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Textile industry: A key player in Pakistan’s economy
The textile industry of Pakistan accounts for 68.2% of total exports while fuelling industrial production and employment. As the largest manufacturing sector, it plays a crucial role in maintaining the economy, foreign exchange earnings, and job creation, supporting millions directly and indirectly.
In FY 2023-24, Pakistan’s textile exports rose 10.8% to US$ 30.7 billion, fuelled by strong global demand and shifting market dynamics, including trade disruptions in competing nations like Bangladesh and China. However, challenges such as limited domestic cotton production, import delays, and rising energy costs threaten competitiveness.
The hosiery and knitwear sector plays a vital role in the value-added textile segment for Pakistan, employing 210,000 skilled and 490,000 unskilled workers, alongside 350,000 in cottage industries. Knitwear exports during FY24 saw a 1.38% decline in value but a 41.44% increase in quantity, reaching 246 million dozen. The U.S., U.K., and Spain remained top markets for Pakistan, with U.K. and Spain showing 8% and 15.63% growth, offsetting an 8.81% decline in U.S. exports.
Pakistan’s readymade garment exports grew by 2.7% in volume and 1.91% in value in FY 2023-24, yet the country holds just 1.10% of the global market, far behind China (31.7%), Bangladesh (6.4%), Vietnam (6.4%), and India (3.3%).
To enhance competitiveness, a strategic focus is needed on strengthening SMEs with flexible, cost-efficient production models as well as advancing automation, digitization, and workforce training while ensuring stable energy tariffs and power solutions.
Pakistan made a strong impact at Heimtextil 2025 in Frankfurt, ranking as the third-largest exhibiting nation with 275 participants. Companies such as Al-Karam, Gul Ahmed, Sadaqat Limited, Towellers, Feroze 1888 Mills, Yunus Textile, and Sapphire showcased sustainable and high-quality textile innovations, reinforcing Pakistan’s global standing.
The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), in collaboration with Heimtextil and the German Chamber AHK, hosted a networking event, fostering connections among exhibitors, buyers, and industry leaders. Consul General, Amna Naeem praised the initiative, highlighting its role in driving collaborations. Industry leaders expressed optimism, with Amir Iqbal of Fashion Art International and Adeel Pirzada of Polani Textile noting the event’s potential for global expansion.
Pakistan’s strong presence at Heimtextil 2025 is prominent sign of its growing influence in the global textile industry. By focusing on policy stability, infrastructure, and industry collaboration, Pakistan can regain its competitive edge, drive economic growth, and establish itself as a dominant force in the global textile market.
1
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is spearheading transformative developments in cotton research and innovation to strengthen Pakistan’s Central Cotton Committee through modern scientific approaches. A stateof-the-art biotechnology centre of excellence laboratory is planned at the Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI) to propel advanced cotton research initiatives.
2
Pakistan's textile and clothing exports increased by 10.51% during the first five months of the fiscal year 2024-25 (JulyNovember), according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). After a 3.09% contraction in
July, the sector recorded strong growth of 13% in August, 17.92% in September, 13.11% in October, and 10.81% in November. Overall, textile and clothing exports rose to $7.61 billion during the period, compared to $6.88 billion in the corresponding months of the previous fiscal year.
3
The Pakistan Textile Council (PTC) has called on Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb to implement urgent policy reforms to safeguard the country’s textile industry, which contributes nearly 60% of Pakistan’s export earnings and employs over 15 million people.
Textile Briefs International
1
Inflation in Australia continued its upward trend, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) recording a 2.3% year-onyear (YoY) increase in November 2024. Among the key contributors to this rise was a 1.7% growth in garment prices, reflecting notable shifts within the country’s apparel industry.
2The Government of Bangladesh has approved a new gas pricing framework aimed at tackling the country’s persistent energy challenges while promoting efficiency and sustainability. This decision, following consultations with key stakeholders, is expected to significantly affect various sectors, particularly the energy-intensive textile industry.
4
Pakistan’s textile sector, a vital part of the country’s economy, has seen a decline in momentum. While textile exports showed a slight growth of 0.93% in fiscal year 2023-24, bringing in $16.7 billion, the first five months of FY25 saw an increase of 10.51%, amounting to $7.607 billion. However, textile exports for the 11 months of calendar year 2024 only reached $15.43 billion.
5
The establishment of modern textile parks in Pakistan through partnerships with both international and domestic investors has been highlighted as a strategic move to drive economic growth. This initiative was emphasized by Deputy
Prime Minister Ishaq Dar during a meeting of the Working Group for the Establishment of Textile Parks in Pakistan.
6
Pakistan's cotton industry is on the brink of a full-scale crisis, with policymakers facing criticism for neglecting the sector and implementing ineffective strategies that have severely impacted the country's agricultural backbone and textile sector. The unchecked influx of duty-free cotton and yarn imports has created a hostile environment for local farmers, ginners, and the entire textile value chain. Industry experts warn that this trend could lead to a crisis similar to the ongoing issues facing the wheat sector.
3
Brazil has claimed the title of the world’s largest cotton exporter in 2024, surpassing the United States, which had held the position since the 199394 crop season. Brazil’s consecutive production increases over the past three years, while US output has declined, according to the Centre for Advanced Studies on Applied Economics (CEPEA).
4
China's cotton production has witnessed a notable 9.7% year-onyear increase in 2024, reaching 6.164 million tonnes, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). This growth is largely attributed to increased output in Xinjiang, the nation’s primary cotton-growing region.
5
Egypt is undergoing a transformative modernization of its textile industry, investing $1.1 billion to revitalize decades-old spinning, weaving, and textile factories. This ambitious national program is creating major industrial complexes to boost production capacity and meet growing global demand for manufactured textile goods.
6
The US-based rights group, Transparentem has unveiled troubling allegations of child labour, debt bondage, and abusive working conditions at Indian cotton farms supplying several well-known global apparel brands. The US-based rights group conducted its investigation across 90 farms in Madhya Pradesh between 2022 and 2023, uncovering widespread violations that are
said to be endemic to the region.
7
The Mexican government has announced an increase in tariffs on textile imports. The new tariff structure, which targets several categories of imported textiles, aims to make foreignmade goods more expensive and promote locally produced textiles.
8
President Donald Trump has unveiled a fresh trade strategy aimed at strengthening domestic manufacturing, with a particular focus on reviving the textile sector. The initiative, part of his broader "America First" economic agenda, seeks to reduce reliance on foreign imports, boost job creation, and restore the global competitiveness of U.S. industries.
CPEC Drives Cotton Research Advancements in Pakistan with Chinese Collaboration
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is spearheading transformative developments in cotton research and innovation to strengthen Pakistan’s Central Cotton Committee through modern scientific approaches. A state-of-the-art biotechnology centre of excellence laboratory is planned at the Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI) to propel advanced cotton research initiatives.
During a think tank session at the Pakistan-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) Secretariat, stakeholders highlighted the challenges facing Pakistan's cotton industry. Cotton production in the country has plummeted, with just 5.6 million bales produced last season—the lowest output in 30 years. PCJCCI
President Nazir Hussain attributed this decline to reduced profitability, prompting farmers to shift to sugarcane cultivation in traditional cotton-growing areas. Sugarcane, while lucrative, exacerbates water resource depletion and creates humid conditions that attract pests harmful to cotton plants. Hussain stressed the lack of advanced technology among farmers to counter these challenges effectively.
The session also highlighted climate change's detrimental effects on the cotton industry, including weakened crop strength and staple length. Manual cotton picking remains prevalent, introducing impurities that compromise the final product's quality. Despite these obstacles, cooperation between Pakistan and China in cotton research continues to make strides.
PCJCCI Senior Vice President Mansoor Saeed Sheikh noted the complementary strengths of Pakistani and Chinese cotton. Pakistan’s cotton is recognized for its heat resistance, while Chinese cotton excels in yield and quality. Collaborative efforts aim to merge these traits to develop superior cotton varieties.
Experimental fields in Pakistan are currently testing the adaptability of Chinese cotton seeds to local conditions.
Vice President Zafar Iqbal emphasized the long-standing partnership between Xinjiang Agricultural University in China and the University of Agriculture Faisalabad. This collaboration has focused on developing experimental fields in Faisalabad and introducing mechanical cotton-picking technology in Pakistan. Xinjiang, China's largest cottonproducing region, leads in mechanized harvesting and water-saving technologies like drip irrigation and mulching. Iqbal stressed the importance of transferring these advanced technologies to Pakistan to address its production challenges.
Textile Exports Grow 10.51% in First Five Months of FY25
Pakistan's textile and clothing exports increased by 10.51% during the first five months of the fiscal year 2024-25 (JulyNovember), according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).
After a 3.09% contraction in July, the sector recorded strong growth of 13% in August, 17.92% in September, 13.11% in October, and 10.81% in November. Overall, textile and clothing exports rose to $7.61 billion during the period,
compared to $6.88 billion in the corresponding months of the previous fiscal year.
This growth comes after two years of stagnant performance, despite the sector's $25 billion installed capacity. Structural inefficiencies have been a longstanding challenge for the industry, which remains under pressure to compete with regional rivals. Experts attribute the recent uptick in exports partially to supply disruptions in Bangladesh, which have redirected demand toward Pakistani garments. However, the implementation of higher taxation measures in the current fiscal year continues to pose challenges.
In terms of category-wise performance, exports of readymade garments increased by 23.10% in value and 13.61% in quantity, while knitwear exports grew by 18.42% in value and 8.87% in quantity. Bedwear exports rose by 15.05% in value and 14.86% in quantity, and towels showed an increase of 7.08% in value and 6.90% in quantity. Cotton cloth exports saw a modest 4.18% rise in value but experienced a 2.09% decline in quantity. Conversely, yarn exports dropped sharply by 38.70% during the same period. Other product categories, such as made-up articles excluding towels, recorded an 11.61% growth in exports, while tents, canvas,
Mr. Nazir Hussain; President of PCJCCI
and tarpaulins rose by 9.63%. No exports of raw cotton were reported during the period under review.
On the import side, synthetic fiber imports fell by 18.20%, but synthetic and artificial silk yarn imports increased by 4.30%. Imports of other textile items surged by 68.73%, while raw cotton imports rose significantly by 104.33%. Additionally, imports of second-hand clothing grew by 20.22%.
Despite the growth in textile exports, many industry players remain concerned about the sector's ability to sustain its momentum. The government's fiscal policies, including increased taxes on exporters' personal income, have created hurdles, while structural challenges continue to limit the sector’s potential. Nevertheless, Pakistan’s total exports across all sectors increased by 12.82% during JulyNovember FY25, reaching $13.72 billion compared to $12.16 billion in the same period last year.
PTC Urges Immediate Reforms to Avert Textile Industry Collapse
The Pakistan Textile Council (PTC) has called on Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb to implement urgent policy reforms to safeguard the country’s textile industry, which contributes nearly 60% of Pakistan’s export earnings and employs over 15 million people.
In a letter addressed to the minister, PTC Chairman Fawad Anwar outlined the severe financial challenges facing the sector, citing skyrocketing energy costs as a primary concern. Industrial electricity tariffs have surged to 16-18 cents per kWh—almost double the rates in competing countries like Vietnam, Bangladesh, India, and China. Similarly, gas prices for captive power plants have escalated to $13-14 per MMBtu, compared to $5-8 in regional markets. Additional capacity charges and surcharges have further inflated production costs, eroding the industry’s competitiveness in global markets.
The textile industry is also grappling with rising financial costs, with working capital rates jumping from 2% to around 14%. Tax policies introduced under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program, including minimum turnover and super taxes, have driven effective tax rates to over 50%. These measures have placed immense pressure on the low-margin, high-volume textile sector, with escalating short-term interest rates making reinvestments nearly impossible.
PTC expressed concerns about the long-term implications of these challenges, drawing parallels to economic crises in Argentina and Greece that resulted in industrial decline, mass unemployment, and social unrest. The council warned that without immediate intervention, Pakistan could face similar repercussions, including the permanent closure of textile mills, widespread job losses, and economic instability.
Muhammad Aurangzeb; Federal Finance Minister
Adding to the urgency, some textile manufacturers have already begun relocating operations abroad to mitigate rising costs in Pakistan. This trend poses a serious threat to the country’s position as a leading player in global textile manufacturing.
The PTC has called for a balanced approach to macroeconomic reforms, urging the government to prioritize sustainable energy pricing, renegotiate capacity charges with power producers, and ensure competitive gas rates for industrial use. The council also emphasized the need for a fair taxation framework to protect the industry’s profitability and sustain foreign exchange inflows.
Chairman Fawad Anwar underscored the critical need for a calibrated policy response, warning, “The industry is at a critical juncture. Immediate and wellconsidered measures are required to prevent irreversible damage while ensuring Pakistan’s economic stability.”
Pakistan's Textile Sector saw Decline Amid Political Instability and
Economic Challenges during FY24
Pakistan’s textile sector, a vital part of the country’s economy, has seen a decline in momentum. While textile exports showed a slight growth of 0.93% in fiscal year 2023-24, bringing in $16.7 billion, the first five months of FY25 saw an increase of 10.51%, amounting to $7.607 billion. However, textile exports for the 11 months of calendar year 2024 only reached $15.43 billion.
In the earlier months of 2024, exports were reflecting a positive trend. But
political instability has hurt the sector’s performance, causing a 40% loss in export orders as buyers shifted to Vietnam. Other factors, such as the failure to capture orders diverted from Bangladesh, and a lack of product diversification, have further harmed Pakistan’s textile industry. Vietnam’s advancements in the textile sector, including a wider range of products and lower rates, have made it a more attractive option for buyers.
Over the years, there have been consistent calls for product diversification, but it remains an ongoing challenge. The government has not supported diversification efforts, leaving the industry behind in terms of offering new products for international markets, particularly the EU and the US. A recent decision by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to increase taxes and impose stricter regulations has made the situation even worse, pushing textile companies to relocate to Dubai, where they can avoid some of these financial pressures.
Increased energy costs have been another issue, resulting in the closure of
spinning units and a delay in sales tax refunds. As a result, there is a looming cotton crisis, with expected yarn price hikes and shortages in 2025. There are also concerns that the political uncertainty, along with ongoing global conflicts, could negatively impact global economic stability and Pakistan’s textile industry.
Without significant policy changes, product diversification, and genuine stakeholder involvement, the industry’s $25 billion export target seems increasingly out of reach. Many believe that unless swift action is taken, the sector could face further decline, hampering Pakistan’s position as a key player in global textile manufacturing.
Pakistan Focuses on Establishing Textile Parks to Boost Export-Led Industrialization
The establishment of modern textile parks in Pakistan through partnerships with both international and domestic investors has been highlighted as a strategic move to drive economic growth. This initiative was emphasized by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar during a meeting of the Working Group for the Establishment of Textile Parks in Pakistan.
Mr. Dar, who also holds the position of foreign minister, emphasized that these textile parks would play a
Mohammad Ishaq Dar; Deputy Prime Minister
pivotal role in driving export-led industrialization in the country. According to the press release, the establishment of such parks is seen as essential for fostering economic development.
The Deputy Prime Minister stressed the importance of utilizing available land in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) by transforming them into ‘plug-and-play’ facilities. This approach would help attract immediate industrial investments, which are critical to the growth of the textile sector.
Dar urged all stakeholders to accelerate actionable plans, eliminate procedural obstacles, and align their efforts with the government's broader vision for sustainable economic growth and export expansion. The Working Group, formed by the Prime Minister in September, comprises representatives from various key government bodies, including the Board of Investment (BoI), the Ministry of Industries and Production, the Ministry of Commerce, the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), the Economic Affairs Division, and the Power Division.
Additionally, the Provincial Coordination Committees of Punjab and Sindh, as well as the Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing, are also involved in facilitating seamless collaboration to ensure the success of the textile parks initiative.
