia 2012 postponed

The Industrial Fabrics Association International announced that due to the uncertainty of the completion of construction at the Suntec Center, and the continuing softness of the global economy, it will postpone its IFAI Expo Asia 2012 trade event originally scheduled for 26-28 June at the Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

According to IFAI's conference management vice president Todd Lindemann, "This decision will allow us to evaluate the date and venue for the event. We expect the second edition of IFAI Expo Asia to be bigger and draw larger attendance, and we are carefully planning for that success."

IFAI Expo Asia 2011 had a strong premiere 22-25 March 2011 in Singapore at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre. The combined specialty fabrics trade exhibition and symposiums covered the spectrum of the cutting-edge developments occurring in the industry.

Read more about IFAI Expo Asia 2012 postponed @ Fibre2fashion

Quite increase in New York cotton futures

Plexus Cotton Limited reports that NY futures have moved considerably lower since our last report on November 17, with March dropping 518 points to close at 91.30 cents.

The bearish wave, which has been gathering momentum in recent weeks, became potent enough to breach the "Chinese Wall" of support, taking prices to new 14-month lows. The move was all the more impressive since it happened in the face of very strong US export sales, totaling more than 2.5 million statistical bales over a 3-week period. But as the old saying goes - "it's not the news itself that matters, but how the market reacts to the news"!

Interestingly, it was the speculators that were responsible for the selling, as they either bailed out of long positions or added new shorts in reaction to a technical breakdown in cotton and all the uncertainty surrounding the sovereign debt crisis. In the week of November 22, during which the market dropped 10 cents in just three days, large and small speculators sold 11'386 contracts net, while the trade (+10'707 contracts) and index funds (+679 contracts) were net buyers.

Read entire post Quite increase in New York cotton futures @ Fibre2fashion

Bemz launches "Loose Fit - Urban', a new style of unique, contemporary slipcovers for IKEA furniture

Bemz, the Swedish company that allows customers to personalize their IKEA sofas and chairs announced the addition of "Loose Fit – Urban" 100% washed linen slipcovers to the successful Loose Fit range. The "Loose Fit – Urban" style will be available as slipcovers on the Bemz website for the Karlanda, Karlstad, Klippan, Henriksdal, Nils, Klappsta and Kivik furniture ranges beginning early 2012.

The Urban look is characterized by an edgier, more metropolitan influence in contrast to its kinder rural counterpart, the "Loose Fit – Country Style". Bemz's new slipcovers take their cues from the latest in interior design trends: subdued and elegant with a sophisticated, slightly looser fit. The seams are purposely apparent, with every aspect of the cover cut and sewn by hand using extreme precision and care.

"The Loose Fit collection allows our customers to transform an IKEA sofa using both color and form in an exciting way," says Lesley Pennington, CEO and founder of Bemz. "It will be great to see how the Bemz fans adopt this new urban look and make it their own."

The Loose fit collection, now consisting of the Urban and the popular Country styles, are manufactured using exclusive Rosendal Pure Washed linen from Belgium, a country with a centuries-old tradition of flax cultivation and processing.

The fabric is pre-washed to give it that soft, vintage-like, wrinkled look. The slipcovers are available in a variety of colors: Absolute White, Soft White, Unbleached, Medium Grey, Brown, Sage and Lavender. With the latest additions, there are over 180 fabrics to choose from on the Bemz website.

Read entire post Bemz launches "Loose Fit - Urban', a new style of unique, contemporary slipcovers for IKEA furniture @ Fibre2fashion

Unpaid drawback claims affects Pakistani textile exporters

The Pakistan Textile Exporters Association (PTEA) has claimed that working capital of the country’s textile exporters’ worth about PKR 25 billion is blocked under several duty drawback schemes, which is affecting the country’s exports and is also causing a negative effect on the nation’s economy.

After the end of quota system in textile trade, exporters were provided with research and development facilities in order to help them enhance their exports. However, the facility was suspended after a couple of years in 2008, following which some refund claims are still lying unpaid, which is causing the exporters to suffer financial crisis and is also hampering their business flow as their working capital remains blocked.

