Latest news with #Fibre2Fashion
Fibre2Fashion
4 hours ago
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
Nobian rolls out ISCC PLUS certified chloromethanes across Europe
Nobian has achieved a major milestone on its journey towards offering zero-carbon products to its customers, becoming the first chemical company in Europe to offer a complete portfolio of ISCC PLUS certified chloromethanes. This certification underscores Nobian's commitment to reducing carbon emissions across the value chemical value chain. The certification includes the company's full portfolio of Chloromethane products - methyl chloride, methylene chloride, chloroform and carbon tetrachloride, including its stabilizers. Nobian now offers a fully ISCC PLUS certified portfolio of chloromethanesâ€'methyl chloride, methylene chloride, chloroform, and carbon tetrachlorideâ€'reducing carbon footprints by 30â€'57 per cent. The certification ensures use of renewable raw materials, supporting sustainability goals. Production is based at Nobian's Frankfurt site. Markus Mingenbach, Senior Vice President, Chlor-Alkali and Chloromethanes at Nobian commented: ' As a leading European supplier of Chloromethanes, we are part of numerous chemical value chains. I am proud that we are first to bring a fully certified low carbon chloromethanes product portfolio to the market. This complements our existing ISCC PLUS certified products, such as Chlorine and Caustic Soda and ISCC EU certified Green Hydrogen. Together with our customers, we continue to work towards reaching our collective sustainability goals, demonstrating Nobian's ambition to ' Grow Greener Together ' . ' Thorsten Schulz, Director Global Marketing & Sales Chloromethanes at Nobian: 'The ISCC PLUS certification ensures that our products are manufactured using renewable raw materials and meet stringent environmental standards. After the successful completion of the certification process, our chloromethane products offer a carbon footprint reduction of 30 to 57%. compared to conventional chloromethanes. This enables our customers to make transparent decisions, based on independently verified data and supporting their own product carbon footprint calculations and emission reduction strategies. We are proud to launch our ISCC PLUS Chloromethanes - including stabilizers - worldwide effective immediately.' Chloromethanes are essential building blocks for a wide range of applications and market segments globally, including Phamaceuticals, Food, Agro, Surfactants, Water Treatment, Building & Construction, Automotive, Electronics & Semiconductors, Refrigerants, Fluoropolymers, and Silicones among others. Nobian produces its full range of Chloromethanes products at its site in Frankfurt, Germany. Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged. ALCHEMPro News Desk (HU)
Fibre2Fashion
4 days ago
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
Norway's Elkem unveils sustainable silicone solutions for cosmetics
Elkem ASA, one of the world's leading providers of advanced silicon-based materials, announced the launch of innovative cosmetic formulations featuring low-cyclics silicone ingredients. These deliver exceptional synergistic performance in colour cosmetics, makeup removal, hair and skin care while reinforcing our commitment to supporting our customers' sustainability journeys. These new formulations are based on Elkem's low-cyclic silicone technologies, with a maximum concentration of 0.1 percent w/w of D4, D5, and D6, allowing formulators to meet consumers and market's demand for safe and sustainable cosmetics — without compromising on sensory quality or product performance. The first formulation is a lipstick featuring PURESIL TMS IDD 50 and PURESIL TMS DM 30, which constitute the next-generation film-forming capabilities in colour cosmetics. Powered by MQ resin technology, they demonstrate outstanding resistance to water, oil and abrasion in testing, making them ideal for lipsticks, foundations and sun care products. Their non-greasy and non-tacky texture enhances consumer comfort and sensorial appeal, while their flawless wear ensures unprecedented colour transfer resistance throughout the day — all while meeting the highest standards of sustainability. The second formulation is a make-up remover featuring PURESIL CAPRYLYL TSO E6 and MIRASIL DM 5. These ingredients offer gentle yet effective cleansing performance, especially for colour cosmetics exhibiting strong wear resistance. 'Today's consumers expect more from their beauty products — performance, comfort and sustainability,' said Luziano Froès, technical support coordinator. 'These new PURESIL and MIRASIL ingredients are designed to help formulators meet all those expectations, while staying ahead of regulatory changes and enhancing their competitive edge.' Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged. Elkem ASA has launched new cosmetic formulations using low-cyclics silicone ingredients that enhance performance in colour cosmetics, skincare, and makeup removal while supporting sustainability. These new formulations are based on Elkem's low-cyclic silicone technologies. Featuring PURESIL and MIRASIL technologies, the products offer excellent wear, comfort, and cleansing. ALCHEMPro News Desk (HU)
Fibre2Fashion
4 days ago