Pakistan's Cotton Industry Faces Crisis as Imports Surge and Domestic Market Struggles
Pakistan's cotton industry is on the brink of a full-scale crisis, with policymakers facing criticism for neglecting the sector and implementing ineffective strategies that have severely impacted the country's agricultural backbone and textile sector. The unchecked influx of duty-free cotton and yarn imports has created a hostile environment for local farmers, ginners, and the entire textile value chain. Industry experts warn that this trend could lead to a crisis similar to the ongoing issues facing the wheat sector.
Ihsanul Haq, Chairman of the Cotton Ginners Forum, pointed to parallels with the wheat sector's turmoil earlier in the year, when the government failed to
procure wheat from farmers at the official rate of Rs3,900 per 40 kg. The market crash that followed left farmers and millers in financial disarray, with wheat prices dropping to Rs2,800 per 40 kg. Haq warned that a similar scenario is unfolding in the cotton industry.
He attributed the crisis to an 18% sales tax on domestic cotton and yarn purchases, combined with duty-free imports, which has led to record-high import figures. According to data from the Federal Bureau of Statistics (FBS), Pakistan imported 800,000 bales of cotton and 450,000 bales of yarn by October 31. By November 30, those figures had risen to 1.1 million and 600,000 bales, respectively. With textile mills already signing contracts for an additional 3.5 million bales, total imports for the 2024-25 cotton year are expected to exceed 5 million bales of cotton and 1 million bales of yarn—marking historic highs.
This surge in imports has led to a standstill in domestic cotton and lint sales, with large stocks remaining unsold in warehouses and ginning factories. As a result, cotton prices have dropped significantly, falling from a recent peak of Rs18,500 per maund to over Rs1,000 less, alarming farmers and industry stakeholders.
Haq warned that diminishing demand for domestic cotton could have catastrophic consequences for both Pakistan's agricultural and industrial economy. He urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to take immediate action by imposing a sales tax on imported cotton and yarn while removing duties on domestic cotton production. These
measures, he stressed, are crucial for revitalizing the struggling cotton industry, supporting local farmers, and preserving valuable foreign exchange.
Experts fear that without prompt and decisive intervention, the cotton crisis could deepen, further jeopardizing one of Pakistan's most vital economic sectors.
PTC Urges Government to Reconsider Proposed Gas Price Hike for Captive Power Plants
The Pakistan Textile Council (PTC) has called on the government to reconsider its proposed increase in gas prices for captive power plants (CPPs) to over Rs4,000 per MMBtu, warning that such a move could have severe consequences for the textile and apparel sector, a key contributor to the nation's economy.
PTC Chairperson Fawad Anwar emphasized that the textile industry relies heavily on captive power plants for a stable and cost-effective energy supply. "Escalating energy costs are already a major challenge for our industry," Anwar said. "Further price hikes could lead to factory closures, job losses, and a significant decline in export revenues."
The council expressed concern that the proposed price increase would further raise production costs, diminishing the competitiveness of Pakistani textiles in global markets. Anwar urged the government to engage in discussions with industry stakeholders to explore a balanced solution that supports both the economy and the livelihoods dependent on the textile sector.
AUSTRALIA
Australia’s garment industry witnesses price hikes amidst broader inflationary pressures
Inflation in Australia continued its upward trend, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) recording a 2.3% year-onyear (YoY) increase in November 2024. Among the key contributors to this rise was a 1.7% growth in garment prices, reflecting notable shifts within the country’s apparel industry.
The rise in garment prices is linked to several factors, including elevated production costs, supply chain disruptions, and heightened demand for both domestic and imported clothing. Additionally, the growing preference for sustainable and ethically produced fashion has influenced pricing as more consumers prioritize environmentally conscious choices.
While garment prices showed a moderate climb, the broader CPI increase was also driven by higher costs in housing, food, and transport. Economists note that the inflation rate aligns with the Reserve Bank of Australia’s forecasts, maintaining a steady pace compared to previous months.
The fashion industry, in particular, is undergoing significant transformation as sustainability takes centre stage. Many consumers are opting for locally produced
apparel, which, while appealing to ecoconscious buyers, often comes with higher costs due to ethical manufacturing practices.
Looking ahead, economists anticipate that garment prices will continue to rise in the near term, shaped by global economic pressures and ongoing supply chain challenges. However, this upward trend also reflects the evolving priorities of Australian shoppers, who increasingly value sustainable production over cost considerations.
The overall CPI increase highlights a measured but persistent inflationary trend in the Australian economy, calling for policymakers to remain vigilant as they address the pressures on household budgets.
BANGLADESH
Bangladesh’s new gas pricing policy brings challenges within its textile industry
The Government of Bangladesh has approved a new gas pricing framework aimed at tackling the country’s persistent energy challenges while promoting efficiency and sustainability. This decision, following consultations with key stakeholders, is expected to significantly affect various sectors, particularly the energy-intensive textile industry.
The revised pricing model seeks to optimize the use of natural gas resources by aligning domestic prices with global market trends and local supply dynamics. While specific details of the adjustments have not yet been announced, industries reliant on substantial energy input, such as textiles, are expected to face higher operating costs.
Bangladesh’s textile industry, a cornerstone of its export economy, may experience short-term cost pressures as gas prices rise. However, experts suggest this could also drive investments in energy-efficient technologies and alternative energy sources, potentially bolstering the sector’s long-term competitiveness.
With this decision the government aims to address recurring energy shortages and strengthen the financial viability of state-owned energy companies. For years, energy supply
constraints have posed significant challenges to industries, and this new policy aims to create a more stable and sustainable energy landscape.
The government hopes the new pricing framework will lay the groundwork for a more resilient industrial sector and opportunities for innovation and sustainability in one of Bangladesh’s most vital economic pillars.
BRAZIL
Brazil overtakes US as world’s leading cotton exporter in 2024
Brazil has claimed the title of the world’s largest cotton exporter in 2024, surpassing the United States, which had held the position since the 1993-94 crop season. This historic shift is attributed to Brazil’s consecutive production increases over the past three years, while US output has declined, according to the Centre for Advanced Studies on Applied Economics (CEPEA).
The surge in Brazilian cotton production has been fuelled by a 16.9%
rise in the planted area during the 202324 crop season, reaching 1.944 million hectares—the largest since the 1991-92 season. Despite a marginal 0.18% dip in productivity, the total output is projected to reach a record 3.7 million tons, a 16.64% increase over the previous season.
Brazil’s success is driven by favourable profitability, advancements in agricultural technology, and the high quality of its
cotton. While domestic consumption has seen only modest growth, rising international prices have balanced the surplus, keeping cotton prices stable in the local market.
In 2024, the CEPEA/ESALQ cotton index reported prices ranging from BRL 3.8063 ($0.62) to BRL 4.3645 ($0.71) per pound. Although these averages were lower than in 2023, the country’s robust output and expanding market share
Around the World
reinforced its dominance in the global cotton trade.
CHINA
China's cotton production increases by 9.7% in 2024
China's cotton production has witnessed a notable 9.7% year-on-year increase in 2024, reaching 6.164 million tonnes, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). This growth is largely attributed to increased output in Xinjiang, the nation’s primary cotton-growing region.
Key factors contributing to this growth include both an expansion in cultivation area and improved yields. Nationwide, the cotton planting area rose by 1.8% compared to the previous year, while yield per hectare jumped by an impressive 7.8%, reaching 2,172 kg per hectare.
Xinjiang's cotton cultivation area expanded by 3.3% to 2.45 million hectares, cementing its status as the leading cotton producer in China. In contrast, cotton acreage declined in other regions, with the Yellow River basin experiencing a 13.6% drop and the Yangtze River basin seeing a 1.6% reduction.
This significant growth in Xinjiang has played a critical role in driving China's cotton industry. Improved agricultural techniques and favourable conditions have contributed to this remarkable performance, even as other areas saw a decline in cultivation.
EGYPT
Egypt invests $1.1 billion in attempt to revitalize its
textile industry
Egypt is undergoing a transformative modernization of its textile industry, investing $1.1 billion to revitalize decades-old spinning, weaving, and textile factories. This ambitious national program, centred around al-Mahala alKobra—a historic hub of textile production in the Nile Delta—is creating major industrial complexes to boost production capacity and meet growing
global demand for manufactured textile goods.
Key upgrades include merging stateowned factories and importing advanced machinery to enhance efficiency and quality. One standout project, the "Yarn 1 Factory," spans 62,000 square meters and is set to produce 15 tonnes of yarn daily. Egypt’s Prime Minister, Moustafa Madbouli, has emphasized that this modernization aims to maximize the value of the country’s renowned longstaple cotton, moving away from raw cotton exports toward high-value finished goods.
While the upgrades are expected to reinvigorate the local textile sector—once responsible for 40% of Egypt’s export revenues but now contributing just 2.5–3%—they also signal a sharp decline in cotton exports. Egypt, which provides 20% of global long-staple cotton, is redirecting most of its local production to supply its revamped factories. In 2024, cotton cultivation rose to 225,000 acres, producing 1.8 million pounds of cotton, up from 1.4 million pounds in 2018.
This reorientation has led Egypt to slash its cotton export target by 60% as local industrial needs increase. The country’s decision to retain more of its "white gold" for domestic use is expected to create a supply gap in the international market, with nations like India, China, and the U.S. poised to fill the void.
Egypt’s modernization program is not just about industrial upgrades; it represents a broader economic strategy to add value to raw materials, a challenge faced by many developing nations. By focusing on producing high-quality
textiles and fabrics, Egypt is aiming to reestablish itself as a global leader in the textile industry while providing security for local cotton farmers.
INDIA
US-based rights group alleges child labour and forced labour practices in Indian cotton farms linked to global apparel brands
A recent report by Transparentem has unveiled troubling allegations of child labour, debt bondage, and abusive working conditions at Indian cotton farms supplying several well-known global apparel brands. The US-based rights group conducted its investigation across 90 farms in Madhya Pradesh between 2022 and 2023, uncovering widespread violations that are said to be endemic to the region.
The investigation documented cases of children under 14 working in hazardous conditions, violating Indian labour laws. Adolescents between 14 and 18 were also found performing tasks in dangerous environments, such as handling pesticides or working in recently sprayed fields, putting their health at significant risk.
Investigators also found evidence of bonded labour, where workers are trapped in cycles of debt and forced to work under exploitative terms to repay loans. This practice, though outlawed, remains prevalent in the region, driven by poverty and lax enforcement of labour laws.
The report alleges that cotton from the investigated farms was sold to three Indian suppliers, which in turn supplied high-profile global brands such as Adidas, H&M, and The Gap. While these companies claimed adherence to ethical sourcing practices, the report found that much of the cotton was also sold in open markets, making it highly likely that other companies’ supply chains are also implicated.
Transparentem’s findings were included in the US Department of Labour’s 2024 “List of Goods Produced by Child Labour or Forced Labour,” further underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Upon learning of the findings, Transparentem engaged with 60 international buyers and the implicated suppliers to address the violations. While many brands began collaborating on remediation efforts or highlighted their participation in ethical sourcing initiatives, some were criticized for their lack of engagement. Notable brands, including Matalan, Skechers, Chico’s, and TJX Companies, were accused of either failing to respond adequately or refusing to provide documentation supporting claims that their supply chains were not linked to forced labour.
Transparentem emphasized the need for systemic change, urging stronger verification processes and better enforcement of organic and ethical sourcing standards to eliminate exploitation in cotton production.
MEXICO
Mexico increases tariffs on textile imports to boost domestic industry
In a strategic move to support its domestic textile industry, the Mexican government has announced an increase in tariffs on textile imports. The new tariff structure, which targets several categories of imported textiles, aims to make foreign-made goods more expensive and promote locally produced textiles.
The decision is part of broader efforts to protect local manufacturers and enhance the competitiveness of Mexico’s textile sector, which plays a vital role in
the country’s economy. Officials argue that the tariff hike is necessary to safeguard jobs within the industry and strengthen its sustainability, particularly as global competition continues to rise.
This tariff increase comes at a time when countries like China and Bangladesh have been ramping up exports of low-cost textiles, putting pressure on Mexican manufacturers. By imposing higher tariffs, the government seeks to reduce the country's reliance on foreign textiles and encourage the growth of local production capabilities, in line with national policies aimed at bolstering domestic manufacturing and addressing trade imbalances.
While the move is expected to benefit local textile manufacturers, it may lead to higher prices for consumers. However, the government maintains that, in the long term, the decision will foster more sustainable growth in the sector, create better job security for workers, and strengthen Mexico’s economic resilience.
USA
Trump's new trade policy aims to strengthen U.S. textile industry
President Donald Trump has unveiled a fresh trade strategy aimed at strengthening domestic manufacturing, with a particular focus on reviving the
textile sector. The initiative, part of his broader "America First" economic agenda, seeks to reduce reliance on foreign imports, boost job creation, and restore the global competitiveness of U.S. industries.
A key component of the plan includes raising tariffs on imported textiles, particularly from nations with lower labor and environmental standards, in an effort to protect local manufacturers. Additionally, the administration intends to provide financial incentives such as tax breaks and subsidies to help American textile producers modernize their operations and reduce production costs.
Beyond trade restrictions, the policy also promotes investment in advanced manufacturing technologies, aiming to improve efficiency and innovation within the textile sector. Trump’s approach includes renegotiating trade agreements with major textile-exporting countries like China, India, and Bangladesh, ensuring they align with U.S. economic interests.
The American textile industry, once a significant source of employment, has suffered considerable setbacks due to outsourcing and international competition. This policy shift is expected to bring renewed attention to domestic production, potentially leading to factory expansions and job growth.
Courtney Harold joins Green Theme Technologies as Head of Marketing
Seasoned marketing leader with 25 years of experience in launching new products and brands within the textile, apparel, and footwear sectors
Green Theme Technologies (GTT) is pleased to announce the appointment of Courtney Harold as Head of Marketing. With over 25 years of experience in the textile, apparel, and footwear industries, Courtney brings a proven track record of transforming complex challenges into clear, actionable strategies that drive growth and product innovation.
“I am thrilled to join GTT and help lead the initiative to bring EMPEL’s innovative, water-free, and PFAS-free DWR technology to market,” said Courtney Harold. “GTT’s commitment to surpassing industry standards is precisely the challenge fueling my passion for solving complex problems. I look forward to spearheading the marketing initiatives to position EMPEL as the leading brand in the DWR sustainable performance fabrics.”
As GTT continues to dominate the water-free and sustainable DWR space, Courtney’s expertise in brand building, market entry strategies, and product
innovation will be instrumental in positioning EMPEL for continued growth and success.
Courtney’s career began at Hill Holliday Advertising, where she built a solid foundation for creating impactful value propositions for the retailer Marshalls. She continued to enhance this foundation as a member of the inaugural branding team at Polartec, contributing to the development of a leading brand that resonates with both consumers and industry professionals.
At Sappi Release Papers, Courtney led efforts to establish specification programs targeted at apparel and footwear product developers, resulting in a unique partnership with Nike.
For over 10 years, Courtney launched the first footwear supplier tradeshow for the world’s largest footwear tradeshow and staged the MAGIC apparel tradeshow in China, a highly complex market. She has also developed market entry strategies for several fashion, outdoor, and apparel brands entering the
Chinese market, enhancing her knowledge and understanding of the supply chain, the global retail sector, and the crucial connection between product development and market positioning.
About Green Theme Technologies
Green Theme Technologies, Inc. (GTT) is a US-based textile innovation company with a global vision to increase performance and eliminate pollution. Their water-free and PFAS-free EMPEL® textile finishing platform provides mills and brands with clean solutions that outperform all current water repellent, stain-release, and anti-wick technologies. EMPEL® is supremely durable, bringing true longevity to any textile or product using it.
Lucky Core Industries Announces Results for the Six Months Ended December 31, 2024.
