#Sustainability

2020-10-15

Report launch: Fashion innovation landscape in India

In a first of its kind report, Fashion for Good together with Circular Apparel Innovation Factory provide a comprehensive overview of the “State of Circular Innovation in the Indian Fashion and Textile Industries”, outlining the opportunities and solutions across the Indian supply chains that are enabling the industry to leap towards sustainability. India is a global leader in manufacturing and one of the largest consumer markets for fashion.

The ongoing search for circular innovations to address the critical environmental challenges unique to the industry requires context to factor in the nuances and uniqueness of the local landscape. This report, mapping the entire landscape, showcases the opportunities driving the industry in India forward.

“This report is not only an in-depth look into the Indian innovation landscape, but an invaluable tool for anyone looking to make a positive impact in the region. With action and all industry actors coming together to capitalise on these innovations, India is positioned to transform the fashion industry towards circularity.” – Katrin Ley, Managing Director, Fashion for Good

Fashion for Good together with regional partner Circular Apparel Innovation Factory (CAIF) have combined their knowledge of India’s sustainable fashion sector, identifying both the opportunities and challenges. Several key innovators were consulted to include their insights, knowledge and expertise in this space, to give further context and nuance to this ever-evolving landscape.

“Innovators and their innovations have been the bed-rock of human progress and evolution from the very early civilisations. This truly collaborative effort, which maps and surfaces the amazing work already happening, helps reframe our mindset from ‘what’s not working?’ to one that asks ‘what’s working despite the odds?’. The challenges plaguing the industry have been well documented, discussed and debated. Perhaps it’s time to shift the narrative to solutions. This work does just that.“ – Venkat Kotamaraju, Director, Circular Apparel Innovation Factory (CAIF)

First Innovation Landscape in India

This is the first time an overview has been compiled for the Indian innovation landscape, mapping the innovations that exist in India and the state of innovation across the supply chain, from raw materials through to end-of-use. The report highlights the exciting developments and momentum with which the region is accelerating towards circularity. Areas for additional attention and investment are also identified, providing an indispensable resource for stakeholders and investors wanting to better understand the sector and take the appropriate steps to maximise positive impact.

“We see great momentum for sustainable materials and production technologies over the last five years. We have adopted many such technologies in our manufacturing facilities and are committed to creating a circular production system.” – Abhishek Bansal, Head of Sustainability at Arvind Limited

The report will be made publicly available during a live session “India’s Future in Textile Manufacturing” hosted by CAIF on the 15th of October. The session features experts from Fashion for Good, CAIF, Arvind Limited and Aditya Birla Fashion Retail Limited (ABFRL), India’s largest manufacturing and retail branded-fashion apparel company. The discussion will cover report findings as well as tangible examples of innovation with innovators KB Cols and Textile Genesis providing insights into their solutions and journey towards widespread adoption.

“We hope that this research feeds into the growing global movement towards sustainability and circularity. Given India’s importance in the fashion industry, this report mapping innovations and actions the industry can take to enable that circular economy is critical and we hope that it shapes the industry’s transition.” – Lakshmi Poti, Senior Programme Manager, Materials, Laudes Foundation

Download:

tinyurl.com/y3x4rw8u

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI redefine textile processing

Making investment decisions in textile processing has become significantly more demanding. Increasing energy costs, a shortage of skilled labour and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties are compelling companies to focus on technologies that deliver clear gains in efficiency and process reliability. This applies equally to apparel manufacturing and to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. As a result, modernisation initiatives are assessed more carefully – even as the need to upgrade production systems continues to intensify.

Techtextil 2026: Between innovation pressure & market reality

From 21 to 24 April 2026, Techtextil in Frankfurt am Main will once again become the central meeting point for the international technical textiles and nonwovens industry. Running in parallel, Texprocess will focus on the industrial implementation of textile processing technologies as the leading platform in this field. Together, the two trade fairs form a closely integrated presentation and working platform along the entire textile value chain – from material development to finished applications.

Between geopolitical pressure and industrial resilience

In this interview, Dr. Janpeter Horn (VDMA) discusses the current challenges facing textile machinery manufacturers, shaped by geopolitical tensions, regulatory developments and subdued investment. He also outlines why innovation strength, integrated solutions and strategic positioning remain key to global competitiveness.

A new standard to combat plastic waste in forests

With DIN SPEC 35808 “Tree Shelter for Forestry Applications,” the testing and research service provider Hohenstein, in collaboration with Rottenburg University of Forestry, as well as forestry authorities and industry partners, has established a clear framework for bio-based and fully biodegradable tree shelters. The pre-standard defines requirements and practical testing methods designed to reduce plastic waste in forests and strengthen the long-term protection of soil and the environment.

Denim moves towards sustainability

EIM (Environmental Impact Measurement), the global reference platform for measuring the environmental impact of garment finishing, presents the second edition of its annual report Denim Industry Progress & Insights 2025. The study analyses over 100,000 real denim finishing processes, providing an accurate and up-to-date view of the industry’s evolution towards more sustainable models.

Europe’s textile future at a turning point: New 2030 Circularity Blueprint aims to scale recycling and unlock investment opportunities

The EU textile system is at a critical crossroads. Today, less than 1% of discarded garments are recycled into new garments, despite EU-wide obligations for separate collection. In response, Global Fashion Agenda (GFA) is launching the 2030 Circularity Blueprint, in partnership with ReHubs. This ambitious initiative is designed to support the transformation of the EU textile ecosystem to advance textile-to-textile recycling and drive the transition to a circular economy.

Seamless Splicer to headline Mesdan S.p.A. presentation at ITM 2026

MESDAN S.p.A. will once again participate in ITM 2026, Turkey’s most important textile trade fair. The Italy-based leading manufacturer of yarn joining solutions and textile testing equipment,will be exhibiting at the booth of their local agent for the spinning, SARTEKS MAKINA at Hall 7, Stand 701A.

Elastic yarns to become more recyclable and environmentally friendly in future

On 29 April 2026, ITA student Tobias Dickmeiß was awarded a sponsorship prize by the Wilhelm Lorch-Stiftung for his innovative approach, to replacing conventional elastane with elastic yarns made from thermoplastic copolyester elastomers (TPC). Thanks to their thermoplastic nature and compatibility with typical polyesters used in the textile industry, elastic TPC yarns offer improved recyclability. Furthermore, the use of the melt-spinning process in yarn production eliminates the need for solvents that are harmful to the environment and human health.

HIGHTEX 2026 technical textile and nonwoven industry to gather in Istanbul

Between 9–13 June 2026, the HIGHTEX 2026 exhibition, held at the Tüyap Fair and Congress Center in Istanbul and organized concurrently with ITM 2026, is preparing to become one of the most significant global gatherings of the technical textiles and nonwoven industry. Bringing together more than 1,000 companies and agency representatives from 55 countries, the event will unite the latest technologies, innovative solutions, and investment opportunities within a single platform.