Meanwhile, with a view to help the textile exporters, the present Government introduced another drawback of local taxes and levies (DLTL) scheme under its Textile Policy in 2009. The scheme met with positive response from the side of exporters and the country’s overall exports surged above US$ 24 billion, while textile exports jumped above US$ 13 billion.

However, the drawback facility as promised under the scheme was not honoured fully and just 14.67 percent of the claims submitted by the exporters have been paid till now, due to which considerable amount of working capital of the exporters is still blocked with the Government.

Read entire post Unpaid drawback claims affects Pakistani textile exporters @ Fibre2fashion

Soft trading in Aussie wool market

Australian Wool Industries Secretariat Inc (AWIS) releases wool sale report for the week ending 25th November 11.

The Australian Wool Exchange (AWEX) Regional Indicators finished 0.7% lower, on average, at sales in Newcastle, Melbourne and Fremantle this week when the US exchange rate fell by 3.7%.

It was another market that finished in a different manner to the way it started. All Regional Indicators were down in both currencies on their first days of selling, with the fall in A¢ partly buffered by the fall in the US exchange rate. The situation reversed on Thursday, when demand was strong from the start, and the Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) rose by 2¢ in US¢ and by 18¢ in A¢.

The fall on Tuesday was not unexpected, given the general global financial concerns and the soft finish the previous week. However, the upturn on Thursday surprised most people, as the global economic outlook was unchanged on Wednesday night. There were trade reports of inquiry from China and Italy on Wednesday night.

Read entire post Soft trading in Aussie wool market @ Fibre2fashion

Silk & cotton items on display at Sikkim Handloom Expo

A handloom and handicrafts expo showcasing exquisite silk and cotton handloom items manually prepared by artisans of various States is going on in Gangtok, the capital of Indian State of Sikkim.

The Special Handloom Expo 2011, organized by Sikkim Handloom and Handicrafts Corporation Ltd., under the aegis of Development Commissioner (Handloom), Ministry of Textiles Government of India, would run till December 10.

Handloom artisans from seven States including Bihar, Nagaland, Assam, Jammu & Kashmir, Manipur, Sikkim and West Bengal are showcasing their products at 40 stalls set up at the expo.

Besides, there is also a theme pavilion exhibiting traditional wears of various ethnic communities of the State like Nepali, Bhutia and Lepcha. The pavilion also showcases the handloom, Lukuni and Angora weaves.

Read entire post Silk & cotton items on display at Sikkim Handloom Expo @ Fibre2fashion

JX Nippon Kawasaki cracker to go offstream in Aug ‘12

Japan-based, JX Nippon Oil & Energy which operates a naphtha cracker plant, has planned a maintenance turnaround at the cracker in the third quarter of 2012.

This was informed to fibre2fashion by a company offical who added that, currently the plant located in Kawasaki is operating at normal capacity rates.

The cracker will be taken off-stream on August 12, 2012 and will remain shutdown till October 1, 2012.

The naphtha cracker has a production capacity of 460,000 mt / year

Read more about JX Nippon Kawasaki cracker to go offstream in Aug ‘12 @ Fibre2fashion

Sri Lankan govt to remove customs duty on yarn

With a view to stimulate expansion of the country’s textile sector, Sri Lankan Government has decided to withdraw customs duty on yarn from January 2012.

The Government has also resolved to end Value Added Tax (VAT) on import of machinery required in textile manufacturing to enhance the country’s production capacity and boost export potential.

Releasing the Government’s new Budget Plan for 2012 in Sri Jayawardenapura-Kotte, President Mahinda Rajapaksa announced a series of new fiscal policies and taxation measures with the objective of boosting exports and strengthening the country’s economy.

The measures include devaluation of Sri Lanka’s national currency by three percent in order to increase the nation’s global competitiveness and boost export volumes.

Read entire post Sri Lankan govt to remove customs duty on yarn @ Fibre2fashion

Beaulieu Preparing Itself for Strength in 2012

Beaulieu of America, the nation’s 3rd largest carpet mill and largest sole carpet producer, has announced additional changes as it prepares for 2012. Ralph Boe, president and CEO announced that Jeff Meadows, Chief Marketing Officer and James Lesslie, Chief Operations Officer have left the company effective immediately.

