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Jute and jute goods exports see sharp growth

February 12, 2020 Jute and jute goods export witnessed a 20.82% leap in the July-January period of FY2019-20 compared to the same period of last fiscal year. The sector earned $602.49 million in July-January of FY2019-20 from $498.66 million in the same period of the last fiscal year. During the first six months (July-December) of the current fiscal year, Bangladesh earns $511.73 million by exporting jute and jute goods, which is 26.3 percent higher than the last year and it’s about 20 percent higher than the target. The EPB data revealed that the export of raw jute during the July-January of current fiscal totaled $102.05 million followed by jute yarn and twine $370.72 million, jute sacks and bags $70.82 million, and others $58.90 million. Why export earnings from jute is increasing Referring to the high growth in the export earnings of jute and jute products, Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles and Jute, Lokman Hossain Mia said that the interest of jute products is increasing because people of Western countries including Europe are increasingly using the natural fibers in different industries and in day-to-day life. Considering this demand, Bangladesh is producing new diversified jute products. Besides, the effective branding of domestic jute products has been initiated in the international market. Due to these reasons, the export of jute and jute products is increasing steadily. He also added private sector entrepreneurs are giving cash assistance and policy support to the diversification of products as modern machinery is being added to government jute mills. Rashidul Karim Munna, Managing Director of Creation Private Limited said, “The demand for diversified jute products are now increasing in foreign markets. So, exports of jute and jute goods are also increasing.” According to the International Jute Study Group, the annual demand for jute shopping bags in the world market is about 500 billion pieces. On the other hand, according to the estimation of Business Wire, in 2022, the Home Gardening and Vertical Gardening market will be 1.33 trillion dollars. jute and jute goods export witnessed a 20.82% leap compared to the same period of last fiscal year. The sector earned $602.49 million July-December of the fiscal year 2019-20 from $498.66 million in the same period of last fiscal year. Jute products in Bangladesh Bangladesh Jute sector had profound glory in the Bangladesh economy. This ‘golden fiber’ can recover its image as jute-diversification has been broadening the new prospect of jute. Currently, 281 types of jute products are being produced in the country. Nowadays jute is using in carpets to the sophisticated airplane or luxury car. Bangladesh is currently exporting jute and jute products to Afghanistan, Algeria, Austria, Belgium, Benin, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Congo, Costa Rica, Egypt, Italy, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Gambia, Germany, Guatemala, Haiti, India, Ireland, Iran, Jordan, Korea, Libya, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Netherlands, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, South Africa, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, the United States, the United Kingdom, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. Recently some jute innovations have surprised the jute lovers, among them jute polythene, jute-tin, jute leaf tea are most popular. There is no doubt that if these innovations have properly cared, they will be able to earn a significant amount of profit. Orders shifting to Turkey from China = h2 View All

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Orders shifting to Turkey from China

Several fashion retailers have been in contact with Turkish firms to move their manufacturing operations from coronavirus-hit China to Turkey, with the initial investment estimated to bring in as much as $2 billion, Reuters reported on 7 February. The order also is shifting to Bangladesh and Vietnam. Around 900 people have now perished in mainland China from the Coronavirus. This world health emergency situation has greatly affected the manufacturing industries including textile and apparel manufacturing in China and Chinese exports of goods are declining. According to recent data, the amount of cargo transportation carrying Chinese products has significantly decreased. Slowing down the production or in some cases, many factories suspended operations for several days to stop the spread of the virus. Polish fashion retailer LPP has said it is in talks with factories in Turkey, Bangladesh opportunities and Vietnam as a backup plan if Chinese production delays continue. T. Rajkumar, Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry, said, “Countries such as Bangladesh that are strong in garment exports may also face challenges as they import raw material. For Indian exporters, the entire textile value chain is available. They should reach out to buyers and tap opportunities.” “The sector has the capacity to take on additional orders as both new and existing clients increasingly contact Turkish factories.” Turkish manufacturers have in recent years shifted their clothing production up-market as China’s dominance grew globally. But the outbreak has sent some European companies back to Turkey, Polish fashion retailer said. “Purchasing managers and designers can’t go to China due to coronavirus worries and travel restrictions. So several well-known brands started discussions for production of new seasonal items in Turkey,” said Hadi Karasu, head of Turkish Clothing Manufacturers’ Association (TGSD). Rising Chinese manufacturing costs and a 36% slide in the value of the Turkish lira in the last two years, on the back of a currency crisis in 2018, has already made Turkey an affordable option, Karasu added. “As manufacturing costs leveled between China and Turkey, some European firms were (already) considering shifting orders towards here,” Karasu said. “China has some $170 billion ready-to-wear exports. According to our calculations, some 1% of orders will (now) be shifting to Turkey initially which could amount to $2 billion,” Turkey exported some $17.7 billion ready-to-wear products last year. Any rise could help the import-heavy economy keep a lid on its current account deficit and hit the government’s ambitious 5% economic growth forecast this year. Mustafa Gultepe, head of the Istanbul Apparel Exporters’ Association (IHKIB), said the sector has the capacity to take on additional orders as both new and existing clients increasingly contact Turkish factories. “There are clothing retailers asking around for prices and products in Turkey after the coronavirus outbreak,” Gultepe said. “I think the impact of the outbreak will continue for 5-6 months and I think there will be a major shift from China that we will see after May,” he added.