Following the meeting of the Board of Directors, Lucky Core Industries Limited (the ‘Company’) announced its financial results for the Six Months Ended December 31, 2024.
Financial Highlights
On a consolidated basis, Net Turnover for the six months under review at PKR 62,246 million is higher by 4% compared to the same period last year (SPLY). The consolidated Operating Result at PKR 9,400 million is higher by 16% compared to the SPLY.
On a consolidated basis, Profit After Tax (PAT) for the six months at PKR 6,301 million is 25% higher than the SPLY, whereas Earnings Per Share (EPS) attributed to the owners of the holding company at PKR 68.23 is 25% higher than the SPLY owing mainly to improved operating performance.
On a standalone basis, PAT and EPS for the six months under review at PKR 6,218 million and PKR 67.33, respectively, are 23% higher than the SPLY.
The Board of Directors has approved an interim cash dividend in respect of the financial year ending June 30, 2025, at the rate of 340% i.e. PKR 34/- per share of PKR 10/- each.
Following the announcement of the results, LCI’s Chief Executive, Mr. Asif Jooma said, “LCI continues to demonstrate resilience in a challenging environment, underpinned by its diversified portfolio and long-term vision. The Company will continue to optimise costs, identify new revenue streams, and maximise stakeholder returns, positioning us for long-term success and sustainable growth.”
About Lucky Core Industries Limited:
Lucky Core Industries Limited is a leading Pakistan-based manufacturing and trading company consisting of diverse businesses: Polyester, Soda Ash, Chemicals, Agri Sciences, Pharmaceuticals, and Animal Health. Through these businesses, the Company manufactures and trades in a wide range of products, including polyester staple fibre (PSF), soda ash, general and specialty chemicals, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, animal health products, and agricultural products (including chemicals, field crop seeds, vegetable seeds, and more). In the nutrition segment, the Company’s associated company, NutriCo Morinaga (Private) Limited locally manufactures, imports, markets, and distributes Morinaga Milk Industry Co. Ltd, Japan products in Pakistan.
Lucky Core Industries Limited is part of the Yunus Brothers Group (YBG), one of the fastest-growing and most progressive Pakistani conglomerates with a wide portfolio of businesses, including, but not limited to: cement, textiles, power generation, and commodity trading.
Asif Jooma; Chief Executive of Lucky Core Industries Ltd.
Rieter – Significant increase in order intake in financial year 2024
At CHF 725.5 million, order intake was significantly higher than in the same period of the previous year (2023: CHF 541.8 million), representing an increase of 34%. This was the fourth consecutive quarter of year-on-year growth. As expected, the Rieter Group ended financial year 2024 with lower sales than in the previous year. According to preliminary, unaudited figures, total sales amounted to CHF 859.1 million, which is around 39% down on the previous year (2023: CHF 1 418.6 million). For the full year 2024, Rieter expects an EBIT margin in the upper half of the guidance range of 2% to 4% communicated in October 2024 (2023: 7.2%).
Order intake
Order intake in 2024 was 34% higher than in the previous year at CHF 725.5 million (2023: CHF 541.8 million). Rieter thus succeeded in strengthening its competitive position in a challenging market environment. Compared with the previous year, there were signs of an initial market recovery.
Sales by division
The Machines & Systems Division posted sales of CHF 424.9 million, a decrease of 56% compared with the previous year (2023: CHF 965.0 million). In the Components Division, sales declined to CHF 247.6 million, down 7% from the same period of the previous year (2023: CHF 266.2 million). The After Sales Division reported sales of CHF 186.6 million, comparable to the previous year (2023: CHF 187.4 million).
Order backlog
At the end of 2024, the company had an order backlog of about CHF 530 million (December 31, 2023: CHF 650 million).
EBIT margin
Rieter successfully implemented the measures of the “Next Level”
¹ Excluding China, India, Türkiye
performance program. Despite significantly lower sales, a solid EBIT margin is expected in the upper half of the 2% to 4% guidance range, as communicated in October 2024.
Results Press Conference 2025
Rieter will provide further details on the financial year on March 13, 2025. The Group will also publish its Annual Report 2024 and hold an annual results press conference.
Annual General Meeting of April 24, 2025
The next Annual General Meeting of Rieter Holding Ltd. will take place on Wednesday, April 24, 2025. Proposals regarding the agenda must be submitted in writing to Rieter Holding Ltd., Office of the Company Secretary, Klosterstrasse 20, CH-8406 Winterthur (Switzerland) by no later than February 28, 2025, accompanied by information concerning the relevant motions and evidence of the
necessary shareholdings (with a par value of CHF 0.5 million as stipulated by §9 of the Articles of Association).
About Rieter
Rieter is the world’s leading supplier of systems for manufacturing yarn from staple fibers in spinning mills. Based in Winterthur (Switzerland), the company develops and manufactures machinery, systems and components used to convert natural and man-made fibers and their blends into yarns in the most costefficient manner. Cutting-edge spinning technology from Rieter contributes to sustainability in the textile value chain by minimizing the use of resources. Rieter has been in business for 230 years, has 18 production locations in ten countries and employs a global workforce of around 4 790, about 16% of whom are based in Switzerland. Rieter is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange under ticker symbol RIEN.
DyStar consolidates Charlotte operations into Reidsville site to enhance production efficiency after land sale
DyStar, a leading specialty chemical company with a heritage of more than a century in product development and innovation, announced the sale of the property housing its manufacturing facility in Charlotte, North Carolina and subsequent consolidation of Charlotte production facility. As a result of the sale, the production facility, which produces performance chemicals, textiles and leather chemicals, will be integrated within DyStar LP in Reidsville, North Carolina.
DyStar has entered into an agreement with Constellation Real Estate Partners, for the land sale that currently houses DyStar Carolina Chemical Corporation. The deal is expected to be completed by Quarter 4 of 2025 and is aligned with DyStar’s long-term vision for growth and development for the Americas region.
“DyStar is adopting a strategic approach as we enter this new phase, focusing on the changing needs of our
customers and aligning with current market trends to enhance DyStar’s longterm business efficiency,” said Mr Xu Yalin, Managing Director and President of DyStar Group. “This decision demonstrates our strong commitment to overcoming challenges and investing in emerging technologies and capabilities to strengthen our competitive position in the market.”
“We are committed to ensuring a smooth relocation process and are excited about the new opportunities that this move will bring,” added Mr Clement Yang, Vice President, Global Manufacturing, DyStar Group. “Our team is dedicated to maintaining the highest level of service our customers have come to expect, and we look forward to continuing to grow in our new location.”
Following the strategic decision of the sale and subsequent consolidation of manufacturing activities, some positions
will be impacted. DyStar remains committed to provide extensive support to affected employees, including offering opportunities within other sites in the United States. This move is an important part of our long-term strategy for growth, and we deeply appreciate the hard work and dedication of all our employees during this transition.
The move of DyStar Carolina Chemical facility to DyStar LP in Reidsville is expected to take place over the next twelve months, with an expected completion by the end of 2025 or early 2026. The consolidated facility at DyStar LP, coupled with added capability from DyStar Carolina Chemical, will eventually drive DyStar Americas towards our goal of improving operational efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing overall productivity. Customers can expect better proximity with an advanced infrastructure that is scalable for the future growth once the move is completed.
“Pakistan Single Window is transforming trade to be faster, cheaper and smarter”
Mr. Naveed Abbas Memon Chief Domain Officer – Pakistan Single Window (PSW).
Can you briefly explain the mission of Pakistan Single Window (PSW) and its role in trade facilitation?
Pakistan Single Window (PSW) is a government initiative to simplify crossborder trade by integrating all relevant departments into a single digital platform. It was established following Pakistan’s commitment to the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in 2017. The goal is to reduce business costs and improve efficiency.
Phase 1, completed in 2022, integrated four key trade departments, covering 60% of regulatory processes. By 2023, six more departments were added. Currently, 15 departments operate through PSW, cutting documentation processing from days to hours.
What measurable impact has PSW had on reducing trade costs and time?
PSW follows the World Customs Organization’s Single Window Assessment Methodology (SWAM) to measure impact. A third-party assessment found that processing times have significantly decreased, compliance has improved, and business operations have become more efficient. The system aligns Pakistan’s trade processes with international best practices, enhancing competitiveness.
How does PSW address the needs of key sectors like textiles?
Textiles are a major part of Pakistan’s trade. PSW has automated key financial processes, including Letters of Credit (LCs) and remittances, eliminating the need for traders to visit banks.
Export rebates have also been streamlined. Once a rebatable consignment is exported, the system instantly notifies the State Bank of Pakistan, calculates the
rebate, and transfers funds directly to the exporter’s account—reducing delays and paperwork.
What are the main challenges in modernizing Pakistan’s trade system?
One major challenge was the lack of digital infrastructure in regulatory departments. Some had no computers, so we provided IT equipment and training.
Rather than imposing a rigid system, we tailored our training to existing workflows, ensuring a smooth transition. Keeping stakeholders engaged throughout the process was key to our success, building trust and cooperation.
What initiatives support small and medium enterprises (SMEs)?
Larger firms have market intelligence, but SMEs often lack access to trade data. To support them, PSW launched the Trade Information Portal of Pakistan, which provides real-time, updated insights on export opportunities.
This allows SMEs and startups to analyze trends, identify buyers, and compete more effectively. By offering accessible, data-driven insights, PSW helps small businesses grow.
How does PSW plan to integrate with international trade systems?
PSW’s vision extends beyond customs clearances to covering the entire trade process, including logistics across maritime, air, and land routes.
A key initiative is the Port Community System, integrating government agencies, shipping lines, terminal operators, and transport companies onto one platform. The pilot is nearly complete, and we expect to roll it out soon, further enhancing trade logistics.
PSW charges a nominal PKR 500 for consignments up to 10 billion rupees and PKR 1,000 for larger consignments, with no additional service fees.
What message do you have for businesses to maximize their use of PSW’s services?
No system is perfect, and we continuously improve PSW based on user feedback. We encourage businesses, large and small, to engage with us through training sessions, one-on-one support, and quarterly surveys.
Our goal is to ensure PSW remains a user-friendly platform that evolves with the needs of Pakistan’s trade community.
VIATT 2025: Multifaceted fair poised to aid rejuvenation of Vietnam's textile industry
After navigating the challenges of 2023, Vietnam's textile and garment exports have been gradually recovering. Additionally, foreign direct investment (FDI) into Vietnam during the first five months of this year reached USD 11 billion, a 2% year-on-year increase, according to the Foreign Investment Agency under the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI)[1]. To cater to Vietnam’s renewed business opportunities, the Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) will return from 26 – 28 February 2025 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC).
“The invaluable feedback from the first edition of VIATT has driven us to make next year’s fair even stronger, and look forward to its increasing importance in our global textile framework," said Ms Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. "With Vietnam's business environment on the upswing, we are excited about VIATT 2025’s potential to serve as an effective, ontrend platform for harnessing and
supplementing the renewed growth of the country's textile industry, across multiple sub-sectors."
The fair’s inaugural edition attracted 409 exhibitors and 17,262 visits from 17 and 55 countries and regions respectively. Building on this solid foundation, VIATT 2025 will continue to showcase the latest industry trends, and expand its focus on various pertinent areas. This will include the fair’s new Econogy Hub, a dedicated zone to advance the topic of sustainability in the textile industry, and to relate it closely to the demands of economic and social change. Together with the evolving environmental landscape, the fair will also help industry players adapt to the rapid adoption of new technology in the business world with the debut of the Innovation & Digital Solutions Zone. This zone will allow exhibitors to unveil the latest technology and solutions such as AI design, digital manufacturing, big data analytics, and more.
Concurrently, VIATT 2025 will continue to present a diverse range of
exhibitors across the apparel, home textile and technical textile sectors, with positive feedback received from many quarters at the fair’s inaugural edition.
Apparel Fabrics & Fashion
In the first four months of 2024, textile and garment exports grew 6.3% year-on-year to over USD 10 billion[2] The US remains Vietnam’s top export market, followed by the EU, South Korea, China, and Japan. To meet this demand, Vietnam's textile industry continues to import a significant amount of raw materials. At VIATT 2024, yarns, fibres and fabrics for casualwear, sportswear and uniforms, as well as garment accessories, were in high demand.
Speaking at the previous edition, Ms Surina Gan, Director / Chief Marketing Officer at CDX Textile, said: “In addition to trade pacts, Vietnam has also established itself with significant support networks for the textile and garment industry. This fair is a more international platform, and this is what we look forward to. We want to meet many
customers and brands from all over the world such as our main markets, America and Europe, and new markets such as Japan, Korea, and Taiwan.”
At the upcoming edition, apparel textile exhibitors can showcase beyond their booths by participating in the fringe programme's fashion shows, seminars and more.
Home & Contract Textiles
Vietnam’s home textile market is projected to undergo a steady CAGR of 2.4% from 2024 – 2032[3], driven by the rising need for modern and stylish home textiles, e-commerce expansion, and favourable government initiatives. At the fair’s previous edition, product groups included bedding, loungewear and bathroom textiles, curtains and curtain fabrics, upholstery and sofa fabrics, and home textile accessories.
Showcasing Japanese tatami mats at VIATT 2024, Mr Ryosuke Nishida, from the Business Promotion Department at Kitsutaka Co Ltd, said: “At VIATT, we’ve had the opportunity to meet with real estate companies, design offices, and interior stores. Our ultimate goal is to sell our products all over the world, and our plan is to first establish a strong presence in Vietnam and then consider local production to offer a more affordable price.”
At VIATT 2025, exhibitors can additionally present their latest offerings in the Home Textiles Display Zone or at dedicated product presentations, to maximise their visibility to potential buyers.
Technical Textiles & Technologies
Across the textile industry, investors are now focusing on optimising production capacity, streamlining supply chains, and enhancing product quality to maintain competitiveness in both domestic and international markets. With the new Innovation & Digital Solutions Zone to supplement the textile technology category, VIATT 2025 is set to play host to providers of textile and nonwoven machinery, CAD/CAM, CMT, and technology for embroidery, knitting, sewing, printing, and more. Exhibitors can draw more attention to their latest solutions by participating in the fair's new innovation showcase area.
Focusing on promoting the company’s tactile sensation analysing machine at VIATT 2024, Mr Daniel Ohndorf, Sales Area Manager at emtec Electronic GmbH, said: “For this show, we are targeting
mainly Southeast Asia, such as Vietnam, Thailand, Bangladesh, Cambodia, even Taiwan, and we have had some good contacts and discussions already. Our long-term contact with Messe Frankfurt, paired with the cooperation from our new Vietnam sales partner, led to us deciding that this fair could be a good starting point.”
By leveraging the diverse participation at its over 50 textile fairs in 13 countries, Messe Frankfurt's Texpertise Network will enable next year’s edition of VIATT to serve as an ideal platform for connecting Vietnamese businesses with international players, facilitating cross-border trade, knowledge sharing and collaboration.
The Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE), covering the entire textile industry value chain. For more details on this fair, please visit www.viatt.com.vn or contact viatt@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com.
The second edition will be held from 26 – 28 February 2025.
[1] ‘FDI reaches US$11.07 billion in first five months of 2024.’ May 2024, VietNam News, https://bit.ly/3RpR3AH. (Retrieved: June 2024)
[2] ‘Vietnam Business News May 16/2024’, May 2024, Vietnam Net Global, https://bit.ly/45pCYJc (Retrieved: June 2024)
[3] ‘Vietnam Home Textile Market - Size, Share & Industry Analysis.’ June 2024, Mordor Intelligence, https://bit.ly/45FF485 (Retrieved: June 2024)
DACF Exhibitions Shanghai Ltd. launched to strengthen trade platforms in the flooring industry and beyond
Hannover Milano Fairs Shanghai, the joint venture between Deutsche Messe and Fiera Milano in China, has joined forces with Globus Events to form a new company, DACF Exhibitions Shanghai Ltd. The partnership, announced during the 20th China Expo Forum for International Cooperation (CEFCO), solidifies both organizations’ commitment to expanding business opportunities in the AsiaPacific region’s flooring industry and beyond.
