#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

2025-09-18

Toray Industries and MAS Holdings announce Joint Venture in Odisha, India

Toray Industries (H.K.) Ltd., has officially entered a joint venture with South Asia’s largest apparel manufacturer MAS Holdings, marking a unique opportunity to enhance the two companies’ supply chain capabilities and pursue product manufacturing within and for the fast-growing Indian market. The joint venture, operating under the name Toray MAS Apparel India, will see the establishment of a new manufacturing facility at the MAS Apparel Park Bhuinpur in Odisha, India, which is currently under development.

from left to right: Yasukochi Akira - Sales Director, Toray MAS Apparel India, Teruki Umeda - Managing Director, Toray MAS Apparel India, Teruo Funhashi - Managing Director, Toray Hong Kong, Malik Ahamadeen - CEO, MAS India, Suren Fernando - Group CEO, MAS Holdings, Shakthi Ranatunga - Chief Operating Officer, MAS Holdings, Rajitha Jayasuriya - Director, Corporate Affairs, MAS Holdings, Sid Amalean, Director – Innovation & Business Strategy, MAS Holdings, Surath Chandrasena, Finance Director, MAS Holdings. © 2025 Toray MAS Apparel India

The groundbreaking for the MAS Apparel Park took place earlier this year in March 2025, with operations expected to commence in early 2026. The new facility is aimed at catering to both current and potential customers in the region, supporting the growing demand for high-quality, innovative textile solutions.

The official signing ceremony for the partnership took place in June at the MAS Head Office in Colombo, with Teruo Funahashi, Managing Director of Toray Hong Kong, and Suren Fernando, Group Chief Executive Officer of MAS Holdings, representing the two organizations.

Commenting on the partnership, Teruo Funahashi, Managing Director of Toray Hong Kong, said “Toray MAS Apparel India will contribute to local employment and economic growth by manufacturing advanced, top-quality offerings. That company will serve as a garment stronghold in India for Toray and MAS Holdings, reinforcing their partnership by deploying strategies that capitalize on their capabilities”.

Suren Fernando, Group CEO of MAS Holdings stated "This joint venture marks a significant step forward in strengthening our global supply network and deepening our partnership with Toray Industries. The Odisha facility will play a key role in supporting our customers’ evolving needs, driving innovation and contributing to regional economic development. In today’s global economic landscape, strategic partnerships like this are key to enhancing our capabilities and continuing to deliver value-added solutions to our customers."

The collaboration builds on MAS Holdings' extensive apparel manufacturing expertise and Toray Industries' advanced material technologies, positioning Toray MAS to deliver innovative products to global brands while fostering economic growth and job creation in Odisha.

The operation being set up aims to advance sustainability by incorporating renewable energy solutions such as rooftop solar PV, energy-efficient technologies across operations, and advanced water and wastewater management systems. The facility is also being designed to ensure universal accessibility, integrating environmentally responsible practices in waste and chemical management, aligning its future operations with both environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

Fashion for Good launches DW(O)R-X to navigate the emerging landscape of PFAS-free finishes

Fashion for Good announced the launch of Project DW(O)R-X, a collaborative initiative designed to benchmark PFAS alternative durable water- and oil-repellent (DW(O)R) chemistries. Responding to growing market demand for alternatives to PFAS‑based finishes, the project aims to generate reliable, comparable data that can support informed sourcing decisions and the assessment of emerging chemistries.

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.

More patterns, less effort: the MULTI-MATIC® at Rohleder

Rohleder is one of Europe’s most modern weaving mills. For over 80 years, the family-owned company has been developing and manufacturing premium fabrics for brands, retailers and private customers – 100% Made in Germany. This success is made possible by a consistent focus on design, quality, and functionality, as well as by continuous investment in state-of-the-art production facilities. Rohleder also relies on innovative technologies in warp preparation and has been collaborating with KARL MAYER for many years. As recently as 2023, a MULTI-MATIC® was delivered to the company’s headquarters in Konradsreuth.

BASF opens global diaper and superabsorbents performance lab in Mumbai

BASF has officially inaugurated its new Performance Lab for diapers and superabsorbents (SAP) in Mumbai on August 18, 2026, which will provide technical and application services to superabsorbent customers globally. The new lab of BASF’s Hygiene Solutions business has been established in less than a year and is part of BASF’s Innovation Campus Asia Pacific in Mumbai, BASF’s second largest R&D site in Asia Pacific established in 2017 under BASF Chemicals India Private Limited.

Naia™ from Eastman strengthens western hemisphere textile connections at Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala

As brands and retailers explore more diversified and responsive sourcing networks, the Naia™ brand from Eastman is strengthening its engagement with the textile and apparel value chain across the western hemisphere. From August 18–20, the company will participate for the first time in Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala, a regional meeting point for apparel sourcing, manufacturing and nearshoring.

Dornbirn GFC 2026 expands conference program with new thematic sessions

For 65 years, Dornbirn GFC has stood for innovation and is one of the world’s leading conferences in the fiber industry. From September 16 to 18, 2026, the international fiber community will meet in Dornbirn, Austria, to discuss current trends, technological developments, and forward-looking solutions. More than 600 experts from industry and academia from over 30 countries are expected to attend. With around 100 presentations by renowned speakers, a 2,5-day conference program, and three parallel presentation rooms with moderated sessions, Dornbirn GFC provides a first-class platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and international collaboration. Together, participants will generate ideas and impulses that will sustainably shape the future of the global fiber industry.