Archroma introduces breakthrough in Bio-based Textile Printing
Archroma offers beyond compliant portfolio in effort to help textile industry stay ahead of evolving regulations
Archroma joins BioCircular Materials Alliance
Archroma wins Social Excellence Award at the 2024 Just Style Excellence Awards .59
Archroma Internships in Pakistan
Grand Happenings at Archroma
Accolades and Accreditations
Archroma Pakistan Conferred with Gold Award - Sustainability Partner Categoryby Interloop
Switzerland and Pakistan continue to share healthy bilateral trade relations
Switzerland is known worldwide for its precision watches, cheeses, chocolates and financial services. However, Swiss competence is not limited to these well-known sectors. Equally strong are the Swiss companies in the textile technology, testing equipment, chemicals and service sectors. What differentiates Swiss companies from others is their tradition and passion for innovation, precision engineering as well as their focus on high productivity and respect for the environment.
Switzerland ranks fifth in terms of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Pakistan and a reliable trading partner. According to a recent export report from Switzerland, Pakistan ranked as the 11th largest exporter of the textile machinery from the Switzerland and contributed 2.6% to the entire global export share of textile machinery from Switzerland.
The Swiss multinational companies that operate in Pakistan, do not just market their world class products and services, but also create employment opportunities in the country. Major Swiss companies that have invested in Pakistan include ABB, Archroma, Clariant, Sika, Gate Gourmet, Nestléand Novartis.
Swiss companies have been close partners of Pakistan’s textile companies for more than six decades. Companies such as Uster, SSM, Loepfe and Rieter have helped our spinning industry to reach the highest quality standards. In the weaving sector, Staubli is the world leader in Jacquard technology and Jakob Mueller is the undisputed leader in the narrow fabric technology. Saurer is the leader in the embroidery sector.
In the world of textile chemicals, Archroma is another great example of the commitment of Swiss companies to Pakistan. Archroma’s chemical manufacturing plant at Jamshoro, Sindh is the world’s first zero discharge plant by a chemical company. With a firm commitment to the environment, Archroma has developed the world’s first Aniline free indigo, an achievement possible with the efforts of the dedicated team of Archroma.
Switzerland is one of the most competitive economies in the world. They have always strengthened their trade relations with Pakistan. The Swiss companies intend to increase their investments in Pakistan, while the current Government of Pakistan is continuously improving its imports policy to allow liberal imports of textile machinery, industrial raw materials, capital goods, and essential consumer goods. Over the centuries, the sheer innovative spirit of the Swiss has been demonstrated many times through inventions spanning various fields of human experience. Their impact on the global textile industry has been among the most notable, with continuous and significant developments.
Our current issue of March 2025, as in the past is devoted to Switzerland and in this special edition, our readers will find reports and news about Swiss companies and their innovative technological solutions for Pakistan’s textile industry as well as a comprehensive analysis of Swiss Pakistan trade relations.
1
Pakistan’s textile sector remained a bright spot in January 2025, with exports reaching $1.69 billion, reflecting a 16% yearon-year (YoY) increase and a 14% month-on-month (MoM) rise. This marks the highest monthly textile export figure since June 2022, highlighting the sector’s resilience and strong global demand.
2
A delegation from Pakistan’s National Tariff Commission (NTC), led by Chairman Naeem Anwer, recently met with the Pakistan Yarn Merchants Association (PYMA) to address pressing concerns within the textile sector. The delegation, which included NTC Member Iqbal
Tabish and Deputy Director Mazhar Ghafoor, engaged in an in-depth dialogue with PYMA representatives to discuss industry challenges and policy adjustments.
3
The Embassy of Sweden and Business Sweden, in collaboration with leading Swedish brands IKEA, H&M, and Atlas Copco, successfully convened a high-level Policy Dialogue on Green Energy and Energy Efficiency in Pakistan’s Textile Sector. The event served as a platform for key government officials, industry leaders, and sustainability experts to explore strategies for transitioning the textile industry towards cleaner, more competitive energy solutions.
Textile Briefs International
1Bangladesh’s readymade garment (RMG) sector recorded a 12% growth in exports between July 2024 and January 2025, reaching USD 23.55 billion. While this upward trend signals resilience in the industry, a closer comparison with the same period in 2022-2023 reveals a modest growth of just 1.38%.
2
Brazil’s cotton exports surged to an all-time high in January, totalling 415.6 thousand tons. This sharp increase was driven by multiple factors, including surplus stocks from the 2023-24 season, strategic early sales, and favourable exchange rates that bolstered international trade. The total export value surpassed BRL 4.2 billion (approximately USD $860 million), marking a significant
4
Pakistan’s government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the towel industry, a key export sector, by addressing industry challenges and ensuring a stable business environment. Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Muhammad Aurangzeb, chaired a highlevel meeting of the committee formed by the Prime Minister to discuss sectorspecific concerns and strategies for growth.
5
The All-Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) has urged the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to take immediate action to safeguard the textile industry by reinstating a level playing field for local inputs
and ensuring timely and complete tax refunds.
6
In a major development, Pakistan’s textile industry, particularly those operating captive power plants (CPPs), has urged the government to issue gas disconnection notices instead of imposing a levy on the newly revised gas tariff of Rs3,500 per MMBtu.
7
Dr. Ayyaz Uddin, Chairman of the Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) North Zone, has called for urgent reforms to enhance Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards across Pakistan’s industrial sector.
milestone for the country’s cotton industry despite declining global cotton prices.
3
France has taken a decisive step toward banning per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as "forever chemicals," with new legislation targeting their use in various consumer goods. The bill, recently approved by the National Assembly after gaining Senate approval last year, aims to phase out these harmful substances in products where safer alternatives exist.
4
The cotton yarn market in North India is grappling with sluggish demand and a worsening liquidity crisis, exacerbated by new payment regulations affecting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSEs).
Market activity has become increasingly selective, with buyers exercising caution amid financial uncertainty.
5
The federal government has inaugurated the Sector Skills Council for fashion, leatherwork, and accessories as part of its sectoral approach to national development. The initiative aims to revitalize the textile industry and strengthen local production to reduce dependence on imported goods.
6
Turkiye’s home textile exports to Europe have experienced a notable decline in 2024, dropping to $2 billion, a 2.5% decrease compared to the previous year. This marks the second consecutive year of shrinking exports to Europe, a traditionally strong market for Turkish home textiles.
7
The UK’s clothing imports fell by 7% in 2024, totalling $18.3 billion, following a year of economic uncertainty and disruptions in global trade. The decline reflects broader trends in the textile industry, including weaker consumer demand, cost pressures, and shifting trade policies.
8
In 2024, textile and apparel imports into the United States increased by 2.6%, reaching a total value of $107 billion. This growth was primarily driven by rising imports from Cambodia and Vietnam, with apparel imports increasing by 1.8% and non-apparel categories growing by 3.1%. China and Vietnam remained the dominant suppliers, continuing their strong presence in the US market.
Pakistan’s textile sector remained a bright spot in January 2025, with exports reaching US$1.69 billion, reflecting a 16% year-on-year (YoY) increase and a 14% month-on-month (MoM) rise. This marks the highest monthly textile export figure since June 2022, highlighting the sector’s resilience and strong global demand.
For the first seven months of the fiscal year 2024-25 (7MFY25), Pakistan’s total textile exports stood at US$11.87 billion, registering a 12% YoY increase. The sector’s consistent performance underscores its pivotal role in the country’s economic framework.
Despite the strong export numbers, the textile industry faces rising production costs, supply chain disruptions, and policy-related uncertainties. The withdrawal of zero-rating on local inputs and delays in tax refunds have increased financial pressures on manufacturers, affecting overall competitiveness.
Textile machinery imports surged 101% YoY in January 2025, reflecting a renewed push for modernization and capacity expansion within the industry. This investment indicates optimism about long-term growth, despite short-term challenges.
Meanwhile, textile raw material imports rose 13% YoY to US$422 million but declined 9% MoM, suggesting fluctuating domestic demand. The sector continues to rely on imported raw materials, further emphasizing the need for a supportive policy framework to enhance local sourcing and cost efficiency.
NTC and PYMA Collaborate to Tackle Textile Industry Challenges
Anwar; Chairman; National Tariff Commission
A delegation from Pakistan’s National Tariff Commission (NTC), led by Chairman Naeem Anwer, recently met with the Pakistan Yarn Merchants Association (PYMA) to address pressing concerns within the textile sector. The delegation, which included NTC Member Iqbal Tabish and Deputy Director Mazhar Ghafoor, engaged in an in-depth dialogue with PYMA representatives to discuss industry challenges and policy adjustments.
The PYMA delegation was led by Altaf Haroon, Vice Chairman for Sindh & Baluchistan Region, alongside senior members, including Former Central Chairman and NTC Committee Chairman Khursheed Ahmed Shaikh. Other past officeholders also contributed to the discussions, reflecting the industry’s collective interest in resolving traderelated issues.
A major focus of the meeting was the impact of anti-dumping duties, which have placed significant strain on the textile sector—one of Pakistan’s key economic drivers. The NTC delegation presented findings from a comprehensive study, Industrial Competitiveness and Export Growth of the Textile Sector Including MMF, offering insights into strategies for strengthening Pakistan’s textile exports in global markets.
Recognizing the need for accurate industry data to support policy formulation, the NTC called upon PYMA to share essential market insights. PYMA officials assured their full cooperation in providing timely data, reinforcing the commitment to a collaborative approach in addressing trade concerns.
Swedish Brands Host Policy Dialogue on Green Energy in Pakistan’s Textile Sector
The Embassy of Sweden and Business Sweden, in collaboration with leading
Naeem
Swedish brands IKEA, H&M, and Atlas Copco, successfully convened a highlevel Policy Dialogue on Green Energy and Energy Efficiency in Pakistan’s Textile Sector. The event served as a platform for key government officials, industry leaders, and sustainability experts to explore strategies for transitioning the textile industry towards cleaner, more competitive energy solutions.
Discussions centered on integrating renewable energy into textile operations, addressing policy and regulatory hurdles, and fostering sustainable business models to enhance the sector’s global standing. Given the textile industry’s crucial role in Pakistan’s economy, stakeholders emphasized the urgency of adopting energy-efficient practices to ensure longterm sustainability.
Federal Minister for Power Division, Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, was the Chief Guest at the event, while Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, and Jawad Paul, Secretary of Commerce, attended as Guests of Honour.
to discuss sector-specific concerns and strategies for growth.
In his keynote address, Minister Leghari reaffirmed the government’s dedication to renewable energy adoption in the textile sector. He underscored the necessity of clean energy for economic resilience, stating, “Pakistan’s textile industry is the backbone of our economy, and ensuring its sustainability is critical for long-term growth. We recognize that renewable energy is no longer an option but a necessity.”
Government Pledges Support for Towel Industry to Boost Exports
Pakistan’s government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the towel industry, a key export sector, by addressing industry challenges and ensuring a stable business environment. Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Muhammad Aurangzeb, chaired a high-level meeting of the committee formed by the Prime Minister
growth and global competitiveness.
During the meeting, representatives of the Towel Manufacturers Association (TMA) presented an indepth analysis of the sector’s contributions and hurdles. Pakistan ranks as the thirdlargest towel exporter globally, trailing only China and India, and remains the country’s only 100% export-based textile segment.
The towel manufacturing industry plays a vital role in Pakistan’s economy, with 200 companies operating under the Textile Manufacturers Association (TMA) umbrella. The sector contributes $1.77 billion to the national economy, with exports reaching 125 countries worldwide. The USA and Europe serve as the primary markets, accounting for 33.44% and 30.15% of exports, respectively. Additionally, the industry provides employment to 2.8 million workers, underscoring its significance in job creation. Amidst these contributions, industry leaders continue to advocate for policy stability and competitive taxation to ensure sustained
Industry leaders emphasized the necessity of clear tax policies, long-term stability, and a competitive regulatory framework to sustain growth and enhance global competitiveness. Transparent tax guidelines and policy consistency were cited as essential to maintaining Pakistan’s strong export position.
Minister Aurangzeb reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly tax regime and enhancing the sector’s ability to compete internationally. “The government is fully committed to ensuring the sustained growth of exports in the economy. We recognize the private sector as a key partner in this endeavour, and our policies will continue to reflect this collaborative approach,” he stated.
The meeting concluded with a renewed public-private commitment to supporting the towel industry’s expansion and ensuring Pakistan remains a key player in the global textile market.
APTMA Calls for FBR Intervention to Stabilize Textile Sector
The All-Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) has urged the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to take immediate action to safeguard the textile industry by reinstating a level playing field for local inputs and ensuring timely and complete tax refunds.
Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Laghari; Federal Minister for Energy
Muhammad Aurangzeb; Federal Finance Minister
Ather; ChairmanTMA
In a letter addressed to FBR
Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial, APTMA Secretary General Shahid Sattar highlighted the findings of an independent study conducted by Dr. Nadeemul Haque, Chairman of the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE). The study assesses the impact of withdrawing the zero-rating and sales tax exemption on local supplies for export manufacturing under the Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS) and underscores the urgency of policy intervention.
The study reveals that the removal of tax exemptions has significantly disrupted the formal textile sector, favouring the informal sector that operates outside the tax net. This shift has led to widespread factory closures, job losses, and a decline in competitiveness, with ripple effects extending to agriculture and services. The estimated economic losses from increased costs of local inputs could amount to over PKR 1.7 trillion, roughly 2% of Pakistan’s GDP.
To counter these negative effects, the study recommends restoring the EFS to its pre-Finance Act 2024 status by reinstating the zero-rating and sales tax exemption on local supplies. This measure, regarded as the most effective, would require no significant adjustments and allow business continuity.
Alternatively, the study suggests imposing a uniform Goods and Services Tax (GST) on both local and imported inputs used in export manufacturing. However, this approach necessitates an overhaul of the refund system to eliminate delays and ensure full reimbursements, addressing a longstanding issue for exporters.
The imposition of an 18% GST on local inputs, coupled with refund delays, has created a significant disadvantage for domestic producers. This policy has undermined local cotton growers and spinning mills while benefiting imports
that remain tax-free. The resulting disruptions threaten the textile sector’s stability and Pakistan’s broader economic framework.
High-value-added producers remain largely unaffected, as they continue to source tax-free imports. However, upstream producers face increased competition from untaxed imported goods, leading to adverse effects on the trade balance and export performance.
APTMA has called on FBR to carefully evaluate the study’s findings and take swift action to prevent further damage to the textile sector. “The survival of Pakistan’s textile industry and the livelihoods of millions depend on urgent policy intervention,” Sattar emphasized. Restoring fair competition for local inputs, ensuring timely refunds, and implementing necessary reforms are critical to sustaining the sector and strengthening the national economy.
Textile Industry Rejects Gas
Tariff Levy, Seeks Deregulation
In a major development, Pakistan’s textile industry, particularly those operating captive power plants (CPPs), has urged the government to issue gas disconnection notices instead of imposing a levy on the newly revised gas tariff of Rs3,500 per MMBtu.
Textile industrialists from across the country, including major hubs in the north and south, have stated that the burden of additional levies on gas is unsustainable. They have demanded the deregulation of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector, allowing industries to import LNG independently for their
captive power needs. Additionally, they called for gas procurement under the amended Exploration & Production (E&P) Policy 2012, which allows private-sector entities to acquire 35% of locally produced gas from exploration companies.
The matter was raised during a meeting with Petroleum Minister Dr. Musadik Malik and senior officials, attended by prominent business leaders both in person and virtually.
Former All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) Chairman Asif Inam confirmed that industry leaders outrightly rejected the proposed gas levy during discussions with government officials. He stressed the need for deregulating the LNG sector and removing barriers preventing industries from securing gas supplies through third-party agreements under the E&P policy.
Inam further criticized the government for failing to provide uninterrupted and stable grid electricity while simultaneously increasing the gas tariff to Rs3,500 per MMBtu. “The government has already aligned the natural gas price with RLNG rates, and if it insists on imposing an additional levy, it would be preferable to disconnect CPPs from the gas supply entirely,” he asserted.
Industry sources revealed that the proposed levy could raise gas costs by Rs800 to Rs2,500 per MMBtu, depending on plant efficiency. “This additional cost is unfeasible for the sector,” a senior industry official told The News.