Under the new agreement, DACF Exhibitions Shanghai Ltd. will assume full responsibility for organizing and managing DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR, the largest flooring exhibition in APAC. The landmark show—part of Deutsche Messe’s globally recognized DOMOTEX portfolio—has been held in Shanghai for 26 years and attracted over 83,000 trade visitors from 117 countries in its most recent edition.
Strengthening Market Presence and Industry Innovation
“This joint venture marks a significant milestone in our longstanding collaboration
with Globus Events,” said Sonia WedellCastellano, Global Director at Deutsche Messe. “By combining our resources and expertise, we can elevate DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR to new heights and create unparalleled value for exhibitors and visitors.” Wedell-Castellano also emphasized the importance of innovation, stating, “The flooring industry is at the forefront of sustainable development and technological advancement, and we are proud to be part of its ongoing evolution.”
Expanding Opportunities across APAC
Edwin Chen, CEO of Globus Events, highlighted the importance of this new chapter: “Over the years, our partnership with Hannover Milano Fairs and Deutsche Messe has delivered the leading international tradeshow for the flooring industry in the region. The creation of DACF Exhibitions Shanghai Ltd. underscores our shared commitment to invest further in this vital platform and explore fresh opportunities across APAC.”
Next Edition Scheduled for May 2025
The 27th DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR is scheduled for May 26 to 28, 2025, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC – Hongqiao). Organizers expect around 1,600 exhibitors to present their latest products and innovations, spanning seven halls and covering 200,000 square meters of exhibition space. With the flooring sector navigating major transformations, DACF Exhibitions Shanghai Ltd. aims to deliver enhanced professional services, foster upstream and downstream synergies, and craft a more comprehensive platform that responds to evolving market needs.
Commitment to the Chinese Market
In an increasingly complex global environment, the formation of DACF Exhibitions Shanghai Ltd. underlines both Deutsche Messe and Globus Events’ dedication to expanding their presence and influence in China. The partnership will also explore new avenues for growth, leveraging each partner’s expertise in trade fair organization, event management, and venue operations.
Countdown is on for
the Istanbul Yarn Fair 2025!
International Istanbul Yarn Fair is preparing to bring together the textile world, once again, at Tüyap Fair Convention and Congress Center between February 26-28, 2025. Due to the high demand from exhibitors, 80% of the sales have already been settled. This unrivaled big fair, where the latest trends and innovations in the sector are showcased, breaks its own record every year.
Bigger with the 2025 Goals
Featuring enjoyable workshops and an inspiring exhibition hall for both exhibitors and visitors, the fair is expected to gather over 500 companies and more than 20,000 professionals. Sustainable yarn production and eco-friendly technologies, in particular, will be among the main themes of 2025. International Istanbul Yarn Fair draws attention to the same areas at the fairground.
Visitors will "Learn How to Read Weaving" with Fırat Neziroglu
Fair visitors will "Learn How to Read Weaving!" with the unique narration of the world-renowned tapestry artist Fırat Neziroglu. Mr. Neziroglu, who continues displaying a modern approach with the
light, shadow and gaps he introduced to the traditional weaving art technique in his works, will meet sector professionals during the weaving workshop that will be organized on the second day of the fair. Our guests will enjoy a great experience with the workshop featuring the unique narration of Fırat Neziroglu within the framework of the theme of sustainability.
Art in the Texture
The most unique and innovative designs displayed at the Texture Fabric Design Contest organized by the Southeast Anatolian Exporters' Association (GATHIB) with a view to provide an opportunity to the talents who are interested in turning their creativity into products and introduce original and value-added designs to the textile sector will meet sector professionals at the International Istanbul Yarn Fair. Art will be waiting at this special exhibition hall where unique fabrics by contestant and ranking designers will be showcased.
Technologies Shaping the Future of the Sector
International Istanbul Yarn Fair offers unique collaboration opportunities for the professionals and companies operating in
the textile sector. Presenting innovative solutions for different types of yarn such as cotton, polyester, viscose, wool and elastane, the fair allows visitors to expand their product portfolios and establish new business bonds. Visitors can also closely view the technologies that shape the future of the sector through sustainability-oriented solutions. Identified as the key raw material of the textile sector, yarns are produced by using new technologies, ensuring compliance with the evolving and changing conditions. Visitors will have the chance to find high-quality products at the fair where thousands of different types of yarn are exhibited together.
Textile Sector is in Istanbul
With its extensive audience of professional visitors from Europe, Asia and the Balkans, International Istanbul Yarn Fair will become the biggest meeting point of the sector also in 2025. Showcasing not only diversified and innovative products, but also the latest trends, the fair will gather thousands of sector professionals. Istanbul, the heart of fashion beating in Eurasia, will once again open its doors to textile professionals.
A Journey of Innovation and Excellence: iTextiles® celebrating 18 years of unstoppable growth. Transforming Pakistan's Textile Industry
For 18 years, iTextiles® (Pvt) Ltd. has been at the forefront of Pakistan’s textile revolution, shaping and redefining the fabric of the industry. From its humble beginnings to becoming a leader in performance textiles, iTextiles® has continuously pushed boundaries, introduced cutting-edge innovations, and fostered deep global partnerships. As the company celebrates its 18th anniversary, it’s a moment to reflect on the remarkable journey that has transformed the textile landscape of Pakistan, making it one of the most prominent players in the global textile market.
Over the years, iTextiles® has built a reputation for its unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and customer-centric solutions. As a company deeply embedded in the fabric of Pakistan’s textile sector, iTextiles® has not only contributed to the country’s economic growth but also elevated its
standing in the global textile arena. With a focus on value addition, technological advancements, and environmental responsibility, iTextiles® has created a legacy that will inspire future generations.
The company’s performance-driven approach ensures that every fabric is more than just a product—it’s a solution engineered for durability, comfort, and sustainability. Whether it’s enhancing the functionality of workwear, providing comfort and style in fashion textiles, or offering life-saving protection for military personnel, iTextiles® is at the forefront of creating textiles that stand the test of time and provide exceptional performance under demanding conditions.
The Genesis: Setting the Foundation
iTextiles® (Pvt) Ltd. was founded in 2006 with a vision to redefine Pakistan’s textile sector. The country’s textile industry, traditionally known for its
cotton-based products, was ripe for transformation. The demand for innovative textiles, high-performance fabrics, and sustainable production methods was on the rise globally. Recognizing this gap in the market, iTextiles® set out to create value-added textile solutions that could compete on the international stage.
The values of Integrity, Openness, Innovation, Equality, Employee Care, and Sustainability define iTextiles® as a company. These principles guide their operations and have a lasting positive impact on the textile industry and the communities they serve. Through these core values, iTextiles® has built a reputation as a trustworthy and responsible partner. Whether working with customers, business partners, or future employees, iTextiles® is dedicated to creating meaningful collaborations that bring innovation to life and set new standards for performance in textiles.
Global Partnerships: Connecting Innovators Worldwide
iTextiles® ability to connect with global leaders in textiles is another key factor in its success. With partnerships with renowned companies such as The LYCRA Company, INVISTA®, Eastman Naia®, The Flax Company, Earth Protex™, Circulose®, International Flavors & Fragrances, Mitsui®, Nature Coatings Inc, Protecht®, HeiQ; iTextiles® has a broad network of collaborators that help ensure its products meet the highest global standards. iTextiles® operates in over 40 countries worldwide, demonstrating a global reach that allows them to connect and support brands, retailers, mills, and innovators no matter their location.
A Client-Centric Approach: Delivering Value with Passion
iTextiles® believes in a “Client First” philosophy that prioritizes customer satisfaction through high-quality, on-time deliveries. The company’s business ethos is rooted in integrity, openness, and a commitment to excellence. Every collaboration, whether with manufacturing partners, retailers, or end consumers, is built on trust and mutual growth. The company’s approach to business is holistic, creating lasting relationships through impeccable service and a shared goal of value-creation. One of the key factors in iTextiles® success is its ability to seamlessly integrate with both local and global markets. The company’s vast international reach, backed by global partnerships, enables it to stay at the forefront of the textile industry. By tapping into the world’s leading textile research and development initiatives, iTextiles® delivers cutting-edge technologies that redefine industry standards.
Sustainable Fashion: Where Innovation Meets Style
In the fast-paced world of fashion, iTextiles® is revolutionizing the way textiles are designed and used. By integrating cutting-edge fabric technologies, iTextiles® produces innovative fibers and fabrics that provide durability without compromising on style. From moisture-wicking, anti-microbial treatments to fabrics with controlled shrinkage and lasting shape retention, iTextiles® ensures that fashion-forward consumers can enjoy both aesthetics and practicality. Their textiles enable designers and brands to push the boundaries of modern fashion while embracing sustainability through eco-friendly solutions.
Workwear & Military: Durability Meets Protection
When it comes to workwear and military applications, iTextiles® excels in creating fabrics designed for extreme durability and protection. These performance textiles are crafted to withstand harsh environments, offering superior strength, comfort, and safety. For military uniforms and personnel gear, the company develops high-performance textiles that protect against extreme weather, provide comfort during long hours of wear, and offer resistance to wear and tear. Their workwear fabrics ensure that professionals on the factory floor or in demanding fields experience enhanced productivity and protection, all while ensuring ease of movement and breathability.
Home Textiles: Elevating Everyday Living
In home textiles, iTextiles® brings a new level of sophistication and practicality to products that make daily
life more comfortable. Whether it’s creating luxurious, soft fabrics for bedding and upholstery or developing performance-oriented textiles for home environments, the company focuses on fabrics that are not only beautiful but also functional. Their sustainable home textiles are designed to enhance comfort, reduce environmental impact, and ensure longlasting quality. With advanced fabric treatments, such as anti-microbial finishes and stain-resistant technologies, iTextiles® ensures that home textiles are both practical and stylish, delivering an exceptional experience for consumers.
Sustainability and Durability: Textiles Built to Last
At the heart of iTextiles® innovation is a strong commitment to sustainability. The company integrates environmentally friendly practices in every aspect of its operations, from sourcing raw materials to manufacturing and delivery. As a company, iTextiles® believes that sustainability is not just a trend, but a necessity. Their philosophy of durability as the new sustainability is a testament to this commitment. The company’s innovations extend beyond simply providing high-performance fabrics—they create products that offer lasting value and comfort. Through advanced fiber technologies and chemical, iTextiles® produces textiles that retain their shape, freshness, and fit long after ordinary fabrics would wear out.
Sustainable Transformation of Pakistan’s Textile Industry
Creating a sustainable ecosystem for Pakistan's textile industry is an urgent need, especially as the industry navigates global shifts toward environmental responsibility and resource efficiency. iTextiles®, is dedicated to a holistic
transformation of Pakistan’s textile sector through six critical components, each addressing a major area of impact. These interconnected elements aim to reshape the industry, making it environmentally conscious, socially responsible, and economically viable for the future:
Sustainable Raw Materials
The focus begins with the foundation of textile products—the raw materials. iTextiles® is dedicated to increasing the availability and use of biodegradable, recycled, and regenerated fibers to reduce reliance on traditional, resourceintensive materials like cotton. This includes promoting bio-based and natural fibers such as Naia™, hemp, and linen; recycled fibers like Tex2Tex, LYCRA® EcoMade, LYCRA® T400® EcoMade, Thermolite® and COOLMAX® EcoMade, and Smart Linen; as well as regenerated fibers like Naia™ Renew and Circulose®. These sustainable options meet the growing global demand for eco-friendly materials that lower carbon emissions, promote circularity, and minimize waste. This shift aligns Pakistan’s textile industry with international standards and consumer expectations.
Energy and Water Efficiency
In partnership with leading suppliers, iTextiles® is developing and implementing innovative processes and chemicals, such as antimicrobials (Protecht®, Silvadur, HeiQ Fresh), natural enzymes, and technologies like BioBlack and Fibre52, that significantly reduce energy and water consumption. These advancements not only cut costs for manufacturers but also lessen the environmental impact. Sustainable chemicals help reduce toxicity in wastewater and decrease water usage in production, enabling Pakistan's textile industry to adopt cleaner, more efficient production methods.
“As we celebrate 18 years of growth and success, I am filled with gratitude for the entire iTextiles® team, our partners, and our customers. Our journey has been nothing short of transformative, and we have made significant strides in reshaping Pakistan's textile industry. From introducing performance textiles to adopting sustainable practices, our commitment to innovation has always been at the core of our success. We are
excited for the next chapter in our journey and remain committed to supporting the growth of Pakistan’s textile industry on the global stage.”
Mujeeb Ullah Khan. CEO. iTextiles®
“The past 18 years have been a remarkable experience, not only because of the milestones we’ve achieved but also because of the relationships we’ve built. We’ve always believed that success is driven by strong partnerships, and we are grateful to our global partners and suppliers who have supported us throughout this journey. As we look to the future, we are excited about the opportunities to expand our impact, innovate further, and contribute to a greener, more sustainable world. Our journey is far from over, and we remain committed to leading the way in textile innovation.”
Arshad Ali. Director. iTextiles®
Ethical and Responsible Manufacturing Culture
Building a responsible culture is key to creating lasting change. iTextiles® advocates for fair labor practices, safe chemical use, and transparency throughout the manufacturing process. This commitment promotes worker wellbeing and ensures that each step of production adheres to ethical standards. By fostering a culture of responsibility, iTextiles® encourages manufacturers to prioritize not only productivity but also the ethical implications of their practices, aligning the industry with evolving global expectations for sustainability and accountability.
Traceability and Transparency
Modern consumers demand to know where and how their products are made. iTextiles® is working to establish traceability systems that track material origins, chemical inputs, and environmental impact across the supply chain. This transparency builds trust with international partners and consumers, establishing Pakistan as a credible player in sustainable textiles. By enabling traceability, iTextiles® ensures that sustainability claims are backed by data, reinforcing the industry’s commitment to sustainable transformation.
Responsible Supply Chain
An integrated and sustainable supply chain is crucial for long-term impact. iTextiles® is developing systems to optimize logistics, reduce waste, and improve sourcing practices, ensuring that every link in the chain upholds sustainability standards. iTextiles® holds certifications such as GRS (Global Recycle Standard) and RCS (Recycled Claim Standard) and works closely with EFS, demonstrating its commitment to these values. By collaborating with suppliers who share its vision, iTextiles® is reducing inefficiencies and environmental impacts, positioning Pakistan as a leader in ethical sourcing, recycling, and end-to-end sustainability within the textile industry.
Capacity Building
Industry transformation requires continuous knowledge sharing and research. iTextiles® is collaborating with institutions like NTU, KnowTex, and NED to drive research and development based on consumer insights and global trends. These partnerships enable iTextiles® to stay at the forefront of innovation, enhance the local textile industry’s capabilities, and ensure that both present and future demands for sustainable textiles are addressed. Through these collaborations, iTextiles® is equipping Pakistan’s textile industry with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a more sustainable world.
Looking Ahead: Innovation for Tomorrow
As the textile industry continues to evolve, iTextiles® remains at the forefront of driving change. Through continuous innovation, research, and collaboration with global partners, the company is set to explore new frontiers in textile technology, offering solutions that meet the demands of tomorrow. From sustainable materials and cutting-edge fiber technologies to the creation of textiles that enhance daily life and ensure protection, iTextiles® is dedicated to reshaping the future of textiles, one fabric at a time.
To learn and find out more, visit: https://itextiles.com.pk/
Archroma: Monforts Montex with Baldwin TexCoat™ G4 technology now available for trials
Monforts has completed the installation of a Baldwin TexCoat™ G4 digital spray unit at its Advanced Technology Center (ATC) in Mönchengladbach, Germany.