Both executives have left to pursue other interests, according to Boe. “Change is something that is inevitable,” observed Boe. “so like any company, we must adjust, do what’s necessary and move on. We thank them for their valued service and leadership to Beaulieu and wish them both very well.”

Mr. Boe acknowledges that this latest announcement follows stories about three facility closings in the last several weeks that has put the spotlight on Beaulieu. “It’s very important that people don’t read anything into all these recent events,” advised Boe. “These moves were necessary to adjust capacity with the market demand. Beaulieu now enters 2012 well positioned. We announced securing a $230 million loan refinance in October and we’re showing strong performance in several areas.”

As evidence, the company points to its new HealthyTouch and CCA Global Resista Refresh lines placed into almost 6,000 dealers with the highest rate of sales for any launch in Beaulieu’s history. Additionally, Beaulieu’s STAINMASTER with Magic Fresh odor reducer is out-performing its previous STAINMASTER collection 2 to 1. On the commercial side, Beaulieu is also seeing growth with both its Nexterra-backed modular tiles and Aqua in hospitality.

Read entire post Beaulieu Preparing Itself for Strength in 2012 @ Fibre2fashion

Taiwanese textile industry seek to increase tie-ups with Indian cos

Taiwan, one of the world’s leading textile exporters, is looking forward to enhance its business association with textile firms in India.

In view of the same, 13 leading textile firms from Taiwan exhibited their most modern textile products at a two-day Taiwan Textile Fair organized in Mumbai by the Taiwan Textile Federation in association with the Bureau of Foreign Trade, Taiwan and supported by major textile associations of India like the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) and Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC).

Jennifer Liu, Project Manager, Taiwan Textile Federation, said the fair was intended to help the Taiwanese entrepreneurs to tap the real time opportunities in the Indian apparel sector as they explore new business opportunities for the textile and garment industry.

While the Indian apparel market is growing at an annual rate of 10 percent, rural and semi-urban markets of the country are advancing at a faster pace than anticipated. Also, an increasing number of urban customers are looking for branded and lifestyle goods. So, the market is sure to advance at a higher pace than ever before.

Read entire post Taiwanese textile industry seek to increase tie-ups with Indian cos @ Fibre2fashion

COTTON USA Conference in Istanbul Covers “Sourcing In A Volatile World”

Cotton Council International (CCI) and Cotton Incorporated hosted suppliers of U.S. cotton, the Turkish textile industry, and their downstream customers in the brand and retail sectors at a one-day conference titled "Sourcing In A Volatile World" in Istanbul.

The conference provided opportunities for buyers and sellers of U.S. cotton to discuss the current market situation and how fast-changing raw material prices are pushing the entire textile and garment industry to look for new ways of doing business with their customers.

The conference brought together over 100 senior executives to hear the latest reports on U.S. and world cotton production for the current season, as harvesting is well completed in the Northern Hemisphere.

In today's volatile global economic environment, suppliers and buyers of U.S. cotton discussed the challenges and alternative solutions to sourcing U.S. cotton. Included on the conference agenda was how businesses can build a more efficient cotton supply chain during times of record cotton price movements, limited availability and sourcing challenges.

Read entire post COTTON USA Conference in Istanbul Covers “Sourcing In A Volatile World” @ Fibre2fashion

Vijayawada : Textile Traditions Of AP On Display At Handloom Expo

A whole range of traditional handlooms like Dharmavaram, Mangalagiri, Kuppadam, Pochampalli, Uppada, Chirala, Gadwal and Guntur are being showcased at the National Handloom Expo being held in Vijayawada city of the south Indian State of Andhra Pradesh.

For those not aware about the State’s rich textile heritage these are just names of places. However, those eager to learn about the art and the technique used by the weavers at these places for preparing one of the finest textiles, the Theme Pavilion at the expo is the best place.

In addition to live demonstration of the strenuous techniques of Uppada Jamadani weaving, Kalamkari block printing and Tie and dye Jamadani, the Vijayawada Weavers’ Service Centre (WSC) is also showcasing various customary and experimental samples of dress materials, saris and bed spreads which have been tidily labelled so that one can read and educate himself.

