Choice Comes at a Cost

“Every problem is a gift — without problems we would not grow.”

– Tony Robbins, motivational speaker and writer

The more I learn about the textile industry, the more I am impressed with the collective genius that invents new and interesting options on an ongoing basis – ones I never knew I needed but when I see it and feel it, I must have it. We all make personal textile choices every day, from the interior of a new car that “gets” us, to the jeans we pick out at our favorite stores that make us feel good about wearing them – to furniture, sheets, and more. Textiles offer us a way to express ourselves, as well as bring a level of comfort and convenience to our lives. Economies that can afford it thrive on choice. We want textiles that meet our needs, that are easy to care for, that feel like quality, and that suit our taste.

With technology, it has become easier to push out textile choices at a faster and faster rate. It used to be that fashion collections were offered in the spring/summer and fall/winter. Now, more niche fashion brands change it up five times a year. An article on fast-fashion retailer Zara states that the brand “frequently and quickly updates collections with around 300,000 new different SKUs produced on average every year.”

According to other reports, “The global home textile market size was accounted for USD 124.9 billion in 2022, and it is expected to hit around USD 225.37 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.08% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2032.” Also, North America is expected to hold the largest market share due to the high disposable income and the increasing trend of home renovation and interior design in the region. North America is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.5% from 2023 to 2031.

Wow. Are we getting addicted to choice?

Do I need 300,000 new SKUs to find the right style for me? Do I need to refresh the decor of my home that often? What are the impacts of all these textile choices I make? Unfortunately, the average person doesn’t ask that of themselves – probably ever. They just act as consumers do, supporting the trends they enjoy through choice.

Well, I think we all know the impacts choice brings. And I won’t rehash them here. What I do want to mention is what I saw unfolding at ITMA 2023 in Milan. If we are to continue in these ways, we must consider the end of life of everything produced. Bit by bit, recycling, sustainability, circularity and specialized textile production were part of conversations, panels and vendor offerings at the show. It was exciting to see the tide begin to turn ... albeit very, very slowly.

Experts, manufacturers, retailers and producers discussed solutions to complex issues. There seemed to be, at the very least, the beginnings of more sustainable textile production methods. Equipment innovation was on display, and what caught my eye is included in this issue. Choices in recycling equipment and coloration of fabrics were significant. And you can read about some of them on page 18. In future issues, I will share more from ITMA Milan.

What I personally walked away with from ITMA Milan was hope. I believe the industry is onto something, and I am excited to be a part of this era of change.

Choice comes at a cost on every level, from the gluttony of consumer choice to implementing industry solutions to adapt to circularity and sustainability, even when the consumer isn’t clamoring for it. Systems, equipment, and mind sets must change.

As we begin to implement new strategies, I believe more will come from it – especially a better environment for our big, small world.

Caryn Smith Chief Content Officer & Publisher, INDA Media, IFJ

Joan Oakley

CHINA Zhang Xiaohua

EUROPE & INDIA Sabine Dussey

ITALY Ferruccio & Filippo Silvera

UNITED STATES Frank Strazzulla

ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Vickie Smead vsmead@inda.org

+1 919 459 3700 x 3720

AUDIENCE | CIRCULATION

CIRCULATION MANAGER inda@stamats.com

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International Fiber Journal is published by INDA Media, the b2b publishing arm of INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry. +1.919.459.3700 info@inda.media | www.inda.media

INTERNATIONAL FIBER JOURNAL (ISSN: 1049801x) is published bi-monthly by INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry. Subscription price is $125 per year for non-U.S. subscribers. Periodicals postage paid at Charlotte, NC, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to International Fiber Journal PO Box 158 Cedar Rapids IA 52406-0158 USA.

MISSION

International Fiber Journal covers fiber-related trends and material science developments and how they impact the supply chain from raw material to end use. IFJ provides thoughtful insights and perspectives to global producers, users and business leaders who need to know about what’s next in fibers, filaments and processing solutions.