It has been successfully integrated into one of the two full-size Montex stenter lines at the ATC and is now available for full customer trials, especially for making full use of the latest advanced sustainable finishing chemistries supplied by Archroma.
BW Converting’s TexCoat G4 enables softeners, antimicrobials, durable water repellents, flame retardants and many other water-based chemicals to be precisely applied to textile surfaces, and in combination with industry-leading Montex stenters can reduce water, chemistry and energy consumption by up to 50% compared to traditional pad application processes.
Monforts is providing vital support to dyeing and finishing manufacturers in their development projects, successfully boosting the quality and performance of many new finished products while at the
same time maximizing productivity and resource utilization.
“Our ATC houses two full Montex stenter finishing lines engineered to accommodate an extremely diverse range of processes, in addition to a Thermex range for the continuous dyeing of denim and other woven fabrics, a full color kitchen and a number of lab-scale systems for smaller batch trials,” says Monforts Head of Sales for South-East Asia Hans Wroblowski. “It enables our customers to test their own textiles and technical fabrics under fully confidential, real production conditions and using the results from these trials we are also able to make recommendations for improving many fabric finishes.
“The new TexCoat installation will make an important contribution to what we can achieve and we are excited to be working together with Archroma and Baldwin to bring further transformative change to the dyeing and finishing space.”
“This partnership is already creating a buzz in the industry and we have several
textile manufacturers lining up to take advantage of running production trials at the ATC,” adds Rick Stanford, vicepresident of global business development for textiles at BW Converting. “Together we are in a position as never before to accelerate the pace of transformative change in the dyeing and finishing space that will result in significantly lower energy, chemicals and water consumption with increased productivity and higher quality.”
“With the extension of our longstanding partnership with Baldwin – now including the processing expertise and knowhow of Monforts – the development of new concepts for chemical functionalization and coloration will be taken a step further,” says Michael Schuhmann, Global Market Segment Manager for Technical Textiles at Archroma Textile Effects. “Additionally, we can now demonstrate potential savings and performance levels under actual industrial conditions, providing mill partners with clear proof of efficiency without disrupting their production.”
Record-small 0.65mm orifice launched during GTTES 2025
Heberlein Technology, a leader in air interlacing and texturing jets, is set to showcase its latest products at GTTES in Mumbai, India. Key highlights include the new housing generation HemaJet-LB06 and the DTY jet insert APe043, featuring a record-small 0.65 mm orifice for superior performance in extremely low denier yarns.
The Indian market drives demand for lightweight, premium fabrics using ultrafine yarns, especially for activewear and luxury garments. The surge in synthetic fibre manufacturing positions Heberlein’s innovations as essential tools for meeting these needs. Visitors at GTTES 2025 receive first-hand information at Heberlein and are warmly invited to come and see the Swiss company at booth D17 in hall 3.
APe043 Jet insert improves productivity and profitability
The APe043 Jet insert minimizes yarn displacement, preventing undeveloped knots and ensuring smooth production for ultra-fine yarns down to 20 denier. This new technical development aligns with the increasing demand for highquality fabrics in global markets and supports the rapid growth of polyamide filament production capacity. On top, the APe043 jet insert features energyefficient technology resulting in a positive impact on the mill’s profit.
HemaJet-LB06 – the economic solution for ATY
Heberlein, known for the production of high-quality jets for air texturing, offers the complete solution from a single source. The brand new robust HemaJetLB06 jet housing is compatible with all Heberlein jet core series (T, A, and S).
This compatibility makes it an ideal solution for various air texturing process requirements. The distance between the impact body and the jet core can be easily adjusted using various gauges, allowing for precise control and optimization of the texturing process.
Heberlein jet cores are the reliable solution for the ATY industry for decades. Suiting a wide range of requirements like compact and uniform yarns from 30dtex up to 3,000dtex or softer, textile yarns achieved through a higher overfeed potential. In a nutshell, Heberlein provides the ideal solution for every
application. Customers can choose from the great jet core portfolio and whatever jet core fits the needs, it fits – guaranteed – the housing too.
The
new generation of spinning jet
Worldwide recognition receives the PolyJet-SP3 for spinning textile yarn. Producers of demanding technical yarns highly appreciate the PolyJet-TG-3HP405A/WO70 (TopAir) achieving yarn with unmatched even and uniform interlacing density. Furthermore, this jet impresses customers with strong, reliable knots for high-tenacity yarns (HT and HMLS). Heberlein’s PolyJet-TG-3 achieves more than 12 knots per meter with 1100f98dtex and 1670f98dtex.
Additionally, yarn parameters of tensile strength, elongation, and elasticity show smaller variations, for ultimate quality benefits, as well as improved unwinding behaviour of the bobbins.
A typical Heberlein benefit comes with the PolyJet series SP-3 and TG-3. The high-performance air interlacing jets for textile and technical yarns offer a unique quick-release system, so jet packs can be exchanged within seconds, with just a single 180-degree turn. They also feature a compact, space-saving design and a roll bar to protect the ceramic surfaces.
Heberlein HemaJet-LB06
Heberlein PolyJet-TG-3
U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol opens 2025 enrollment, applications open for climate smart cotton program
U.S. cotton growers can now enroll in the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol and apply for the Climate Smart Cotton Program for the 2025 crop year. These programs enable growers to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable cotton production, meeting the increasing demand for responsibly produced fiber.
The Trust Protocol also provides growers with data and resources to choose practices that are best for their land and business. By tracking key metrics like water use, land use, and greenhouse gas emissions, growers gain valuable insights into their farm’s environmental footprint. This information empowers them to make informed decisions, optimize practices, and demonstrate progress toward a more sustainable future.
The Climate Smart Cotton Program, led by the Trust Protocol, offers additional financial support, with three levels of involvement:
Level 1 – U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol
Membership: This foundational level provides $5 per acre up to 706 acres for enrolling in the Trust Protocol, uploading bales to the Protocol platform, and exploring the feasibility of new climate smart practices.
Level 2 – Implement a Climate Smart Practice Change: Growers can receive up to $45 financial risk-share for up to three years for adopting a new Climate Smart Agriculture practice change such as cover crops, no-till, strip-till, or a nutrient management plan.
Level 3 – Carbon Inset Payment: This level allows growers to contract for carbon inset sales based on the verified emission reductions achieved through their Climate Smart Agriculture practices.
“We’ve seen grower membership increase each year since the program’s launch and are looking forward to welcoming growers and providing them with valuable resources in 2025,” said Daren Abney, Executive Director of the Trust Protocol. “These programs provide a clear pathway for growers to meet the increasing demand for sustainably produced cotton, enhancing profitability and strengthening growers’ position in the global marketplace.”
Grower Enrollment Specialists are available to provide personalized, regional specific support, answering your questions and guiding you through the process for both the Trust Protocol and Climate Smart Cotton Program.
Visit TrustUSCotton.org or email info@TrustUSCotton.org to connect with your region’s Grower Enrollment Specialist to learn more about how these programs can benefit your operation and begin the enrollment process.
About the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol
The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol is the voluntary sustainability program for U.S. cotton growers and traceability platform for all U.S. Cotton. It brings quantifiable and verifiable goals and measurement to the issue of responsible cotton production and drives continuous improvement in six key sustainability areas: land use, soil health, water management, greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, and fiber quality. The Trust Protocol underpins and verifies U.S. cotton’s sustainability progress through sophisticated data collection and independent third-party verification.
The Trust Protocol is also proud to lead the U.S. Climate Smart Cotton Program, a 5-year, collaborative initiative that presents a transformative opportunity for cotton growers to enhance their profitability, operations, and environmental stewardship, all while contributing to the long-term viability of the U.S. cotton industry.
Pakistan’s knitwear demand continues to grow worldwide
by Nadeem Mazhar, Managing Editor, Pakistan Textile Journal.
The Textile sector in Pakistan has an overwhelming impact on the economy, contributing 68.2% to the country’s exports. It is deemed as one of the most important sectors of Pakistan’s trade. The total textile exports stood at US$ 30.7 billion compared to US$ 27.7 billion in the same period last year, signalling a positive growth of around 10.8% during FY 2023- 24 as compared to same period last year. This growth is attributed to the global increase in demand, resulting in higher export orders, combined with a competitive global environment. In addition, the recent politcal instability in Bangladesh and US’s strict trade policies against China has further created new opportunties in global textile market.
However, the domestic economy continues to pose challenges for textile players, including issues such as the unavailability of locally produced cotton, delays in the clearance of imported cotton and other essential inputs, elevated gas and electricity tariffs, and increased finance costs. Overcoming these obstacles will be crucial for the growth of the textile sector in Pakistan.
Hosiery Industry
The industry sustains directly livelihood of 210,000 skilled workers and
490,000 unskilled workers. Another 350,000 people benefit from allied cottage industries. Thus, the industry provides, directly and indirectly, sustenance to well over a million people.
Knitwear exports consist of knitted and processed fabrics knitted garments; knitted bed sheets, socks, etc. The export performance of knitwear during the period under review is given in the table1.
Today knitwear is also synonymous with trendy fashionable wear for casual sportswear as well as smart casual workwear. Pakistan knitwear (hosiery) industry is playing a vital role in the value addition of the textile sector. This sector has export potential, despite remaining under pressure from its competitors,
mainly Bangladesh, India, and the Far Eastern nations.
The knitwear (hosiery) sector, being the largest foreign exchange earner as well the largest contributor in the textile and total export of the country, demands deserving attention of the government to diversify knitwear products to bring more innovations and incentives to boost its exports.
Pakistan is the fourth largest cotton producer in the world and is an important player in the global textile market. Its knitwear industry is the highest valueadded textile sector in the country and is distinguished by the high quality of raw material and competitive value of the end product.
Source: Trade Development Authority of Pakistan.
Table 1: Export of Knitwear (Hosiery) from Pakistan
Knitwear exports witness a 41.44% increase in quantity
Knitwear exports during the fiscal year of 2023-24 slightly declined by 1.38% in value but surged by 41.44% in quantity compared to exports of the commodity during the corresponding period of last year. During the period from FY-24, Knitwear worth US$ 4.4 billion was exported, as compared to exports of US$ 4.46 billion during the same period of last year. While there was a slight decline in 2023-24, this slight decline is primarily due to a decline in the exports to the US, the primary market for knits from Pakistan.
The top destination for Pakistan’s knitwear exports during FY24 were United States of America, United Kingdom and Spain with exports of US$ 1,468, 618 and 466 million respectively, for further information on top exports destinations for knitwear exports during FY24 have a look at Table-2.
Exports to the United States of America shrunk by 8.81% in FY24 compared to the figure of US$ 1.6 billion last year. Similarly, knitwear exports to Netherlands reduced by 13.86% against the exports of US$ 411 million during 2023-24. Meanwhile the knitwear exports to United Kingdom grew by 8% compared to 572 million worth of knitwear exports during FY23.
The decline in the exports to the US was largely offset by an increase in the exports to the United Kingdom. The demand for Pakistan’s knitwear grew significantly in the United Kingdom with exports worth of US$ 618 million showcasing a positive growth compared
Apparel and Knitwear
Table 2: Country-wise Export of Knitwear (Hosiery)
Source: Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
to exports worth US$ 572 million during FY23, followed by Spain where the demand increased from US$ 403 million to US$ 466 million during FY24 witnessing an increase of 15.63%.
Although total knitwear exports when compared against the US$ value between FY23 and FY24 showed a decline of 1.38% but the total quantity of knitwear exports between FY23 and FY24 grew by 41.44% increasing from 174 million dozens in FY23 to 246 million dozens during FY24, check Table-1.
Future Prospects
Pakistan's knitwear industry has always played a crucial role in exports of Pakistan, bringing much needed foreign exchange to Pakistan. The data provided by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics and mentioned in Table-1 shows that the demand for Pakistan’s knitwear Industry
is growing and a proof of that is the increase of total quantity in terms of exports between FY23 and FY24.
But due to uncertainty and political instability within Pakistan and constant fluctuation of dollar rate has led to an overall decrease of exports in terms of value.
Officials must seek a clear and well thought action plan and supporting policies through which Pakistan can harvest the true potential of what this segment has to offer.
References:
1.Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
2.Pakistan Economic Survey- 2023-24.
3.Trade Development Authority of Pakistan.
Readymade Garments: A sector that can elevate Pakistan’s textile industry globally
by Nadeem Mazhar, Managing Editor, Pakistan Textile Journal.
The textile is the most important sector of Pakistan’s economy. In 2024, it contributed almost 2.38% to the country’s GDP, accounted for 26.7% of the industrial output, 54% of the total export earnings and 36.5% of the country’s workforce.
The readymade garment industry has emerged as one of the important smallscale industries in Pakistan. Its products have huge demand both at home and abroad. The local requirements of readymade garments are almost fully met by this industry.
The garment industry is also a good source of providing employment opportunities to a large number of people at very low capital investment. Exports increased in terms of quantity from 74 million dozen to 76 million dozen in various types of readymade garments and grew in terms of value to US$ 3,559 million during FY2024 as compared to US$ 3,492 million during FY2023, thus showing a 2.7 percent increase in terms of quantity while 1.91 percent slight increase in terms of value. The recent statistics of the readymade garment exports are shown in the table-1.
Export of Readymade Garments
Readymade garments in terms of export value during the fiscal year of
Source: Trade Development Authority of Pakistan.
2023-24 remained steady when compared to the exports of the commodity during the corresponding period of last year. Exports during FY 2023-24 totaled US$ 3,559 million against US$ 3,492 million during the corresponding period of last year showing a slight increase of 1.91%.
According to the data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics for FY2024, the exports of bed wear increased by 3.2 %, of US$ 2,798 million as compared to the exports of US$ 2,711 million of the same period of last year. Meanwhile, Knitwear exports also increased slightly by 1.91% as the exports during the current fiscal year recorded worth US$ 3,559 million as compared to the exports during the same period of last year which recorded US$ 3,492 million.
During the period under review, Towels exports increased by 4.6%, worth
US$ 1,053 million in the current fiscal year, as compared to the exports valuing US$ 1,006 of the same period of last year.
Although garment sector exports have increased over the years and it has been one of the best performing segment of the textile value chain, the sector is underperforming relative to its potential. Pakistan lags behind its competitors in the global share in the export of garments.
According to statistics, Pakistan’s share in the exports of garments was a meager 1.10% compared to China’s 31.7%, Bangladesh’s 6.4%, Vietnam’s 6.4%, and India’s 3.3%.
Readymade Garments and CPEC
China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) provides an unprecedented opportunity for Pakistan to further expand its garment exports to the world
Table 1: Export of Readymade Garments from Pakistan
in the coming years. Under the industrial cooperation pillar of CPEC, Pakistan can take advantage of China’s retraction from the global market due to eroding cost competitiveness. This erosion can be attributed to surging labor costs in China, which was thrice the cost in Vietnam and Pakistan, twice that of India and six times that of Bangladesh. Through strategic positioning, Pakistan can leverage China’s exit by expanding its market share and exports.
Furthermore, CPEC is expected to drive improvement in Pakistan’s garment sector through relieving infrastructure constraints. By ensuring improved energy supply, better internal connectivity, and improved logistics, CPEC is likely to result in shorter factory to market lead times, enhanced global connectivity improving access to new international markets from Gulf to Europe, improved productivity and competitiveness, and increased growth in the sector due to benefits of agglomeration in the SEZs.
Recommendations
Pakistan needs appropriate and targeted industrial policy measures to support the garment sector. Since Pakistan’s industry comprises a large share of SMEs, it can follow India’s example, where the government is pitching its SME garments sector globally as a flexible way for big clients to costeffectively produce small, customizable lots. Similarly, medium-sized firms could take advantage of the improvement in ICT to hold stocks in Pakistan for clients to lower their inventory costs. This requires providing support to SMEs so that they may offset their scale disadvantage through access to a reliable supply of inputs and competitive credit. Government should assist in acquiring internationally recognized quality and safety certifications to increase SME's export readiness.