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3rd executive committee of SIPEAA has been declared

The 3rd Executive Committee of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology’s Industrial and Production Engineering Alumni Association (SIPEAA) has been declared on 7 February 2020 at Uttara Friends Club in a grand festival. Honorable Senators along with CEC, Tapash Kumer Mojumder has declared the name of elected Executives in front of all candidates, voters, current students and invited guests along with their families. Anisul Hoque Ansari (VP of 2nd committee), working in Hameem Group, anchored the whole program lively, which was begun by the welcome speech of Senator Matiur Rahman Robin with 30-sec silence for Ali Aksad Rupal, who was a candidate of SIPEAA Election, died on 17th January’ 2020. The most awaited segment of this event ‘Election Result Declaration’ started at 9.00 pm from the only election site of the Election Commission. Among 433 members, 35 members applied for Executive Committee candidates and 21 candidates were declared as the member of SIPEAA Executive Committee. Out of 430 voters, 424 votes have been cast, which is 98.6%. Three constitutional academic members were also declared on this occasion–who were selected by the SUST IPE department—that included Ahmed Sayem (ID 0265) as Vice-President, Jahid Hasan (ID 0265) as Organizing Secretary, Chowdhury Luthfur Rahman (ID 0195) as Executive Member. They all are faculty members of the SUST IPE department. After that, all the elected members took SIPEAA oath at the hand of Senator Shafiur Rahman (Shafiq). President of the 2nd committee Shafiur Rahman (Shafiq) and Vice President Anisul Hoque Ansari (Anis) have handed off their duties to the newly elected 3rd executive committee by handing over the scroll of SIPEAA motto ‘Together we will achieve more’. Newly elected President is Md. Majharul Islam, working in C&A Sourcing International Ltd whereas Anwar Hossain, working in H&M and Md. Anower Sawadat, working in Avery Denison, has been elected respectively as Vice President and General Secretary. Mohammad Najmul Hoq, employee of G Star Raw elected as Cabinet Secretary. Tangina Akther employee of Target USA Sourcing & Service elected as Cultural Secretary. Sanjoy Kar, employee of Kontoor Brands Inc., elected as Information Publication Secretary. Rupali Biswas, employee of BKMEA, elected as Organizing Secretary. Muhammad Manjurul Islam, employee of Khan Brothers Knitwear Industries Ltd. elected as Treasurer, MD. Mehdi Hassan, employee of Intertek, elected as Joint Secretary, Farid Mahmood Nipun employee of American & Efird Bd Ltd, elected as Joint Secretary. Elected committee has promised for permanent SIPEAA office with training and green food supply chain facility, 60% sponsorship of 25th anniversary of IPE dept., awards to SUST IPE graduates, health insurance for all member, classroom with most advanced teaching facility, career counseling session, job training, national and international seminar, community service to needy people, etc. followed by dinner session. The title song and visual facility was sponsored by the biggest electronic company in Bangladesh Walton and digital communication facility was sponsored by Dutch designer clothing company G-Star Raw.

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Localization of material-components should have mid-long term focus

Over 50% of Bangladesh’s textile and textile-related goods including garment accessories are imported from China. In addition, about 40% of capital machinery and spare parts for the textile and garment industry come from the country. For the outbreak of ongoing Coronavirus, the supply chain of raw materials for the sector is being disrupted, which ultimately will affect apparel production and its exports. Considering this reality Bangladesh should set strategies to mitigate the adverse consequence. Ziaur Rahman, Country Manager of H&M for Bangladesh, Pakistan and Ethiopia has shared his views regarding this that you will get below. The outburst situation of Nobel Coronavirus has gone really worse! From a humanitarian perspective, we all should work together and fight this deadly virus. I really hope and pray that it will not travel all the way to Bangladesh because our preparation to prevent/face the virus is really poor! Even for China’s situation, it will have an economic impact for us which can be short to mid-long-term level. It indicates our dependencies upon China or the other hands, the supremacy of China for the supply chain. It indicates where we need to invest! Having another garment sewing units doesn’t make us strong rather invest in product development connected to product diversification and localization of material-components should have long term focus. Short term, it will create a lack of material for running production and eventually many factories will have empty lines even though they have orders. The supply chain’s cash flow will be a big issue due to a lack of shipment. An on-time salary for works might get affected! In mid-long-term, supply chain cost might go high because eventually, it will create lots of demand than supply. Priority will cost extra cents per unit! It will have an impact on the total prices of the commodities. Moreover, Vietnam and Cambodia have a shorter lead-time for sourcing material from China due to geographical position. Bangladesh as a preferred sourcing destination might face challenges for both price and lead time! In many ways, we are behind/heavily import driven for backward linkage specially cotton mixed and man-made fiber, even trims, accessories, etc. It indicates where we need to invest! Having another garment sewing units doesn’t make us strong rather invest in product development connected to product diversification and localization of material-components should have mid-long term focus.

