Latest news with #AGIDenim
Yahoo
01-08-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
AGI Denim's New Concept Delivers Superior Chip-off Effects
Making denim is often referred to as an art but achieving the perfect fade is a science. Artistic Garment Industries (AGI Denim) uses both approaches in a new concept called Ceramic Blue. The shade uses Chip-off Technology, AGI's new proprietary yarn dyeing process that 'pushes denim fading to its most expressive limits' and introduces a sharper contrast between highs and lows in abrasion. More from Sourcing Journal AGI Denim's Apparel Park: A LEED Platinum Pioneer in Sustainable Denim Manufacturing New Sofa Company Taps Bossa for 'IndigoGuard' Denim Uniqlo Taps Indigo Artisans for Disney Collection The contrast is akin to chip-off character, a term widely used in the denim industry to describe how indigo dye wears away from the raised parts of a garment, such as seams, yarn slubs and puckered zones, where friction is most concentrated, according to Henry Wong, VP product development and marketing at AGI Denim. 'These high-contact areas fade faster, revealing lighter tones beneath the surface. The result is a strong visual contrast between worn peaks and protected valleys that gives denim its distinctive character,' he added. AGI mimics this fading effect by leaning into indigo's qualities as a fugitive dye; specifically, how top regions of jeans tend to fade faster with wear than lower areas. Chip-off amplifies this behavior by design, resulting in directional fading with greater depth and clarity, the mill stated. One of the key breakthroughs in Ceramic Blue is the prominence of its ring dye effect, Wong noted. The contrast between the dyed surface and white cotton core is clearly visible. Even with a lighter indigo base, AGI said Ceramic Blue delivers a rich, vintage-style contrast usually reserved for darker shades and it achieves this using less dye and fewer resources. AGI is in the process of verifying data to support specific impact claims. That said, Wong pointed out that repeated wash testing of Ceramic Blue has already shown significantly improved chip-off behavior compared to conventional dyeing. 'This opens up promising opportunities to start with less dye and potentially reduce abrasion time during wet processing, all while achieving the desired vintage effect,' he said. The Ceramic Blue shade is available across a focused range of core non-stretch and comfort stretch fabrics. Wong said these constructions were chosen based on a scan of key fits and silhouettes in the market, particularly in volume-driven programs where dry process and authentic abrasion effects are essential to the design. 'We've prioritized bases that support strong highs and lows during washing, with enough versatility to work across classic five-pocket fits, looser straight legs, and relaxed modern shapes,' he said. 'The fiber content spans 100 percent cotton and cotton-rich blends with minimal stretch for that true vintage hand and recovery. Fabric weights range from 11 to 13 oz., keeping the structure substantial enough for visible chip-off character and still comfortable enough for denim lovers to keep breaking them in daily as their favorite pair of jeans.' Wong added that the fabrics work well with most industrial finishing techniques and are especially well-suited for stone-free enzyme washes and laser marking technologies. AGI Denim will present Ceramic Blue at Kingpins New York July 23-24. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
24-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Denim Mills Say Clients Are Taking a More Measured Approach to Seasonal Sourcing
Ongoing tariff negotiations, combined with weakening global economies and broader political disruptions, have added complexity to the traditional process of developing a new product season. As a result, mills say clients are approaching their orders with caution, prioritizing pricing clarity, supply chain stability, and value-driven sourcing. 'Brands and stores across the board are looking for value from their supply chain so there is a refocused energy in that direction,' said Henry Wong, AGI Denim's VP, product development and marketing. More from Sourcing Journal US and EU Inch Toward Tariff Deal Trump Touts 'Largest Deal Ever Made' With Japan Tariff Ticker: ASEAN Nations Seek to Secure Trade Deals Ahead of August Deadline Umair Masood Tata, Naveena Denim Limited's director of marketing, said recent tariff revisions and rising logistics costs have impacted overall order volumes and timelines. 'As a denim mill, we're doing everything we can to stay competitive by controlling costs, staying consistent in quality, and supporting our clients through close collaboration,' he said. Mills are seeing clients approach the season with a sense of cautious optimism. 'While orders are moving forward steadily, the global market is currently shaped by a high level of uncertainty. Factors such as tariffs and geopolitical tensions are prompting buyers to be more deliberate and strategic in their purchasing decisions. Everyone is waiting for greater clarity before making bolder commitments,' said Anatt Finkler, Global Denim's creative director. This 'cautious stance' is especially true with U.S. brands, according to Aydan Tuzun, Naveena Denim Mills' senior vice president, sales and marketing. 'The introduction and ongoing uncertainty of new tariffs have caused hesitation in placing orders, with many clients choosing to delay decisions rather than take risks,' she said. 'Additionally, ongoing disruptions in shipping routes, especially due to the Red Sea blockage, have led to extended lead times. These logistical and geopolitical challenges are prompting clients to plan further ahead and remain flexible in their sourcing strategies.' China-based Prosperity has seen shifts in how clients are preparing for the season. 'Political influence plays a crucial role in shaping clients' decisions, particularly in times of uncertainty, before they finalize their orders,' said Stafford Lau, Prosperity director. 'Tariffs and other geopolitical issues appear to be significant contributing factors to this trend, affecting client confidence and the volume of orders placed.' By having production hubs in China and Mexico, Cone Denim has been able to offer clients some flexibility. Pierette Scavuzzo, Cone's design director, said clients are exploring all order options this season due to uncertainty around tariffs. 'Brands are investing extra time and effort into preparing various sourcing strategies so they can quickly adapt if needed, ensuring their deliverables and distribution remain unaffected. Having two production platforms in two different hemispheres has helped our customers seamlessly explore counter options with quick speed,' she said. Though Turkey's trade with the U.S. is relatively balanced and small compared to Canada, China, the EU and Mexico, Gizem Yaşar, Maritaş marketing chief, said it's crucial to understand the impacts of imposed tariffs on U.S. economy. The U.S. has consistently been Turkey's second-largest individual export market. 