To improve value-added exports, Pakistan must focus on law and order stability, increasing labor productivity, reducing production costs, and increasing productivity. Most countries in the region have achieved this through a combination of investment in better machines, worker skills along IT and logistics. Pakistan garments industry needs to take the lead in providing demand-based training, not
Table 2: Country wise Export of Readymade Garments
Source: Trade Development Authority of Pakistan.
just at the entry-level, but also for upgrading the skills of existing workers. With many firms highlighting the significant absence of skilled middle management, the government could create a common training center for middle managers, while more technical skills could be offered on factory premises, on an appropriate cost-sharing basis.
To improve the cost-effectiveness of Pakistan’s garments in the international market, the government must remove extra taxes on utilities to ensure a uniform power tariff rate that is not significantly higher than regional competitors. Another strategy is for government to promote energy efficiency through investment incentives or tax credits. Moreover, tax breaks can also be offered for restructuring industrial activity to lower production costs.
Pakistan was a leader among industrializing countries in the 1960s but unlike the East Asian economies, it failed to take advantage of the window of opportunity created by globalization that gathered momentum in the 70s and beyond. However, extricating the economy from this trap is possible given
the potential opportunities that exist for a dynamic sector like Readymade Garments.
Despite considerable constraints on the manufacturing economy, Garment firms have continued to outperform other industrial sectors. China’s transition away from low-value-added garments production provides a window of opportunity for Pakistan to obtain a segment of China’s US$170 billion export share. This is entirely achievable but will require a redoubling of policy effort on the recommendations provided in this study, along with greater initiative and appetite on part of the private sector.
With these in place, there is no doubt that the Garments sector can help Pakistan achieve sustainable economic growth, a reduction in the trade deficit, and improvements in overall societal welfare through stable and well-paying employment.
References
1.Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. 2.Pakistan Economic Survey 2023-24. 3.Trade Development Authority of Pakistan.
YKK: 90 years of global pressence and continous excellence in Pakistan
An Interview with Mr. Takeshi Yato, Sales Manager, YKK Pakistan
PTJ: YKK has celebrated 90 years of excellence in 2024. Can you tell us what this milestone means for YKK globally and for YKK Pakistan?
Takeshi Yato: Reaching 90 years is a testament to YKK’s legacy of quality, innovation, and commitment to sustainability. Since our founding in 1934 by Tadao Yoshida, YKK has grown into a global leader in fastening solutions, operating in 72 countries with over 106 companies. This milestone reflects our dedication to creating value for our customers, employees, and society.
For YKK Pakistan, it signifies our continuous growth and contribution to the local textile and apparel industry. Since establishing our production facility in 2006, we have expanded our operations, most recently completing our Phase 3 expansion in 2024. This anniversary reaffirms our commitment to excellence, sustainability, and employee welfare in Pakistan.
PTJ: YKK is known for its philosophy of the "Cycle of Goodness." How does this principle shape your operations in Pakistan?
Takeshi Yato: The "Cycle of Goodness" is the foundation of YKK’s business philosophy. It means that no one prospers unless they provide benefits to others.
At YKK Pakistan, we uphold this principle by ensuring ethical business practices, producing high-quality fastening products, and fostering strong relationships with our customers and employees. This approach has guided us for 90 years and will continue to shape our future.
PTJ: Can you share some insights into YKK Pakistan’s market presence and production capabilities?
Takeshi Yato: YKK Pakistan operates a state-of-the-art facility in Karachi, with
sales offices in Lahore and Sialkot. Our recent expansion has increased our production capacity, allowing us to offer a wider range of fastening products, including Metal, Coil, and VISLON® zippers, to meet the evolving demands of the Pakistan’s textile and apparel industry.
PTJ: Sustainability is a major focus for businesses today. How is YKK Pakistan contributing to environmental sustainability?
Takeshi Yato: Sustainability is central to our operations. We have implemented energy-efficient solutions, such as LED lighting and solar power conversion, to reduce our carbon footprint. Additionally, YKK Pakistan actively participates in environmental initiatives, including recycling, reuse of our waste water and annual tree plantation drives. Our goal is to integrate sustainability into every aspect of our business as we look ahead to the next decade and beyond.
PTJ: YKK Pakistan is also recognized for its strong employee welfare programs. Can you elaborate on some of these initiatives?
Takeshi Yato: Our employees are our greatest asset, and we are committed to providing them with a supportive and inclusive work environment. Currently, we provide transportation for all our 600+ employees, of which 30% are women. Our long-term vision is to achieve gender balance in the workforce.
To support working mothers, we have established a daycare center, which has been especially well received. Additionally, we have an on-site clinic,
staffed by a doctor and nurses to ensure the health and well-being of our employees at all times.
PTJ: YKK is actively involved in CSR activities. Can you tell us more about these initiatives in Pakistan?
Takeshi Yato: Absolutely. Corporate social responsibility is at the core of YKK’s mission. We have been involved in multiple initiatives, such as donations to flood relief programs, computer donations to schools, and organizing educational field trips for students. One of our flagship programs is the YKK Football Clinic, which encourages young students to engage in sports and develop essential life skills.
PTJ: With the completion of Phase 3, what’s next for YKK Pakistan?
Takeshi Yato: As YKK celebrate 90 years of excellence, our focus remains on innovation, quality enhancement, and sustainability.
In Pakistan, we are continuously improving our products and production processes to meet global standards while strengthening our partnerships with local manufacturers. We also aim to increase female workforce participation and further enhance employee welfare programs.
PTJ: Finally, what message would you like to share with your customers and partners?
Takeshi Yato: We are grateful for the trust and support of our customers and partners over the years. Our commitment is to enhance quality, innovation, and ethical business practices. We look forward to continuing this legacy in Pakistan, working closely with our customers to create value and drive industry growth.
PTJ: Thank you for your time, and congratulations once again on this remarkable milestone!
YKK Pak Representative: Thank you. It was a pleasure speaking with PTJ!
Progress of Pakistan’s cotton spinning sector during FY24
by Nadeem Mazhar, Managing Editor, Pakistan Textile Journal.
Textile is the most important manufacturing sector of Pakistan. It has the longest production chain, with inherent potential for value addition at every stage, from cotton to ginning, spinning, fabric, dyeing and finishing, made-ups and garments. This sector contributes nearly one-fourth of industrial valueadded and employs about 40 per cent of the industrial labour force. Barring seasonal and cyclical fluctuations, textile products have maintained an average share of about 60 per cent in national exports.
Cotton Spinning Sector
The spinning sector is the backbone of the textile sector of Pakistan. According to the Textiles Commissioners Organization (TCO), it comprises 517 textile units (40 composite units and 477 spinning units) with 13.414 million spindles and 198,801 rotors installed and
Source: Trade Development Authority of Pakistan.
11.338 million spindles and 126,583 rotors in operation with capacity utilization of 84.55 per cent and 63.67 per cent, respectively.
The textile industry is the largest manufacturing industry in Pakistan and the 8th largest exporter of textiles in Asia, contributing 8.5% to the GDP of
Pakistan. In addition, the sector employs about 45% of the total labour force in the country (and 38% of the manufacturing workers). Pakistan is the 4th largest cotton producer with the third largest spinning capacity in Asia after China and India and contributes 5% to the global spinning capacity. There are
Table 1: Exports of Cotton Yarn
1,221 ginning units, 442 spinning units, 124 large spinning units, and 425 small units that produce textiles.
Pakistan has emerged as one of the major cotton textile suppliers globally, with a share of the global yarn and cotton fabric trade of about 30% and 8%, respectively, maintaining the sector as a backbone of industrial activity for the country. The annual volume of the total world textile and clothing trade was more than US$ 689.54 billion in 2024; Pakistan's share is less than 9%.
Cotton production during the current season has declined considerably due to unfavourable weather conditions. However, the country remains reliant on imports to meet the remaining demand, and the rising international cotton prices will put pressure on the sector's margins.
The spinning sector is the backbone of the ranking of textile production. The rapid increase in spinning capacity due to technological advances has substantially increased cotton production and related products. Pakistan's spinning sector caters not only to the requirements of the domestic industry but also about onethird of the total output of yarn is exported to different destinations.
Imports
In FY 2024, import of raw cotton has decreased by 73% as against same period of FY 2023, reaching US$ 448 and 1,679 million respectively.
Table 2: Country wise Exports of Cotton Yarn
Source: Trade Development Authority of Pakistan.
Exports
The export of cotton yarn from Pakistan saw a significant growth of 13.2% during the fiscal year (FY) 202324, reaching a total of US$ 956 million, compared to US$ 844 million in FY 2023. This increase highlights the growing international demand for Pakistan's cotton yarn, a critical raw material for textile production globally.
One key factor driving this growth has been the sufficient availability of cotton yarn within the country, which has
enabled the domestic value-added sector to fulfill export demands without shortages. An important catalyst for this export rise has been the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (CPFTA) Phase-II, implemented since 2020. This agreement has facilitated increased cotton yarn exports to China, Pakistan’s largest trading partner in this sector.
Aside from China, Pakistan’s cotton yarn has also found demand in other international markets, with exports being directed to countries like Bangladesh, Portugal, Japan, Italy, USA, and Turkey. These nations rely on Pakistan's quality yarn for their own textile industries, cementing Pakistan’s position as a key global supplier. The steady growth in cotton yarn exports reflects Pakistan’s strong agricultural base and its critical role in the global textile supply chain.
References
1.Textile Commissioner Organization
2.Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
3.Pakistan Economic Survey-2023-24.
4.Trade Development Authority of Pakistan.
Groz-Beckert and TEP hosts seminars in Pakistan on card clothing innovations
Groz-Beckert, in collaboration with its Pakistani agent, The Textile Engineers of Pakistan (TEP), organized exclusive seminars in Lahore and Karachi. These events took place at The Nishat Hotel and Karachi Marriott Hotel respectively and showcased the latest innovations in card clothing technology, attracting key industry professionals eager to explore the evolving trends shaping the future of the spinning sector.
The seminars commenced with a welcome address by Aarij Iqbal, CEO of TEP, setting the stage for an evening of knowledge sharing and technological advancement. Gerrerd Taylor, Senior Regional Sales Manager at Groz-Beckert, led the main presentation, providing a comprehensive overview of groundbreaking developments in the spinning industry. His insights into the latest card clothing
products were met with great enthusiasm, as attendees gained a deeper understanding of the efficiency, quality, and durability of Groz-Beckert’s solutions.
With over 340 attendees across both cities, the events provided a platform for meaningful discussions on the latest trends and challenges in spinning. An engaging Q&A session followed, allowing participants to voice their concerns and exchange ideas about the industry's future.
A key highlight of the seminars was the customer testimonial segment, where industry leaders shared first-hand experiences with Groz-Beckert’s spinning components. Their testimonials underscored the company’s commitment to innovation, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, reaffirming its status as a trusted partner in textile manufacturing.
The events also emphasized GrozBeckert’s strong focus on timely order delivery, minimal maintenance costs, and
overall operational efficiency—elements that continue to set new standards in the industry.
Groz-Beckert, with its rich history spanning over 170 years, has consistently pushed the boundaries of textile technology. Renowned for its cutting-edge solutions, the company offers high-quality card clothing products that optimize spinning processes, ensuring longevity and superior performance. The seminars reinforced Groz-Beckert’s mission to drive innovation and provide value-added services that support its global clientele.
TEP, established in 1949, has played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s textile industry for over seven decades. As one of the country’s leading suppliers of textile machinery and equipment, TEP continues to facilitate technological advancements that contribute to industry growth and sustainability.
Uster: Making the best even better…
Subscription package with Uster FiberQ drives top quality and efficiency for Sagar
Uster FiberQ automated raw material management generated more than 2,000 laydowns in a year for Sagar, one of India’s leading spinners. The results delivered consistent yarn quality and optimized process efficiency – giving a payback period of three months.
Sagar is convinced of the benefits from the full FiberQ package, taking advantage of the new annual subscription format, which includes the software solution plus valuable advisory services from Uster expert technologists. Renewing the subscription is proof of Sagar’s faith in FiberQ.
After one year using FiberQ, A.K. Saini, Chief General Manager Operations at Sagar Manufacturers Pvt. Ltd., reported: “We have seen better fiber utilization, significantly improved yarn quality consistency and elimination of seldom-occurring faults such as white specks and barré. The overall outstanding results convinced our management about the value of FiberQ and we confirmed the renewal of the subscription services of FiberQ and the 360Q platform.”
High and higher…
Expectations were high, as Sagar insists on consistently high standards in yarn quality and performance. The company wanted to go even further, by optimizing its manufacturing operations and achieving maximum fiber yield.
“Uster FiberQ is a game-changer in terms of high-quality consistency with minimal production cost,” says Saini.
Sagar Manufacturers Pvt. is renowned for excellence, in both its home country of India and the global textile marketplace, as a producer and supplier of top-class cotton yarns and knitted greige fabric. Saini says: “Our strategic focus is on integrating advanced technology and eco-friendly practices, for creative solutions which drive excellence in manufacturing performance and ensure customer satisfaction.”
Before FiberQ, the company was already proud of the excellent raw material management processes in its spinning operation. It was a determination to improve still further in
both production efficiency and consistent quality which led to the decision to implement the Uster FiberQ raw material management solution.
Sagar has always embraced new technologies – especially those focused on innovation and automation – and it was naturally one of the first adopters of the FiberQ raw material management solution. FiberQ combines advanced technology and textile expertise to automate many tasks previously done manually. So it became a very interesting value proposition for progressive spinners like Sagar.
The automated, intelligent, reliable and easy-to-use system minimized manual efforts but also provided consistent results. “I can safely say that FiberQ has ticked all the boxes! We have seen an improvement in quality consistency and a reduction in important quality characteristics such as yarn imperfections, Classimat faults and yarn alarms,” Saini says. “At the same time, we have achieved zero quality complaints from our customers.” Uster’s end-to-end
solution also offers access to continuous improvements such as supplier statistics and fiber-to-yarn correlation, which will add even more value in future.
Impact on production – and more
Sagar figures show that yarn realization has increased by 0.3% to 0.5% on average and it has eliminated the need for ‘cut and creel’ – a big advantage in terms of efficiency and fewer changes in production. During the year, FiberQ generated more than 2,000 laydowns for all production units in a very efficient, fast and easy way. Another plus was the easily accessible laydown history and the visibility of the impact of different cotton lots in use.
Customer feedback has also been strong. Sagar’s improved quality consistency was said to have resulted in better fabric appearance. And since Sagar can now provide customers with bigger yarn lot sizes with the same quality and color properties, they can produce larger, uniform batches of knitted and dyed fabrics and save manufacturing costs.
Advisory service benefits
FiberQ is not only a software solution. It comes with advisory services from expert Uster textile technologists. “The advisory services have been extremely beneficial. We have gained insights from best practices, proven in mills worldwide, for greater optimization opportunities,” says Saini.
The FiberQ advisory services ensure there is always a textile engineer with mill experience and deep knowledge available to support the spinners. As well as taking
care of all aspects of installation, there are periodic assessments to track quality status from fiber to yarn, which is a unique competence of Uster and a highly appreciated element of the service.
FiberQ is offered as a yearly subscription service. For the industry, the idea of subscribing to a software service for raw material management is quite new, although it has been established for many years in other fields. “At Sagar, we are convinced that the value we get from this solution completely justifies the recurring investment,” states Saini. For Sagar, the opportunities presented by Uster FiberQ and 360Q were clear – and quickly proven in practice.
line process control instruments for fibers, staple fiber, and filament yarns, fabrics and nonwovens.
Uster Statistics, the unique global benchmarks for textile trading, complement a portfolio of value-added services that includes training, consultancy and worldwide after-sales.