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The best way to prepare yourself is to learn from the people around you

Mahbubul Arefin Chowdhury Abir, DMD of AJ Group joined the company in 1996 with a vision to provide the highest quality in every regard, use quality products at the best price possible. Recently he shared his company’s insights, also his views regarding consistent company culture to Textile Today. New entrepreneurs have a great opportunity to have valued knowledge from this interview. A glimpse of the interview is given below for Textile Today readers. Textile Today: What inspired you to join in the readymade garments (RMG) sector and how did you prepare yourself to run a big business? Abir Chowdhury: My father has been involved in the garment business for over 40 years, from the starting days of Desh Garment. From a very young age, I knew that I would be involved in this business in some way. After my graduation, I was very glad to help out in our family business. Being able to be part of an organization that provides for the families of thousands of people is a satisfying idea. I believe that as someone who has had the privilege to have a good education and exposure as I did, we should be doing as much as we can to help this business and our economy. RMG is a dynamic and challenging industry in Bangladesh, and I believe the best way to prepare yourself is to learn from the people around you, accept that there will be mistakes and strive for improvement at each level. Textile Today: People used to say ‘second generation is a threat to the textile and apparel business’ how do you evaluate this? Abir Chowdhury: I think any kind of blanket statement is not entirely accurate, including this one. Many second-generation businesspeople, even in our country, did exceptionally well. Many of them did not. As much as 90% of startups, or first-generation businesses so to say, fail. So, I think this has to be evaluated at a person to person, or rather at a business to business level. Sometimes a very good new leader might not be a good fit for an existing setup and vice versa. Textile Today: AJ Group is now quite big in size and lots of people work here. How do your employees see you when you took charge of the company, as a leader? Abir Chowdhury: That question would be better answered by the people of the organization. People’s respect must be earned, not be taken for granted. That being said, almost every good leader in the world has been polarizing, some people see them positively and some see them negatively. From my side, I think it is important to work hard, be respectful and think strategically both short and long term. In general, people have been very accepting, cooperative and supportive of me joining the family business. Textile Today: Many apparel factories are in big trouble due to having no order in hand, what is the order situation in your factory now? Abir Chowdhury: The business climate in Bangladesh is challenging for any industry at this point, so that factored in, I think we did well in 2019. We have made several internal changes to cope with the rising wage structure and expenses. We have a growing workforce; we just started our new project. Hopefully, we can run a tight ship to face upcoming challenges and grow our company in the process. Textile Today: As you are a young entrepreneur please give some suggestions for the upcoming young who are about to enter the textile and apparel industry. Abir Chowdhury: When I started working here, someone told me that if you come to the office at 9 am every day, you will see a big difference everywhere. That to me was a piece of great advice. As an owner, you do not have to show up early, and that is why it has a great effect. This practice helps create a culture of dedication and punctuality. Good company culture is vital for any organization. So, the newcomers must develop a consistent company culture besides their passion for the garment industry to sustain and move forward the business. Textile Today: What is your future plan and how you want to contribute more to the sector? Abir Chowdhury: I grew up meeting several first and second generation of entrepreneurs who have truly wonderful stories of success. They inspire me to wake up every morning and show up to work. We have started our new project this year in hopes of tapping into the value-added outerwear market. We have plans for further expansion in the future, which has to happen progressively. So, the plan now is to build a solid foundation for growth. The goal for AJ Group is to be one of the leading exporters in Bangladesh.

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Z&Z fabric week shows spring-summer 2021 fashions

February 10, 2020 Zaber and Zubair Fabrics Ltd, a sister concern of Noman Group has successfully concluded its 6th edition of fabric week for the season of Spring-Summer 2021 at their new corporate office Gulshan Avenue from 2 to 5 February. In this fabric week, more than 200 buyers were visited. Fabric week is a practice of global brands and retailers for selecting seasonal and special products from different suppliers. In Bangladesh Zaber and Zubair adopts this concept from the supplier side to showcase their own designed fabric and garments to the buyers with global fashion trend. In this fabric week, they received huge feedback from the customer for their existing collections and received new inquiries for the development of more fashionable products trending to the current fashion industry. “Now we are focusing on innovation and investment on R&D to attract buyers. We participated at many renowned mill weeks globally with our design creations, where we have gathered vast knowledge about how to improve design innovation capacity,” said Mohammad Abdullah Zaber, CEO and DMD, Zaber and Zubair Fabrics Ltd. In the fabric week, Zaber and Zubair displayed new developments of fabric collection along with regular developments by analyzing current fashion trends for upcoming clothing displays. Tencel, Modal, Cotton Bamboo Blends, Poly Spandex, canvas, basic poplin, etc. were their new presentation for the buyers. The design and construction were selected from their experience, customer demand and trend analysis by their expert R&D and design team. The best way to prepare yourself is to learn from the people around you Real-time monitoring can boost revenue of knitting factory = h2 View All

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Real-time monitoring can boost revenue of knitting factory