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
With CETA signed, Indian garment industry expects a boost in exports
Indian textile and apparel industry is expecting that its share will increase in the United Kingdom once the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) comes into force. Under the CETA, signed on Thursday in London, India's garment and textile exports will get duty free access to the UK, as it is considered a labour-intensive sector. As of now, India's neighbouring nations like Bangladesh, Pakistan, Cambodia and Myanmar have preferential access to UK's market and their garments are treated duty free at ports. With the signing of the agreement, Indian textile and apparel products will be better able to compete with other countries like Bangladesh and China. Indian textile and apparel items presently face 8-16 per cent duty on various products. Hence, industry stakeholders now want the CETA to be operational at the earliest possible date. India's textile and apparel industry anticipates a surge in exports to the UK as the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement ensures duty-free access. This levels the playing field with nations like Bangladesh and Vietnam. Industry leaders expect India's market share to nearly double, with rising demand for both traditional and sustainable products. Sanjay K Jain, Chairman ICC National Textiles Committee and Managing Director, TT Ltd told Fibre2Fashion, 'The trade deal will boost India's market share from current 5-6 per cent to 10 per cent in the next two years. India and the UK are very close since long, and there is no language barrier. Therefore, the agreement will give great benefit to the Indian textile and garment industry.' Jai Krishna Pathan, President of Mumbai Yarn Merchant Association said, 'Due to the agreement, some amount of garment production is likely to shift to India from Bangladesh. However, upstream textile products like fabric and yarn may not see such huge benefit. But, if garment exports to the UK increases, fabric and yarn industry will get indirect support.' RK Vij, emeritus President of the Textile Association of India (TAI) and Secretary General of Polyester and Apparel Industry Association (PTAIA) commented, 'The long pending agreement is a new chapter for the entire value-added textile chain. Indian Garment and home textile industry may get boost in the UK's market. The agreement is likely to boost investment under government schemes like PM MITRA and PLI scheme as the industry will plan for expansion to tap new opportunities. The arrangement should come into effect at earliest possible.' Santosh Katariya, President, Clothing Manufacturers Association of India stated that the agreement opens up a significant opportunity for the export sector. Given the large Indian diaspora in the UK, it will also boost domestic manufacturers of Indian ethnic apparel to venture into exports. "Since imports of apparel from the UK are likely to be in the luxury and high-priced category, I am confident of the Indian domestic manufacturers' ability to face the increased competition,' he said. Dr. Vivek Tandon, Founder, revalyu Group said, 'The India–UK Free Trade Agreement is a transformative milestone for India's manufacturing and export landscape, ensuring zero-duty access on nearly all goods for both nations. Removal of duty will create a level playing field with major exporters like Bangladesh and Vietnam boosting bilateral trade by an expected £25?billion per annum by 2040. Among those most poised to benefit is India's textile and garment industry, which is projected to double exports to the UK over the next five to six years, driven by an anticipated 11?per cent annual growth.' For emerging sectors like recycled polyester and circular textiles, this deal opens a new frontier. UK brands increasingly demand sustainable fabrics, and with zero-duty access, Indian recycled PET yarn can now compete globally, fuelling a shift towards eco-conscious fashion and strengthening India's position in the circular economy,' he added. Meanwhile, the latest trade data indicates that UK's apparel imports from India grew 10.35 per cent to reach $619.049 million during January-May 2025. India was the third largest sourcing nation after Bangladesh and China. Both nations have supplied around 23.03 per cent and 22.60 per cent garment (in value) in the UK's total garment imports of $8.033 billion in the same period. UK's apparel imports from India grew at a faster pace than the total garment imports, which grew 7.49 per cent from the shipment of $7.473 billion in the corresponding period of the last year, according to sourcing intelligence tool TexPro. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)
Fibre2Fashion
23-07-2025
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
India's jute mills hit by raw material shortage, price spike
