Latest from Fibre2Fashion
Fibre2Fashion
20 minutes ago
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
Germany's About You starts FY25â26 strong with $637.3 mn Q1 revenue
German fashion e-commerce company About You Group has reported a 6 per cent year-on-year (YoY) increase in revenue to €549.4 million (~$637.3 million) in the first quarter (Q1) of fiscal 2025–2026 (FY25–26), supported by strong customer acquisition and a solid start to the Spring/Summer 2025 season. The active customers rose for the group by 8.4 per cent YoY to 13.3 million, and gross profit climbed by 3.6 per cent to €232 million. However, the gross margin declined by 100 basis points to 42.2 per cent due to promotional activity and one-off effects. The profitability improved significantly, with EBITDA growing by 79.1 per cent to €16.3 million, and the EBITDA margin rising to 3 per cent from 1.8 per cent. Adjusted EBITDA increased by 53.9 per cent to €23.2 million, with the margin improving to 4.2 per cent from 2.9 per cent, reflecting enhanced operational efficiency and strict cost control. German fashion e-commerce firm About You has reported a 6 per cent YoY revenue rise to €549.4 million (~$637.3 million) in Q1 FY25â€'26, driven by strong customer growth and a solid season start. EBITDA surged 79.1 per cent, while adjusted EBITDA rose 53.9 per cent. Scayle expanded internationally, and Zalando's acquisition progressed post-EU approval, with a squeeze-out of minority shareholders planned. The capital expenditure (capex) declined by 48.4 per cent to €7.2 million, indicating lower investment outflows. Free cash flow stood at €26.1 million, down 43.2 per cent YoY due to working capital timing effects. Cash and cash equivalents were €160.8 million at the end of the quarter, down from €194.8 million the previous year. Net working capital improved significantly to -€123.3 million from -€63.0 million, driven by inventory optimisation and working capital measures. Both the consumer-facing About You platform and its B2B segment, Scayle, contributed to growth. Scayle continued to invest in international expansion and now serves over 300 brands through its commerce technology and SCAYLE Payments, which recently received BaFin licensing and is expanding across Europe, added the release. Based on Q1 performance and a strong start to Q2, the management board reaffirmed its guidance for FY25–26, expecting moderate revenue growth and strong growth in adjusted EBITDA. Meanwhile, About You's acquisition by Zalando SE is progressing. With European Commission clearance secured, the takeover offer was settled on July 11, 2025, and Zalando plans to initiate a squeeze-out of the remaining minority shareholders. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)
Fibre2Fashion
4 hours ago
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
China, Australia sign MoU to strengthen Free Trade Agreement
China and Australia have signed an MoU to enhance the implementation and review of their Free Trade Agreement (FTA), aiming to strengthen bilateral economic ties, as per the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOC). The agreement took place in the presence of Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. First enacted in 2015, the FTA is approaching its 10th anniversary and has been instrumental in expanding trade and investment between the two nations. Over the past decade, the agreement has provided tangible economic benefits and fostered deeper bilateral cooperation. China and Australia have signed an MoU to enhance the implementation and review of their Free Trade Agreement (FTA), nearing its 10th anniversary. The agreement aimed to deepen bilateral economic ties and conduct a joint review to explore areas for improvement. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to adapt the FTA to evolving global dynamics and promote trade for long-term cooperation. The newly signed MoU paved the way for a comprehensive joint review aimed at identifying potential improvements or areas for expansion, as reported by Chinese media. Both the countries have committed to continued collaboration to ensure the agreement remains effective and responsive to evolving global and regional economic dynamics. The review process will also seek to promote greater trade and investment liberalisation, offering stronger institutional support for the long-term development of China-Australia economic relations, added the media report. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)
Fibre2Fashion
4 hours ago
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
UK clothing-footwear CPI up 0.5% YoY in Jun 2025: ONS
Pic: Sorbis / The UK consumer prices index (CPI) rose by 3.6 per cent year on year (YoY) in June this year—up from 3.4 per cent YoY in May. It rose by 0.3 per cent month on month (MoM) in the month compared with a rise of 0.1 per cent MoM in June 2024, according to the Office of National Statistics (ONS). The rate was above the first (or flash) estimate of inflation for France (0.8 per cent) and Germany (2 per cent) in June 2025. The UK CPI rose by 3.6 per cent YoY in June this yearâ€'up from 3.4 per cent YoY in May. It rose by 0.3 per cent month on month (MoM) in the month compared with a rise of 0.1 per cent MoM in June 2024. The CPI for clothing and footwear increased by 0.5 per cent YoY and decreased by 0.4 per cent MoM in June. Core CPI rose by 3.7 per cent YoY in Juneâ€'up from a 3.5-per cent YoY rise in May. The CPI for clothing and footwear increased by 0.5 per cent YoY and decreased by 0.4 per cent MoM in June this year. Transport, particularly motor fuels, made the largest upward contribution to the monthly change in the UK CPI annual rate, an ONS release said. Core CPI (excluding energy, food, alcohol, and tobacco) rose by 3.7 per cent YoY in June 2025—up from a 3.5-per cent YoY increase in May. The CPI goods annual rate rose from 2 per cent YoY in May this year to 2.4 per cent in June. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