About Uster Technologies
Uster Technologies is the world’s leading provider of quality management solutions from fiber to fabric.
High-technology instruments, systems and services cover quality control, prediction, certification and optimization. The portfolio comprises quality management, laboratory testing and in-
The Uster philosophy aims to drive innovation forward by meeting market needs – always with ‘quality in mind’.
Uster Technologies is headquartered in Uster, Switzerland and operates worldwide. It has sales and service subsidiaries in major markets and Technology Centers in Uster (Switzerland), Knoxville (USA), Suzhou (China) and Caesarea (Israel).
Mr. A.K. Saini; Chief General Manager Operations
Asia Pacific Rayon highlights potential for lyocell to support growth of textile and garment industry in Bangladesh
APR set to showcase Lyocell by Sateri fibre at international trade show in Dhaka
Rising demand for sustainable textiles represents opportunity to expand the reach of Lyocell by Sateri
Asia Pacific Rayon (APR), a leading global manufacturer of viscose staple fibre products, plans to highlight the potential for lyocell to contribute to the continued growth of the textile and garment industry in Bangladesh at the upcoming Dhaka International Textile & Garment Machinery Exhibition (DTG).
A natural and biodegradable fibre, lyocell is made from wood pulp sourced from sustainable plantations and is used to produce high quality textiles and
personal hygiene products. Lyocell by Sateri is manufactured using closed-loop processes that recycle water and solvents, which significantly reduce waste.
The growing demand for sustainable textiles in the global market presents a key opportunity to expand the reach of Lyocell by Sateri and solidify its presence in Bangladesh, which is APR’s key market.
The latest advancements in the Lyocell by Sateri product will be demonstrated at the DTG exhibition over February 20-23, 2025, at the International Convention City Bashundhara, Dhaka. Under the theme “Experience Lyocell by Sateri, Feel the Difference”, APR will invite spinners, garment makers, and all partners within
the textile value chain, to explore the wide-ranging, sustainable application of Lyocell by Sateri and collaborate on cutting-edge solutions.
This marks APR’s third consecutive year participating in DTG, reinforcing its commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s textile and garment industry. At the DTG exhibition, APR - which has more than 50% of the viscose fibre market share in Bangladesh - will highlight the development of Lyocell by Sateri specifically tailored for traditional Bangladeshi attire, including kurta, sari and three-piece suits.
Sachin Malik, Head of Commercial, Asia Pacific Rayon, said: “This year, we’re excited to showcase how Lyocell by Sateri
offers a unique blend of comfort, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal, particularly suited for traditional Bangladeshi attires. We believe lyocell will be a game-changer and help establish Bangladesh as leading hub for sustainable textiles”.
Tapan Sannigrahi, Vice President, Marketing and Downstream Development, Asia Pacific Rayon, added: “We are eager to demonstrate how the versatility of Lyocell by Sateri fibres can support the industry’s move to more sustainable practices, all while maintaining the highest standard of quality, comfort, and style. The DTG is a valuable platform to explore collaborative opportunities with local manufacturers”.
Visit APR booth at Hall 3-125 to learn more about Lyocell by Sateri sustainable properties, and its suitability for a wide range of applications. For more information about APR visit https://www.aprayon.com/en/
About APR
Asia Pacific Rayon (APR), based in Indonesia, is Asia’s first fully integrated viscose rayon producer, from plantation to fibre. APR, which has a capacity of
325,000 tons per year, is located in Pangkalan Kerinci, Riau Province, Indonesia. APR is committed to becoming a leading viscose staple fibre producer with the principles of sustainability, transparency and operational excellence, and serving the interests of the community, country and climate, while providing value to customers. APR is part of the RGE group of companies.
About Sateri
Sateri is the world’s largest producer of manmade cellulose fibre (MMCF), a
natural biodegradable raw material found in everyday items like textiles, wet wipes and other personal hygiene products. Sateri also produce textile yarn, Lyocell, spun lace non-woven fabric, and FINEX™, a recycled textile fibre. Headquartered in Shanghai, Sateri has sales, marketing and customer service networking covering Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Part of RGE Group, Sateri is committed to sustainable development, guided by its Sustainability Policy, Pulp Sourcing Policy and global environmental and social standards.
Savio Macchine partners with Recycling Atelier to advance mechanical textile recycling
Savio Macchine Tessili S.p.A. from Italy collaborates with the Recycling Atelier Augsburg since September 2024. Savio will support the Recycling Atelier in the areas of winding and quality control of yarns. This cooperation completes the process chain for mechanical textile recycling and opens up new research possibilities.
Savio Macchine Tessili S.p.A. specialized in the textile machinery sector for the yarn finishing segment. The Italian company offers a portfolio of winding, twisting, air-jet spinning, shrinking and bulking machines with manufacturing plants in Italy and Asia. It has been operating for more than 110 years. The partnership adds another step to the process chain for mechanical textile recycling, completing it and opening up research possibilities in the areas of winding and quality control of yarns.
The Recycling Atelier partner network consists of twelve industrial companies that together cover the entire process chain of mechanical textile recycling. The addition of Savio Macchine Tessili S.p.A. is an important component for the highquality recycling of textiles. Savio contributes not only by sharing their valuable know-how in the winding field. The company also provides Proxima Smartconer® winder to the Recycling Atelier. The winding process is crucial for the quality of the yarn. Winding is the last step of the spinning process where the yarn can be controlled and qualified before it goes to the downstream processes of weaving, knitting, dyeing, and finishing.
Know-how directly from the manufacturer
Dr.-Ing. Georg Stegschuster, Head of Recycling Atelier, says: “Savio winding
machines offer high productivity, low energy consumption, premium yarn quality, automation, and data connectivity. Those criteria are ideal for the setup in the Recycling Atelier. Plus, we receive insightful know-how directly from the manufacturer. We are looking forward to the cooperation and the positive impact that Savio's involvement will bring to our applied research.”
Mauro Moro, CEO of Savio Macchine Tessili, is delighted about the partnership with the Recycling Atelier Augsburg: “The collaboration with the Recycling Atelier Augsburg is a step forward to advancing research in winding technology and quality control within the recycling context.”
Prof. Mesut Cetin, Institute Director of ITA Augsburg and professor at the Faculty of Mechanical and Process Engineering at Augsburg University of Applied Sciences, explains the impact and
Meeting in Pardenone between Savio and ITA. From left to right: Fabio D’Angolo (Savio), Jürgen Krüger (Savio), Georg Stegschuster (ITA), Justin Kühn (ITA), Nicole Hühn (ITA), Eva Babbo (Savio), Mauro Moro (Savio)
work of the Recycling Atelier: “The Recycling Atelier, ITA Augsburg and the Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg see themselves as a catalyst for industry towards sustainability. We welcome innovation and progress in any form. Whether application-oriented content or basic research, whether publicly funded projects or direct contract research - we are open to any exchange between industry and research.”
About Savio Macchine Tessili S.p.A
Over its 110+ years history, Savio acted as technological leader and innovative player in attractive niches of the textile value chain. Savio has a consolidated presence in all relevant geographies with a local-for-local approach, allowing Savio to promptly address market demand and requirements. Savio is specialized in the textile machinery sector for the yarn finishing segment being the leading supplier of winding, twisting and air-jet spinning machines with manufacturing plants in Italy, China and India.
About the Recycling Atelier
The Recycling Atelier Augsburg is the first model factory for mechanical textile recycling worldwide. The aim is to use expertise from science and industry to develop innovative solutions for high-
quality textile recycling in the sense of a sustainable material cycle along the entire textile production chain. The research and development work at Recycling Atelier Augsburg covers the entire path of textile secondary raw materials - from used textiles back into high-quality products.
As part of the Augsburg AI production network, the Institute of Textile Technology Augsburg, an affiliated institute of Augsburg University of Applied Sciences, initiated this model factory for the sustainable material cycle together with THA and opened it in June 2022.
About the AI Production Network
The Augsburg AI Production Network, set up by the Bavarian state government, is a network of AI experts in the greater Augsburg area. The network partners are the University of Augsburg, the Fraunhofer Institute for Casting, Composite and Processing Technology IGCV, the Center for Lightweight Production Technology (ZLP) of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Augsburg and the Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg (THA). Regional industrial partners are also involved. The aim is to conduct joint research into AI-based production technologies at the interface between materials, manufacturing technologies, data-based modeling and digital business
models. The Free State of Bavaria is funding the project with 92 million euros as part of the Hightech Agenda Plus.
In the AI Production Network, the Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg translates findings and developments in the field of AI into applicable solutions for regional industry and the skilled trades. Transfer is one of the THA's core competencies. It uses its good networking with companies in the region and beyond to integrate the developed solutions quickly and precisely - whether physically in production facilities and infrastructures or strategically in the existing business model.
Loepfe: How Wetzikon and Uster share a global market
The textile industry has left its mark in the Zurich Oberland. The spinning mills have disappeared, as have the weaving mills, except for one. But the region is still world class in one area.
Less than ten kilometers lie between Sonnenbergstrasse 10 in Uster and Kastellstrasse 10 in Wetzikon. Here, the tradition of the cotton industry in the Zurich Oberland lives on in the form of two world-class companies: Uster Technologies and Loepfe Brothers.
But let’s start from the beginning: around 200 years ago, the industrial revolution arrived in the region in the form of spinning and weaving mills. The Aabach, with its constant water volume (thanks to Lake Pfäffikon as a regulating basin) and its slight gradient, was ideal for the use of hydropower at that time. While spinning and weaving had previously been done as home work in the region, a real wave of mechanical cotton spinning mills began in the first half of the 19th century. The Aabach became a “million-dollar stream” – not for the textile workers, but for the factory owners, of course.
For around 100 years, the Zurich Oberland was a center of the textile industry. Until it left for the Far East in the second half of the last century. Today, there is only one industrial cotton weaving mill left in the region: the Russikon weaving mill, which produces heavy damask fabrics from cotton.
Industry shapes the region and vice versa
Countless contemporary witnesses along the Aabach bear witness to the former size and importance of this industry – old, unused or converted factory sites, small power plants or even the villas of the factory owners. The textile industry shaped the Zurich Oberland. And the Zurich Oberland shapes the textile industry – to this day. Two companies in Uster and Wetzikon occupy a niche in which they are better than all others: Uster Technologies and Loepfe Brothers have specialized in quality assurance in the textile industry.
Both are subsidiaries of international corporations, but operate with great independence: Uster Technologies was created in 2003 through a management
buyout from the Zellweger-Luwa Group and has been part of the Japanese group Toyota Industries Corporation since 2012. Loepfe Brothers has been part of the Belgian textile machinery manufacturer Vandewiele since 2021.
The textile business began in Uster in the 1930s. The breakthrough came in 1948 with the so-called yarn evenness tester (GGP) for spun yarn. In 1957, the Uster statistics followed, which recorded the quality of cotton fibers and yarns. These statistics subsequently covered more and more quality criteria and established themselves as a globally recognized quality standard for the textile industry. To this day, the quality of fibers and yarns is determined in Uster.
A city named after a company …
The standard carries the name Uster out into the world. With sometimes amusing consequences, as Davide Maccabruni explains with a laugh: “We sometimes receive international guests who are delighted that the city was named after our company.” The Italianborn man studied management and
production technology at the Politecnico in Milan.
When it comes to the quality of yarn, winding machine manufacturers from all over the world look to the Oberland.
Ten kilometers away in Kempten, Loepfe Brothers Ltd. is operating in the same field of business. CEO Markus Kleindorp has been managing the company since May of this year. Before that, the German worked for more than 20 years at a Vandewiele subsidiary in Dornstetten (Baden-Württemberg).
The company was founded in 1955 by the brothers Helmut and Erich Loepfe. The company was initially based on Zypressenstrasse in Zurich, and ten years later it moved to Wetzikon. It all started with the so-called weft guide.
The optical-electronic devices monitored the yarn that was still in the weaving machine’s insertion system. If the supply was too low, the bobbin change was initiated automatically. The first opto-electronic yarn cleaner followed in 1962. This is where the product portfolios of the two Oberland companies overlap.
With the sensor through thick and thin
Loepfe Brothers and Uster Technologies manufacture components that are integrated directly into the yarn winding machines. Sensors check the yarn for thick and thin spots, but also for the smallest of contamination.
“Quality assurance is therefore a somewhat misleading term,” says Loepfe CEO Markus Kleindorp. “We are involved in the production process very early on.”
In a showroom on the company premises in Kempten there are various yarn winding machines in which Loepfe sensors are installed. They are small, barely fist-sized devices consisting of a sensor head and a computer unit. Up to 1800 meters of yarn are wound onto the spool per minute. Even at these high speeds, the sensor detects the smallest deviations in the yarn in the millimeter range.
The engineering takes place in Wetzikon. Central parts, such as optical components, are also manufactured on Kastellstrasse. Less important components such as housings are outsourced to
suppliers. The final assembly takes place in Wetzikon.
Uster Technologies also develops and produces in the USA and China. But the yarn cleaner, one of the most important products, is manufactured in the home town.
The production location in Switzerland is important to both companies, and the high wage costs are bearable. The cost of the yarn clearer accounts for around 15 to 20 percent of the total price of a winding machine. “The customer chooses the equipment and thus determines the price,” explains Stefan Imfeld, Head of Materials & Production at Loepfe. “The number and type of sensors installed are crucial.”
Nevertheless, the Wetzikon location today only has “historical reasons,” adds Markus Kleindorp. Because the textile industry has moved on with the customers for the yarn clearers from Uster and Wetzikon. They can be counted on one hand: today, textile machine manufacturers – apart from Rieter in Winterthur – come from China, Japan and Italy.
Spinning Review
The risk of getting into price competition with low-cost suppliers is low in this special segment. Errors in the end product damage the reputation of the textile manufacturer, and customer complaints can be expensive.
There are around 60 different processes from the individual cotton fiber to the finished T-shirt in the store.
“Production is very fragmented, which creates niches like the one we occupy,” says Kleindorp. So far, no Chinese manufacturer has come up with the idea of copying the yarn clearers from Loepfe Brothers or Uster Technologies or developing something of their own: “The niche is simply too small.”
The textile business is cyclical
The product portfolios of the two Oberland companies overlap when it comes to yarn clearers. In addition to systems that monitor quality during a process, Uster Technologies also produces laboratory test equipment for quality assurance and is considerably larger than Loepfe. Uster Technologies employs around 680 people, around half of whom work at the Zellweger site in Uster, making the company the largest private employer in the city. Loepfe in Wetzikon employs around 120 people. Both Maccabruni and Kleindorp are silent about sales figures.
But they make no secret of the fact that times are challenging. The textile business is cyclical. Markus Kleindorp: “95 percent of all textiles are clothes. Sales of clothes depend on two factors: population size and prosperity.” When
the economy is improving, people buy new clothes. When the economy is slowing, the first thing to cut back on is clothing. With consequences for the manufacturers of textile machines and machine parts. “The fluctuations in incoming orders are huge and can amount to 50 percent or more,” confirms Davide Maccabruni.
In addition, production capacities in the textile industry have doubled in the last 20 years. The world population has (fortunately) not grown at the same rate. As a result, there are too many textile machines in the world. And since a textile machine has a lifespan of around 20 years, this excess capacity will not disappear overnight. Markus Kleindorp:
“The dry spell has now lasted two years. All we can do is wait until the engine starts up again.”
But these fluctuations have always existed, and the textile industry is used to dealing with them. Loepfe, for example, works with temporary employees and a higher level of automation in production, explains Kleindorp. This allows them to remain flexible. In addition, existing systems can also be modernized with new measuring devices, a welcome additional business in difficult times.
“Competition keeps us fit”
The fact that two Oberland companies are active in this niche of the global textile industry has “developed into a welcome status quo,” says Maccabruni. “The competition helps both companies to stay fit for the future.”