The speciality of the saris put up on display by the WSC is that these were woven at the Centre by weavers from different places who combined different weaving techniques to produce these saris. For instance, one whole sari was woven using the technique used to weave Gadwal saris, while its border was woven by weavers of East Godavari with the use of Kuppadam technique.

Read entire post Vijayawada : Textile Traditions Of AP On Display At Handloom Expo @ Fibre2fashion

Fifth World Cotton Conference (WCRC-5) Completed

The Fifth World Cotton Research Conference (WCRC-5) was completed last Friday in India, after five days of paper presentations from November 7-11, 2011 in Mumbai followed by two days of technical tour to cotton areas near Nagpur. The WCRC-5 included 654 researchers associated with all facets of cotton technology, from breeding and agronomy to fiber quality and ginning.

A total of 322 scientific papers were presented. The scientists passed a resolution supporting the creation of a global network of cotton stakeholder organizations. The network will operate through nodes associated with cotton organizations and institutes to support globally accessible, stakeholder-supported specialist training and collaborative research.

Areas of particular importance to be addressed by the network will include biosecurity in relation to diseases, biotic and abiotic stress tolerance, and conservation and accessibility of genetic resources.

Simultaneously, the scientists endorsed the creation of an International Cotton Researchers Association to work with the International Cotton Advisory committee (ICAC) Secretariat to plan and promote the creation of the global cotton researchers network and to manage the agendas of future World Cotton Research Conferences.

Read entire post Fifth World Cotton Conference (WCRC-5) Completed @ Fibre2fashion

Karnataka Govt Announces Support For Silk Cocoon Growers

The Karnataka government has come to the rescue of silk growers in the State, who have been enduring a vertical fall in silk cocoon prices since March this year.

The government has announced that it would pay a support price of Rs. 30 per kg whenever the silk prices drop below Rs. 160 per kg.

Experiencing a drastic fall of almost 62.5 percent, the price of cocoons has dropped from Rs. 160 per kg during the first quarter of this year to Rs. 60 per kg at present.

The government has come out with a market intervention package of Rs. 50 million to help the silk growers who are suffering severe financial crisis due to a fall in silk prices and has announced that additional sums would also be released based on the seriousness of the situation, BN Bachegowda, Minister for Sericulture and Labour said.

He informed that the market intervention scheme has become effective from November 1, 2011 and added that the State government has already released Rs. 120 million to the Silk Marketing Board to help it stabilize the prices. Besides, it has even extended an assurance of raising a fund of Rs. 250 million from the commercial banks.

Read entire post Karnataka Govt Announces Support For Silk Cocoon Growers @ Fibre2fashion

Micron Price Guides Drops

Australian Wool Industries Secretariat Inc (AWIS) releases wool sale report for the week ending November 11.

The Australian Wool Exchange (AWEX) Regional Indicators finished 0.5% lower, on average, at sales in Sydney, Melbourne and Fremantle this week when the US exchange rate fell by 1%.

The Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) at 1219¢ was 18.1% higher than in the same week last year; and the season average Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) of 1247¢ is 38.1% higher than the season average at the end of Week 19 last season.

Although down, the market performed well this week under the circumstances that developed in Italy during the week. The market eased. But, it performed better than global share markets, which eased by 2 to 3% on Thursday (and by 2.3% in Australia). Overall falls in the individual Micron Price Guides were generally small for the week and there were small gains among the broader Merinos.

Read entire post Micron Price Guides Drops @ Fibre2fashion

Prompt Delivery Preferred - Bremen Cotton Exchange

Bremen Cotton Exchange says cotton deliveries for near dates or by December the latest were of interest for the spinning industry on the domestic market. Just slightly decreasing prices, the impact of cheap import yarns as well as existing stocks continuously led to a wait-and-see-attitude of the processor.

The prices have not yet reached the level where spinning industries satisfy their long-term demand; maybe hopes for dropping prices in the future have played a role, too. Due to the unsecure economic development in Europe there was hardly any stimulation by further steps of the textile chain in general. Contracts were only closed at fitting prices and for the satisfaction of current orders.