Textile manufacturers also highlighted the disparity in electricity pricing, noting that Pakistan’s grid electricity costs
Rashid Mahmood Langrial; Chairman FBR
Shahid Sattar; Secretary General APTMA
between 13–16 cents/kWh, whereas competing countries such as China, India, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Uzbekistan offer rates between 5–9 cents/kWh.
“With such high electricity costs, the only viable option for sustaining operations is to secure gas supplies under a deregulated regime through business-tobusiness (BtB) LNG agreements,” industrialists argued.
PRGMEA demands reforms to enhance OHS standards across Pakistan’s industrial sector
Dr. Ayyaz Uddin, Chairman of the Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) North Zone, has called for urgent reforms to enhance Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards across Pakistan’s industrial sector.
Speaking at a seminar, he stressed the critical need for robust workplace safety protocols and sustainable operational strategies to protect workers and meet global compliance benchmarks. PRGMEA has outlined key recommendations to strengthen the country’s OHS framework.
One major proposal is the establishment of a centralized registry for OHS professionals, akin to the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), to ensure standardized certification and training. Additionally, PRGMEA advocates for a national database of certified electricians to ensure that only qualified professionals handle electrical installations in industrial facilities, reducing the risk of workplace accidents.
To reinforce safety education, Dr. Ayyaz recommended the introduction of structured OHS training modules through national vocational programs, including those offered by the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) and the Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA). These training programs would equip both compliance officers and HR personnel with the necessary knowledge to enforce safety measures within industrial workplaces.
As an incentive for businesses to adopt stricter safety protocols, PRGMEA suggests offering financial benefits such as tax breaks and reduced insurance premiums for companies that proactively implement OHS policies. Additionally, recognition programs could be introduced to reward businesses demonstrating exemplary safety practices.
Beyond workplace safety, PRGMEA is advocating for reforms in road safety regulations. It proposes revising the driving license testing system to align with international standards, similar to those in the UAE and UK. Establishing a regulatory body akin to the UK's DVLA could oversee vehicle fitness certifications, retraining programs for drivers, and stricter emission controls. Furthermore, the association suggests forming safe driving clubs for both commercial and private drivers to promote responsible driving practices.
PRGMEA also supports consolidating vehicle and driver registration into a unified national database for improved oversight. It urges collaboration with leading universities to conduct ongoing research into innovative safety solutions.
Pakistan Eyes Stronger Trade Ties with Bangladesh
The Deputy High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Karachi, His Excellency Mahbubul Alam, has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening bilateral trade with Pakistan, encouraging Pakistani businesses to explore investment and trade opportunities in Bangladesh. He highlighted potential avenues such as joint ventures, imports of industrial raw materials, and exports to the Bangladeshi market.
During a meeting with a trade delegation from the Pakistan Chemicals & Dyes Merchants Association (PCDMA) at the Bangladesh High Commission in Karachi, Alam assured full support from the High Commission in facilitating
Pakistani traders. The delegation was led by PCDMA Chairman Salim Valimuhammad and included Vice Chairman Sharique Feroze, Chief Advisor Arif Balgamwala, Diplomatic Convener Sheraz Chughtai, former Chairman Mahmood Salam, and Ahmed Jahangir.
Emphasizing the importance of direct engagement, Alam extended an invitation to Valimuhammad and the PCDMA delegation to visit Bangladesh. He stressed that in order to enhance trade, business communities from both nations must strengthen ties by engaging in face-to-face interactions and market assessments.
Addressing concerns about visa accessibility, the Deputy High Commissioner assured that traders recommended by PCDMA would receive visas without delay. He further pledged that the High Commission would facilitate the delegation’s visit by arranging business-to-business meetings with Bangladeshi counterparts.
Expressing gratitude for the invitation, Valimuhammad welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed the Pakistani business community’s interest in expanding trade relations. He underscored the necessity of swift visa processing and frequent trade delegation exchanges to foster stronger economic collaboration. He also urged the High Commission to coordinate meetings with key Bangladeshi trade bodies, including the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FBCCI).
With both sides keen on expanding trade, this collaboration is expected to strengthen economic ties and unlock new business opportunities for entrepreneurs in both Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) sector recorded a 12% growth in exports between July 2024 and January 2025, reaching USD 23.55 billion. While this upward trend signals resilience in the industry, a closer comparison with the same period in 2022-2023 reveals a modest growth of just 1.38%.
After four consecutive months of double-digit expansion from September to December, export growth slowed to 5.57% in January 2025, with a monthly export value of USD 3.66 billion.
According to Mohiuddin Rubel, former director of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), the knitwear segment performed slightly better, posting a growth rate of 6.62%, while woven garment exports increased by 4.52%.
Despite the overall positive figures, the industry continues to grapple with pricing pressures and rising costs, which are not fully reflected in the growth statistics. Rubel emphasized the need for deeper analysis to understand key influencing factors such as market concentration and demand shifts. Additionally, the global trade slowdown has intensified price competition, further challenging Bangladesh’s position in the international apparel market.
BRAZIL
Brazil’s Cotton Exports Reach Record High
Brazil’s cotton exports surged to an all-time high in January, totalling 415.6 thousand tons. This sharp increase was driven by multiple factors, including surplus stocks from the 2023-24 season, strategic early sales, and favourable exchange rates that bolstered international trade. The total export value surpassed BRL 4.2 billion (approximately $860 million), marking a significant milestone for the country’s cotton industry despite declining global cotton prices.
While export volumes reached historic levels, the average price of Brazilian cotton dropped. The month-on-month decline stood at 2.6%, while year-onyear prices fell by 11.2%. The decrease reflects broader fluctuations in the global cotton market, where price adjustments have been influenced by shifts in supply and demand. However, in local currency terms, the value of exports increased by 12.2%, mitigating some of the financial impact of the price drop.
Despite the strong export performance, domestic cotton trading activity remained subdued in January. Local market transactions slowed, with buyers and sellers waiting for more stable pricing conditions. Meanwhile, planting for the 2024-25 cotton season progressed steadily, with 82.66% of the crop already sown by early February. This indicates a well-structured approach to the upcoming harvest, ensuring continued supply for both domestic use and export markets.
The global cotton industry is projected to expand in the coming months, with worldwide production expected to rise by 5.91% in the next season. Brazil’s record-breaking January exports position the country favourably in the international market, reinforcing its role as one of the world’s leading cotton exporters.
FRANCE
France Moves to Eliminate PFAS in Consumer and Textile Products
France has taken a decisive step toward banning per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as "forever chemicals," with new legislation targeting their use in various consumer goods. The bill, recently approved by the National Assembly after gaining Senate approval last year, aims to phase out these harmful substances in products where safer alternatives exist.
The legislation sets a two-stage timeline for the PFAS ban. Beginning in January 2026, the production, import, and sale of certain PFAS-containing goods—such as cosmetics, ski wax, and some textiles—will be prohibited. By 2030, the restriction will expand to all textile products, with limited exceptions for essential national security applications and industrial textiles where no viable substitutes are currently available.
PFAS have been widely used since the 1940s in various industrial and consumer applications due to their water- and stainresistant properties. However, their persistence in the environment and human body has raised serious concerns.
Scientific research has linked prolonged exposure to PFAS to health risks such as liver damage, high cholesterol, immune system suppression, developmental issues, and certain cancers. France’s decision reflects an increasing global push to curb the use of these substances and protect public health.
France’s textile industry, which comprises over 2,200 companies, has voiced its readiness to adapt to the new regulations. Representatives from the sector had discussions with lawmakers and confirmed their ability to transition to PFAS-free textile production. While the industry acknowledges the need for exceptions in highly specialized applications, it supports the broader goal of eliminating these chemicals from mainstream products.
INDIA
North India’s Cotton Yarn Market Faces Demand Slowdown and Liquidity Challenges
The cotton yarn market in North India is grappling with sluggish demand and a worsening liquidity crisis, exacerbated by new payment regulations affecting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSEs). Market activity has become increasingly selective, with buyers exercising caution amid financial uncertainty.
Cotton prices have declined due to reduced demand both domestically and in international markets. However, despite this downturn, cotton yarn prices have remained relatively stable. This stability is partly attributed to the government’s
imposition of higher customs duties on Chinese knitted fabrics, which has provided some level of protection to domestic manufacturers.
In addition to challenges in the yarn market, demand in Panipat’s home textile sector has also softened. This downturn has affected the pricing of cotton comber and recycled polyester fibers, further squeezing the margins of businesses reliant on these raw materials. Manufacturers are navigating a tough landscape, with profitability under pressure and market sentiment remaining cautious.
The combination of slow demand and liquidity constraints has left many cotton yarn producers struggling to maintain smooth operations. Although falling cotton prices might seem beneficial, they have yet to translate into a significant boost for the yarn industry due to the broader economic slowdown and financial difficulties.
NIGERIA
Nigeria Launches Sector Skills Council to Boost Fashion and Textile Industry
The federal government has inaugurated the Sector Skills Council for fashion, leatherwork, and accessories as part of its sectoral approach to national development. The initiative aims to revitalize the textile industry and strengthen local production to reduce dependence on imported goods.
At the inauguration ceremony in Abuja, Idris Bugaje, Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), highlighted concerns over the high percentage of imported textiles in Nigeria. He stated that the establishment of the 30-member council is a strategic move to revive the industry and make it a key contributor to national economic growth.
Bugaje underscored the importance of equipping young Nigerians with lifelong skills that would enhance self-reliance and global competitiveness. He urged the council members to use their expertise in supporting the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to rejuvenate the textile sector. While the government will regulate the industry, he stressed that private sector involvement is essential for its development.
He further noted that Nigerian-made products have been gaining recognition in other African countries, generating income for exporters. He expressed optimism that with better organization and alignment with the Nigerian School Qualification Framework, the sector could become a significant revenue generator.
Funmi Ladipo, chairperson of the newly formed council, called for collaboration among members and pledged to work towards achieving the council’s objectives. She emphasized that Nigeria’s fashion, leatherwork, and accessories industries hold deep cultural significance and vast economic potential. These industries, she said, have the capacity to create employment, empower youth, enhance Nigeria’s global competitiveness, and boost the country’s manufacturing sector.
However, she noted that for these industries to reach their full potential, it is necessary to close the gap between industry needs and skilled training. She explained that the council’s primary role is to establish a structured, demand-driven skills ecosystem that ensures the Nigerian
workforce is equipped with expertise that aligns with modern market requirements.
The council’s key responsibilities include reducing skills gaps, expanding employment opportunities, developing industry-aligned skills strategies, maintaining an inventory of industry needs, and advocating for supportive policies.
During the event, the wife of the Zamfara State Governor, Hurayya Lawal, was confirmed as the national patron of the Sector Skills Council for fashion, leatherwork, and accessories. Additionally, the Dangote Academy received a certificate of recognition for its contributions to workforce development in the skills sub-sector.
With the establishment of this council, stakeholders are hopeful that Nigeria’s textile and fashion industries will gain the necessary support to drive local production, increase exports, and contribute meaningfully to the economy.
TURKEY
Turkey’s Home Textile Exports
Decline by two percent during 2024
Turkey’s home textile exports to Europe have experienced a notable decline in 2024, dropping to $2 billion, a 2.5% decrease compared to the previous year. This marks the second consecutive year of shrinking exports to Europe, a traditionally strong market for Turkish home textiles.
The overall performance of Turke’s home textile sector also reflected this downward trend, with total exports falling by 1.2%, reaching $3.3 billion. The decline signals ongoing challenges within the sector, as shifting global market conditions and economic uncertainties continue to impact trade.
Several factors have contributed to the downturn in home textile exports. A significant reason is the economic slowdown in Europe, which has reduced consumer purchasing power and, in turn, lowered demand for home textile products. Inflationary pressures, changing consumer spending habits, and an overall cautious approach to non-essential purchases have further weakened demand. Additionally, Turkey is facing growing competition from other textileproducing nations that offer lower production costs, making it harder to maintain its stronghold in the European market. Countries such as China, India, and Vietnam have increasingly positioned themselves as competitive alternatives, offering high-quality products at more attractive prices.
Furthermore, global trade dynamics have shifted due to supply chain disruptions, rising production costs, and
fluctuations in raw material prices. These challenges have placed additional strain on Turkish manufacturers, who are now seeking alternative strategies to sustain growth in an increasingly competitive environment.
UNITED KINGDOM
UK’s Clothing Imports Decline 7% in 2024
The UK’s clothing imports fell by 7% in 2024, totalling $18.3 billion, following a year of economic uncertainty and disruptions in global trade. The decline reflects broader trends in the textile industry, including weaker consumer demand, cost pressures, and shifting trade policies.
Imports showed a decline in November, but December recorded a 3.2% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Despite this temporary recovery, overall textile imports— including fabrics and fibers—continued to decline throughout the year. The slowdown was evident across multiple segments of the industry, affecting both retailers and manufacturers.
Economic conditions played a key role in the reduced import figures. Rising costs of living and inflation affected consumer spending, leading to lower demand for apparel. Retailers responded by adjusting their procurement strategies, reducing import volumes to align with shifting purchasing patterns.
Geopolitical tensions and trade disruptions further influenced the downturn. Complexities in post-Brexit trade regulations, along with global supply chain constraints, impacted the flow of goods into the UK. Currency fluctuations and higher transportation costs also contributed to pricing challenges in the import market.
The decline in imports has affected various segments of the textile industry. Retailers have faced difficulties in inventory management, with cautious stock planning to avoid excess supply. Domestic manufacturers have observed shifts in demand, with some businesses adjusting production levels in response to changing market conditions.
USA
US Textile and Apparel Imports Rise by 2.6% in 2024
In 2024, textile and apparel imports into the United States increased by 2.6%, reaching a total value of $107 billion. This growth was primarily driven by rising imports from Cambodia and Vietnam, with apparel imports increasing by 1.8% and non-apparel categories growing by 3.1%. China and Vietnam remained the dominant suppliers, continuing their strong presence in the US market.
While overall imports saw an upward trend, declines were recorded in shipments from Mexico, Honduras, and Italy. In contrast, Vietnam continued to strengthen its role as a key supplier, contributing significantly to the rise in imports. The shifts in sourcing reflect the evolving trade dynamics, as businesses adjust supply chains to adapt to cost efficiency and production capabilities.
The steady increase in imports indicates sustained consumer demand in the US textile and apparel sector. Retailers and manufacturers have continued to source from lower-cost production hubs, reinforcing the reliance on global suppliers. The rise in imports aligns with broader trends in the industry, where international trade remains a crucial component of supply chain strategies.
SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka’s Garment Exports Rise by 4.9% in 2024
Sri Lanka’s garment export sector recorded a 4.9% increase in 2024, with total exports reaching $4.6 billion. This growth highlights the industry’s ability to maintain stability and competitiveness despite global economic fluctuations. Garments continue to be a dominant force in Sri Lanka’s industrial economy, contributing significantly to the country’s overall export earnings.
However, the broader textile sector showed mixed performance. Textile exports, excluding garments, declined by 2.4%, bringing in $1.2 billion. This indicates challenges in non-garment textile categories, contrasting with the positive performance of the garment industry.
The textile and garment sector remains a key pillar of Sri Lanka’s industrial exports, accounting for 50.6% of the country’s total industrial export earnings. This underscores the sector’s vital role in economic growth and employment generation.
At the same time, textile imports rose by 4.5% to $1.3 billion, reflecting the industry's continued dependence on imported raw materials for production. The rise in imports suggests that despite the increase in garment exports, local sourcing remains a challenge, and the industry still relies heavily on foreign inputs.
eVent Fabrics Adds “stormburstLT” to Round Out Growing List of HighPerformance Weather Protection
Designed to provide high breathability, windproofing, and weather protection, eVent stormburstLT is ideal for high exertion activities
eVent® Fabrics, a global leader in waterproof/breathable and windproof fabric laminates, is proud to introduce their newest, high performance laminate offering, stormburstLT.
