#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".

Next week’s focus: Intertextile Shenzhen & Yarn Expo Shenzhen fuse textile tradition with sustainable, digital trends

Fashion will not be left behind in one of the world’s undisputed tech and manufacturing capitals. Which is why next week, at Intertextile Shenzhen Apparel Fabrics and Yarn Expo Shenzhen 2026, the organisers have made special efforts to integrate textile topics such as materials innovation, holistic sustainability, digitalisation and AI. Yet, from 9 – 11 June at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center, the platform also includes timeless tradition and heritage-inspired evolution in equal measure. Across both shows, over 600 exhibitors from 11 countries and regions are set to showcase everything from Peruvian alpaca wool fabrics to tea-derived fibres, while their fringe programmes will explore diverse solutions along the entire value chain.

Messe Frankfurt commits further to East Africa: three textiles trade fairs during Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week from 2027

Messe Frankfurt and its Texpertise Network continue their steady, successful trajectory in the region. As Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week (ASFW) opened today, Member of the Executive Board Detlef Braun announced that Messe Frankfurt is licencing its three leading international trade fair brands Texworld, Apparel Sourcing and Texprocess to Nairobi, Kenya for the first time in 2027. From now on, they will take place annually as part of the Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week (ASFW) Nairobi.

The future of textiles, the power of trade, and the summit of technology come together at ITM 2026

ITM 2026 International Textile Machinery Exhibition, one of the most prestigious organizations in the textile technologies sector, opens its doors to visitors between June 9-13. Expected to break records in terms of both exhibitor and visitor numbers, as well as the technological vision it presents, ITM 2026 will transform into a global trade hub with machine sales, and new business collaborations.

ATCO Hygienics, Uzbekistan, orders baby diaper production line from ANDRITZ

International technology group ANDRITZ has received an order from ATCO Hygienics to supply a new baby diaper production line for its plant in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The order is included in ANDRITZ’s order intake for the first quarter of 2026. Commissioning of the production line is scheduled for the end of 2026.

Nico Pedretti appointed as Managing Director Graf Group

As of June 1, 2026, Nico Pedretti has assumed the role of Managing Director Graf Group. With more than 20 years of international industrial experience and extensive expertise in Operations, Supply Chain Management, Finance and Controlling, he brings a broad range of leadership and business experience to support Graf’s continued success.