Read entire post Prompt Delivery Preferred - Bremen Cotton Exchange @ Fibre2fashion

Wool Is The Winner & Its All About Comfort

The results are in and wool is the winner – objective testing has shown that ultrafine wool garments can outperform 100 per cent cashmere and high quality cotton for comfort and softness.

The Cooperative Research Centre for Sheep Industry Innovation (Sheep CRC) commissioned the manufacture of select ultrafine wool fabrics to provide a set of benchmarks for the measurement of next to skin comfort and handle. The Sheep CRC is a collaboration of industry, government and the commercial sector, which is working to increase productivity and profitability of the industry through new technologies for adoption by both the meat and wool supply chains.

“It is the first time that ultrafine wool knitwear has been shown, using objective testing, to be superior to other natural fibres in terms of functional qualities valued by consumers,” Sheep CRC chief executive officer Professor James Rowe said.

“Wools in the ultrafine micron category, used for the manufacture of these test garments, represent about two per cent of the Australian wool clip and therefore constitute a very rare and valuable fibre resource.”

To establish a performance benchmark for wool garments, the Sheep CRC provided wool buyers with fleece specifications for the purchase of four bales of ultrafine wool (14-15.7 micron) through normal market channels. After purchase the bales were identified as CRC 1 to 4 and sent to Italy for processing through to fabric.

Read entire post Wool Is The Winner & Its All About Comfort @ Fibre2fashion

China To Import 3.3 Million Tonne Of Cotton This Year

China is expected to import more cotton this year as the domestic production of the crop is likely to be less than that required for its local consumption.

During the current Chinese cotton year, calculated from August to July, cotton production in China is estimated to be around 7 million tons compared to its domestic requirement of 10 million tons, according to Terry Townsend, Executive Director at International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC).

Speaking on the sidelines of World Cotton Research Conference in Mumbai, Mr. Townsend said China is likely to import about 3.3 million tons of cotton this year compared to its import of 2.7 million tons last year, a rise of 22.22 percent year-on-year.

Read entire post China To Import 3.3 Million Tonne Of Cotton This Year @ Fibre2fashion

Ruddick Completes Sale of A&E Biz To KPS Capital

Ruddick Corporation announced that it has completed the previously announced sale to two newly formed affiliates of KPS Capital Partners, LP of all of the Company's ownership interest in its American & Efird business, for $180 million in cash consideration, subject to adjustments for working capital and certain liabilities, including under funded pension liability and foreign debt as previously disclosed.

Ruddick Corporation is the parent company of Harris Teeter, Inc., a leading regional supermarket chain with operations in eight states primarily in the southeastern and mid-Atlantic United States, and the District of Columbia.

Aerican & Efird (A&E) is one of the world's largest global manufacturers and distributors of industrial sewing thread, embroidery thread and technical textiles, produced from natural and synthetic fibers.

Read more about Ruddick Completes Sale of A&E Biz To KPS Capital @ Fibre2fashion

Centre Gives Nod For Gulbarga Textiles Park

The Karnataka government’s proposal for setting up a textiles park at Gulbarga has been given a nod by the Central Government, the State Textiles Minister, Mr. R Varthur Prakash has revealed.

The Minister stated that the Centre would provide Rs. 400 million by way of assistance for setting up the park. He informed that the State has also urged the Centre to set up such parks in Bellary, Kolar, Belgaum, Tumkur, Chikkaballapura and Chitradurga.

Mr. Prakash said the State has met with good response at the Technotex 2011, an international seminar on technical textiles held in Mumbai, where Karnataka was a partner State.

He added that the State is likely to attract investments worth around five billion rupees. He further said that the State would provide a power subsidy of one rupee per unit to the industries setting up their units in textile parks of the State.

Presently, the State houses around 2,500 garment units in its textile parks, in addition to around 55,000 handlooms and 1.007 million powerlooms.