Designed to offer best-in-class breathability, the ultralight and ultrabreathable stormburstLT joins existing laminates, including alpineST for extreme applications; stormST for outdoor and lifestyle applications; and windstormST for breathable windproof and softshell applications. This complete line rounds out eVent’s collection of laminates, providing brand partners with custom solutions for apparel, footwear, and gloves.
“With a focus on aerobic use, the stormburstLT ultralight technology platform fills a necessary category space for us,” said Chad Kelly, President of
eVent Fabrics. “We designed stormburstLT with a super thin, 5-micron PFAS-free membrane, and will offer it with either lightweight woven or knitted face and interior fabrics, to create a versatile windproof laminate with very high moisture vapor transport and breathability. We’ve listened to our brand partners and are confident we now have a high-performance solution for the fast and light category, as well as a muchrequested breathable fabric for insulated jackets.”
eVent will market the new stormburstLT to brands specializing in running, cycling, Nordic skiing, hiking, skiing, and activewear. Light, packable and versatile, stormburstLT is also ideal for adventure travel.
eVent® Fabrics invites designers, product developers, and industry
professionals to visit Booth Q12 at Performance Days Munich. March 5-6th to explore stormburstLT firsthand, discuss its applications, and gain insights into how it can elevate their next product line.
About eVent Fabrics
eVent® Fabrics, founded in 1999, revolutionized the industry with the first air-permeable 100% waterproof membrane and continues to innovate high-performance textiles with sustainability in mind. The company is globally recognized for its breathable waterproof solutions and commitment to reliable, high-performance laminates that help users defy the elements. Trusted by leading brands, eVent® Fabrics sets the standard for performance and striving for sustainability in outerwear, footwear, and accessories.
YKK Wins Top Prize at the “Orange Innovation Award 2024” Presented by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
Honored for Collaborative Efforts with Dementia-Affected Individuals in Developing User-Friendly Zippers
YKK Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Hiroaki Otani; hereafter, YKK) won the top prize at the “Orange Innovation Award 2024,” organized by the secretariat of the Dementia Innovation Alliance Working Group (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry; hereafter, METI) on February 19.
The Orange Innovation Award 2024 aims to promote the development of products and services in a variety of industries and fields that help people with dementia solve issues in their daily lives and accomplish the things they want to do, thereby increasing recognition of “development with the participation of people affected by dementia” and bringing about an inclusive society. Awards are given to user-friendly products and services that have been developed with an emphasis on the process of co-creation with people with dementia, as well as activities and initiatives that are implemented in the development process with the participation of people affected by dementia.
YKK has been championing a “participation-based development” approach, where zippers that are easy for anyone to open and close are developed and improved through direct dialogue with people with dementia who have handled the zippers. YKK was praised for its efforts to develop applications for multiple generations based on feedback from people with dementia. Additionally, YKK prepared various product samples, including the click-TRAK® Magnetic zipper, which uses magnetic force to align its openings, collaborating with a diverse
range of stakeholders to develop these innovations.
The award ceremony is scheduled to be held on March 5.
YKK will continue to help create a society where everyone can live their lives comfortably by using its small fastening products.
TotalEnergies and Mayer & Cie. cobrand the Tixo Stainless knitting machine oil range
Under a new partnership agreement between TotalEnergies Lubrifiants and Mayer & Cie. signed, the Tixo Stainless cobranded product range will be sold by Mayer & Cie.'s expert distributors worldwide to their customers.
Signed on February 6, 2025, this new agreement allows the two leaders to join forces to combine TotalEnergies’ Tixo Stainless oils, one of the highest performance knitting machine lubricants, with one of the best knitting machines available on the market.
TotalEnergies Lubrifiants is one of the world's leading suppliers of oils for knitting machines. Its range of Tixo products, specially designed to meet the requirements of knitting machines and approved by key manufacturers, is one of the best oils available on the market for lubricating needles, needle beds, sinkers and knitting cams on knitting machines. They are also compatible with all types of yarn. Tixo knitting oils have been developed to offer the best washability at low, medium and high wash
temperatures, without compromising mechanical performance. This ensures adequate lubrication of machine components, guaranteeing machine reliability and the quality of the knitted fabrics produced.
Mayer & Cie., a German company founded in 1905, is a long-established, premium manufacturer and supplier of large-diameter circular knitting machines. As a trailblazer in the sector, setting standards while developing new processes and approaches, the company is further distinguished by its strong expertise and market knowledge.
Benjamin MAYER, Managing Partner Mayer & Cie. said: “We are excited to offer our circular knitting machine customers a premium-quality machine and needle oil, adding yet another element to ensure exceptional performance.”
Founded on shared values and a common passion for innovation, this agreement reflects both partners' commitment to meeting their customers' specific needs with highly advanced, highperformance solutions. The partnership also embodies TotalEnergies Lubrifiants' expertise in knitting machines lubrication as several world's key knitting machine manufacturers place their trust in the Tixo range, which Mayer & Cie. has just joined. For Rainer KEIEMBURG, Vice President for Industrial Lubricants at TotalEnergies Lubrifiants, “It is an honor to welcome Mayer & Cie. as one of our key partners. Combining their circular knitting machines with our lubricants was an obvious choice for me, and I am delighted to collaborate together to fully satisfy their customers.”
Textile Asia 2025: The Premier International Textile Exhibition Returns to Karachi
Textile Asia 2025, the most anticipated international trade fair for the textile and garment industry, is set to take place from April 12th to 14th, 2025, at the Karachi Expo Centre. This flagship event will bring together leading textile machinery manufacturers, industry experts, and key stakeholders from around the world to showcase cuttingedge innovations, emerging trends, and sustainable solutions.
A Gateway to Innovation & Investment
Recognized as the region’s leading platform for international collaborations and technological advancements, Textile Asia 2025 will spotlight the latest breakthroughs in textile machinery, raw materials, digitalization, and sustainable manufacturing. The event is expected to attract over 50,000 trade visitors and 550+ delegates from more than 17 countries, providing an unparalleled opportunity for networking and business expansion.
Mr. Uzair Nizam, Project Director of Textile Asia, emphasized the significance of the event, stating: "Textile Asia 2025 is more than just an exhibition—it is a driving force for technological transformation in Pakistan’s textile sector. With the industry facing challenges such as sustainability, automation, and evolving global demands, this event will serve as a bridge between local manufacturers and international technology leaders. We are committed to fostering collaborations that will enhance efficiency, boost exports, and modernize the sector. The overwhelming participation from global exhibitors and investors highlights Pakistan’s potential as a key player in the global textile industry."
Key Features of Textile Asia 2025:
State-of-the-Art Exhibitions –
Featuring over 650 exhibitors, including top brands from China, Türkiye,
Malaysia, Jordan, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Switzerland.
High-Level Conferences & Panel Discussions – Experts and policymakers will explore critical topics such as digital transformation, circular economy, and smart textiles.
B2B Networking & Investment Opportunities – Connecting businesses with potential partners, fostering trade agreements, and encouraging joint ventures. Live Demonstrations & Technology Showcases – Presenting innovations in textile machinery, automation, and artificial intelligence. Sustainability in Focus – Highlighting eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient processes, and green initiatives shaping the future of textile manufacturing.
Why Attend Textile Asia 2025?
ration with international trade bodies and government organizations. The event is endorsed by leading textile associations and chambers of commerce, reinforcing its status as the most influential textile industry gathering in the region.
Join Us at Textile Asia 2025!
Pakistan’s textile sector plays a crucial role in the national economy, driving exports and employment. With government incentives for modernization and foreign investment, Textile Asia 2025 offers a strategic opportunity for businesses to expand their market reach and explore new ventures.
Organizers
& Strategic Partnerships
Textile Asia 2025 is organized by Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan, in collabo-
Be part of a transformative event that shapes the future of the textile industry. Register now to secure your spot and stay ahead in the competitive global textile market.
About Textile Asia
Textile Asia is Pakistan’s largest and most influential international trade fair for textile machinery, garments, and accessories. With a strong legacy of promoting industry growth, the exhibition serves as a catalyst for technological innovation and global partnerships.
FESPA Middle East celebrates yearon-year visitor growth following the event's debut in 2024
The second edition of FESPA Middle East welcomed more than 2,700 professionals from 80 countries, an 8% rise over last year
Over 100 exhibiting companies, an 8% increase from the 2024 edition, took part in the event, which featured more than 200 brands
This year’s show explored the latest innovation and technology with a focus on personalisation, sustainability and future visions, supported by a free, three-day conference programme
More than 3,400 visits from over 2,700 industry professionals from 80 countries attended the second edition of FESPA Middle East, the region’s leading event for the global speciality print and signage industries, which took place at the Dubai Exhibition Centre from 20 – 22 January.
This represents an 8% year-on-year increase in attendees compared to FESPA
Middle East’s debut event in 2024, setting a new record for the show and demonstrating the strength and demand from the regional and international printing and signage sector which includes print service providers and signmakers to visual communication specialists and textile-related professionals.
The event, which was officially opened by His Highness Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, welcomed high-level decision-makers from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, India and China, amongst others, where they had the opportunity to witness over 100 exhibiting companies, a year-on-year increase of 8%, with more than 200 brands being showcased.
Bazil Cassim, Regional Manager (Middle East & Africa), FESPA, said: “The overwhelming response to the second edition of FESPA Middle East has
underscored the growing demand for events of this calibre for the print and signage sectors. Throughout the threeday exhibition, we welcomed an exceptional gathering of industry professionals from across the globe, reinforcing FESPA’s position as the premier platform for innovation, collaboration, and business growth in the speciality print and signage industries.
“The year-on-year growth in exhibitor participation and visitor numbers highlights the growing influence of FESPA Middle East as a must-attend event for the region. This success underscores our commitment to driving industry advancements, fostering new opportunities, and delivering a worldclass showcase of cutting-edge print and signage technologies.”
One of the major trends at this year’s exhibition was the increase in direct-tofilm (DTF) technology, which involves printing design directly onto a film and
then transferring it to a t-shirt or other material. There was also the introduction of additive manufacturing and 3D printing, highlighting the shift to more advanced technology.
Several key launches and regional debuts took place, including the Massivit 3D printer, an industrial system for the automotive, marine and railways, and the Kornit Digital Textile Printers, a singlestep direct-to-fabric printing solution. The double-sided Super Wide format printing was also a show stopper with Yaslan’s 5.5m wide UV Printer.
A significant part of the exhibition offering was the well-attended free, three-day conference programme, which included the FESPA Leadership Exchange (FLEX), the sessions addressed topics surrounding business intelligence, new technology, the future vision of the industry in addition to personalisation and sustainability, led by industry heavyweights including Richard Askam, the man behind Coca-Cola’s Share a Coke Campaign; Professor George Simonian, Dean at the BADR University; Amit Radia, CEO, Atlas Group; Prasanna Naidu, General Manager, Veesham Printing Press; Gianmauro Vella, PepsiCo; and Kumail Khalfan, CEO, Sign Works.
Other highlights during the exhibition included the highly anticipated World Wrap Masters competition, part of an international series that combines top talent in vehicle wrapping and creative vinyl applications, offering a unique layer
of skill and excitement to the show, with 16 competitors battling for the title of Wrap Master – Middle East. This year’s winner was Vit Simek from the Czech Republic, who will now go on to compete in the final taking place at the FESPA Global Print Expo in Berlin in May.
The Sustainability Spotlight stand attracted sustainability champions from government and semi-government entities in the UAE and professionals from the industry. As part of the showcase, the latest products supporting sustainable printing and business practices and a range of informative conference sessions outlining a greener future were highlighted.
Rounding out the show was the Asian Association members of FESPA, who
gathered during the show as part of the FESPA ASEAN meeting. Association Presidents and members from Australia, Japan, Thailand, Korea, India, Nepal and China were all present to discuss the latest trends in the market.
Exhibitors highlighted the value of the event, particularly when keeping abreast of the latest developments, Danna Drion, Marketing Manager, Mimaki, said: “If you want to be aware of all the new and most important innovation in digital print and you don’t want to miss anything, then you definitely need to go to FESPA Middle East and participate.”
This sentiment was echoed by Mehdi Berrada-Baby, Managing Director, Icon Digital, who said: “Our experience with FESPA has always been fantastic, we participate at many of the FESPA shows around the world. FESPA Middle East 2025 has improved on the inaugural event, and we believe that it will continue to grow. It’s the most professional organisation for speciality printing exhibitions.”
As a global federation of associations for the digital printing, textile and screen printing community, FESPA is a non-profit organisation that has reinvested US$9 million into the printing industry worldwide since 2015 through its Profit for Purpose programme.
The next edition of FESPA Middle East will take place from 13 -15 January 2026 at the Dubai Exhibition Centre.
BRÜCKNER: New expertise in energy and environmental technology for textile finishing
For over 75 years, the German mechanical engineering company BRÜCKNER has been developing, producing and selling lines for textile finishing worldwide. The core competence of the family-owned company includes coating, drying, heatsetting and much more. Environmental protection and energy efficiency have always played a central role. Reducing emissions and the consumption of resources, as well as the use of different heating media, has always been the focus of BRÜCKNER's research and development work. This will be an even stronger focus in the future. In order to be even better prepared for this and to be able to provide customers with comprehensive advice, BRÜCKNER has bundled its personnel capacities in a new “Environmental and Energy Technology” department headed by Mr. Andreas Troscheit. This area includes all heatrecovery and exhaust air cleaning systems. Mr. Troscheit has already been responsible for the Technology Center in Leonberg and for the entire technical application advice for three years. In environmental and energy technology, Mr. Troscheit is now supported by Mr. Tobias Keitel and Mr. David Knies. Mr. Keitel focuses on the distribution and
design of these systems, while Mr. Knies specializes in software and control. This also includes the ExperTex simulation tool. This intelligent software, which is available for all new machines, enables customers to increase their production output and reduce energy consumption. Depending on the year of manufacture, this tool can also be retrofitted to older lines.
BRÜCKNER's product portfolio in the field of environmental and energy
technology is very extensive. The various units for heat-recovery and exhaust air purification are available individually or as a fully integrated system. Thanks to their modular design, these systems can be individually adapted to any customer requirement. Depending on the process, individual units can be flexibly switched on or off. Newly developed automatic cleaning systems ensure additional energy savings, a significant reduction in maintenance and personnel costs, a longer service life for the filter modules and consistently good filter separation performance. The cleaning programs can be freely configured and the cleaning intervals can be individually controlled so that there is no need to interrupt ongoing production.
BRÜCKNER is the only supplier on the market who can offer all heat-recovery and exhaust air cleaning components from a single source. The newly established energy and environmental technology team combines all the advantages for you as a customer: stateof-the-art technology, expertise and years of experience. You can benefit from this and make your textile finishing sustainable and future-oriented.
From left: Tobias Keitel, David Knies, Andreas Troscheit
Schematic representation of the automatic cleaning system
HeiQ and iTextiles® Strengthen their Impact Through Strategic Collaboration
HeiQ Materials AG, the Swiss technology company, joins forces with iTextiles® (Pvt) Ltd., a leading textile solutions company in Pakistan, to further expand its presence in Asia. Leveraging iTextiles®‘ technical expertise and extensive mill partner network, this collaboration will seamlessly integrate HeiQ’s innovative and sustainable textile technologies into the region’s textile value chain, driving impact across multiple industries.
A Strategic Partnership for Innovation and Sustainability
The strategic partnership between HeiQ and iTextiles® marks a significant step in expanding HeiQ’s cutting-edge technologies within the region’s textile ecosystem. By combining HeiQ’s pioneering advancements with iTextile’s regional reach, the collaboration will accelerate the adoption of sustainable textile solutions across global industries such as fashion, workwear, and home textiles.
Since acquiring Belgium based biotech company Chrisal in 2021, HeiQ has gained exclusive access to a biotechnology platform with a proven track record of success that serves as an inexhaustible source of inspiration for the development of novel enhancements for performance textiles.
One of the first launches emerging from this platform is the hugely successful HeiQ Allergen Tech™, a biobased technology leveraging the benefits of probiotics to reduce household allergens on textiles, including the ones found in your bedroom. By reducing these irritants, HeiQ Allergen Tech™ contributes to a more comfortable and restorative sleep environment and overall quality of life.