India's jute industry is reeling under a shortage of high-grade raw jute following restrictions on imports from Bangladesh through land ports. This has resulted in a steep rise in raw material prices. However, the domestic industry has found some respite from the curtailment of Bangladeshi finished goods such as sacking cloth, bags, hessian, and twine. The industry has urged the government to exempt raw jute from such restrictions—especially via the Petrapole land border. Raghavendra Gupta, chairman of the Indian Jute Mills Association (IJMA), told Fibre2Fashion , 'The recent port restrictions imposed by India are a mixed development for our industry. While the restriction on the import of finished jute goods is a welcome move that will help curb unfair competition from heavily subsidised Bangladeshi exports, the restriction on raw jute imports—particularly through Petrapole—has caused serious concern. India depends on Bangladesh for nearly 6 lakh bales (approximately 1.08 lakh MT) of high-grade raw jute annually, essential for producing value-added export items. With the restriction on this raw material, raw jute prices have already risen and threaten to spike further, creating a supply bottleneck and disrupting production cycles across mills.' India's jute industry is grappling with a shortage of high-grade raw jute following import restrictions via Bangladesh land ports, particularly Petrapole. While curbs on finished jute goods help domestic producers, restrictions on raw jute have led to price spikes and supply disruptions. The Indian Jute Mills Association (IJMA) has urged the government to exempt raw jute imports. IJMA has appealed to the government to exempt raw jute from these restrictions—particularly via Petrapole and other feasible routes such as the riverine route to TT Shed, Khidirpore. 'We are engaging with the Ministries of Textiles, Commerce, and DGFT to resolve the matter urgently,' he added. He further suggested that the restrictions should be extended to include woven fabrics of jute—whether bleached or unbleached—twine, cordage, rope, cables of jute, and sacks and bags of jute used for packing goods. Meanwhile, mills are facing uncertainty. Some are attempting to realign procurement through alternate ports, but logistical and cost inefficiencies make this approach unsustainable. If the issue is not addressed swiftly, the supply shortage could lead to reduced capacity utilisation and even temporary closures. Regarding opportunities arising from the restrictions, IJMA said the curbs on finished jute product imports present a chance for the domestic industry to recapture lost market share in both domestic and international markets. Indian jute products, which had lost ground due to dumping and subsidies offered by Bangladesh, now have a more level playing field. However, this opportunity can only be fully realised if raw jute supply is stabilised. The restriction has led to sharp price spikes in raw jute in the domestic market. Mills are reporting volatility and rising procurement costs. If raw jute imports remain restricted, prices are likely to stay elevated, impacting the cost structure of finished jute products and jeopardising export competitiveness. Raw jute prices have been on an upward trajectory since early 2025, and the recent restrictions have further accelerated this trend. In some markets, prices have risen by ₹300–500 per quintal in just a few weeks. The industry anticipates further escalation if access to Bangladeshi raw jute is not restored. IJMA stressed that it is vital for the government to reconsider imports of raw jute (HS Code 5303) through Petrapole and riverine routes such as TT Shed, Khidirpore. The government should also expedite trade remedial measures, such as anti-subsidy investigations against WTO-inconsistent subsidies offered by Bangladesh on finished goods like bleached/coloured fabrics and bags, to prevent misdeclaration. According to sourcing intelligence tool TexPro, India imported 25.898 million kg of raw jute (HS Code 5303), valued at $21.594 million, during January–April 2025. Imports stood at 129.487 million kg ($88.619 million) during the full year 2024. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)
Fibre2Fashion
19-07-2025
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
Manoj Thakur Co-founder & CEO
Aguante stands apart as a brand built by runners, for runners Aguante is a purpose-driven activewear brand born from a runner's passion to bridge the gap in high-performance, runner-focused apparel. Committed to quality, functionality, and innovation, Aguante designs gear that empowers movement and supports an active lifestyle. With ethical values and sustainability at its core, the brand is led by passion—just like its community. In a conversation with Fibre2Fashion, Co-founder & CEO Manoj Thakur shares how his personal experiences shaped the brand's journey, Aguante's commitment to performance and community, the role of athlete feedback in product design, and how the brand is navigating India's growing activewear market through innovation, storytelling, and sustainability. What inspired you to start Aguante, and how did your own experiences influence the brand's inception? As a passionate long-distance runner, I often struggled to find running apparel that truly met my needs, either the quality was not right, the functionality was lacking, or the price was too steep. I noticed that while global brands dominated the market, their primary focus was on footwear, and their apparel offerings did not feel tailored to runners. With my background in retail and experience in the apparel industry, I saw a clear gap, a lack of high-quality, runner-specific gear designed with