#Raw Materials

2019-03-07

Global consumption growth projected to slow to 0.04% in 2018/19

Global cotton consumption is projected to post its third straight year of growth — but just barely, with an expected increase of only 0.04%.

Many of the top consuming countries are undergoing a slowing in consumption growth, including:

East Asia — 6%, down from 14% the year before
Bangladesh — 7%, down from 15% in 2017/18
Vietnam — 3%, down from seven straight seasons of double-digit growth.

After posting 15% growth in 2017/18, China is expected to see its consumption growth slow by 8%.

On the other end of the spectrum are Turkey, Indonesia and Uzbekistan, all of which are projected to increase their consumption by double digits. India is expected to expand its mill-use as well, although by only 1%.

The future of US-China trade tariffs remains uncertain, and while they might soon be lifted, they might also be increased. That lack of clarity is making it difficult for growers in the Northern Hemisphere to make their planting decisions for the coming season.

Fashion For Good launches “Beyond50 Denim” to address hemp integration barriers in global denim production

Fashion for Good, together with leading global brands BESTSELLER, C&A, PDS Limited, Reformation, and Target, launched Beyond50 Denim: Combining Cottonised Hemp and Green Chemistry, a project accelerating the use of hemp as an alternative to conventional cotton in denim. By combining two pioneering innovations (SEFF’s Nano-Pulse™ cottonised hemp fibres and FIBRE52™’s proprietary chemistry formulations with soft handfeel), the project seeks to demonstrate that hemp-based denim can match or even surpass cotton in both performance and appeal.

Spinnova and Rieter to publish a yarn spinning guideline for industrial partners

Spinnova and Rieter have published a comprehensive yarn spinning guideline for industrial partners, detailing how to produce compact yarn from SPINNOVA® fibre using Rieter’s state-of-the-art machinery. The step-by-step guide outlines key considerations at each stage of the spinning process and is available upon request.

Evonik and AMSilk extend partnership for sustainable biotech silk materials

Evonik and AMSilk, a global leader in advanced biomaterials based on silk proteins, have deepened their collaboration with a long-term agreement to produce sustainable silk proteins at industrial scale. Building on their initial manufacturing agreement from 2023, the companies have commissioned a manufacturing line at Evonik’s Slovakian site for AMSilk’s high-performance silk. This innovative biomaterial is produced with minimal environmental impact and is designed for use in premium fashion and highly demanding automotive interiors.

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories to launch operations at new Southeast Asia production facility this week

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc. (OTCQB: KBLB) (“Company” or “Kraig Labs”), a world leader in spider silk technology*, announces that it will begin operations this week at its newest production facility. This milestone marks the launch of the first full production cycle at the site. This production site was secured earlier this summer through an agreement with a government agency in Southeast Asia.

Heimtextil 2026 strengthens the global home textile industry with trends, designs and AI technologies

With an optimised hall layout, progressive design collaborations, inspiring trends and AI-driven innovations, Heimtextil 2026 reacts to the current market situation – and offers the industry a reliable constant in challenging times. Under the motto ‘Lead the Change’, the leading trade fair for home and contract textiles and textile design shows how challenges can be turned into opportunities. From 13 to 16 January, more than 3,100 exhibitors from 65 countries will provide a comprehensive market overview with new collections and textile solutions. As a knowledge hub, Heimtextil delivers new strategies and concrete solutions for future business success.

A circular European value chain turns post-consumer textile waste into new garments for Dutch retailer Zeeman

A closed-loop recycling project has successfully transformed 24 tons of post-consumer textiles into nearly 50,000 garments for Dutch retailer Zeeman, with each product containing a high-rate of 70% recycled content. This achievement represents a major milestone in accelerating textile-to-textile recycling in Europe.