The situation is comparable – albeit on a much smaller scale – with Basel, where pharmaceutical companies compete on a daily basis, or in the past in Detroit, where the major US car manufacturers GM, Ford and Chrysler fought for market share and talent.There is no cooperation between Uster Technologies and Loepfe. But that does not mean that there are no common interests. “It is important for both of us that yarn cleaning technology remains relevant in the spinning process,” says Davide Maccabruni.
Rieter Card C 80: High-quality sliver production at 120 kg/h for carded compact yarn
Chuzhou Jinshangjia Yarn Industry Co., Ltd. established in 2016 and located in Chuzhou, Anhui Province, operates with a spinning capacity of approximately 100 000 spindles. The company produces Ne 16-26 carded compact yarn, with a daily output of 55 tons. Jinshangjia’s mission is to optimize the cost-performance ratio of yarn while ensuring consistent, long-term quality. To further enhance production efficiency and meet quality standards, the company recently invested in three state-ofthe-art Rieter cards C 80. At Jinshangjia, these machines deliver a production capacity of up to 120 kg/hour, maintaining excellent sliver quality.
The Challenge
For many years, Jinshangjia has been committed to increase productivity and improve yarn quality to achieve the goal of cost reduction and quality improvement. With the existing cards C 72, the spinning mill produces 80 kg/h of sliver. To stay ahead in the competitive textile industry, Jinshangjia invests in state-of-the-art equipment. One challenge is to strictly control the sliver neps and increase production at the same time. In addition, it also faces the challenge of limited space.
The Solution
trials, Jinshangjia decided to dismantle some of its existing equipment and complement its fleet of Rieter C 70 and C 72 by investing in three new cards C 80.
The Customer's Benefits
Jinshangjia decided to partner with Rieter once again to find a suitable solution. Rieter recommended the card C 80, widely recognized for its high production capacity, exceptional carding performance and advanced automation. The machine features the industry’s largest active carding area, which provides a strong basis for increased productivity. Moreover, the C 80 achieves remarkable energy efficiency by reducing machine requirements for high-capacity production, having an energy-optimized drive system and an enhanced suction technology. Equipped with 40 active flats and precise carding gap adjustments, the machine delivers outstanding sliver quality. Its modular design reduces maintenance efforts and minimizes downtime.
After conducting performance
The new investment has greatly increased the production capacity of Jinshangjia. The C 80 provides a consistent output of 120 kg/hour and maintains excellent sliver quality. This increased efficiency enables the company to accommodate higher order volumes without requiring additional floor space or increasing the number of cards. Furthermore, the C 80 ensures stable sliver quality while significantly reducing production costs per unit, optimizing both productivity and cost-effectiveness.
The Customer’s Statement
“Our cooperation with Rieter dates back to 2013. For more than a decade, we have relied on Rieter’s equipment, advanced technology and professional service. The card C 80 is characterized by high stability, remarkable production efficiency and a long service life. The sliver is of superior quality, with fewer neps, ensuring excellent yarn performance in the endspinning process. This is highly appreciated by our customers.”
Gu Jingguo, General Manager of Chuzhou Jinshangjia Yarn Industry Co., Ltd.
Rieter Card C 80 deliver a production capacity of up to 120 kg/hour, maintaining excellent sliver quality
From innovation to expansion: Hascevher’s successful path with Trützschler
Customer satisfaction is always Trützschler’s top priority and they know that it’s the top priority for their customers too. Trützschler’s 19-year success story with cotton spinner Hascevher in Türkiye is a shining example of how Trützschler not only keep its customers happy, but also contribute to the satisfaction of Hascevher’s customers.
Hascevher Tekstil is a true innovator. It entered the textile market in 2006 and now employs more than 500 people across its sites in Türkiye, achieving annual sales of more than US$100 million. The dynamic company is characterized by its sharp focus on
embracing trends and technologies that will shape the future. And it has worked side by side with Trützschler during its entire history to unlock business growth.
“Our priority is to achieve continuous levels of productivity and quality throughout the life of our machines,” says Buket Çelebi, General Manager at Hascevher. “This is only possible with great service support. That’s why we choose to work with our trusted partners at Trützschler.”
The story of Hascevher began at its factory in Kahramanmaraş. This site operates 8,616 rotor spindles with the capacity to produce 15,000 tons per year of 100 % cotton yarn for knitwear and weaving in the range of Ne 6 to Ne 40. A
major landmark for the company arrived in February 2024, when it invested €50 million to establish a new factory in the Bor district of Niğde – with support from Trützschler for the design, commissioning and delivery of this ambitious project. This second facility makes ring compact yarn in the range of Ne 20 to Ne 60 and has capacity to produce 15,000 tons per year. Across these two sites, more than 100 machines from Trützschler help to ensure outstanding quality that makes Hascevher’s customers satisfied.
Meeting diverse needs
Those customers are mainly manufacturers of ready-made clothing, home textiles and technical textiles –
True innovators (from left to right): Gerhard Wienands (Regional Sales Manager at Trützschler), Buket Çelebi (General Manager Hascevher) and Christoph Weber (Managing Director Türkiye at Trützschler).
with around 60 % of Hascevher’s products exported to markets outside Türkiye. To meet the diverse needs of those final products and global markets, Hascevher relies on technologies and teams from Trützschler. It operates thirty-six TC 19i cards and thirty TCO 21 combers, for example. “The TC 19i achieves excellent quality at high production volumes and its design minimizes the risk of errors or defects because it offers a range of automated, selfoptimizing functions,” says Buket Çelebi. “With the TCO 21, we’re feeling the advantages of using a next-generation combing machine that stands out with its top quality, low maintenance requirements and easy adjustment.”
Building new factories
In typical spirit, Hascevher is already making exciting plans to take its business to the next level. Another rotor yarn production facility is planned in the Niğde district. It will have capacity to manufacture 90 tons per day. And in the spirit of this long-standing partnership, they are already considering Trützschler machines for this new factory. “Of course, we want to include Trützschler technologies in our new facility,” says Buket Çelebi. “They offer great support
and innovative machines that enable high levels of quality and productivity. We also want to benefit from Trützschler’s aftersales service at this site just like we have benefitted from it throughout our relationship. It’s a pleasure for us to work with these experienced, solution-oriented and fast-responding teams.”
Making a decisive impact
Teams from Trützschler and Hascevher are in regular contact to discuss developments in the textile industry and explore potential ways of tapping into future opportunities. Sustainability is a key trend for both
partners. They are engaged in close collaboration to find ways of using more sustainable raw materials and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while also saving energy and water. “We sell to global markets in a business environment with intense competition,” says Buket Çelebi. “That is why we are always seeking innovations that can boost our efficiency or productivity, cut costs or make our products more sustainable. The machines we choose make a decisive impact on our progress in those areas. With Trützschler by our side, we’re confident about our exciting future – and confident about making our customers happy, too.
Hascevher uses next-generation TCO 21 combing machines from Trützschler because they offer top quality and low maintenance requirements.
All TCO 21 combing machines at Hascevher’s facilities are equipped with fully-automated lap transport systems.
Saurer Autocoro 11: Energy saving made easy
Economic efficiency, sustainability and climate-friendly yarn production - the Autocoro 11 plays in the top class in all areas. It spins sustainable raw materials with ease and is the spinning machine with the lowest energy consumption on the market.
The cost of yarn production is rising worldwide. The spinning mills have only a limited influence on this development, as too many factors play a role: Economic, political and financial, to name but a few. The best strategy for spinning is therefore to avoid costs. When it comes to the energy-saving production of yarns, there is no way around automatic rotor
spinning. No spinning method requires less energy in the process to produce a ready-to-sell yarn.
After raw materials, energy is the second largest cost item in the automatic rotor spinning mill. Minimising costs here directly increases the profitability of the spinning mills. The Autocoro 11 automatic rotor spinning machine is a champion in this field which reduces spinning costs simultaneously on several levels. With the Recycling Xtreme equipment, spinning mills can save considerable raw material costs. The advanced full automation reduces the need for personnel and, thanks to comprehensive energy optimisation, each
Autocoro 11 uses 10% less energy than its predecessor, and up to 48% less in comparison with older rotor spinning machines.
The key energy-saving factor - the new extraction system of the Autocoro 11
Around 30% of the energy required for spinning is used to provide the negative pressure necessary for the process. For the Autocoro 11, Saurer has designed, practically from scratch, an extraction system with everything needed for vacuum logistics. The result: A completely redesigned extraction system, modified ducts with a capacity increase of up to 85% that is resistant to pressure
fluctuations. New air filter systems and a completely revised electronic control of the vacuum supply can now supply each of the different spinning processes individually with the suction air required. For example, the pure spinning process is supplied with suction air just as precisely as the yarn search during the initial spinning phase. Gone are the days of compromises, when simultaneously operated processes were supplied from a single compressed air supply and were therefore not 100% energy-optimised. Energy-saving air technology is the top priority for the new Autocoro 11.
One of the powerful workhorses in the Autocoro is the winding device. It needs energy to move and wind tonnes of yarn reliably throughout the year. The Autocoro 11 winding device is equipped with state-of-the-art, energy-optimised drives, enabling Saurer to reduce the base load. The numerous electronic components of the rotor spinning machine, such as the power supply units, were also checked and optimised with respect to their energy efficiency.
Energy cost savings in the six-figure range with the Autocoro 11
Compared to older generations of rotor spinning machines, many of which are still in use in various spinning mills today, the new Autocoro 11 saves up to 48% in energy costs. (Figure 1) Even with moderate energy prices of just €0.10/kWh and relatively short machines with 480 spinning positions, cost savings per year and machine are in the six-figure range (Figure 2).
With Autocoro 11 customers can explore additional savings potential
through a particularly energyoptimised spinning setting. These include measures such as reducing the spinning vacuum and the twist, increasing the rotor speed and using energy-saving small rotors (Figure 3).
Energy costs can be reduced by a further double-digit
percentage by skilfully combining several measures, based on the respective raw material and the quality requirements of the yarn.
The cost savings achieved by using the Autocoro 11 are an important aspect. Reducing energy requirements also means contributing to sustainability, an aspect that is becoming increasingly important in terms of achieving global climate targets. There are already spinning mills that use solar panels on their roofs to generate all the electricity required by their Autocoro spinning mills in a climate-neutral way.
Figure 1: Energy savings with the Autocoro 11 in kWh/kg yarn
Figure 2: Annual cost savings with 480 spinning positions
Figure 3: Potential for energy savings with different spinning settings of Autocoro
MESDAN launches the NEW TENSOLAB 50kN
The revision of the MESDAN-LAB family of tensile strength testers has been completed with the launch of the NEW double column model, TENSO-LAB 50kN, code 2515E, at the TECHTEXTIL 2024.
TENSO-LAB 50kN replaces the former models Tenso-Lab 1000 and Tenso-Lab 5000, and it is a unique solution for the testing of high-tenacity technical textile materials, up to the maximum capacity of 50kN (5.000 kg).
The equipment represents the forefront of testing flexibility, being configurable for testing any kind of textile & leather materials, from single yarns, up to technical fabrics, geotextiles, nonwovens, straps, and ropes, according to the most common international testing methods, for the traction, tearing, seam slippage, perforation, delamination, etc.
Same as its little brother Tenso-Lab 4, it incorporates an industrial computer, with a new pre-installed software, userfriendly and modern graphic interface, and a large series of testing routines already available; new routines can be created, to continuously unrich the software according to the customers’ requests.
With a speed range from 0.001 to 800 mm/min, a crosshead travel of 1100 mm, a complete range of highly accurate load cells and efficient clamping accessories, and the available extension meter, it satisfies all the requirements of the technical textile testing applications.
It embodies various safety solutions, like a 3steps clamps closing system and a protection frontal cover, to prevent any operator’s accident to respect the latest and most severe labor safety prescriptions.
The new TENSO-LAB 50kN embodies a combination of the best ingredients: latest technology, best electronics, new software & new interchangeable accessories, stunning performances (in terms of capacity, versatility, accuracy, and testing efficiency), and of course Italian design and Mesdan’s 30-year experience in dynamometer R&D and manufacturing.
To complete the strength tester family, besides the semi-automatic single column TENSO-LAB 4, the range includes the single-position automatic AUTODYN 3, endowed with the automatic yarnloading device, also suitable for fibers,
hanks and fabrics and garment accessories, the fully automatic 24positions yarn strength tester AUTOFIL, and the well-known portable SPLICE SCANNER.
The functional diversification, the product diffusion and its price fairness brought forward to rank Mesdan-Lab range of strength testers among the most complete and popular worldwide.
Such a long presence of Mesdan-Lab products across the global textile supply chain testifies, not only its leadership, but also its commitment to serve the textile industry with constant up-to-date technologies and improvements.
About Mesdan
Its leadership in the production of yarn splicers by virtue of the many patents owned by MESDAN in the field of yarn joining;
A primary position among the biggest producers of testing equipment for the laboratory analysis of textiles;
A capillary worldwide sales and aftersales network of agents and distributors spread all over the main textile markets;
The EN ISO 9001 and 14001 quality and enviromental management system certifications, as well as the ISO 17025 calibration laboratory by Accredia/ILAC.
MESDAN, founded in 1952 with headquarters in Puegnago del Garda (Bs) - Italy, has reached a leading position in the field of yarn joining technology in over sixty years of research &
development. Nowadays the 100% knotless plied yarn concept leads inevitably to Mesdan splicers, which are regarded as a point of reference worldwide for their vanguard technology, workmanship quality, performance reliability and consistency.
The company consists of two business units:
Mesdan Yarn Joining Solutions: Mesdan splicers, distinguished by its registered trademarks (Jointair®, Aquasplicer®, Hot Jointair®, Moistair®), are designed in the automatic version (for automatic winders) and in the semiautomatic version for track-mounted installations (for textile machines where
automatic splicing is not possible). Special devices are also available for splicing high tenacity fibres and rovings for all the technical applications.
Mesdan-Lab laboratory equipment line: engineered, designed and manufactured in Italy, the MESDAN LAB division offers a complete range of measuring instruments to be used on a variety of different textile materials, either in the laboratory or in the mill, for all production processes (spinning, weaving, knitting, dyeing&finishing) and the educational or R&D and classing institutes. Traceable calibration reports can be supplied, as well as standard consumables, in conformity to the main international testing methods.
GTex Expo 2025 concludes successfully
The GTex Expo 2025 concluded on January 26, 2025, at the Karachi Expo Centre. The event served as a good sourcing platform for professionals in spinning, knitting, weaving, dyeing, finishing, digital printing, denim, and chemicals.
Organized by Global Enterprise, GTex Expo 2025 witnessed an unprecedented turnout, gathering thousands of attendees, exhibitors, and industry leaders. As an international Textile Machinery, Digital Printing, Chemicals, Garments, Embroidery & Accessories Industrial Brand Expo, GTex brought together the textile community to explore high-end technologies. According to Mujib Siddiqui, CEO of Global Enterprise, the event hosted 290 exhibitors representing over 1,300 brands from 14 countries, fostering business expansion, technological advancements, and industry collaborations.
Visitors explored state-of-the-art machinery, sustainable textile solutions, and cutting-edge digital printing
technologies. B2B networking sessions facilitated strategic partnerships, setting the stage for further industry growth. Leading textile technology providers from China, Germany, Italy, Turkey, and Japan participated, strengthening global trade ties.
A major highlight was live demonstrations of high-speed digital printing solutions and energy- efficient dyeing systems, with sustainability at the forefront. Exhibitors showcased biodegradable dyes, watersaving processes, and carbon footprint reduction strategies, aligning with global environmental goals.
The event also featured expert panels and workshops, discussing market trends, automation, and future challenges, offering valuable insights for industry professionals. Thousands of B2B meetings resulted in trade agreements and investments, propelling Pakistan’s textile sector forward.