It is observed that all knitting factories cannot utilize their capitalized manufacturing capacity. Below is a case study of a renowned factory with 30 tons capacity per day: 31.2% of unutilized due to unavailability of orders or inputs whereas 68.8 % of unutilized due to operational inefficiency. Today I will try to elaborate the ways to minimize the operational inefficiency. Knitting personnel tries to increase the utilization of knitting machines by supervision without any modern tools and techniques. Manual supervision can be workable for small factories, it becomes tougher in large factories. Many factories are equipped with more than 100 knitting machines. Production is interrupted for several reasons and responsible persons are also different. How long does the production really interrupt due to specific reasons? And what is the impact of the interruption on production? Actual figures are not visible to Managers or production heads. Definitely, they observe the interruption and downtime, but when asking for the explanation to accused persons, accused persons try to prove, he did not take too many times and he has done his job within standard times. All this asking or interrogation takes place after happening the incident, this is a postmortem type, and there is little chance to verify/justify the reasons. Most of the cases, Managers have to depend on their statements. Mostly, they try to show, there is no negligence at all even though the company is losing production as well as revenue. If there is probation of keeping record without manual input of such breakdown and can be monitored at the time of incidents happening, definitely every concerned person will be more accountable. No way to show fake excuses, no way to transmit the responsibility. We can bring the visibility of irresponsibility of concerns in day-light by real-time monitoring and make better accountability, which will lead to more productivity and profitability. Using the same resource as machines and men, the company will get more productivity, more profit. At present such technology is available. Every knitting factory produces samples in bulk machines. This is unavoidable but we can make sample production faster and efficient by synchronizing the events/jobs related to sample production and we can expect production will increase at least 40 tons per month. Frequently we have to change knitting programs, which means the rate of changing fabrication in knitting machines is too high. Most of the cases, the technical team does the adjustment of the machine by doing a trial and error method. It takes too much time, also varies from person to person. If we monitor and set the standard, we can increase at least 25 tons per month production. Servicing also an essential part of knitting operations. It was observed, 8 to 12 hours consume to do servicing of machines. There is a lack of supervising and monitoring by production managers, it fully depends on the technical team. It was proved that if a related task can be synchronized and coordinated, production will be increased at least 10 tons per month. Many cases, knitting production heads compromise in raw material quality, condition of the production floor, machine setting, etc., as a result, productivity also is hampered. Production can increase at least 5 tons per month by optimizing these parameters. Each and every knitting factory, few machines remain idle due to either insufficient orders or delayed input feeding. The case study shows machines remain idle 31.2 % times due to these reasons. Production can be increased at least 20 tons per month by live monitoring. Are all the machines running at an optimum speed at optimum efficiency or not- how many of us evaluate this, off course very few. Most of the production managers are happy to see the machines are running when they visit the production floor. Smart operators raise the RPM when high officials visit the production floor. If the production head can monitor the live monitoring of RPM in comparison with standard/optimum RPM continuously from his mobile/laptop/desktop, surely production can be increased at least 20 tons. If a factory can make the visibility of the reasons/persons who are responsible for longer downtime of machines, it would be possible to make the concerns accountable. By adopting artificial intelligent software and hardware, it is possible to measure the loop falls/idle times/negligence etc. in real-time. By real-time monitoring of the inefficient area, the process owner can measure and interpret the losses. It helps him to intervene to synchronize and coordinate the dependent elements resulting in 120 tons more production. That is equivalent revenue of BDT 15 lac from a 30 tons capacity factory.

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250 factories receive Silkflex award

February 9, 2020 ‘Silkflex Grand Textile Printing Technical Seminar’ shows innovation of Bangladesh textile printing sector Silkflex Bangladesh Ltd awarded 250 leading textile factories for their contribution to the printing sector on ’12th Silkflex Grand Textile Printing Technical Seminar’ held at Officers’ Club, Dhaka on 7th February. Silkflex Polymers SDN BHD, Malaysia and Silkflex Bangladesh Ltd jointly organized the largest textile screen print seminar where more than 5000 people from various factories and brands were present. Reputed buyers like C7A, Puma, G-Star, Mothercare, Eurocentra, H&M’s presence made the seminar more dynamic. Md. Kabir Mollah, Managing Director, Silkflex Bangladesh Ltd hosted the textile printing seminar and pointed out the future of the printing sector and future of Silkflex. In the 2nd session, valued guests shared their views and experiences at the seminar. Md Mizanur Rahman, Executive Director, Rising Group shared his trust in Silkflex. K.M Nazrul Islam, President, Screen Print Welfare Association (SPWA) suggested Silkflex provide training facilities for textile printing professionals for better research and developments. Engr. Md. Shakhawat Talukdar, Secretary-General of ITET and Engr. Ahmed Javed Jamal, Head of Technical Operations and Marketing of Silkflex Bangladesh Ltd also spoke at the seminar. The textile printing sector has become an important game-changer in the textile and apparel value addition. When experts are talking about diversified products, printed garments are showing a great scope in this regard. Technologies and developed printing materials are serving a lot of the designers to go for diversified and customized imperative options. Digital printing, in precise, helps to transform the fashion trend very fast. Dr. Eric HL Tan, Managing Director of Silkflex Polymers SDN BHD, explained the main subject of the seminar ‘The Next Generation.’ Eric HL Tan launched the new innovative Silkbond 35NF, Silkflex PU White/clear, Silkflex Matt kote, Silkflex Silicon White products in the ‘12th Silkflex Grand Technical Seminar 2020.’ He also showed the key features of these three newly launched innovative products of Silkflex. The main focus of the event was the ‘Silkflex Print Contest-20’ award ceremony. Adury Fashion & Print Ltd (Thermax Group) became the champion of ‘Silkflex Print Contest-2020’. Square Fashion Ltd, Comfit Composite Knit Ltd., Gothic Design Ltd. (Viyellatex group) received the second prize. Whereas Impress Newtex Composite Textiles Ltd, Newtex Group, Thanbee Print World Ltd (DBL group) accomplished the third position. Engr Abu Nesar, Sr. General Manager, Adury Fashion & Print at Thermax Group said, “Printing contest is a great initiative from Silkflex where factories showed their printing innovations. Every factory and supplier should focus on innovation for sustainable business.” Silkflex is the only Malaysian chemical company where acrylic polymer can be refined so that buyers’ chemical requirements like ZDHC, MRSL, ESL can be fulfilled. Buyers like H&M, Puma and C&A recommend Silkflex because of its quality and ZDHC properties. AATCC honors Kenneth Greeson with Olney Medal DTG 2020 schedule changed due to Coronavirus outbreak = h2 View All

