#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

2022-07-28

Esquel Group secures first Green Loan from Bank of China (Hong Kong)

Esquel Group (“Esquel” or the “Group”) secured its first Green Loan of USD88 million from Bank of China (Hong Kong) (“BOCHK”). The Group will be using proceeds from the Green Loan to finance or refinance capital expenditures on eligible sustainable projects that are a part of ongoing efforts to implement green initiatives at its campuses and generate positive environmental benefits. BOCHK acted as the green finance consultant for Esquel, working with the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency (HKQAA) to complete the formulation and certification of the green loan framework.

The loan proceeds will go towards refinancing Integral, Esquel’s Sustainable Development Garden in Guilin, as well as funding projects that will improve energy efficiency, wastewater treatment and pollution prevention at its manufacturing sites. Investments in energy efficiency projects will allow the Group to upgrade powerplant turbines and air compression technology, build high-efficiency solar panels on rooftops, refine steam collection processes for better heating, improve lighting panels, and more.

Esquel will also invest in further research and development for its flagship wastewater treatment plant in Foshan, one of the largest within the textile industry in China.

Andy Kwok, BOCHK’s Deputy General Manager said, “Esquel, a leading enterprise in the textile industry, has been keen to harness the latest technologies to achieve its goals of providing quality employment, green manufacturing and sustainable development. BOCHK is delighted to collaborate with Esquel on green loans to support its vision of net zero emissions.”

Wilkie Wong, Esquel’s Chief Financial Officer said, “As a family-owned private business, we have been persistently holding on our vision and mission on Green and Sustainability for a long time. And as a first step tapping into the green financial market this year, we are proud to secure a Green Loan from BOCHK and a Green Finance Certificate from HKQAA. Both achievements demonstrate our commitment to sustainable development. We want to thank BOCHK for their support, and we are delighted to work with such a forward-looking partner to encourage green financing. This loan will allow us to continually innovate more eco-friendly production processes to minimize our environmental impact, as we work towards our pledge to achieve Net Zero by 2050.”

Esquel Group adds two new extra-long staple cotton varieties approved

Esquel Group’s Xinjiang Research & Development Center has successfully developed two new Sea Island cotton (Extra-Long-Staple cotton, ELS cotton) varieties named “Yuan Loong 37” and “Yuan Loong 42,” which have been officially approved and granted registration numbers. Both varieties have also obtained Plant Variety Rights certificates, marking another significant breakthrough for the Group in cotton breeding and commercial application.

HKUST & Esquel unveil five-year study: Empowering students for sustainable innovation

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (“HKUST”) has partnered with Esquel Enterprises Limited (“Esquel Group”) to launch a five-year study program that allows HKUST students to conduct biannual field research at the textile manufacturer’s 500,000-square-meter Sustainable Development Garden Integral, recognized as one of China’s top 20 sustainable development projects by the United Nations.

Official approval granted for Esquel Group’s new Sea Island Cotton variety "Yuan Loong 30"

Esquel Group Xinjiang Research & Development Center has successfully developed a new self-bred Sea Island cotton (Extra-Long-Staple cotton, ELS cotton) variety named "Yuan Loong 30," which has been officially approved and designated by the 11th Main Crop Variety Assessment Committee of Xinjiang. With this addition, Esquel has now successfully bred and named a total of six Sea Island cotton varieties, including "Xinhai 33", "Xinhai 50", "Xinhai 55", "Xinhai 63", "Yuan Loong 17" and "Yuan Loong 30".

C&S strengthens its governance to support its evolution

C&S announces the appointment of Marco Lucietti to its Board of Directors. With extensive international experience across the textile and denim industries, Lucietti will work alongside CEO Federico Corneli, contributing to the company’s managerial development, organizational structure and long-term strategic direction.

Carrington Textiles publishes third Sustainability Report

Carrington Textiles has announced the publication of the third Sustainability Report from the RTS Textiles Group, highlighting another year of progress towards more responsible manufacturing across its global operations. The report outlines continued investment in technologies and initiatives designed to improve environmental performance and support long-term business resilience across the Group’s manufacturing facilities in the UK, Portugal and Pakistan.

YKK develops concept EXCELLA® zipper tape using nonwoven fabric partially derived from used clothing

YKK Corporation has developed a concept version of its premium EXCELLA® zipper series made from nonwoven fabric sheets created by fiberizing used clothing and other textile materials. Based on a proposal by fashion designer Yuima Nakazato, this item was created as a result of collaboration between Nakazato, Seiko Epson Corporation and YKK. The concept zipper was incorporated as a material component for pieces in the newest YUIMA NAKAZATO Couture Collection, “INFERNO,” which was unveiled in Paris, France on July 8, 2026.

Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris highlights evolving global sourcing landscape

From 31 August to 2 September 2026, Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris will bring together more than 1,000 international exhibitors at Paris-Le Bourget Exhibition Centre. This edition reflects the new global balance of textile and apparel sourcing, highlighting a strong diversity of sourcing countries — some unexpected.

Rieter sees Barmag integration on track as orders and sales rise

The first half of 2026 was shaped by the successful completion of the largest acquisition in Rieter’s history. The Man-Made Fiber Division enables entry into the growth segment of man-made fibers and sustainably strengthens Rieter’s market position in the Asia region. The expanded Group is now the world’s leading system supplier for the processing of natural and man-made fibers. In the first half of the year, initial cost savings in material costs and operating expenses have already been realized. The targeted synergies are expected to amount to at least CHF 20 million by the end of the 2028 financial year. Due to the completion of the acquisition on February 2, 2026, the first half of the year for the Man-Made Fiber Division only amounts to five months.