Comprehensive Textile Solutions for Performance, Comfort and Sustainability
Aside from this release, HeiQ is proud to present versatile textile technologies in
the field of odor control, hygiene, temperature management, and other functionalities highly valued by overall customers and end-users, like:
HeiQ Cool: Dual-action cooling for ultimate comfort.
HeiQ Mint: Plant-based deodorizer for long-lasting freshness.
HeiQ Smart Temp: Intelligent thermoregulation activated by body heat.
HeiQ Skin Care: A synbiotic finish for a balanced microbiome and glowing skin.
Through this partnership, HeiQ and iTextiles are set to redefine the textile landscape, offering next-generation solutions that merge sustainability with performance, creating tangible benefits for manufacturers, brands, and consumers worldwide. Here’s to making textiles smarter, greener, and more impactful!
HeiQ is Ahead of the Curve with Sustainable Bio-Tech
Heimtextil's Success and Global Position
Olaf Schmidt, Vice President Textiles & Textile Technologies, Messe Frankfurt
PTJ: What makes Heimtextil stand out as Messe Frankfurt's most successful exhibition?
Olaf Schmidt: Heimtextil is the world's leading trade fair for home and contract textiles, as well as textile design. With 96 percent of exhibitors coming from outside Germany, it is the most international event in Messe Frankfurt’s portfolio. In 2025, participants from 142 countries attended, making it a key meeting point for the global industry. With over 3,000 exhibitors and 50,000 visitors in 2025, Heimtextil is growing in terms of visitors and exhibitors and is a strong and reliable constant, especially in challenging times. It offers valuable industry insights, important business contacts, and a broad market overview: from fibres and yarns to fabrics and finished end products. As a major order platform, Heimtextil connects all areas of the trade - coupon business, retail-trade quantities and high-volume orders. It literally brings the entire world of textile and non-textile interior design together in one place.
PTJ: How has Heimtextil evolved to maintain its relevance and leadership in the global textile industry?
Olaf Schmidt: We always listen to the industry and focus on giving participants exactly what they need. This year, we have expanded our design expertise. Star designer and architect Patricia Urquiola has created the installation ‘among-us’. It showcased exceptional design approaches for hospitality and retail. Another highlight: The Milan-based design platform Alcova curated the Heimtextil Trends 25/26. They are a unique guide for future-oriented textile trends. As a strong global brand, we attract great partners who see us as a good match. In addition, our content programme is packed with expert knowledge and the industry's most relevant topics.
We are a partner in the industry. Therefore, we stay responsive to market changes and help businesses position themselves for the future. It’s great to see how committed our participants are -
whether exhibitors, visitors, or partnersand Heimtextil is their go-to industry platform. We offer a holistic buying experience for interior design. Also, we continuously develop our product categories, such as ‘Carpets & Rugs’. Heimtextil in Frankfurt is the home of the global carpet industry. From 2026, Flooring & Equipment will complement Heimtextil’s extensive product portfolio.
Participation from Pakistan
PTJ: Can you share insights on the number of exhibitors and visitors from Pakistan this year?
Olaf Schmidt: This year we welcomed a growing number of exhibitors from Pakistan. 275 exhibitors were represented. It is one of our largest exhibitor nations with offers in all product segments, from Window & Interior Decoration, Decorative & Furniture Fabrics to Bed, Bath & Living. This is also reflected on the visitor side. Pakistan was once again among our top 10 visitor
nations in 2025. We are happy, that it is so strongly represented at Heimtextil.
PTJ: How do you view Pakistan’s role in Heimtextil, particularly in the home textiles sector?
Olaf Schmidt: Pakistan plays a major role at Heimtextil. It is among our top visitor and exhibitor nations. In 2025, Pakistan was also represented with two joint stand presentations with around 80 exhibitors. As one of the largest textile producers in the world, with a growing market for home textiles1, the country is very relevant for us. We therefore have a large sales partner network on site in Pakistan. We appreciate the country’s high-quality products, designs and craftsmanship. What makes Pakistan also stands out in a strong commitment to sustainability which aligns with our values.
Focus on Interior, Carpets, and Flooring
PTJ: What motivated the increased focus on interior, carpets, and flooring at Heimtextil?
Olaf Schmidt: We are always trying to expand our range of products in terms of quantity and quality, and to broaden and deepen it. Therefore, we listen to the market, take on feedback from the industry, from our exhibitors and buyers, and respond to their needs in a targeted manner. With Carpets & Rugs as a separate product segment, we met the needs of the industry. We had three times as many Carpets & Rugs exhibitors as last year and added several hall levels. Heimtextil in Frankfurt is the home of the global carpet industry.
With the introduction of Flooring & Equipment in 2026, we enable a holistic buying experience for interior design. The focus is on floors without a textile structure. These include elastic floor coverings, designer and luxury vinyl tiles, cork flooring, laminate, parquet and other wooden flooring, as well as outdoor floor coverings.
PTJ: Are there any specific innovations or trends in these categories that attendees should look out for?
Olaf Schmidt: In general, we see an emerging trend towards durable and long-lasting products. We have also observed it this year at Carpets & Rugs, among others. The quality and durability of the materials are playing an increasingly important role. At the same time, value is being placed on sustainability and natural or recycled materials. However,
strong colours and trendy collections could be seen at Carpets & Rugs this year.
Every year, our Heimtextil Trends provide a more comprehensive look at the trends of the future. In 2026, they will once again be curated by the Milanbased design platform Alcova and show the colours, materials and technologies of the future.
PTJ: How can Pakistani manufacturers tap into the opportunities presented by these segments?
Olaf Schmidt: It is always important to listen to the market and to be visible, for example by participating in trade fairs. Making new business contacts and finding suitable partners and suppliers – for example in terms of quality and sustainability - is a key.
Sustainability and Innovation
PTJ: Sustainability is a growing priority in the textile industry. How is Heimtextil promoting sustainable practices and products?
Olaf Schmidt: At Heimtextil, we bring together sustainable solutions under the title Econogy. Sustainability is a key driver for economic success. We make it easier for visitors to identify exhibitors who act responsibly - both ecologically and socially. This is ensured with our Econogy Check and the Econogy Finder. Exhibitors
Heimtextil 2025
who apply undergo an assessment by independent sustainability experts. It is based on globally recognized standards, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The evaluation focuses on sustainable supply chains, materials, processes, and innovations. Those who meet the criteria are listed in the Econogy Finder and receive a special label at their booth.
Beyond exhibitor identification, we also address the challenges and opportunities of sustainability through our content formats. The Econogy Talks provide valuable insights from industry experts, while the Econogy Tours offer guided visits to selected exhibitors. Additionally, the Econogy Hub connects visitors with key certification bodies. These initiatives are part of the Texpertise Econogy framework, which serves as a sustainability standard across all textile events organized by Messe Frankfurt.
PTJ: What role do innovative technologies play in shaping the future of the home textiles market?
Olaf Schmidt: Technologies play an important role in shaping the future of the industry. Technological developments drive efficiency, sustainability and enable
new product concepts. At Heimtextil, we bring together relevant offerings in the ‘Textile Technology’ product segment. The spectrum ranges from digital printing and textile processing to software solutions. This year, 60 exhibitors showcased software solutions for spatial planning, machines for automatic production of filled cushions, quilting, sewing, carpet production and much more. AI is thereby playing an increasingly important role and is becoming more and more established. This opens up new possibilities. We look forward to the opportunities ahead.
Future Plans for Heimtextil
PTJ: What are Messe Frankfurt’s plans to further enhance Heimtextil’s appeal in the coming years?
Olaf Schmidt: We are in close dialogue with our participants and partners. Heimtextil’s internationality and demand have increased. That is why we are adapting the hall structure for the 2026 edition. We tailor the offer even more closely to the participants and increase growth potential. The new concept strengthens Heimtextil as the leading industry platform with a holistic approach to textile
and nontextile interior design. Thanks to the new hall structure and overlapping target groups, exhibitors will increase their reach and be recognised by potential new customers. In 2026 for example, Smart Bedding will be located in Hall 4.0, Bed, Bath & Living in Halls 5.0, 5.1, 6.0 and 6.1, Carpets & Rugs in Halls 11.0 and 12.0 and the new Flooring & Equipment area in Hall 12.0. The proven concept of Global Home in Halls 8.0 and 9.1 and Global Home Excellence in Hall 9.0 will be continued in 2026. In addition, Global Home and Global Home Excellence will be located in Halls 10.1, 10.2 and 10.3. We are happy to offer the industry new synergies and even greater reach with this new structure.
PTJ: Are there any new initiatives or partnerships on the horizon that might benefit exhibitors and attendees from Pakistan?
Olaf Schmidt: Next year, we will continue our partnership with Patricia Urquiola. She will be presenting a new design installation. Exceptional and recycled fabrics, AI and digital printing techniques offer design ideas for everybody. Alcova will once again curate the Heimtextil Trends 26/27. We are looking forward to the selected materials, colours, unusual production processes and sustainability approaches. All participants can benefit from the unique presentations and gain new approaches and ideas. At the same time, they are real visitor magnets.
Interview with Aamir Ansari, Head of Product Development and Innovation at Feroze1888 Mills
PTJ: Please you introduce yourself and share Feroze1888 Mills focus at Heimtextil this year?
Aamir Ansari: My name is Aamir Ansari, and I am the Head of Product Development and Innovation at Feroze1888 Mills. This year, Heimtextil has seen an incredible turnout, and we are excited to showcase our latest innovations. We are officially announcing our new garment category, which includes a dedicated section for baby collections. Additionally, we have introduced two to three patented developments, making this an exciting year for us in the European market. We deeply appreciate the warm hospitality and support from our European partners.
PTJ: Sustainability is a significant focus in the textile industry today. How is Feroze1888 Mills addressing this at Heimtextil?
Aamir Ansari: Sustainability is at the core of our operations at Feroze1888 Mills. We are committed to responsible interactions that contribute positively to the environment, aligning with our belief in returning back to nature. Our mission is to solve significant global challenges to reduce our footprint and enhance our impact, ultimately improving the quality of life and the communities we serve.
PTJ: Could you elaborate on some of the sustainable initiatives Feroze1888 Mills has implemented?
Aamir Ansari: Certainly. We have undertaken various initiatives to promote sustainability: Energy Conservation: We've generated approximately 44,872 tons of steam via Waste Heat Recovery Boilers (WHRB) and produced around 1,095,798 kWh through solar energy. Additionally, we've conserved about 2,000 MMBTU of energy by installing heat matrices to preheat air and water for boilers.
Water Management: Our condensate recovery system has reclaimed 42 million gallons of water, and we've saved approximately 116 million gallons through water reclaim and reject RO installations.
Material Recycling: We've recycled over 1,400 tons of raw cotton and utilize more than 80% recycled-grade paper in our corrugated cartons.
PTJ: How do these initiatives align with current industry trends?
Aamir Ansari: he textile industry is undergoing a transformative shift towards sustainability and innovation. At Heimtextil 2025/26, the theme "Future Continuous" emphasizes the fusion of tradition and innovation, highlighting the importance of regenerative practices and the resurgence of natural fibres. Our initiatives resonate with this theme, as we focus on sustainable material sourcing, energy efficiency, and waste reduction.
PTJ: Can you share more about the innovative materials you're showcasing this year?
Aamir Ansari: We're introducing several ground-breaking materials: Corn and Grass Fibre Towels: These towels are crafted from sustainable corn and grass fibres, offering an
eco-friendly alternative without compromising on quality.
Pineapple Fibre Towels: Made from upcycled pineapple waste, these towels promote circularity by transforming agricultural by-products into luxurious textiles.
Recycled Polyester Textiles: By repurposing textile waste, we've developed high-quality polyester fabrics that reduce the need for virgin materials.
Naia™ Fibre Materials: Utilizing carpet waste, we've created textiles with Naia™ fibres, contributing to landfill reduction and promoting a circular economy.
Rieter** (Close Loop Patent Pending)
Post-Consumer Textile Waste Products: We've reinvented used textiles into new fabrics, aligning with the industry's move towards regenerative agriculture and sustainable practices.
PTJ: How does your antimicrobial innovation contribute to sustainability?
Aamir Ansari: Our antimicrobial textile technology integrates properties directly into the fibre without relying on leaching methods. This ensures longlasting effectiveness, even after numerous washes, and prevents harmful substances from entering marine ecosystems.
Interview with Akhtar Saeed and Haris bin Arif, Gul Ahmed Textile Mills at Heimtextil 2025
Pakistan Textile Journal had the opportunity of meeting with the team of Gul Ahmed Textile Mills during Heimtextil 2025 Exhibition in Frankfurt, where they shared their thoughts on Gul Ahmed’s take on sustainability and its presence at Heimtextil.
PTJ: Can you introduce yourselves and share your experience with this edition of Heimtextil?
Akhtar Saeed: My name is Akhtar Saeed, Director Marketing Export at Gul Ahmed Textile Mills and I have been with Gul Ahmed Textile Mills for almost 15 years. It is always a pleasure to be here at Heimtextil, an event full of energy and the exchange of ideas. This platform allows us to showcase our innovations and contribute to industry discussions, particularly on sustainability, which is the central theme this year.
Haris bin Arif: I am Haris bin Arif, Head of Research and Innovation at Gul
Ahmed. Our focus is on pioneering sustainable textile innovations, currently we are working upon an innovative and sustainable fibre known as bast fibre and Heimtextil 2025 provides the perfect opportunity to present our latest developments in this eco-friendly materials and production methods.
PTJ: Sustainability is a major focus at Heimtextil 2025. How is Gul Ahmed contributing to this initiative?
Akhtar Saeed: Sustainability is deeply embedded in our operations, and we are committed to making a meaningful impact in three key areas:
Haris bin Arif, Head of Research and Innovation and Akhtar Saeed, Director Marketing Export, Gul Ahmed Textile Mills
Material Innovation: We are actively working with recycled cotton and exploring innovative fibres such as hemp, banana, pineapple, linen, and jute. These fibres not only offer unique properties but also help reduce the CO2 impact per kilogram of material. By blending them with cotton, we can create sustainable, high-quality textile solutions for our customers.
Energy Transition: We are transforming the way we produce energy. While we have traditionally relied on natural gas, our goal is to transition to 100% renewable electricity by 2028. This shift is testament to Gul Ahmed’s commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and embracing cleaner energy solutions.
People-Centric Approach: At Gul Ahmed, we believe that our people are at the heart of our success. We are actively promoting female representation in the workforce and creating inclusive opportunities for people with disabilities. Ensuring diversity and inclusion within our manufacturing process is essential for fostering a more sustainable and equitable future.
PTJ: How does the use of bast fibres contribute to water conservation?
Haris bin Arif: Cotton cultivation requires an enormous amount of water— around 24.91 million tons worldwide. By 2033, cotton production is projected to reach 29 million tons per year, which would require approximately 252 trillion litres of water. To address this, we propose integrating bast fibres such as hemp, banana, pineapple, linen, and jute into conventional cotton products. By adding just 20% of these fibres into our textiles, we can potentially save around 45.36 trillion litres of water annually, significantly reducing the strain on global water resources.
PTJ: What specific innovations is Gul Ahmed showcasing at Heimtextil 2025?
Haris bin Arif: One of our key innovations is the conversion of banana waste into fibre, which is then used in home textile products.
Additionally, we have developed a unique tri-blend fabric combining Lyocell, pineapple fibre, and cotton. This blend not only enhances texture and durability but also features inherent antimicrobial properties, making it an excellent choice for sustainable textile applications.
PTJ: How do you see Gul Ahmed’s role in shaping the future of sustainable textiles?
Akhtar Saeed: Gul Ahmed is wellpositioned to drive meaningful change in the textile industry. Our holistic approach—encompassing sustainable materials, renewable energy, and social responsibility—ensures that we contribute to a more responsible and prosperous future, not just for textiles but for Pakistan as a whole. We remain committed to innovation and continuous improvement, ensuring that our contributions align with global sustainability goals.
PTJ: Any final thoughts on Heimtextil 2025 and what attendees can expect from Gul Ahmed?
Akhtar Saeed: Heimtextil 2025 is an excellent opportunity to engage with industry leaders and showcase our sustainable innovations. Attendees can expect to see cutting-edge fabrications that merge sustainability with quality and design. We look forward to meaningful discussions and collaborations that will shape the future of textiles.