'Tariffs and trade policies play a crucial role in shaping costs and competition in the global textile and fashion industry. Trump's politicized approach to trade and tariffs has accelerated protectionism and fragmentation in the global trading system,' she said. Although the pace of fabric purchasing for collections has slowed down due to fluctuations in the global economy, Yaşar said brands are doing this with the aim of managing the process more deliberately. Still, consumers' wallets will be the hit hard. 'Companies big and small will face higher costs on the goods they buy from other countries—and could have little recourse but to hike prices themselves. For consumers, that will likely mean more expensive prices [for] everything. As experts say, stagflation risk is on the table,' she said. Maritaş' plan is to remain agile and adapt strategies to upcoming changes. Yaşar added that the company is already in a better position, having distanced itself from mass-market competition by focusing on advanced and sustainable product lines. Being based in Turkey means Orta can provide a speed advantage in sourcing compared to other countries from a geopolitical standpoint. However, Sinem Kahveci, Orta's marketing specialist, said uncertainties surrounding tariffs remain a concern. 'Like the brands, we closely monitor all developments and continue our operations with cautious and measured steps,' she said. Turkish companies are running into issues closer to home. In the last two years, Ibrahim Ethem Buyukpepe, Calik's acting general manager, said there has been a 20 to 30 percent contraction in consumption in Europe due to inflation and uncertainty expectations. Contraction continues, evident in the demand for fabrics this season. 'In terms of tariff, American brands that carry out price-oriented production have started to add Turkey and North Africa options to their logistics strategies and are carrying out feasibility studies. However, [because] no clear steps have been taken for customs tax processes, the effect of the process has not been clearly observed,' he said. As brands seek to navigate and mitigate supply chain disruptions, new opportunities are emerging for sourcing hubs that have previously remained under the radar. Sharbati has seen interest grow for its Egyptian production over the last couple of years. 'For sure tariffs have created a higher need for alternative solutions, and Egypt is seen as the best actual option being in the Mediterranean area, hence with faster and sustainable transit time,' said Stefano Dotto, Sharbati's product design manager. 'In general, clients are approaching their orders with caution due to ongoing uncertainty in the retail sector. The impact of geopolitical tensions and tariffs, particularly between the EU, U.S. and Asia has led several clients to diversify their production and sourcing bases,' said Maria Mas, Evlox's digital marketing director. As a result, she said Morocco is gaining traction as a reliable nearshore alternative for European brands, thanks to its logistical advantages and trade agreements. Clients are also more aware of the origin of their components. Mas said Evlox is seeing a shift toward more sustainable and traceable denim, with clients requesting recycled and organic cotton, and placing more emphasis on environmental certifications. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
AGI Denim's Apparel Park: A LEED Platinum Pioneer in Sustainable Denim Manufacturing
AGI Denim's new Apparel Park is setting a powerful example of how large-scale production can be reimagined to lower environmental impact while supporting worker wellbeing, as sustainability continues to reshape global manufacturing. The state-of-the-art facility in Karachi, Pakistan, has already earned top sustainability credentials, including LEED Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, one of the highest honors in green building worldwide. 'LEED certifications evaluate buildings on a range of sustainability measures, including energy and water efficiency, carbon emissions and material use. Platinum status, which is the highest level achievable, reflects strong performance across all categories. Our Apparel Park's LEED Platinum certification demonstrates leadership in sustainability as we drive greater accountability across the industry,' said Henry Wong, vice president of product development and marketing at AGI Denim. More from Sourcing Journal Polartec® Alpha™ Celebrates 13 Years of Game-Changing Active Insulation Hyosung Transitioning Bio-Based Spandex Feedstock from Corn to Sugar The RAW Edition by US Denim Mills Brings Nature's Unfiltered Spirit to Life Part of what distinguishes AGI Denim's Apparel Park is its early-stage planning and integration of sustainable design practices. The facility is situated in an urban area, which encourages public transit, cycling and walkability, choices that help limit employee transportation-related emissions. Additionally, about 40 percent of the site is devoted to green space, which aids in rainwater management and supports local ecosystems. Water conservation has also been a focus. In fact, the facility has reduced its freshwater use by an estimated 30 to 35 percent by incorporating a combination of low-flow fixtures, drip irrigation systems and gray water reuse strategies. On the energy front, the vertical denim manufacturer reports that 30 percent of Apparel Park's power comes from renewable sources, including biomass and photovoltaic energy, the process of converting sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor materials. Inside the facility, attention to worker health is visible in features like improved air quality, access to natural light and use of non-toxic building materials. These elements align with an industry-wide shift toward prioritizing both environmental and human well-being in manufacturing spaces. As part of its commitment to employee well-being, AGI Denim also introduced a childcare unit and dispensary facility at the Apparel Park. AGI Denim has also looked beyond its own operations, developing solutions in collaboration with regional and global partners. For example, the Apparel Park aligns with frameworks like the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and certifications like Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and Oeko-Tex. 'While certifications like LEED Platinum signal progress, they also raise questions about scalability and accessibility across the industry. Apparel Park serves as a case study in how denim manufacturing can evolve, but whether this model can be adopted more broadly across different geographies and economic contexts remains to be seen,' said Wong. 'Still, as brands and suppliers navigate mounting pressure to decarbonize, facilities like Apparel Park illustrate what's currently possible and where challenges still lie.' To learn more about AGI Denim and its Apparel Park, click here.