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DTG 2020 schedule changed due to Coronavirus outbreak

February 9, 2020 The schedule for the largest textile machinery trade fair in Bangladesh ‘Dhaka International Textile and Garment Machinery’ (DTG) has been changed from 20 to 23 February 2020 due to Coronavirus outbreak. According to the new schedule, the trade fair will be held from 11 to 14 June 2020. In a recent postpone announcement DTG authority emphasized on Coronavirus outbreak and said, “This Virus has now become a serious health hazard worldwide. As such World Health Organization (WHO) declares Coronavirus outbreak as a global health emergency. Bangladesh Govt. has already taken a lot of precautionary measures to prevent this virus.” “Considering the gravity of the situation Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) and Yorkers Trade & Marketing Service Co., Ltd, have decided to postpone the scheduled DTG and resolve to hold the exhibition from 11 – 14 June 2020 at The International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB), Dhaka, Bangladesh,” the postpone announcement mentioned. It further stated that as far as BTMA is concerned all the states have taken a lot of steps to prevent Coronavirus for the better interest of their nationals, Bangladesh is no exception. BTMA has discussed the issue with the highest authority and advised not to hold the ‘17th Dhaka International Textile & Garments Machinery Exhibition (DTG)’ in February, 2020 in the prevailing crisis. 130 Technology providers will come with their new innovations and best technology solutions for the millers. This exhibition is expected to connect local apparel and textiles manufacturers and exporters with global manufacturers, dealers and suppliers. This fair will also focus on the untapped markets that are flexible and important for Bangladesh. DTG visitors can access diverse distinct exhibits and strong offerings from around the world, while also enjoying one-stop procurement exchanges at the best platform for seeking ideal suppliers on a comparison basis. DTG has annually kept bringing world-class professional brand suppliers for Bangladesh’s textile and garment industries and has been likened to a ‘mini ITMA.’ Leading exhibitors ranging from textile machinery, auxiliary equipment, accessories for textile machinery, bleaching and washing machinery, chemicals and dyes, cloth processing machinery and accessories, embroidery equipment, felting needles inspecting, measuring and folding machinery, knitting machinery, laundry equipment looms, spinning machinery and accessories will participate at the exhibition and showcase their latest technologies for the textile industry. There will be many more participants in the fair who will show their latest tech solutions and it will be a great visitant of the tech providers and the millers. The estimated participant is about 36000 in DTG 2020. 250 factories receive Silkflex award = h2 View All

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AATCC honors Kenneth Greeson with Olney Medal