Read entire post Centre Gives Nod For Gulbarga Textiles Park @ Fibre2fashion

East African Cotton Farmers Losing Out Due To Absence Of Business Link

Cotton farmers in east Africa do not gain from the high international cotton prices due to absence of a link between them and garment producers and designers in world’s leading fashion centres, African Cotton and Textile Industries Federation (ACTIF) Chairman, Jaswinder Bedi ,has said.

Speaking at the East African Cotton, Textile and Apparel (CTA) conference in Mombasa, the second-largest city in Kenya, Mr. Bedi said the absence of a link between the local Kenyan farmers and clothing manufacturers and designers is also a hurdle in the revival of Kenya’s domestic cotton industry.

While cotton prices prevailed at around Sh100 per kg in international market, farmers in Kenya fetched only around Sh20 to Sh65 per kg, he said.

He added that high cost of inputs prevents cotton production, as just pesticides alone constitute a one-third of the farmer’s input cost.

The conference organized by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), Kenyatta University and ACTIF was aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the cotton crop with the help of skill development, enabling legislation and innovation.

Read entire post East African Cotton Farmers Losing Out Due To Absence Of Business Link @ Fibre2fashion

Australian Namoi in JV with China state cotton firm

Australia’s Namoi Cotton Co-operative Ltd has entered into a 50-50 joint venture with China National Cotton Group Corp (CNCGC), a China state cotton firm, which will help the Australian firm market its produce across the globe through 2012-2017.

Namoi, Australia’s leading cotton processor, has registered loss this year in spite of the country witnessing record cotton production and high prices of fibre.

The current deal is expected to improve the balance sheet of the Australian cotton processor and place it in a better position to compete with other leading companies in the global cotton trade.

The Australian firm registered a net loss of US$ 58.5 million during the six months ended August 31, 2011, which it attributed to unparalleled volatility in cotton prices and increased cost of borrowings.

The Australian firm recorded loss in spite of the country producing a historic four million bales (4.4 bales = 1 ton) of cotton during the current year.

Read entire post Australian Namoi in JV with China state cotton firm @ Fibre2fashion

Prices Of All Long Wool Types Surge

The wool market continued its upward trend at this week’s sale and the Cape Wools Merino indicator gained 3.9% on last week to close at R104,03/kg (clean) – an increase of 13% on the opening sale.

Supply concerns appear to be a major driving force with supplies in the main consuming countries currently at fairly low levels. The Australian market also saw an increase in prices.

The rand was slightly weaker against the US dollar, dropping 0.8% compared with last week’s average rate, trading at R7,95. It was 0.4% weaker against the euro at almost R10,95.

There was good competition from the various sectors of the trade and 96% of the offering of 10 369 bales was sold. Major buyers were Modiano SA (3 927 bales), Standard Wool SA (3 084 bales), Stucken & Co (1 189 bales) and Lempriere SA (1 014 bales).

Read more about Prices Of All Long Wool Types Surge @ Fibre2fashion

23rd Annual Conference for Textile and Apparel Importers

The United States Association of Importers of Textiles and Apparel (USA-ITA) and the American Import Shippers Association, Inc. (AISA) will host the 23rd Annual Textile and Apparel Importer Trade and Transportation Conference on Tuesday, November 8th, in New York City.

This year, the conference will feature top Obama Administration officials, Congressional leaders, USA-ITA and AISA leadership and counsel, and industry executives discussing transportation, sourcing, supply-chain logistics, and the recently passed trade legislation, among other topics.

The confirmed Administration speakers include: Kim Glas, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Textiles and Apparel at the U.S. Department of Commerce; John Leonard, Director of Textile Enforcement at U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and Gail Strickler, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Textiles at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

The confirmed Capitol Hill speakers include: U.S. Representative Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Paul DeLaney, International Trade Counsel for the U.S. Senate Finance Committee; and Brock McCleary, Deputy Political Director for the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC).

Read more about 23rd Annual Conference for Textile and Apparel Importers @ Fibre2fashion

NTA’s VP To Visit Three Textile Manufacturing Facilities

David Trumbull, Vice President, international trade, National Textile Association, has been invited by the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Textiles and the Chinese Ministry of Commerce to speak on November 1, 2011 at the China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) in Guangzhou, China. While in China Mr. Trumbull is scheduled to visit three textile manufacturing facilities.