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Fibre2Fashion
4 hours ago
- General
- Fibre2Fashion
A Lifecycle Approach to Reducing the Environmental Footprint of Bras
Brassieres (or bras, for short) may appear simple at first glance, but their environmental impact poses a convoluted riddle. Constructed from a wide range of materials, both natural and synthetic, commonly including cotton, polyester, elastane, hardware, dyes, and underwires, bras are labour-intensive to produce, and notoriously difficult to recycle. Conventional cotton alone demands approximately 10,000 litres 1 of water per kilogram of fibre, while polyester production for clothing consumes around 342 million barrels 2 of oil annually. Shockingly, around 35 per cent 3 of ocean microplastics are derived from synthetic textiles. Elastane and polyamide components can linger in landfills for a few centuries 4 , and less than 1 5 per cent of clothing is recycled into new garments. This situation is further worsened by fast-fashion trends that encourage consumers to replace their bras frequently, sometimes every six months, driving up emissions, chemical usage, and landfill contributions through repeated production and disposal cycles. Extending Usage Life The short lifespan of bras is largely due to structural and behavioural factors. Low costs, fleeting fashion trends, and marketing that treats bras as semi-disposable items—all contribute to high turnover rates. However, by educating consumers on proper care, such as gentle washing in cold water, using protective laundry pouches, and avoiding excessive detergent, brands can help prolong fabric life and elasticity. Ensuring a correct fit also reduces premature stretching and damage which often compound in a vicious cycle where poor fit leads to more strain and wear thus further worsening the fit and so on. Retailers can further extend product life by providing guidance on bra rotation and selling replacement parts like hooks and straps. These seemingly minor changes can significantly reduce how often bras need to be replaced, thereby minimising the cumulative environmental footprint of repeated production and disposal. Encouraging Repair Most bras are discarded due to the failure of a single component, like a hook or underwire, yet repair remains an underutilised option. Brands could change this by offering affordable spare parts and repair kits, typically costing less than five dollars. Providing clear repair tutorials, whether in video or written form, empowers consumers to fix their bras themselves. Some companies might even consider offering low-cost repair services or partnering with local tailors. Repairing rather than discarding bras not only diverts waste from landfills but also conserves the energy and resources embedded in manufacturing new garments. Eco-Friendly Materials Reducing environmental harm starts with better material choices. For fabrics, organic cotton, lyocell, bamboo, hemp, silk, and recycled cotton offer alternatives that demand significantly less water and avoid harmful pesticides. Lyocell, for instance, has a much lower water consumption6 compared to traditional cotton and is processed in a closed-loop solvent system. When it comes to elastic materials, natural latex derived from rubber trees is biodegradable within five years, compared to the centuries-long persistence of elastane and synthetic rubbers. Recycled synthetics like Econyl—a regenerated nylon made entirely from existing polluting discards, and Ambercycle's recycled polyester require a fraction7 of the energy needed to manufacture their virgin counterparts. Sourcing fabrics like polyester from non-fabric sources abundant in urban waste-streams such as PET bottles can help reduce dependence on newly extracted materials. For hardware, switching from metal to bio-resin or wood and exploring biodegradable sugarcane-based foam for moulded cups represent promising innovations. Using plant-based or low-impact dyes and water-based coatings can further minimise water pollution. Each substitution plays a role in lowering the environmental impact, both upstream—during resource extraction and manufacturing, and downstream—through decomposition and potential leaching. Simplifying the Hybrid The average bra contains more than 30 components, which makes disassembly, repair, and recycling significantly more difficult. Reducing this complexity is essential. Designers can work to have non-essential elements such as underwires, charms, and multi-material padding either altogether eliminated or functionally substituted through deft structural manipulation of portions of the base fabric itself. Modular