February 8, 2020 Kenneth Greeson, Manager of Textile Chemistry Research at Cotton Incorporated, is the 2019 recipient of the AATCC Olney Medal. Greeson is being recognized for his work in durable press finishing of cotton. He has spent many years working with durable press chemistry—in particular, resin and crosslinking chemistry—and has made several significant advancements in cotton durable press technology. Most recently, Greeson was awarded a utility patent for his work on the formulation of a non-formaldehyde durable press finish for cotton, known as Purepress. This technology combines smoothness with enhanced strength, tear and abrasion resistance, as compared to the traditional DMDHEU finish. The Purepress finish has comparable whiteness, enhanced strength, no shade change, and no odor; it also requires a lower cure temperature than the traditional DMDHEU resin finish. Throughout his career, Greeson has applied and shared his knowledge of textile chemistry. His practical work experience, coupled with his textile chemistry education, has allowed him to make some significant contributions to finishes for cotton that enhance the fabric’s characteristics and prolong the usable life of the treated garments. Upon Greeson’s arrival at Cotton Incorporated, he worked with John Turner to develop the Tough Cotton technology, which provides abrasion resistance and improved tear strength for cotton fabrics. Turner originally developed this technology for woven fabrics; however, Greeson modified the technology to make it applicable for knit fabrics. Not only has Greeson made important contributions to textile chemistry, but he also generously shares his knowledge by mentoring and educating interns, contractors, and colleagues. His innate ability to describe, simulate and perform complex chemical reactions, mechanisms and application processes make it possible for him to nurture and guide many future textile chemists, positively impacting their successes and achievements. While this aspect of his work may not easily be measured, it is another example of Greeson’s significant and meritorious contributions to the field of textile chemistry. Greeson has been an active member of AATCC since 1982. Greeson has shared his knowledge through publications in AATCC Review and Textile Research Journal, in addition to serving as a reviewer for AATCC publications. In recognition of his service to AATCC research committees, he was awarded the AATCC TCR Service Award. In addition to his service to AATCC, he is also the secretary of the Southern Textile Research Conference (STRC). Greeson received a BS in Textile Chemistry, with a concentration in Polymer Chemistry, from North Carolina State University (NCSU). He began his career in 1981 at Collins & Aikman Corp. as a research chemist assistant before joining Cheraw Dyeing and Finishing/Cone Mills in 1982 as a technical advisor. He transferred to Cone Mills Technical Services as a Senior Finish Chemist/Chemist IV, where he stayed for five years, before becoming the manager of the chemist lab at Granite Finishing Plant/Cone Mills. Prior to joining Cotton Incorporated in 2002, he worked as a Manager in the Applications Lab at Sedgefield Specialties, an Applications Supervisor at Apollo Chemical Corp., and a Technical Services Representative at Stockhausen Inc. Apparel export earnings drop 5.71% in July-January = h2 View All

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Uniqlo to launch its 3rd store in India on 29 February

Japanese global apparel retailer Uniqlo is going to launch its third store in India at DLF Avenue, Saket in South Delhi district on 29 February 2020. The new store will be spread over 21,500 square feet of 2 floors retail space. Uniqlo DLF Avenue Saket follows the brand’s successful debut in October 2019 at Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj and its second store in November 2019 at DLF CyberHub in Gurugram. The retail brand promises a new shopping experience for the area with its thoughtful designs, high-quality and functional products that are made for all. “Our journey in India has been very rewarding and we would like to offer our sincere gratitude to everyone who has made us feel welcome,” commented Tomohiko Sei, CEO, Uniqlo India. “We are delighted with the positive feedback our products have garnered in the winter season and are now looking forward to opening our third store, Uniqlo DLF Avenue Saket, on the onset of the new Spring/Summer season. We are confident that our highly functional and high-quality apparels, which we call LifeWear, will be more accessible and loved by customers in Delhi,” said Tomohiko Sei, CEO, Uniqlo India. Uniqlo at DLF Avenue will present brand’s LifeWear cloths having the Japanese values of simplicity, quality and longevity for men, women, kids and babies. Iconic Uniqlo products such as the innovative and functional AIRism innerwear, sun-blocking UV Cut range, DRY-EX activewear as well as products featuring premium fabrics like denim, premium linen and SUPIMA® cotton to be featured. Smart casualwear and officewear, including rayon blouses for women, easy care and super non-iron shirts for men, along with EZY bottoms for men and women and more will be presented. As the opening celebration of the DLF Avenue Saket store, the brand will offer Rs. 500 off on a minimum purchase of Rs. 4,000 for downloading the Uniqlo app along with other opening offers. The above offer will be only valid for new and existing app users, and can only be availed at Uniqlo DLF Avenue Saket on the opening weekend. Today the company has more than 2,200 stores globally.

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BCI retailer extends better cotton sourcing by 40% in 2019

150 of the world’s most recognized retailers and brands collectively sourced more than 1.5 million metric tonnes of cotton as ‘Better Cotton’ in 2019 ensuring that there was enough supply available to meet retailers’ needs. This is enough cotton to make approximately 1.5 billion pairs of jeans. Uptake –that refers to the sourcing and purchasing of more sustainable cotton in a supply chain– of Better Cotton – cotton produced by licensed BCI Farmers in line with the Better Cotton Principles and Criteria – increased by 40% on the previous year. This sent a clear signal to the market that the demand for more sustainably grown cotton is increasing. The volume sourced by BCI’s 150 Retailer and Brand Members in 2019 represents 6% of global cotton production, as per the global cotton production figures reported by ICAC. By extending sourcing commitments year-on-year and integrating Better Cotton into their sustainable sourcing strategies, BCI retailer and brand members are driving demand for more sustainable cotton production globally. Decathlon, long-standing BCI member shared their thoughts on BCI and Better Cotton. Nagy Bensid, Director Yarns and Fibres, Decathlon, said, “While physical Better Cotton is not traceable to the end-product, what matters is that the funds channelled through BCI end up contributing to farmer training and expanding the network of cotton farmers who are improving their livelihoods, while protecting and restoring the environment.” Decathlon has a target to source 100% more sustainable cotton by 2020 – this is a combination of Better Cotton together with organic and recycled cotton. This commitment has generated a high level of motivation internally at Decathlon. “The BCI Team has also always been supportive of our journey, listening to our needs and quickly responding to any challenges we met,” said Nagy Bensid. BCI supplier and manufacturer members are also working hard to increase uptake as they bridge the gap between Better Cotton supply and demand. The name of the retailers and brands, cotton traders and spinners who sourced the largest volumes of Better Cotton in 2019 will be revealed in the 2019 Better Cotton Leaderboard. It that will be launched at the 2020 Global Cotton Sustainability Conference in June.