Interview with Takeshi Yato and Shahan Shakir, YKK
PTJ: Please introduce yourselves to our readers.
Hello, this is Yato from YKK, Pakistan and this is Shahan from YKK, Pakistan
PTJ: Please tell us about YKK and YKK Pakistan and how is YKK working in Pakistan?
YKK was founded 75 years ago in Japan. Now, we have factories in more than 17 countries, we have a factory in Pakistan, including a factory in Pakistan that we established 10 years ago. We provide zippers and buttons for the denim, home textiles and working wear segment in Pakistan.
PTJ: What is the importance of the home textile segment for YKK in Pakistan?
The home textile segment is very important for us in Pakistan, and we are closely following this trend to better serve our customers in the future.
PTJ: What is the advantage that YKK brings to Pakistani companies? What is the advantage of going for YKK compared to other companies?
We always aim at quality-driven. So, we provide high-quality products and service to the vendors in Pakistan, who,
in turn, are able to offer high-quality products to buyers.
Mahin Shamsi, Brand Manager at Designers Linen shares about the debut at Heimtextil 2025
PTJ: Please introduce yourself and tell us about your presence at Heimtextil 2025?
Mahin Shamsi: My name is Mahin Shamsi, and I am the Brand Manager at Designers Linen. We are here at Heimtextil 2025, proudly presenting the Roberto Cavalli Home Collection.
Designers Linen, Inc., a New York-based firm jointly owned by Gul Ahmed Textiles and American Homes and Textiles, recently acquired the Roberto Cavalli home license. This marks our debut presentation, and we are thrilled by the excitement it has generated.
PTJ: What can visitors expect from the Roberto Cavalli Home collection?
Mahin Shamsi: Our collection is a true embodiment of luxury and opulence. We are showcasing a wide range of home textiles, from premium bed linens and bath sets to decorative accents such as throws crafted from the finest fibers, including alpaca, mohair, and wool. The collection also features exquisite jacquards, vibrant prints, and detailed decorative pillows, as well as embroidered and jacquard tableware. The elegance and bold aesthetic of Roberto Cavalli’s fashion legacy is seamlessly woven into
each piece, making this collection a standout at Heimtextil’s luxury textile display.
PTJ: What has the response been like at Heimtextil?
Mahin Shamsi: The response has been phenomenal. Heimtextil is a key global platform for home textiles, and being part of the luxury textile showcase has provided immense exposure for our brand. Visitors have been captivated by the intricate designs, high-quality craftsmanship, and the unmistakable Roberto Cavalli signature style. We are excited to see how this collection
resonates with international buyers, designers, and retailers.
PTJ: What does the future hold for Designers Linen and the Roberto Cavalli Home collection?
Mahin Shamsi: This is just the beginning. We plan to expand the collection further, incorporating innovative materials and sustainable practices while maintaining the brand’s luxury appeal. Our goal is to establish Roberto Cavalli Home as a leading name in high-end Home textiles and continue pushing the boundaries of design and quality.
Record participation from Pakistan at Heimtextil 2025
with 275 exhibitors featuring products like home textiles, towels, bed linen, and apparel, Pakistan became the fourth-largest exhibitor at Heimtextil, a globally recognized trade fair for home and contract textiles held annually in Frankfurt, Germany.
Sharing on this record participation from Pakistan, Muhammad Zubair Motiwala, Chief Executive Officer, TDAP said, “As the fourth-largest exhibitor at Heimtextil, we are optimistic about the future of the textile industry. We hope that the government will swiftly address the challenges facing the sector, enabling further growth and development. TDAP has consistently encouraged smaller local textile exporters to participate in these exhibitions, and its efforts to increase Pakistan’s textile exports are commendable.”
Held in Frankfurt, Germany, Heimtextil features 2,800 exhibitors from 130 countries, with Pakistan ranking as the fourth-largest participating country. This year marks Pakistan’s largest presence at the fair, with a 10% increase in participation compared to last year. A national pavilion, established by the Ministry of Commerce in collaboration with (TDAP) Trade Development Authority of Pakistan and the Commercial Section provided 64 small companies a platform to showcase their products.
Pakistani companies were centrally placed at the exhibition with larger stalls in Hall No. 8, 9 with better strategic location. Many exporters reported that buyers from Europe, the UK, and other countries showed great interest in
Pakistani stalls and products as compared to previous years.
Shafaat Ahmad Kaleem, Pakistan's Consul General in Frankfurt, highlighted the importance of Heimtextil for Pakistan’s home textile exports, stating, “Heimtextil is extremely important for Pakistan’s home textile exports. With record participation this year, we anticipate a significant increase in exports.”
To further develop strong business relationships, a networking event was also organized by TDAP and Pakistan
Consulate General Frankfurt named “Thread Connect.” The initiative facilitated business meetings between Pakistani exporters and international buyers, fostering potential partnerships and export growth. The event was attended by key figures including Amna Naeem, Trade and Investment Counsellor at the Pakistan Consulate General Frankfurt, Zameer Soomro from TDAP, and Omer Salahuddin, Messe Frankfurt Pakistan, Florian Filippo Walther, Consultant DEinternational & Pakistan Representative at German Emirati Joint Council for Industry & Commerce (AHK) and Bianca Seidel, Sustainable Fashion Pioneer, Germany.
Sikandreen Hassan, Founder of Red Inc., at Heimtextil 2025
PTJ: Can you introduce yourself and tell us about Red Inc.?
Sikandreen Hassan: My name is Sikandreen Hassan, and I represent Red Inc., a Pakistan-based company specializing in bespoke hand-woven flat weave rugs. We collaborate with designers worldwide to create unique, non-traditional designs that push the boundaries of craftsmanship. Our goal is to innovate while staying true to the artistry of hand-woven rugs.
PTJ: Your designs recently won an international award. Can you tell us more about this achievement?
Sikandreen Hassan: Yes, we were incredibly honored to win the award for Best Flat-Weave Design at a prestigious exhibition in Istanbul. Competing against designers from 25 countries, our design stood out for its originality and thematic storytelling. The winning piece was inspired by the festive season and the
changing of seasons. Another recent collection we developed is based on Punjab’s five rivers, infusing cultural heritage into contemporary carpet-making. Achievements like these not only highlight our creative approach but also bring recognition to Pakistan’s rich textile tradition.
PTJ: What makes Red Inc.’s designs different from traditional flat-weave rugs?
PTJ: What are your impressions of Heimtextil 2025?
Sikandreen Hassan: Innovation is at the core of our philosophy. We continuously experiment with new techniques, materials, and themes. We are currently exploring the use of diverse yarns, and with sustainability becoming a critical focus, we are preparing to introduce recycled and plant-based yarns. While I can’t reveal all the details just yet, we are committed to making a meaningful impact in sustainable textile production.
Mimaki at Heimtextil 2025
PTJ: Please introduce yourself and tell us about Mimaki’s focus at this year’s Heimtextil?
Rod Harrison: My name is Rod Harrison, and I’m representing Mimaki Engineering from Japan here at Heimtextil in Frankfurt. We’re excited to showcase our latest innovation—Trapis, our new transfer pigment system. Trapis is a paper transfer process similar to dye sublimation but with a key difference; we use pigment ink in combination with a special cold and hot Texcol transfer paper. This enables printing on uncoated fabrics, including organics, synthetics, and blends, without requiring any pre-treatment or post-treatment finishing.
PTJ: What makes Trapis unique in the textile industry?
Rod Harrison: The entire process is waterless, which is a major step towards sustainability. We use an eight-colour pigment ink system, delivering a broad colour gamut. The advantage of this system is that all textiles—whether silk ties, cotton dresses, elastane swimwear,
blinds, curtains, wall coverings, upholstery, or accessories—can be printed using just one paper, one ink, and one colour profile. As long as a white textile without any tint is used, the results will be consistent across various applications.
Beyond its versatility, Trapis is highly energy-efficient. The only water involved is in the manufacturing of the paper, and today’s paper plants are already using 90% recycled water, making this as close to a fully waterless process as possible.
PTJ: Why is sustainability such a critical focus for Mimaki?
Rod Harrison: The textile industry is responsible for approximately 9% of global CO2 emissions and 20% of total water pollution. Our goal at Mimaki is to minimize this impact by developing innovative printing solutions that reduce water consumption and energy usage. Traditional methods, such as reactive dye or direct pigment printing, require extensive water usage for pre- and posttreatment, including washing, steaming, and drying. Trapis eliminates these steps
Sikandreen Hassan: Heimtextil is an incredible platform for manufacturers and exporters to showcase their work. While we are not exhibiting this year, we’ve been thoroughly impressed by the setup, the visitor engagement, and the Pakistani Pavilion, which has been exceptionally well-organized. Hats off to TDAP and their team, especially Amna, for their efforts in representing Pakistan’s textile industry on the global stage. After seeing the energy and opportunities here, we are excited to participate next year.
entirely while maintaining exceptional print quality.
PTJ: How has the industry responded to this innovation at Heimtextil?
Rod Harrison: The response has been overwhelmingly positive. As Heimtextil focuses on home décor, we’ve had great discussions with manufacturers and brands looking for sustainable printing solutions. The ability to print high-quality designs on a wide range of fabrics without additional processing has generated a lot of interest. We’ve received strong leads and are looking forward to bringing Trapis to the market on a larger scale in the coming months.
Trade Overview: Switzerland–Pakistan
The economy of Switzerland is one of the world's most advanced free market economies. Switzerland is ranked 1st among 45 countries in the Europe region, and its overall score is well above the regional and world averages. Most Swiss firms (over 99%) are smalland medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The Swiss economy has been rated free for more than a decade. GDP growth has slowed in recent years because of risks from the escalating trade war between China and the United States, the rising Swiss Franc, and the drastic economic slowdown in neighbouring Germany. According to United Nations, Switzerland is the third richest landlocked country in the world.
Switzerland and Pakistan have good, long-standing relations. The two countries have signed a range of economic agreements that have helped to develop bilateral trade.
The Swiss embassy in Pakistan has been located in Islamabad since 1968. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) opened a cooperation office in Islamabad in 1977 when Pakistan was upgraded to a priority
Source: State Bank of Pakistan.
country for Swiss development cooperation. In 1966, Switzerland and Pakistan signed a technical cooperation agreement which was supplemented in 1975 by an agreement on disaster relief.
There are numerous bilateral agreements between Switzerland and Pakistan in fields as wide-ranging as investment protection, debt consolidation, aviation, double taxation and disaster relief.
Swiss Business Council had also been set up for guiding Pakistani businessmen to enhance trade volume which had also signed several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to increase trade volume between the two counties.
Both sides recognised the vast potential of the two economies for mutually beneficial cooperation. They agreed to take concrete steps, including the exchange of business delegations and supporting SMEs to further enhance and expand bilateral economic and commercial interaction.
Switzerland ranks fifth in terms of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Pakistan and a reliable trading partner, the Swiss-based multinational companies have invested more than 1.2 billion dollars in Pakistan, in various sectors including food processing, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, machinery and engineering, banking.
Table 1: Pak Swiss Trade Value: US$ Million
Swiss Review
The Swiss multinational companies that operate in Pakistan, do not just market their world class products and services, but also create employment opportunities in the country. Major Swiss companies that have invested in Pakistan include ABB, Archroma, Clariant, Sika, Gate Gourmet, Nestle and Novartis.
Pak-Swiss
Trade
The long-standing bilateral relations between Switzerland and Pakistan are good and a range of economic agreements has aided the development of bilateral trade.
Switzerland has traditionally run a trade surplus with Pakistan and has been one of the country's biggest direct investors for many years. Pakistan and Switzerland enjoy close and friendly relations and cooperate closely at multilateral fora and Switzerland is an important development partner of Pakistan.
In the fiscal year 2023-24, products including textile machinery, organic chemicals, pharmaceutical products, electrical, electronic equipment and plastics were the main imports of Pakistan from Switzerland.
According to a recent export report from Switzerland, Pakistan ranked as the 11th largest exporter of the textile machinery from the Switzerland and contributed 2.6% to the entire global export share of textile machinery from Switzerland. Complete details in Table 2.
Over the past five years, trade between Pakistan and Switzerland has increased, but the rise in imports has
been greater than the exports. The total trade volume between Pakistan and Switzerland in 2022-23 remained active and healthy with the balance of trade favouring Switzerland.
The exports from Pakistan to Switzerland have decreased from US$ 285.37 million in 2021-22 to US$ 233.6 million in 2022-23, thus showing an decrease of 18%.
Cotton and yarn fabrics, readymade garments, towels, hosiery, agricultural products are the major items exported from Pakistan to Switzerland. The import from Switzerland to Pakistan decreased from US$ 310.25 million in 2021-22 to US$ 257.3 million in 2022-23, thus showing a decline of 17%. Pak
Swiss Trade for the last five years is given in Table 1.
Table 2: Textile Machinery - Exports from Switzerland
Source: Swissmem.
Table 3: Exports of Swiss textile machinery to Pakistan
Import of textile machinery from Switzerland to Pakistan increased from Euros 10.5 million in 2023 to Euros 11.2 million in 2024, thus showing a growth of 6.7%. Imports of textile machinery from Switzerland to Pakistan in terms of Euros are given in Table 3 and imports of major textile machinery in terms of rupees from Switzerland’s to Pakistan are given in Table 4.
References
1.Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
2.Swissmem.
3.State Bank of Pakistan-Annual Report-2023-24.
4.Trade Development Authority of Pakistan.
Table 4: Breakdown of Textile Machinery Exports from Switzerland to Pakistan
I would like to congratulate the team of the Pakistan Textile Journal on publishing the Swiss review edition of the Journal, which aims at apprising the respective business communities of the contribution of Switzerland to the textile sector of Pakistan.
Indeed, by virtue of the commendable efforts of Swiss companies, Switzerland is one of the largest suppliers of unique, innovative and quality textile machinery and solutions to Pakistan. This shows the level of the trust reposed by Swiss companies in the potential offered by the textile sector of Pakistan.
In addition to bringing excellent technological products to Pakistan, Switzerland also remains one of the top foreign direct investors in Pakistan. Besides the textile sector, Swiss companies are operating in the sectors of agriculture, food, beverages, tobacco,
pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy / electricity generation, and banking.
To further strengthen the bilateral economic and trade relations between Switzerland and Pakistan, a successful ‘Pakistan Roadshow’ was hosted by Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE) in collaboration with the Embassy of Switzerland in Pakistan and the Swiss Business Council in Karachi in 2024. I am confident that this roadshow will continue to act as a catalyst in motivating more Swiss companies to start their business relations with Pakistan.
I would like to conclude by expressing my best wishes to the readers of this magazine and the team of the Pakistan Textile Journal in their future endeavors.
Georg Steiner Ambassador of Switzerland comments on Pakistan Swiss Trade Excellence in Denim Manufacturing with Rieter Ring Spinning System
With 40 years of experience, Soorty is one of Pakistan’s largest denim producers and exporters. Their new Rieter ring spinning mill plays a key role in ensuring seamless operations, integrated processes, and high efficiency.
Soorty’s ring spinning mill is fully equipped with Rieter machines, covering the entire spinning process from bale to package. It enables Soorty to produce high-quality ring yarns while maintaining low energy consumption. Key innovations, such as the high-performancecard C 80, allow for increased production while using fewer resources.
The spinning mill operates 20 ring spinning machines G 38, running at
spindle speeds between 12 000 and 18 000 rpm. These machines provide easy handling and high flexibility, particularly in the production of slub yarns with various effects, making them well-suited for denim fashion. The Autoconer X6 further improves downstream efficiency by delivering high package quality, reducing energy consumption, and optimizing processes through advanced monitoring.
Soorty is recognized as a leader in Pakistan’s textile industry and is committed to sustainable denim manufacturing. The collaboration between Rieter and Soorty supports innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in textile production.
Find out more in the video about how the Rieter ring spinning system contributes to Soorty’s success in denim manufacturing.