construction would also prove instrumental to facilitate disassembly. Uniformity in materials ensured through codified standards simplifies sorting and recycling processes, reduces production complexity, and minimises the obstacles to sustainable disposal. Enhancing Recyclability A sustainable material means little if it cannot be recycled. Brands must implement comprehensive collection systems, such as mail-back options or in-store drop-offs. A notable example is Philippine Wacoal whose bra recycling campaign8 transforms thousands of bras into 'Fluff Fuel', a coal substitute for cement kilns. Harper Wilde has also partnered with recyclers to strip hardware and shred fabric for insulation, with the potential for future chemical recycling. Mechanical recycling methods, including shredding and blending fibres for use in carpet underlays or nonwoven mats, are already in use. Emerging chemical recycling, technologies aim to break down polymers into virgin-quality materials. For this to succeed, bras must be designed with recyclability in mind, using mono-materials, avoiding flame retardants, and enabling easy disassembly. Consumer incentives, such as vouchers or discounts for returning used bras, can greatly increase participation in these programmes. Sustainable Production Material choice and recyclability must be accompanied by responsible production methods. Local manufacturing can reduce shipping emissions and enhance supply chain transparency. Dyeing methods should employ closed-loop systems or water-based inks to reduce environmental impact. Brands like Naja and Organic Basics are pioneering low-waste pattern designs that minimise material scraps. Additionally, carbon-neutral logistics, including optimised shipping routes and low-carbon transport, can substantially cut greenhouse gas emissions associated with distribution. Microfiber and Microplastic Mitigation Synthetic fabrics shed microfibers during washing, which enter and persist in aquatic ecosystems. Reducing the use of blended synthetics and switching to mono-synthetic or natural materials can help, although it may not fully resolve the issue. Brands can play a role by educating consumers about using microfiber-catching laundry bags or filters. Advocating for legislative action that mandates microfiber filters in washing machines will further mitigate this widespread environmental hazard. Packaging and Delivery Plastic-heavy packaging is an easily avoidable source of waste. Brands should opt for compostable or recyclable alternatives, such as paper or biodegradable plastics. Reducing the overall amount of packaging, eliminating stuffing or excessive wrapping, adds further benefit. Environmentally conscious delivery options, including carbon offsets or carbon-free shipping, should be offered to minimise the impact of last-mile logistics. Circular Business Models Closing the product lifecycle loop requires circular business models. Companies can introduce rental or subscription options, particularly for niche needs like maternity bras. Modular component replacement systems encourage waste reduction. Cutting-edge developments such as bio-elastane, as explored by brands like Parade, signal a shift towards truly circular bras. These models support a more sustainable economy by promoting shared ownership, and lifecycle extension. Policy and Standards While industry efforts are vital, systemic change also requires supportive policy frameworks. Governments can enforce extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes for textiles, require transparent labelling on recyclability and lifecycle impact, and mandate the inclusion of microfibre filters in washing machines. Supporting research into chemical recycling and sustainable materials will further advance the cause. These policies help shift responsibility from individual consumers to the broader systems that shape production and disposal. Tying Up the Loose Ends Addressing the environmental impact of bras demands action across the entire lifecycle, from sourcing and design to usage, disposal, and policy. At the design stage, choosing eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, Tencel, recycled synthetics, and natural rubber, along with simplified construction, helps reduce resource use and waste. Sustainable manufacturing practices, such as low-waste patterns and carbon-neutral logistics, are essential. During the usage phase, promoting care, repair, and proper fit extends product life. For end-of-life considerations, take-back systems, disassembly-ready designs, and emerging recycling methods are crucial. Business models must evolve towards modularity, and governments must implement policies that support these changes. As 3D printing becomes increasingly accessible and economical, it would lead to a disruption in potential for customisation to an individual consumer, thus boosting bra lifespans since poor fit is a major direct and indirect driver for premature bra replacement. Secondly, 3D printing would also revolutionise innovation in fabric structural design through standardisation, automation, and streamlining, curtailing the variety of chemically distinct materials needed for manufacture of a single product, enabling manufacturers to make bras less of a monstrous hybrid and thus ameliorate their environmental impact upon disposal.