The National Textile Association is the nation's oldest and largest association of fabric-forming companies. Our members knit and weave fabric in the U.S.; supply fibers, yarns to the fabric-forming industry; or supply other materials or services to the American textile industry.

Read more about NTA’s VP To Visit Three Textile Manufacturing Facilities @ Fibre2fashion

Iconix Partners with J.C. Penney on Royal Velvet

Iconix Brand Group, Inc. announced it has entered into a multi-year license agreement with J. C. Penney Company, Inc., one of America's leading retailers for its home brand, Royal Velvet. Royal Velvet is a premium home brand offering classic and sophisticated designs with an updated touch to consumers at every stage of their lives from first apartment and beyond.

The initial launch of Royal Velvet at JCPenney will consist of sheets, fashion bedding, blankets, pillows, towels, rugs, bath coordinates and windows to debut spring 2012 in all JCPenney stores and online at jcp's website. The launch will be supported with a multi-media marketing campaign including print, digital, outdoor and in-store collaterals.

"JCPenney is recognized by consumers as the go-to destination for home goods and this is an immense opportunity for Royal Velvet," commented Neil Cole, CEO, Iconix. "We are thrilled to be working with JCPenney on our Royal Velvet brand as we share the same vision and recognize the growth potential for this iconic brand," Cole added.

Read more about Iconix Partners with J.C. Penney on Royal Velvet @ Fibre2fashion

Creation Of JJ38/11 The First Fabric With 80 Gauge

An exclusive collaboration among five of the biggest players in the textile market was created with the view of presenting a brand new fabric, definitely one of its kind, an extraordinary mix of technology, research, innovation, commitment, passion and excellent quality.

Jersey Lomellina, Santoni, Groz-Beckert, Fulgar and LYCRA are the pioneers who started off a revolution in terms of technologies and style. An innovative and daring approach to business and a strict collaboration have allowed us to study, design, test and manufacture a jersey fabric with unique and extraordinary features (temporarily trademarked as “JJ38/11”).

Several decades of experience, cutting-edge technologies and the prestige of the aforesaid five market leaders have originated a real change in the world of jersey fabrics.

Indeed, JJ38/11 is the first fabric with a 80 gauge, and it can therefore ensure unprecedented lightness, softness and pleasure. Its excellent cover and 200% bi-directional stretch add an extra value to JL latest creation.

Easy care, shape retention, pilling resistance, fast drying and excellent cover are the technical features that make this fabric so “ extraordinary” : it keeps your skin fresh and dry all day long and is absolutely amazing to the touch.

Read entire post Creation Of JJ38/11 The First Fabric With 80 Gauge @ Fibre2fashion

Good Week For The Fine Wools

The AWEX Regional Indicators finished 0.1% lower, on average, at sales in Newcastle, Melbourne and Fremantle this week when the US exchange rate fell by 0.2%.

The market continued in the steadier pattern of the previous two weeks. The closing EMI was down by 0.2% this week, following the 0.3% fall in Week 15 and the 2.4% fall in Week 14. The EMI, although down by 14.9% since the start of the season, is 24.8% above the same week last year.

43,416 bales were on offer, compared with 40,969 bales last week. 13.1% were passed in, comprised of 15.2% in Newcastle, 12.0% in Melbourne and 12.8% in Fremantle. Pass-in rates for Merino fleece and skirtings were 16.0% and 6.3%, respectively. 37,719 bales were cleared to the trade.

The New Zealand Merino Company also offered 2,045 bales in Melbourne on Wednesday of which 28.2% were passed in.

Differences between the size of the offerings this year and last year have begun to change. This year’s early season offerings were well above last year. They were up figure 13.3% after Week 12. The difference has now fallen to plus 9.9% on a progressive basis; and this week’s offering was down by 2.7% from last year.

The early season differences were due to the impact of rain delayed shearings in the first three months of last season. There were fewer wet weather interruptions to this year’s shearings. The subsequent “catch up” last year in the period from October up to Christmas means that the year-on-year progressive differences will gradually become smaller over the next few weeks.