Rieter is the world’s leading supplier of systems for manufacturing yarn from staple fibers in spinning mills. Based in Winterthur (Switzerland), the company develops and manufactures machinery, systems and components used to convert natural and man-made fibers and their blends into yarns in the most costefficient manner. Cutting-edge spinning technology from Rieter contributes to sustainability in the textile value chain by minimizing the use of resources. Rieter has been in business for 230 years, has 18 production locations in ten countries and employs a global workforce of around 4 790, about 16% of whom are based in Switzerland. Rieter is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange under ticker symbol RIEN.
About Rieter
85 years of Swiss Textile Machinery Innovation
Cornelia Buchwalder shares insights on market challenges, global expansion and the road ahead for Swiss Textile Machinery
Cornelia Buchwalder has served as Secretary General of Swiss Textile Machinery for nearly 12 years. With a background in food processing technology and business administration, she brings broad industry experience. After joining Swissmem in 2010 and initially managing various sectors, she has since focused on textile machinery, leading numerous initiatives—from ITMA exhibitions to market access efforts in countries like Egypt, Mexico, Indonesia and Uzbekistan. She has also contributed to innovation and training programs. From 2019 to 2024, she was Secretary General of Cematex, overseeing ITMA-related projects and EU regulatory developments.
In a recent interview, Cornelia Buchwalder shares insights on various key issues, such as SWISSMEM’s milestones, automation, and digitalization, which can help reduce costs.
What key milestones in SWISSMEM's history have shaped its role in the textile machinery industry of today?
What are the challenges faced by the Swiss Textile Machinery industry, and how do you plan to address them?
challenges and are constantly adapting their product and service portfolios to meet these challenges. These developments must be sustainable in an environmental, economic, and social sense. This includes making processes more energy efficient, promoting automation where appropriate and necessary, and using digital data to improve processes through selflearning.
What are SWISS Textile Machinery’s current initiatives and future plans for R&D and skill development?
Cornelia Buchwalder: Swiss Textile Machinery is celebrating its 85th anniversary this year. It was founded in 1940, making it the oldest industrial sector of Swissmem still in existence. The work of an association is naturally geared towards the needs of its member companies. And these in turn depend on economic and geopolitical developments.
Broadly speaking, the association's work focuses on the representing of interests (good framework conditions for the industry), the development of the workforce and good market access in export markets. It is also important to provide the various players in our industry with the right networks. To be successful as an association, it is essential to anticipate these developments at an early stage.
Cornelia Buchwalder: I would say that we are in a period of many challenges. First, there is a very long period of weak consumer demand. This has lasted much longer than in previous periods. Other challenges remain, such as the high cost of energy. Increasing regulatory requirements in the EU and Switzerland are also keeping companies on their toes. One ray of hope is the free trade agreements that Switzerland has concluded in recent years. For example, with India or, more recently, at the WEF in Davos, with Thailand. This will enable our industry to export to these countries on more favorable terms.
With rising energy costs and the growing demand of sustainibility, what key developments can we expect from Swiss Textile machinery manufacturers?
Cornelia Buchwalder: I do not want to single out any one company or solution. However, it is clear that our member companies are very aware of the
Cornelia Buchwalder: During and immediately after the pandemic in the years from 2020 to 2022, global demand for textile machinery was still good. The slump occurred in 2023 and has not recovered in the last two years. All major markets such as China, India, the USA, and Turkey saw exports from Switzerland decline, in some cases significantly. Bright spots were markets such as Pakistan, Thailand, Egypt and Indonesia. These markets were by no means able to compensate for the declines in the main export markets. The situation therefore remains tense, with slight signs of recovery.
What are SWISS Textile Machinery’s future plans for R&D and skill development?
Cornelia Buchwalder: In terms of skills development, we are working with the Swiss Textile College (stf). On the other hand, we are intensifying our cooperation with European universities in the textile sector. In terms of R&D support, it is important to inform companies where and how they can participate in international research projects, for example, and what funding is available for this.
A highlight this year will certainly be ITMA Asia + CITME in Singapore in October 2025, where Switzerland will have a very strong presence.
Cornelia Buchwalder, Secretary General Swissmem, Swiss Textile Machinery
Jakob Müller Group Acquires MEI International, Expanding Narrow Fabric Weaving Solutions
Jakob Müller Group (JMG), a global leader in narrow fabric weaving machinery, today announced the acquisition of 100% of the shares of MEI International, effective January 1, 2025. With a history spanning over 50 years, MEI is a renowned Italian manufacturer of wide label weaving machines. This strategic acquisition combines the strengths of two industry pioneers, creating a comprehensive portfolio of solutions for woven label production.
JMG, known for its high-quality rapier and air-jet weaving machines, expands its offerings with MEI’s specialized air-jet technology and broad product range. As part of this integration, JMG will discontinue its Müjet air-jet weaving machine, fully endorsing MEI's advanced air-jet technology, which will continue to be strengthened thanks to the mutual cooperation.
Key benefits of the acquisition:
Comprehensive product portfolio:
Customers gain access to a wider range of label weaving machines, catering to diverse production needs.
Enhanced innovation: The combined expertise of JMG and MEI will accelerate the development of new products and services.
Stronger financial foundation: The acquisition reinforces the financial strength of both companies, enabling increased investment in innovation and customer support.
Continued customer focus: Existing sales and service structures of both companies will remain in place, ensuring continuity for customers.
“This acquisition is a significant step forward in our JMG 2030 strategy,” said Andreas Conzelmann, CEO of Jakob Müller Group. “I really appreciate the entire MEI team for their values, attitude, and spirit. Together, we can offer our customers an outstanding range of solutions and services, while continuing
to provide the highest quality, productivity, and reliability they expect from both JMG and MEI.”
Paolo Mazzucchelli, CEO of MEI, added, “Joining forces with JMG is an exciting opportunity for MEI. This alliance will enable us to develop new products and services more quickly and professionally, ultimately benefiting our customers’ growth. We are committed to maintaining our separate sales forces to preserve the long-standing relationships we have built with our customers.”
MEI will continue to operate as an independent company, retaining its location in Gallarate, Italy, with Paolo Mazzucchelli remaining as CEO. Both brands will maintain their separate market presence, leveraging their individual strengths to serve customers in a demanding market environment.
About Jakob Müller Group
Jakob Müller Group (JMG) is a leading global provider of narrow fabric weaving machines and solutions. With a presence in 82 markets and 11 locations worldwide, JMG leverages its 138 years of experience to deliver innovative, highquality solutions. The dedicated team of
skilled and motivated employees is the foundation of JMG’s success. The company fosters a culture of trust and personal responsibility. Solution-oriented thinking and action, as well as employee well-being through health promotion initiatives, are given high priority. JMG drives innovation with state-of-the-art technology, focusing on core competencies and maintaining a competitive edge by developing and producing key components in-house or through exclusive partnerships.
About MEI International
For 50 years, MEI International has been a technological leader in label weaving machines, offering innovative and customizable solutions for labels of all types and sizes. MEI's history of innovation began in 1974 with the invention of a patented thermal-cut loom, revolutionizing label production. Today, MEI empowers customers to create high-quality labels that meet the exacting standards of the fashion industry and beyond. MEI is committed to continuous textile innovation and providing tailored solutions to meet each customer's unique production needs.
MEI team with Andreas Conzelmann (CEO JMG, center left) and Paolo Mazzucchelli (CEO MEI, center right)
Loepfe: Transfer of Product Portfolio
WeftMaster® to PROTECHNA
Loepfe announces a significant strategic decision aimed at enhancing efficiency and customer service. Starting January 1, 2025, the entire WeftMaster® product portfolio will be transferred to Loepfe's sister company PROTECHNA. This move is designed to leverage synergies within the Vandewiele Group and deliver even more comprehensive solutions in yarnclearing and fabric quality to valued customers.
As of January 1, 2025, the entire product portfolio of Loepfe's WeftMaster® division will be transferred to their sister company PROTECHNA. The decision had been made in order to better leverage synergies within the Vandewiele Group and to further improve customer service.
PROTECHNA is an established producer of high-quality thread and
fabric control systems for various textile manufacturing processes. Acquiring Loepfe WeftMaster® products will ideally complement PROTECHNA's existing product portfolio and offer mutual customers comprehensive and innovative solutions for the control of thread and fabric quality.
The transfer will allow Loepfe to focus more on the core business and drive innovation forward. This measure will enable Loepfe also, to strengthen the market position sustainably and offer customers improved yarn-clearing solutions for winding machines, rotor spinning machines, and air-jet spinning machines in the field of staple yarn spinning. This strategic realignment will be beneficial for mutual customers and for both companies in the long term.
Until December 31, 2024, Loepfe Brothers Ltd. would remain the point of
contact for the WeftMaster® product line, after which PROTECHNA would handle all requests starting January 1, 2025.
About Loepfe
Since its establishment in 1955 by the brothers Helmut and Erich Loepfe, the company has been the pacesetter for innovation in textile quality control. Loepfe has established itself in the field of optical yarn clearers with pioneering achievements. Today, Loepfe is considered worldwide as the specialist for integral quality control systems. 50% of worldwide staple yarn production is monitored by Loepfe yarn clearers.
The headquarters is in Wetzikon/Switzerland where Loepfe employs approximately 150 employees. The production location Switzerland guarantees stability and reliability. All Loepfe products are developed and manufactured in Switzerland. Loepfe is represented in all important textile markets by an international network of representations and service locations.
Loepfe quality is based on our employees‘ unique know-how and many years of experience. They do outstanding work. Loepfe invests systematically in research and development. We know the complex requirements of the textile industry and provide tailor-made solutions and state-of-the-art technology. We keep an eye on the future and are working on tomorrow’s solutions, today.
Uster: A great future for recycled yarns…but what about the costs?
An expert panel discusses yarn production from recycled material
Uster Technologies brought textile industry leaders together to discuss the current issues in using recycled raw material. A delegation of spinners from India met experts from Rieter, SäntisTextiles, Otto Yarns, Gherzi Textile Organization and TVU at Uster headquarters in Switzerland. This article summarizes the challenges and opportunities of recycled yarns from both sustainability and business aspects.
The ideas and solutions of the panelists diverge on the subject how to be successful with recycled yarns. They see different approaches to achieve the goal. The quality of recycled yarn could be improved with an additional step between mechanical opening and the spinning process, according to Michael Will (Head Textile Technology & Process Analytics) from Rieter. The pre-opening or carding does not necessarily have to be in the responsibility of the spinners. It could also be done by the fiber suppliers. Andreas Merkel (CEO) from Otto Yarns anticipates better results with preconsumer fibers. Post-consumer waste remains a difficult raw material –although readily available in large quantities. He forecasts great future opportunities, but it will take some time.
Stefan Hutter, Owner of SäntisTextiles, also believes in the recycling business, and that recycled material will become a standard. He expects two segments growing: one based on industrial and the other on postconsumer waste. A lot of groundwork has been done, but it’s still a good time to jump in on this business.
Looked at from a trading and dyeing perspective, the quality and sourcing of recycled yarns are challenges. Thomas Franz (Sales and Purchasing Manager) at TVU states that yarn properties are not comparable with virgin fibers – and more difficult with cotton than polyester – and so neither dyeing results nor process efficiency are the same.
Who pays for sustainable yarns?
Producers agree that there will always be a disadvantageous difference
compared to virgin fibers. The question is, could consumer expectations be corrected in terms of quality and price regarding garments made from recycled raw material?
Giuseppe Gherzi, Managing Partner at Gherzi Textile Organization, makes clear that the problem is not the consumer expectations, but that retails and fashion brands are not ready to pay more for recycled garments. The power for change lies in legislation. But there’s a lot of uncertainty. In the end, regulations generate costs as they need a control system.
How to prove recycled yarn?
Technology to secure, that recycled products are genuine are available and also Uster Research & Development team is working on this subject. It is possible to verify the lifecycle of recycled items, such as denim, from their first to third use. However, the cost and whether brands are willing to pay for traceability remain concerns.
Can traceability be addressed in spinning? Michael Will says: “With innovative technology in combing a 50/50 blend could become a 40/60 but is it necessary to declare this change?” The result of the further discussion of spinning practices was that using a certain percentage of less expensive recycled fibers should be a common standard in the future as long as quality requirements
are met – without the need for information or proof.
Of course, the certification also adds to the cost for yarn producers. Plants, as well as raw material shipments and shipments to the customer, need to be certified. Only when the complete chain is certified can, for example, a GRS (Global Recycled Standard) logo be applied. With a required minimum of recycled content in the product a certification system is a must. Merkel could imagine two markets in future: a mass market for cost-effective yarn production with recycled cotton fiber but no certification; and a smaller market with certificates required. There’s a crucial fact that lower prices are expected for recycled, but that’s not the case in reality.
How to make it profitable?
Making good money with recycled yarn will be possible by optimizing and shortening the processes in yarn production. Hutter believes that the costs will come down as soon the market picks up and grows and there’s more material in the market. This happened with polyester and will also follow with cotton. The market wants recycled products.
Spinners are advised to start at some point – meaning with a certain blend of recycled material – to develop recycled yarn further. It’s crucial to learn by testing and analyzing over some years finally to achieve the required product at a much better quality.
Expert panel at Uster Technologies: (from left to right) Stefan Hutter, Owner, Säntis-Textiles; Thomas Franz, Sales and Purchasing Manager, TVU; Michael Will, Head Textile Technology & Process Analytics, Rieter; Andreas Merkel, CEO, Otto Yarns; Giuseppe Gherzi, Managing Partner, Gherzi Textile Organization.)
Saurer: Trusted by experts and driven by innovation – Autocoro 11
Saurer's Autocoro 11 revolutionises rotor spinning with pioneering innovation and automation. This state-of-theart, fully automated rotor spinning machine sets new industry benchmarks by significantly reducing energy consumption, maximising efficiency and ensuring unparalleled operational independence. In the Recycling Xtreme edition, the machine is capable of processing the shortest mechanically recycled fibres with an extremely high raw material efficiency. Since its launch in 2023 and first installations in 2024, customers worldwide have experienced the transformative power of the Autocoro 11. Hear directly from industry experts as they share their insights and success with this game-changing technology.
The Autocoro 11 from Saurer sets new milestones in the world of rotor spinning. The impressive fully automatic rotor spinning machine is not only the longest of its kind, but also a true masterpiece of efficiency. Over a length of more than 100 metres, it accommodates an impressive 816 topclass spinning positions. What particularly characterises the Autocoro 11 is its amazing potential in many areas. Besides significantly reducing spinning spinning costs - whether for energy, raw materials or personnel - it also enables effortless
operation. Large LED lights at the head and tail of the machine provide an optimum overview, keeping the operator constantly up to date without having to walk the entire length of the machine. Thanks to the innovative Synchropiecing 60 technology, 60 piecers start simultaneously and bring even the longest machines up to speed in just a few minutes. The new yarn guides on the winding unit are a real game changer! Whether for pure cotton or blends with recycled fibres - they extend the cleaning intervals by at least 10 times, as the dirtresistant yarn guides clean themselves! The new design minimises the surface area for deposits and an integrated pneumatic cleaning system also ensures absolute cleanliness. A breakthrough for maximum efficiency and minimum maintenance!
Burhan Kaplan, Owner of Biska Tekstil, Türkiye, states: “Switch on and produce smoothly - that's what counts for us. With 18 long Autocoro 11
machines, we need a quick overview, and the LEDs on each machine give us exactly that: an immediate performance picture, without unnecessary travel. This gives us full production reliability and allows us to deploy our staff more efficiently.”
Autocoro 11 - champion in energy efficiency
Energy is the second largest cost factor in automatic rotor spinning mills. The Autocoro 11 from Saurer minimises electricity costs by up to 10 % compared to the previous generation and thus immediately increases the profitability of spinning mills. Compared to older rotor spinning machines, the savings can even be up to 48% (Fig. 2). Yarns spun on the Autocoro 11 also have the lowest energy consumption of all spinning processes.
Innovative air logistics for saving energy
A large proportion of the energy requirement - around 30 % - is accounted for by the provision of the vacuum by the suction system. Saurer has fundamentally redesigned the suction system and air logistics of the Autocoro 11 (Fig. 3). With modified ducts and a significant increase in capacity, the new supply ensures resistance to pressure fluctuations, supported by modern air filter systems and a revised electronic control system.