Fibre2Fashion
7 hours ago
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
Euro area goods trade surplus $18.7 bn in May; EU's $15.18 bn
The euro area saw a €16.2-billion (~$18.77 billion) surplus in trade in goods in May 2025, compared with a €12.7-billion surplus in the same month last year, official data show. The €3.5-billion increase was mainly due to a decrease in the energy products deficit—from minus €25.5 billion in May 2024 to minus €21.4 billion in May 2025. The chemicals products also registered an increase in surplus—from €19.5 billion to €24.3 billion. Euro area saw a €16.2-billion (~$18.77 billion) surplus in trade in goods in May, with exports worth €242.6 billionâ€'a YoY rise of 0.9 per cent, and imports worth €226.5 billionâ€'down by 0.6 per cent YoY. EU balance showed a €13.1-billion (~$15.18 billion) surplus in trade in goods in May, with exports worth €216.9 billionâ€'up by 0.1 per cent YoY, and imports worth €203.8 billionâ€'down by 2 per cent YoY. The eurozone's exports of goods in May this year were worth €242.6 billion—an increase of 0.9 per cent year on year (YoY), while goods imports stood at €226.5 billion—down by 0.6 per cent YoY, a release from Eurostat said. In May this year, the euro area balance increased compared to the preceding month, with the total surplus rising from €11.1 billion to €16.2 billion. This improvement was largely driven partly by a rebound in the chemicals and related products, whose surplus grew from €22 billion to €24.3 billion. Between January and May this year, the area recorded a surplus of €86.5 billion compared with a €81.4-billion surplus in the corresponding period last year. The area's exports of goods rose to €1,248.2 billion during the first five months this year—an increase of 4.6 per cent YoY, and goods imports rose to €1,161.7 billion—a YoY increase of 4.5 per cent. Intra-euro area trade rose to €1,099.6 billion during the five months—up by 1 per cent YoY. The European Union (EU) balance showed a €13.1-billion (~$15.18 billion) surplus in trade in goods in May this year, compared with a €8.9-billion surplus in the same month last year. The EU's exports of goods in May 2025 were worth €216.9 billion—up by 0.1 per cent YoY. Its goods imports stood at €203.8 billion—down by 2 per cent YoY. In May 2025, the EU trade balance increased compared to the preceding month, with the total surplus rising from €8.5 billion to €13.1 billion. This improvement was mainly driven by an increase of the surplus in the chemicals and related products—from €20.2 billion to €23.2 billion, and a slight reduction in the energy products deficit—from minus €27.4 billion to minus €24.8 billion. Compared to May 2024, when the total surplus stood at €8.9 billion, the EU balance in May this year improved by €4.2 billion. This YoY increase was largely driven by a smaller energy deficit (minus €30 billion in May 2024 versus minus €24.8 billion in May 2025) and by an increase of surplus in the chemicals products (from €18 billion to €23.2 billion). Between January and May this year, the EU recorded a trade surplus of €72 billion compared with €72.6 billion in the same period last year. The extra-EU exports of goods rose to €1,126.7 billion during the period—an increase of 5.2 per cent YoY, and imports rose to €1,054.7 billion—an increase of 5.6 per cent YoY. Intra-EU trade rose to €1,725.8 billion in January-May 2025—a 1.2-per cent rise YoY. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