purpose. Post-COVID, the surge in fitness and running made the timing ideal. Aguante was born out of that need to create accessible, passion-driven running apparel, designed by a runner, for runners. How does Aguante differentiate itself from other performance wear brands in India and globally? Aguante stands apart as a brand built by runners, for runners, focused solely on purposeful, performance and passion-driven running gear. While global brands prioritise footwear and local ones often compromise on quality, we offer premium products tailored to Indian conditions at accessible prices. Our innovations come from real runners' needs, and our storytelling celebrates everyday athletes, not just elites. With a seamless digital experience and deep community engagement, Aguante is more than a brand; it is a movement powered by runners. Your collections emphasise 'athlete-engineered' design. Could you walk us through how athlete feedback influences product development at Aguante? At Aguante, 'athlete-engineered' is not just a tagline; it is the foundation of our product development process. Every collection starts with real insights from runners, their pain points, preferences, and feedback from the road, track, and trail. We regularly engage with athletes across levels, from everyday runners to elite marathoners, to understand what truly matters to them, whether it is the fit, breathability, storage, or durability. This feedback directly shapes our designs. For example, our race-ready T-shirts and Singlets came from runners asking for lightweight gear with better range of motion, while our half tights were developed to meet demands for long-distance comfort with ample pocket space. We also test prototypes with athletes during their actual training cycles, using their input to tweak everything from stitch placements to fabric feel. It is a continuous loop —listen, design, test, refine. That is how we ensure that every Aguante product is not just built for performance, but truly built for the runner. How is Aguante integrating fabric technology and innovation—such as moisture-wicking, anti-odour, or stretchability—into its product line? At Aguante, fabric technology is not an add-on; it is where our design process begins. The idea was born out of real challenges runners face: apparel that clings uncomfortably, holds onto sweat, or restricts movement over long distances. As runners ourselves, we knew how these small discomforts could turn into big barriers during a run. That is why we work with performance fabrics that are moisture-wicking, anti-odour, and offer optimal stretch, including four-way stretch in key pieces. These are not marketing claims—each fabric is selected with intent, tested extensively by runners in actual training conditions, and refined to suit Indian heat, humidity, and varied terrain. Whether it is ensuring freshness on a humid day or freedom of motion on a tempo run, the goal is to create gear that does not just perform in the lab; it performs where it matters the most: on the road, the trail, and the track. You cater to both professional and everyday athletes. How do you balance performance-grade quality with lifestyle comfort in your designs? We design with the belief that every runner, whether professional or recreational, deserves high-performance gear. Our approach blends technical functionality with everyday comfort. We use performance-grade fabrics with features like sweat-wicking, stretchability, and breathability, but balance them with soft-seam finishes, ergonomic fits, and versatile styles that transition from training to daily wear. The result is gear that performs on race day but feels just as good on a recovery jog or a coffee run, because comfort should never come at the cost of performance. How is Aguante building a community of athletes and fitness enthusiasts around its brand, and what role does storytelling play in your marketing strategy? We are not just building a brand; we are nurturing a movement of runners and fitness enthusiasts who share a passion for the sport. Our storytelling is deeply rooted in this passion. Through every campaign, social media post, and customer interaction, we celebrate real people, real journeys, and the everyday grit that defines the active lifestyle. This authentic, purpose-driven storytelling helps us foster a strong emotional connection with our community and reinforces our identity as a passion-driven activewear brand. What challenges did you face in setting up a high-performance apparel brand in a price-sensitive market like India, and how did you overcome them? Setting up a high-performance apparel brand in a price-sensitive market like India came with its challenges, especially when educating consumers on the value of technical gear. Our products are priced above mass-market brands, but below, and in some cases at par, with global giants. What sets us apart is our focus on the finer details that truly matter to athletes, from fabric innovation to race-specific design features. Functionality is our top priority, and every product is built with purpose and precision. This commitment to quality and performance has helped us earn the trust of serious runners and fitness enthusiasts, allowing us to rise above pure price sensitivity and build a