Fig. 1: Autocoro 11 convinces the spinning mills.
Fig. 2: Energy savings with Autocoro 11 in kWh/kg yarn.
Reliability and performance with energy saving drives
Like a tireless workhorse, the winding unit of the Autocoro 11 winds tonnes of yarn every year. Equipped with powerful yet energy-saving drives and innovative electronic components, such as optimised power supply units, the Autocoro 11 makes a decisive contribution to a positive energy balance. Even with moderate energy prices of 0.10 EUR/kWh and relatively short machines with 480 spinning positions, spinning mills can achieve considerable cost savings in the six-figure range year after year, for each individual machine.
Fahri Polat, Owner of Polat İplik Tekstil, Türkiye, summarises his experience: “We are really excited about the Autocoro 11, with savings of up to 30% in energy costs compared to our semi-automatic machines and an impressive 10% compared to previous Autocoro models, it shows how progress is redefining our efficiency.”
Recycling with Autocoro 11
The last few years have clearly shown that raw material prices are volatile, doubling and halving within a few months. Yarn prices do follow raw material prices, but usually more moderately. In challenging times, such as weak demand or an oversupply of yarns,
raw material costs can account for more than 80 % of the spinning mills' selling price. One promising way to save costs is to increase the use of recycled cotton fibres, which are on average 19% cheaper than conventional raw cotton in India, for example (Fig 4).
Smart settings for recycled fibres
Although conventional raw cotton can be processed with up to 30% higher productivity compared to recycled fibres, this is often not enough to compensate for the high raw material costs. Recycled fibres offer a more economical solutionbut require precise adjustments to the spinning machine. By fine-tuning the yarn twist, speed of the opening rollers and rotor size, it is still possible to achieve a yarn quality that almost matches that of raw cotton. The Autocoro 11's wide
range of adjustment options open new ways for spinning mills to achieve greater profitability and flexibility in yarn production.
Innovative Recycling Xtreme technologies
In addition, the Autocoro 11 Recycling Xtreme edition offers more options for processing mechanically recycled fibres, which are extremely short and generate a lot of dust and fly. Recycling Xtreme features a new cleaning system for the rX yarn guides and dirtrepellent surfaces for the opening rollers. The fibre beard supports of the SE 21 spin box can also be easily adapted for very short fibres.
The new patented rotor cleaning technology of the Doffing Cleaning Unit (DCU) keeps the rotor groove clean. The extraction system inside the machine removes waste even more efficiently. With an innovative three-chamber system, the waste can be collected and easily fed back into the spinning process. The Synchropiecing 60 technology increases the Autocoro 11's piecing capacity by 65%, allowing it to maintain high efficiency even with the high breakage rates that typically occur when using recycled fibres.
Autocoro 11: Synergy of efficiency, economy, and sustainability!
With its pioneering technologies, the Autocoro 11 impressively demonstrates how spinning mills can produce economically, efficiently, and sustainably with the help of the Autocoro 11. The Autocoro 11 offers tailor-made solutions for every spinning mill and every type of yarn and fibre.
Fig. 3: Autocoro 11 with new and powerful suction system.
Fig. 4: Raw material and yarn price development for virgin and recycled cotton in USD in India
Benninger: Revolutionizing Textile Finishing with Advanced Mercerizing Solutions
In the competitive world of textile manufacturing, precision, sustainability, and efficiency are essential for success. The BEN-DIMENSA Mercerizing Systems by Benninger redefine these standards with cutting-edge technology and exceptional results. By combining a patented, globally unique system of chain-based and chainless fabric guidance, BEN-DIMENSA ensures unmatched precision, adaptability, and efficiency.
Mercerization, a process that treats fibers with sodium hydroxide, enhances dimensional stability, tensile strength, color absorption, and fabric gloss. With BEN-DIMENSA’s innovative hot mercerization technology, lye penetrates fibers faster and more evenly, delivering superior results, including improved fabric stability, durability, and a polished finish.
The system also stands out for its energy efficiency, reducing lye, water, and steam consumption, which lowers costs and minimizes environmental impact. Advanced recycling systems further enhance its sustainability credentials. With automated controls for lye concentration, temperature, and fabric tension, BEN-DIMENSA ensures seamless production with minimal downtime.
Whether producing lightweight or heavy textiles, BEN-DIMENSA adapts to diverse needs while delivering consistent, high-quality results. For manufacturers seeking to elevate their textile finishing with innovative, eco-conscious technology, BEN-DIMENSA offers the perfect solution.
What makes us unique?
Our advanced mercerizing solutions set new standards in textile finishing. With state-of-the-art hot mercerization and innovative chainless fabric guidance, our mercerizing machines deliver the highest levels of precision, energy efficiency, and exceptional dimensional stability in textiles. Reduce lye consumption in your production and
benefit from optimized textile quality that is both durable and sustainable.
Precise textile finishing
The BEN-DIMENSA mercerizing systems represent cutting-edge technology, redefining precision and efficiency in textile finishing. With its patented and globally unique combination of a chain-based system and a chainless system with permanently bound fabric guidance, the BEN-DIMENSA sets new standards in the industry.
Through innovative mercerization, the lye penetrates the fibers faster and more evenly, ensuring improved dimensional stability and a smoother fabric appearance. Automated processes guarantee constant regulation of lye concentration, temperature, and fabric tension, minimizing production interruptions and enabling quick adjustments.
In addition, the precision mercerizing machines stands out with its reduced resource consumption and efficient recycling systems, supporting environmentally friendly production. This combination of innovation, efficiency, and sustainability makes the BEN-DIMENSA a true milestone in modern textile finishing.
Sustainability: Benninger is committed to sustainability by investing in high-quality products and ecologi-
cally sound processes, aiming to save water, energy, chemicals, and raw materials.
Tradition: With over 160 years of experience, Benninger is known worldwide for its competence and efficiency in wet textile finishing.
Quality: Benninger is ISO-9001 certified and committed to a "zero-error" strategy, offering customers reliability and ease
Efficient mercerization for sustainable textile finishing.
Energy Efficiency: Reduced consumption of lye, water, and energy lowers operational costs and supports resource-efficient production.
Dimensional Stability: Precise control of width and length ensures flawless processing without edge compression or measurement deviations.
Increased Production Efficiency: Automated controls for lye concentration, temperature, and fabric tension reduce downtime, enable faster adjustments, and ensure a consistent mercerizing process.
Flexibility: Suitable for both light and heavy textiles, the BEN-DIMENSA adapts to various requirements and materials with precision.
Sustainability: Reduced resource usage enable environmentally friendly and cost-effective production.
Archroma special report
“The future of Pakistan’s textile industry lies in sustainable innovation
Archroma introduces breakthrough in Bio-based Textile Printing
Archroma offers beyond compliant portfolio in effort to help textile industry stay ahead of evolving regulations
Archroma joins BioCircular Materials Alliance
Archroma wins Social Excellence Award at the 2024 Just Style Excellence Awards
Archroma Internships in Pakistan
Accolades and Accreditations
Archroma Pakistan Conferred with Gold Award - Sustainability Partner Categoryby Interloop Grand Happenings at Archroma
“The future of Pakistan’s textile industry lies in sustainable innovation”
PTJ: Archroma has a strong global sustainability vision. How is Archroma Pakistan contributing to this initiative?
Mujtaba Rahim: Sustainability is not just a goal for us; it is the foundation of our business strategy. At Archroma Pakistan, we are fully aligned with the company’s global mission to lead the textile industry toward a more sustainable future. Through our Planet Conscious+ initiative, we focus on developing environmentally friendly dyeing and finishing solutions that reduce the consumption of water, energy, and chemicals. Our approach ensures that the industry moves towards a circular
economy while maintaining high performance and quality in textiles.
PTJ: Archroma received EcoVadis Gold rating. How does this recognition reflect on operations in Pakistan?
Mujtaba Rahim: The EcoVadis Gold rating is a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainability and responsible chemical management. In Pakistan, we continue to improve our environmental footprint by optimizing processes in line with international standards like Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC). This recognition reinforces our credibility in the industry and strengthens our partnerships with brands
and manufacturers that prioritize sustainable production.
PTJ: Can you share insights into Archroma Pakistan’s latest sustainable textile innovations?
MMujtaba Rahim: We have introduced several breakthrough solutions designed to support sustainable textile production. AVITERA® SE Generation Next dyes enable significant water and energy savings by allowing dyeing at lower temperatures and shorter processing times. Another key innovation is DIRESUL® EVOLUTION BLACK, which is the cleanest sulfur black dye available, ensuring reduced environmental impact
while maintaining high-performance standards in denim production.
PTJ: Water conservation is a major challenge in Pakistan. How is Archroma helping the textile industry address this issue?
Mujtaba Rahim: Pakistan’s textile sector is one of the largest consumers of water, and conserving this vital resource is essential. Our Super Systems+ suite of solutions integrates end to end solutions that deliver process efficiency and intelligent effects, empowering mills and brands to make the right choices, achieve their sustainability targets and meet consumer demands Additionally, we work closely with mills to optimize their water management systems, reducing wastewater discharge and ensuring compliance with the evolving standards. By adopting these measures, textile manufacturers can achieve substantial cost savings while minimizing their environmental footprint.
PTJ: Denim production is a major part of Pakistan’s textile industry. How Archroma contributes to sustainable denim manufacturing?
Mujtaba Rahim:Denim production traditionally involves heavy use of water and chemicals, but Archroma is transforming the industry with our AnilineFree DENISOL® PURE INDIGO 30 technology. This innovation eliminates the harmful aniline compounds found in conventional indigo dyeing, making denim production safer for workers, consumers, and the environment. By partnering with leading denim manufacturers, we are enabling the production of cleaner, more sustainable denim without compromising on quality.
PTJ: Archroma Pakistan was honored at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) Top 25 Companies Awards. What does this recognition mean for the company?
Mujtaba Rahim:Being recognized among the Top 25 Companies at the PSX Awards is a significant achievement for us. It underscores our financial strength, commitment to sustainability, and industry leadership. This recognition motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation, ensuring that Archroma remains at the forefront of sustainable solutions for Pakistan’s textile sector.
PTJ: Collaboration is key to driving sustainability. Can you share some notable partnerships Archroma Pakistan has undertaken?
Mujtaba Rahim:We strongly believe that partnerships are essential to creating real change. Archroma has collaborated with major brands and textile mills in Pakistan to implement ZDHC-compliant
chemical management practices. We have also conducted over 25 Customer Innovation Days to educate industry stakeholders about sustainable practices. Our ongoing partnerships with denim manufacturers to promote Aniline-Free Indigo are further strengthening Pakistan’s position as a global leader in sustainable textile production. Another major factor for future is Archroma Center of Excellence which operates round-the-clock. More than 9000 textile engineering students and technicians have successfully completed Training Course in our Training Lab. A regular lecture series in the offing at academic institutions. We have also made special collaborations @ customers’ site to share innovations.
PTJ: What is your vision for the future of sustainable textiles in Pakistan?
Mujtaba Rahim:"The future of Pakistan’s textile industry lies in sustainable innovation." With increasing global demand for eco-friendly products, we must continue investing in clean technologies and circular solutions. At Archroma Pakistan, we are committed to driving this transformation by offering sustainable chemistry, reducing resource consumption, and supporting our customers in their journey toward a greener future. Together, we can make Pakistan a global hub for sustainable textile manufacturing.
Archroma unveils Sustainability Report 2024
Archroma has officially launched its 2024 Sustainability Report, underscoring the company's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives. The report details Archroma's ongoing commitment to sustainable innovation, social responsibility, and ethical business practices.
Following its acquisition of Huntsman Textile Effects in 2023, Archroma expanded its global footprint and enhanced its portfolio. This integration solidifies Archroma's position as a leader in specialty chemicals with an extensive range of sustainable solutions. The company's dedication to environmental and
social impact was recognized with an EcoVadis Gold rating and various industry accolades.
Environmental Commitment
Archroma's sustainability strategy focuses on reducing its environmental footprint through innovation and efficiency. Key achievements include: Reduced Resource Consumption: The introduction of innovations such as AVITERA® dyes, which cut water and energy use by 50%, and DIRESUL® EVOLUTION BLACK, a clean sulfur black dye, high-
light Archroma's efforts in resource efficiency.
Circular Economy Initiatives: Solutions like CARTASEAL® OGB F10 provide PFAS-free barrier coatings, promoting sustainable packaging.
Climate Action: Archroma has set ambitious goals, including a 30% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 and a 40% decrease in water intensity.
Social Responsibility Archroma remains dedicated to enhancing social well-being through various initiatives: Health & Safety: The company aims to reduce workplace incidents to a Total Recordable Rate (TRR) of less than 0.20.
Diversity & Inclusion: Archroma is working toward 40% female representation in governance and management roles by 2030.
Community Engagement: Recognized for its involvement in Baroda, India, Archroma actively supports educational, healthcare, and social equity programs.
The newly established ESG Council leads sustainability strategies, ensuring alignment with global standards. Ethical conduct is a priority, supported by rigorous training programs and robust risk management protocols.
The Board of Directors maintains dedicated committees for audit, compensation, and compliance to uphold strong corporate governance.
Innovative Solutions for Sustainability Archroma continues to drive sustainable product innovation:
AVITERA® Generation Next: A dye technology that reduces environmental impact while enhancing dyeing efficiency.
Cartaspers® PLH: A solution for the pulping sector that promotes sustainability in high-pH environments.
Cartabond® FCI: A food-safe crosslinker that enables eco-friendly packaging.
Key Achievements and Partnerships Archroma's collaborations and awards highlight its leadership in sustainability: Named "Champion" at the 2024 adiFormulator Awards by Adidas for product excellence and sustainable innovation.
Awarded "Sustainability Partner" by WestRock for advancing eco-friendly packaging solutions.
Actively engaged with industry groups such as the UN Global Compact, SCTI, and ZDHC to promote sustainable industry practices.
Archroma's Sustainability Report 2024 underscores its firm commitment to embedding sustainability at the heart of its operations. By blending innovation with responsible governance and social engagement, Archroma continues to pioneer a more sustainable future for the specialty chemicals industry.
Archroma introduces innovative Ultra Compact Color Atlas
Color Atlas by Archroma®, the industry’s largest readily available color library for fashion and home with 5,760 colors, is now easier to use and more portable than ever with the first-of-itskind Mini Flex and Mini Palette editions.
Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions, is introducing an innovative portable version of its market-leading Color Atlas by Archroma® color catalogue to help streamline textile and fashion industry workflows with truly convenient color comparison.
The Color Atlas by Archroma®, Mini Flex and Mini Palette editions are available as convenient libraries of textile color swatches that set a new standard for efficient color selection and comparison while on the go, in the office, factory or in a work-from-home setting.
Color comparison is a fundamental part of the work of designers and their textile mill and brand partners. However, achieving the perfect color match or color harmony without convenient access to color library reference books has long been a challenge. Physical color libraries can be bulky and heavy with even compact editions of physical libraries are too big to fit into a backpack or shoulder bag. The new Color Atlas by Archroma® for-
mats give designers a visual companion tool for digital color libraries may not be accurate due to the limitations of the user’s smartphone or tablet display.
The Color Atlas by Archroma® Mini Flex and Mini Palette editions overcome these challenges. Both formats are user friendly and travel-ready, with no mask required to isolate colors for selection and comparison.
The Mini Flex edition features textile color chips that allow users to quickly find and compare colors with their desired target color.
In the Mini Palette edition, individual color chips are inserted into slots in plastic
palette sheets for ease of use and portability. Users can carry the pre-made palette sheet swatches or customize a palette sheet using chips from several swatches.
Both Color Atlas by Archroma® Mini Flex and Mini Palette formats contain 5,760 unique colors: 4,320 cotton colors and 1,440 polyester colors. Each of the colors are also available from Archroma as Engineered Color Standards that include achievability information on alternate fiber types, precise dyeing recipes formulated with products that comply with leading international eco-standards, digital data for recipe predictions, dye eco compliance information and access to expert technical support from Archroma around the world.