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IBTIF depicts mutual way to promote textile trade between BD and India

Textile and Jute Minister Ghulam Dastagir Gazi opined that Bangladesh and India will move forward together with mutual cooperation in the textile sector. He was speaking at the first meeting of the two-day ‘India-Bangladesh Textile Industry Forum (IBTIF)’ at the Lakeshore Hotel in the capital on 4 February aiming to promote the expansion and export of textile sectors through mutual cooperation between Bangladesh and India. Bangladesh has the capability to export $2 billion worth of apparel to India in the next two years on the back of its duty-free access to the market and rising demand for garment items at competitive prices. For instance, Bangladesh is a major importer of cotton and active pharmaceutical ingredients from India. Bangladesh imported goods worth $8.61 billion and exported goods worth $873.27 million in last fiscal year in India, according to data from the ministry of commerce. The Minister said that with the cooperation of the two countries, the textile sector of the two countries will be further expanded globally. Barriers to trade in the textile trade of the two countries will be resolved through discussion. I believe the decision will be made by protecting the interests of the two countries, subject to wider discussion on tariffs and non-tariffs. The Minister also said, “We will try to unveil the potential of the textile sector through joint cooperation of the two countries. This will benefit the people of both countries as well as the textile sector of both countries.” “This forum will help raise awareness and address information deficits in sustainable development of the textile sector.” The forum will review and analyze the import and export image very precisely every year for the development of the textile sector so that both countries can make their decisions. The two countries will reach a consensus by discussing tariffs and non-tariffs. The sector will also be further expanded in the two countries regarding investment prospects and trade cooperation. Indian High Commissioner Riva Ganguly Das said, “As a neighboring country, India has given the highest priority to Bangladesh. The two countries will work together to develop the textile and jute sectors.” “Manufacturing of textile items is shifting increasingly to countries in South and Southeast Asia due to cost advantages,” she said. India and Bangladesh need to work together to take advantage of these opportunities by creating as well as strengthening cross border value chains at a time when rapid economic growth and rising disposable incomes are contributing to fast growth in apparel consumption in developing countries, she opined. Vice President of FBCCI Siddiqur Rahman, Shri Ravi Kapoor, Secretary of the Indian Textile Ministry, Lokman Hossain Mia, Secretary of the Textile and Jute Ministry, Executive Director of the Jute Diversification and Promotion Center (JDPC) Mohammad Abul Kalam were also present there.

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Apparel export earnings drop 5.71% in July-January

Export earnings from apparel items fallen by 5.71% in July-January 2019-20 period in comparison to July-January 2018-19. According to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) data, earnings from RMG (Ready-made Garments) export for Export performance (Goods) for FY 2019-20 July-January is USD19.06 billion. Earning from woven garments fell by 6.29% to $9.44 billion in July-December of FY2019-20 from $10.07 billion in the same period of last fiscal year. On the other hand, knitwear export fell by 5.13% to $9.62 billion from $10.14 billion. “December and January are supposed to be peak months and we haven’t picked up yet as the problems, the industry is facing, still exist,” Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association President Rubana Huq said. She said that prices of products had not gone up after the minimum wage hike and the sector continued having problems of overcapacity accompanied by a strong currency. “I am afraid if the anti-export bias and a few perceptions of us having sufficient support do not end, we will continue to be where we are and may expect worse,” Rubana said. Mohammad Hatem, first Vice-President of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association, blamed low prices of RMG products and decreased procurement by the buyers for the negative export growth. He also expressed that the Bangladesh RMG sector imported 60 percent of its raw materials from China and if the outbreak disrupted supply chain, the country’s (Bangladesh) export would be affected badly for coronavirus outbreak. . China extended its New Year holidays for two more weeks due to the coronavirus outbreak and the extended holidays might a cause for the shipment delay or air shipment of export goods for Bangladesh. He also said that the virus outbreak might be an opportunity for Bangladesh to grab more share in the global market as buyers might search alternative sourcing. The home textile export fell by 9.7% to $442.67 million in the period from $490.2 million in the same period of last fiscal year. On the other hand, jute and jute goods export witnessed a 20.82% leap compared to the same period of last fiscal year. The sector earned $602.49 million July-December of FY2019-20 from $498.66 million in the same period of last fiscal year.