loyal, value-driven customer base. How is Aguante tapping into the growing fitness and athleisure trend in India, and what strategies are in place to grow your market share? At Aguante, our current focus is firmly on the activewear segment, specifically running, yoga, and fitness, where we see a significant and growing demand in India. While the athleisure trend is on the rise, our strategy is rooted in serving the endurance-related needs of serious fitness enthusiasts and runners. We are building a brand that speaks to those who move with intent, not just style. Our growth strategy includes expanding our product range within these verticals, investing in high-quality gears with innovation, and strengthening our connection with the fitness and running community through storytelling, partnerships, and grassroots engagement. By staying true to our niche and delivering real value to active consumers, we aim to steadily grow our market share in India's evolving activewear landscape. Sustainability is increasingly important in apparel. Is Aguante taking any steps towards eco-friendly materials, ethical production, or conscious consumption? Sustainability is a key priority for Aguante as we grow. We are in the process of adopting recycled materials across our product range, with a clear goal: to completely transition to recycled fabrics by 2030. All our products are manufactured in our factory, which allows us to maintain strict control over quality and ensure ethical production practices. We uphold high labour standards, providing a safe, fair, and respectful working environment. As we move forward, our focus is not just on performance, but on creating gear that supports both the athlete and the planet. How can Indian performance wear brands compete with established global players in terms of innovation, quality, and branding? Indian performance wear brands can compete with global players by focusing on three key pillars—relevance, responsiveness, and relationships. While global giants come with scale and legacy, local brands like ours can outpace them by being more attuned to the unique needs of Indian consumers—from fabric choices to fit to climate adaptability. Innovation does not always mean big tech; it can be in listening deeply to your community and solving real problems. With a D2C model, we maintain a tight feedback loop and rapidly iterate. Branding that focuses on authenticity and community rather than celebrity helps create deeper connections, and that is where Indian brands have an edge. How is digital commerce, especially D2C (direct-to-consumer), transforming the way performance wear brands connect with and retain their customer base? D2C is reshaping performance wear by allowing brands to connect directly with customers, offer personalised experiences, and build loyalty through better value, storytelling, and seamless service, all while maintaining full control over the brand journey. What are some key consumer trends influencing design and functionality in sports and activewear today? Today's activewear is driven by demand for versatile, tech-enabled, and sustainable designs. Consumers want moisture-wicking, breathable fabrics, inclusive sizing, and styles that work beyond workouts. Personalisation, influencer impact, and eco-conscious choices are also key factors shaping buying decisions. What role do technical textiles and smart fabrics play in shaping the future of activewear? Technical textiles and smart fabrics are shaping the future of activewear by enhancing performance, comfort, and functionality. Features like moisture-wicking, stretch, and odour control are now standard, while emerging smart fabrics can track biometrics and support recovery. For brands like Aguante, these innovations allow us to create gear that not only performs but evolves with the needs of modern athletes. How do you see the performance wear market evolving in India, especially with the rise of athleisure and fitness-conscious consumers? India's performance wear and athleisure market is witnessing rapid growth, driven by rising health consciousness post-pandemic, a young and fashion-forward consumer base, and the expanding reach of e-commerce across urban and tier-2 and 3 cities. Consumers are increasingly seeking versatile, tech-enabled, and sustainable apparel that blends function with comfort and style. The market is projected to grow significantly over the next decade, with the sports apparel segment alone expected to triple by 2034. While global brands dominate the premium segment, domestic players are gaining ground by offering locally relevant, price-sensitive innovations. Overall, brands that prioritise innovation, inclusivity, and community engagement are best positioned to lead in this dynamic and evolving space. Are there any plans to expand Aguante's presence internationally or diversify into other categories such as footwear or accessories? At this stage, we have no immediate plans to expand internationally or diversify into categories like footwear. Our focus remains clear: to deepen our presence in the Indian market and strengthen our core categories of running and fitness apparel. DISCLAIMER: All views and opinions expressed in this column are solely of the interviewee, and they do not reflect in any way the opinion of