Read entire post Good Week For The Fine Wools @ Fibre2fashion

PTEA Seeks International Flight Operations From Faisalabad

Textile exporters in Pakistan have demanded operation of direct international flights to and from Faisalabad, the country’s biggest textile hub. They have also called for relocation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) offices from airport to the city.

Pakistan Textile Exporters Association (PTEA) Chairman, Rana Arif Tauseef, while making these demands, said Faisalabad, apart from being Pakistan’s third largest city, is also an internationally recognized textile centre and export originating destination.

He said a great deal of overseas buyers visit Faisalabad, and also domestic exporters too pay frequent visits to Europe and USA and export textiles worth four billion USD, each year.

Due to unavailability of direct international flights from Faisalabad, the textile exporters either need to take the route of Karachi and board an international flight from there, or reach Lahore airport by road and take flight from there, he added.

Read more about PTEA Seeks International Flight Operations From Faisalabad @ Fibre2fashion

Tempur Pedic International's CEO Discusses Q3 2011 Results

Tempur-Pedic International Inc, the leading manufacturer, marketer and distributor of premium mattresses and pillows worldwide, announced financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2011. The Company also increased full year 2011 financial guidance and announced an increase to its existing share repurchase authorization.

Financial Summary
Earnings per diluted share (EPS) increased 45% to $0.90 in the third quarter of 2011 as compared to $0.62 in the third quarter of 2010. The Company reported net income of $61.9 million in the third quarter of 2011 as compared to $44.2 million in the third quarter of 2010.

Net sales increased 30% to $383.1 million in the third quarter of 2011 from $295.8 million in the third quarter of 2010. On a constant currency basis, net sales increased 26%. Net sales in the North American segment increased 30%, while International segment net sales increased 28%. On a constant currency basis, International segment net sales increased 15%.
Mattress sales increased 28% globally.

Mattress sales increased 28% in the North American segment and 31% in the International segment. On a constant currency basis, International mattress sales increased 18%. Pillow sales increased 12% globally. Pillow sales increased 5% in North America and 21% in the International segment. On a constant currency basis, International pillow sales increased 9%.

Read more about Tempur Pedic International's CEO Discusses Q3 2011 Results @ Fibre2fashion

Sutlej Textiles Q2 net dips 70.92%

Sutlej Textiles and Industries, one of India's leading textile producers with a value-chain extending from yarns to fabrics to garments to home textile, has posted a decline of 70.92 percent year-on-year in its net profit in the second quarter of current fiscal 2011-12.

The company made a net profit of Rs. 66 million in the quarter ended September 30, 2011, as against a net profit of Rs. 227 million during the corresponding period of previous fiscal.

The net sales of the company, however, increased to Rs. 4.177 billion during the July-September period, compared to net sales of Rs. 3.809 billion during the same period in fiscal 2010-11.

Sutlej Textiles operates two spinning units at Kathua (J&K) and Bhawanimandi (Rajasthan), with the combined capacity being 253,000 spindles. The company also annually produces 20 million metres of processed fabrics, 1.6 million trousers and 2 million metres of home textile furnishing at its Daheli unit in Gujarat.

Read more about Sutlej Textiles Q2 net dips 70.92% @ Fibre2fashion

Armenian Prime Minister in support of local textile industry

Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan has made an appeal to the Government officials to wear domestically produced suits, to help the domestic textile industry.

Inaugurating a two-day exhibition of domestic textile products at Yerevan, the Prime Minister said members of Government should don domestically produced suits, and thereby further the textile industry with an opportunity to produce more large-sized suits, while ensuring production of quality goods in domestic market.

He was briefed about the variety of items on display at the expo. However, he showed special interest in the exhibition area where domestic firms, involved in the production of suits for men, were showcasing their items.

The Prime Minister expressed keenness to learn about the consumer market for textile goods that are mainly shipped to Germany, Italy and the US. He also enquired about the issues that the textile industrialists are facing in promotion and development of their goods in the local market.

Read more about Armenian Prime Minister in support of local textile industry @ Fibre2fashion