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How Indian industries to grab the opportunity

February 6, 2020 The outbreak of coronavirus is causing concern in financial markets worldwide. Chinese shares drop nearly 9% amid fears of coronavirus impact. Indian exporters are seeing cause for concern as soon as the virus gets under control. Even after the end of the Chinese Lunar Year holiday, the real effects of trade can be estimated after February 8th. However, regardless of a direct strike to exchange with China, the Indian industry is ready to fill the gap for Chinese dealers, according to a report published in Business Standard. Apparel sector When the SARS virus hit China in 2003, which later spread to 17 countries, it did not cause significant damage. This could be a cause for concern if the situation is not restrained and continues for a long time. “We have to see if an order can be placed there (in China) in the near future,” said an executive from a South India-based textile company. The Indian clothing market is expected to be worth $53.7 billion in 2020, making it the sixth-largest globally, according to the fourth annual state of fashion report by The Business of Fashion and McKinsey & Company. Cotton industry India is the second-largest producer of cotton. India’s cotton stocks are expected to account for 16 percent of the global total this season. Last year, India exported 800,000-900,000 bales of cotton to China. During the first four months of the cotton year (October-January), 600,000-700,000 bales were shipped to China. many experts think Indian traders or industry cannot match the self-discipline, mobility, scale and scope of China. India needs enough time to match with the Chinese work ethic and self-discipline. The exporter also has an order for 300,000 bales. One participant made the decision to curb export to China, but Atul Ganatra, President of the Cotton Association of India, said it was a one-off event and there was no terror at the moment. Leather industry India exports $223 million of leather tanning and dyeing extracts, though imports from China amount to $ 394 million. If China’s export of those goods to the global marketplace is affected, the Indian industry may fill this gap and look profitable. On the other hand, profit has not yet been measured through the market, said Nayar Jamal, a member of the Little Tanners’ Association. However, many experts think Indian traders or industry cannot match the self-discipline, mobility, scale and scope of China. India needs enough time to match with the Chinese work ethic and self-discipline. Rieter further orders from Egypt Tk700 crore worth of jute sacks are unsold = h2 View All

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Tk700 crore worth of jute sacks are unsold

Over the last seven years, the government has gradually introduced regulations that made jute packaging mandatory for 19 agricultural products to reduce polythene and plastic bags. But the parties in the supply chain are not following the regulations properly, rather continuing to use environmentally harmful polythene and plastic bags. The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) – which sells daily essentials – is also among the offenders who do not follow the government’s regulations. As a result, jute sacks produced by the government remain unsold and unused, and every year the government is facing hundreds of crores of taka loss. Ashraf Hossain Chowdhury, Deputy General Manager (Accounts & Finance) at the Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation said there is about Tk700 crore worth of unsold jute sacks in stock. At first in 2013, Bangladesh government ordered the use of jute packaging for six products – paddy, rice, wheat, maize, fertilizer, and sugar – aiming to increase jute use to support the struggling sector, and cut down the rampant pollution caused by plastic bags. The order was a culmination of the Mandatory Jute Packaging Act 2010. Four years down the line in 2017, the rules were amended to add another 11 commodities – chili, coriander, onion, ginger, garlic, pulses, turmeric, potatoes, flour, and rice bran. In 2018, poultry and fish feed were included as scheduled products, raising the number of commodities which must use jute packaging to 19. In the capital, only rice and potato are packed in burlap sacks. The other 17 products have continued to be stored and carried in polythene or plastic sacks. Outside the TCB office, onion could be seen hauled out of large plastic sacks and sold to consumers in smaller polythene bags. Wholesalers claimed almost all the onion, garlic, and ginger in Dhaka were imported from China in plastic packaging and pleaded that it was out of their hands, in spite of the mobile court raids. KM Layek Ali, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Auto Major and Husking Association recently said to a newspaper, “Every single miller in our association use jute sacks. The people who use plastic are not millers, maybe they are traders.” An owner of an Auto Rice Mill, said, “If we do not use polythene covers, buyers say it is not original.” According to the Department of Jute, there were around 1,152 mobile court raids between July and December last year. They fined around Tk73.48 lakh in total. The department acknowledged the difficulty in enforcing compliance. The Department of Jute is taking two approaches – motivation and enforcement. It is meeting regularly with the associations related to scheduled products. Sonali Bag – a Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation innovation made from jute-can be used instead of plastic, however, the much-touted Sonali Bag has had tremendous difficulty rolling out and is only being manufactured on an experimental basis. There is no confirmed timetable on when it will be commercially marketed. There are also concerns over its pricing.

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aamra, Lectra and BUBT signs ‘Education Partner Program’ agreement

February 6, 2020 In the era of Industry 4.0 aamra resources limited is trying to inspire the apparel and textile industry for adapting future technologies to hold a competitive advantage. The company is not only limited to developing the industry but also focusing on other stakeholders of the apparel and textile sectors. aamra believes that development should be starting from the route that is why aamra has been developing students from different textile and apparel universities for a long time. In this regard, an agreement was signed on January 26, 2020, at the premises of Bangladesh University of Business and Technology (BUBT) between aamra, Lectra and BUBT. In this agreement, Lectra and aamra would give pattern and marker software and training as complementary to BUBT under the ‘Education Partner Program’ of Lectra. The program is basically for those students who are eager to make a career in the garment/apparel industries and as such will also benefit their future. During this occasion, Professor Md. Abu Saleh, Vice-Chancellor (BUBT), Dr. Mohammed Rubaiyat Chowdhury (Professor and Chairman), Department of Textile Engineering, BUBT. Prof. Dr. Engr. Ayub Nabi Khan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology, Sohel Ahmed (COO), aamra resources limited, Shamim Masudul Haque, Deputy General Manager, aamra resources limited, were present. Tk700 crore worth of jute sacks are unsold = h2 View All