“Our Color Atlas has inspired creativity, enhanced communication and helped ensure color accuracy since it was launched in 2016. As new ways of working digitally and physically along with the demand for speed reshapes the fashion and textile industry, we continue to innovate to support brands, designers and mills to work faster and smarter together, wherever they are,” Chris Hipps, Global Director, Archroma Color Management, said. “Our innovative new Mini Flex and Mini Palette Color Atlas products provide a true breakthrough for ease of use and portability compared with traditional libraries in use.”
Adidas recognizes Archroma as Champion at 2024 adiFormulator Award
At Archroma, we believe that collaboration paves the way for a more sustainable ecosystem. We are honored to be recognized as Champion at 2024 adiFormulator Award as it validates Archroma’s commitment to delivering product excellence with safer chemistries. We are excited to partner brands and suppliers who have similar ambitions to create and drive positive impact within the textile industry.
The adidas adiFormulator program aims to enhance sustainability in the chemical sector, recognizing its value both within the company and its suppliers. The program emphasizes innovative solutions that enhance chemical processes and standards while fostering collaboration among formulators, suppliers, and stakeholders. It encourages proactive engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement, promoting a community mindset that leverages expertise to drive meaningful change and innovation in sustainable sourcing.
We look forward to strengthening our partnership with our partners as we lead the way in responsible chemical management together.
Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions, has been awarded a Gold rating by EcoVadis, the global rating agency for sustainability performance.
This consolidates Archroma’s position among the top 5% of the more than 130,000 companies from 180 countries and 220 industries assessed by EcoVadis against stringent criteria covering environmental performance, ethics, labor and human rights, and sustainable procurement.
“Archroma has a clear sustainability strategy that guides all of our efforts to develop and deliver innovative solutions that enhance people’s lives. This is encapsulated in the ambitious environmental operations targets we have just announced for 2030,” Mark Garrett, Group CEO, Archroma, said. “Our enduring goal is to lead our industry towards a more sustainable future. By engaging with platforms like EcoVadis, we strengthen our commitment to partnership and transparency while retaining our focus on consumers and the environment.”
It extends to Archroma’s own operational targets. From 2023 to 2030, Archroma will work to reduce water intensity by 40%, energy intensity by 15% and waste intensity by 10%, with zero hazardous waste to landfill. It will also aim for an ambitious 20% reduction in absolute Scope 1 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its own plants and processes and a 40% reduction in absolute Scope 2 indirect GHG emissions from the energy it consumes.
“We have been tracking our sustainability journey through the EcoVadis assessments since 2017 and it has been so motivating to chart our progress and to see how much the standard of sustainability management has also improved across industries over this time,” Martina Beitke, Group Sustainability Director, Archroma, said. “At Archroma, we believe that strong leadership, shared goals and a culture that supports innovation and partnership are the keys to creating value for our stakeholders and a positive impact on people and planet.”
Archroma introduces breakthrough in Bio-based Textile Printing
Utilizing renewable materials* and formaldehyde-free chemistries, the industry-first Archroma NTR Printing System combines newly created pigment black and customized auxiliaries for enhanced sustainability, comfort and durability
Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions, today introduced the NTR Printing System to make bio-based pigment printing commercially possible for the first time. Based on renewable raw materials* and designed for safer chemistry, it helps apparel and textile brands reduce their environmental footprint while producing brilliant black shades on garments that deliver both comfort and durability.
Bio-based pigment printing is an emerging technology that is attracting major interest from brands that want to use pigments derived from natural sources, such as plants, in the production of environmentally conscious textiles. Until now, however, bio-based pigments have not delivered color fastness that is comparable to synthetic pigments, and color quality and production performance have not been sufficient to support commercial-scale production.
Archroma’s NTR Printing System is the first to utilize renewable feedstock* across pigment dispersion, binder and fixing agent. Crucially, it ensures good wet-rubbing and dry-rubbing fastness, with outstanding softness on all kinds of fabrics. Furthermore, it is suitable for most popular application technologies, including printing, coating and continuous pigment dyeing, with outstanding runnability for production efficiency.
“These properties make the new NTR Printing System ideal for the highly competitive denim market, where sustainability, comfort and durability are important; for knits, where very soft handfeel is essential; and on babywear, where both exceptional softness and safety are required,” Joaquin Femat, Market Segment Director for Printing, Archroma, said.
“This latest breakthrough is another example of innovation under Archroma’s “PLANET CONSCIOUS+” roadmap. We develop revolutionary products, systems, and technologies with increased sustainability features than available market alternatives and enhanced value so that brands and mills can differentiate themselves with solutions that meet their business goals and sustainability targets,” he continued.
The result of more than two years of research and development, the innovative new NTR Printing System required Archroma to create customized binding and fixing agents to ensure fastness for the pigment black dispersion comparable to current petroleum-based printing systems. All three printing elements are partially based on renewable feedstock to reduce reliance on non-renewable petrochemicals. Archroma also developed the new system to avoid toxic input streams
and impurities, including formaldehyde. Two successful bulk trials were conducted with Textprint S. A. and Jeanologia.
The NTR printing system comprises the following highly efficient and robust printing elements:
PRINTOFIX® BLACK NTR-TF: A nongelling pigment black with 79% renewable carbon content*, designed for use in textile applications with no impact on fastness levels.
HELIZARIN® NTR-SS: A formaldehyde-free super-soft binder with 40% renewable carbon content**, designed to ensure very good overall fastness levels.
LUPRINTOL® FIXING AGENT NTR-HF: A formaldehyde-free fixing agent with 40% renewable carbon content**, designed for high wet fastness in rubbing and laundry.
All three elements are currently being evaluated for compliance with globally accepted standards like bluesign®, the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC). The system also supports major industry restricted substances list (RSL) requirements.
“With the launch of the bio-based NTR Printing System, Archroma can now draw on the industry’s most complete portfolio of innovative printing solutions to tailor systems for individual customer needs,” Mr. Femat said. “We remain the global leader in pigment printing, with a history of innovation that includes the first formaldehyde-free pigment printing system, introduced in 2012.”
* The NTR printing system utilizes partially renewable raw materials.
** Based on ASTM D6866 bio-based product testing using radiocarbon analysis.
Archroma offers beyond compliant portfolio in effort to help textile industry stay ahead of evolving regulations
SAFE EDGE+ empowers the textile supply chain with solutions that go beyond basic compliance to tackle challenging and ever-evolving regulatory and compliance environment
Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions, today launched SAFE EDGE+ to help mills and brands deliver supply chain transparency, accelerate time to market and stay ahead of evolving textile industry regulations.
This groundbreaking initiative represents a major commitment to providing a roadmap for compliance and cleaner chemistries for use in the textile industry by combining The Safe Edge platform with Foundation+.
The Safe Edge by Archroma online platform was launched in 2021 and was designed to allow brands, retailers and manufacturers to verify with just a few clicks the regulatory and compliance status of Archroma products, including regulations, ecotoxicological information, certifications, and expert notes. Foundation+, Archroma’s beyond compliant portfolio, is a curated selection of Archroma products that utilizes innovative technologies that may contain hazardous or regulated substances that have been designed out or reduced by more than 95% as compared to the current industry standard limits. It offers safer and more sustainable alternatives that help manufacturers, brands and retailers stay ahead of evolving regulations.
“Transparency and traceability are business imperatives today, with regulation and certification as threshold requirements for textile and fashion businesses to enter and compete in the market. SAFE EDGE+ is our commitment to supporting the value chain in the challenging and evolving regulatory and compliance space of textile dyes and chemicals,” Erwin Lucic, Head of Integrated Quality & Product Stewardship, Archroma, said. “This reflects our ‘PLANET CONSCIOUS+’ vision of a more sustainable future for textiles and fashion, with safety at the core.”
“At Archroma, we take a proactive approach to develop products with cleaner chemistries that outperform what
is currently available and do more than is currently required. In this way, we anticipate future restrictions and ensure Archroma's products are always compliant with upcoming environmental standards – smoothing the way for our customers,” Paul Cowell, Vice President of Innovation, Marketing, Brand Engagement and Sustainability said.
Archroma’s SAFE EDGE+ is a core pillar of our “PLANET CONSCIOUS+” vision. With the industry’s most extensive product portfolio and a comprehensive global footprint, Archroma has the expertise and drive to accelerate the textile and fashion industry’s transition to the most sustainable processes and lead it towards a more sustainable future.
SAFE EDGE+ sits alongside other specialist tools and technologies from Archroma, including its SUPER SYSTEMS+ suite of fiber-specific solutions and intelligent effects, and ONE WAY+Archroma’s ONE WAY Impact Calculator combined with Sustainability Improvement Program.
Learn more about Archroma’s SAFE EDGE+ here.
Archroma joins BioCircular Materials Alliance
Global coalition aims to move the fashion industry towards a circular future by utilizing renewable nature-driven materials
Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions, has joined the BioCircular Materials Alliance to help accelerate the fashion industry’s transition to sustainable circular business models.
Conceived by biomaterials pioneer Spiber Inc., the Alliance brings together leading fashion brands, manufacturers and suppliers with the joint aim of encouraging the wider adoption of biobased textile materials and chemical treatments. Early milestones include the creation of a Materials BioCircularity Database that will help brands and mills evaluate how their choice of fibers, dyes and finishing chemicals affect the recyclability of finished goods.
Archroma’s PLANET CONSCIOUS+ vision serves as its roadmap to a more sustainable textile industry. The vision drives the company to go beyond the status quo in collaboration with other industry leaders,
aligning perfectly with the Alliance and its goal of developing a circular ecosystem. Archroma is proud to be part of this effort with Spiber and our other Alliance partners.
Committed to advancing sustainability, Archroma focuses on developing dyes and chemicals products, processes and technologies that aim to improve on what’s available in the market in terms of sustainability, but also deliver enhanced value to brands, mills and consumers.
Through its innovations, Archroma strives to support our partners to produce apparel and textiles that are safer and more durable, made in a more efficient way, and easier to recycle.
Stella McCartney, Marzotto Wool Manufacturing Srl, Fashion for Good and 13 new companies and organizations have joined the BioCircular Materials Alliance. Archroma is one of only two dyes and chemical suppliers in the Alliance.
Archroma wins Social Excellence Award at the 2024 Just Style Excellence Awards
Archroma took home the coveted Social Excellence award for its longstanding and holistic commitment to community engagement in Baroda, India.
The awards recognize how Archroma is making a positive impact on communities in the vicinity of Baroda through multifaceted initiatives that span early childhood development, student scholarships, agricultural education and the empowerment of women.
Archroma recently set up an Anganwadi Centre to provide a range of services in the community, including nutrition and health education and preschool learning. It also runs a scholarship program for students in vocational training, helping to create a skilled talent pool for the region. Archroma is also collaborating with a local NGO to empower
farmers with modern agricultural methods and insights.
The building of a Household Biogas Plant in Umraya village is another example of Archroma‘s sustainable initiatives.
The conversion of manure into clean renewable energy by the plant tackles several issues, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing soil health. It also liberates rural women from the burden of sourcing conventional fuel sources and the health risks associated with burning dung cakes for fuel.
The Just Style Excellence Awards celebrate the top achievements and innovations in the global textile and apparel sector to encourage companies to pursue excellence and drive positive change.
Archroma Internships in Pakistan
The Archroma Center of Excellence at Karachi provides hands-on technical training in textiles to students in our laboratories.
The internships are our flagship initiative. The six weeks training comprises both theory & lab work. The course com-
pletion certificate is highly recognized locally and is a criterion in job placements, mainly in textile mills. The interns are also much sought after amongst the academic institutions.
The internship program initially started in 1996 and has been run successfully since then, round the year. Students
are given practical demos in Textile Wet Processing along with tutorials and tests at the end of internship. To-date more than 9,000 students have participated in our program and are working on responsible positions within the textile industry. More than 25% of our interns are female students.
Grand Happenings at Archroma
Inauguration of Upgraded Digital Ink Plant at Jamshoro
Team Archroma Jamshoro held an inauguration ceremony of the upgraded Digital Ink Plant at Jamshoro site on 7 October. Mr. Maurizio Ponchiroli, TSM, Digital Printing from Global team and Mr. Mujtaba Rahim jointly cut the ribbon of the new upgraded plant.
Archroma Pakistan and Artistic Milliners sign MoU to build close partnership
A win win partnership is in making Archroma Pakistan and Artistic Milliners, one of the top denim manufacturing powerhouses signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Port Qasim, Karachi on 8 March 2024.
The MoU will pave the way to create liaison for high synergy at Archroma Center of Excellence, Karachi. Archroma will provide training to Artistic Milliners' employees on compliance, safety, and sustainable super systems & solutions. Denim-based research and resource-saving initiatives in water and energy will also be shared in periodic sessions.
Archroma Pakistan signs Mou with University of Karachi
Supporting academic linkage to build strong industrial liaison, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Karachi, the largest educational institution in Pakistan. A high-level academic delegation led by Prof. Dr. Hajra Tahir, Dean, Faculty of Science visited Archroma Center of Excellence on 25 September 2024. They were given detailed orientation on the support provided to the industry through our labs, R&D and training programs. The delegation found our training lab especially interesting wherein students of chemistry, textile sciences & engineering are provided six-week hands-on internships around the year. Both teams have chalked out projects for the future development of students.
Archroma Pakistan participates in Sustainability Conference
A well-attended Sustainability Conference was organized in Karachi by Artistic Milliners in collaboration with WWF Pakistan and Control Union on 30 May 2024. Mujtaba Rahim gave an interactive presentation and talk on "Sustainable Chemical use in the industry", highlighting the role of our environment friendly chemicals. Participants showed great interest in the presentation.
Safety Training Given to Artistic Milliners' Team
In line with the MoU signed with Artistic Milliners, our key customer, Archroma provided training on safety to a group of 25 participants from different units of Artistic Milliners at Port Qasim on 4 July 2024. @Haris Ahmed Nasir, SHE Officer, Landhi site lead the highly interactive training session. Feedback of training was overwhelming and Artistic Milliners are planning to take this project to a larger scale. @Haris Ahmed Siddiqui, Technical Lead Denim coordinated with his counterparts in Artistic Milliners.
Archroma guest lecture: Interactive Session Held on Super Systems - Denim at Siddiqsons
Archroma Pakistan held an interesting interactive session on Super Systems - Denim on 29 August 2024 at Siddiqsons site, Karachi. Around 30 team members from R&D, Production and Marketing of Siddiqsons attended the session. Siddiqsons is one of the key customers. Haris Ahmed Siddiqui took the participants through the presentations, short videos and practical demos. Certificates of participation were given at the end of the session.
Industrial visit of Chemical Engineering Students from Karachi University
A group of students from the Chemical Engineering Department of Karachi University visited Jamshoro site on 11 September 2024. This interesting full day event gave the students a complete orientation on factory operations, day to day safety practices, production, warehousing, and transportation. A detailed briefing was given on Sustainable Effluent Treatment Plant Zero Liquid Discharge. Students found the site operations very fascinating.
The visit is a result of the recent MoU that Archroma signed with University of Karachi.
Accolades and Accreditations
Our indelible mark in the chemical world has already a broader role. The main asset of Archroma is its dedicated team that takes challenges and converts each one of them into opportunities and success.
Management Excellence Award – Archroma wins with a Big Bang!
Management Excellence Awards to organizations that excel in Good Management Practices (GMP). This year again, Archroma Pakistan came out as a winner of this prestigious recognition. The Award was received by Mr. Mujtaba Rahim along with Mr. Irfan Chawala on 23 October 2024 at Karachi. The assessment team visits our offices and judge for themselves on compliance and policies related to GMP. Archroma has been a consecutive winner in the Chemicals sectors since last 13 years.
Best Corporate Report 2023 – Archroma Pakistan wins 5th Position
The Annual Report for the year 2023 was adjudged for the Best Corporate Report Certificate - 5th Position in the Chemical & Fertilizer Sector on 18 October 2024. The Award was jointly presented by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) and Institute of Cost & Management Accountants (ICMA) after a rigorous assessment by a group of notable juries. Mr. Ihtasham Elahi, Sales Head North received the Award at Lahore. The nationwide contest is organized to rate the quality of information, attractive layout and easy readability of Annual Reports.
Archroma Pakistan Receives Compliant Taxpayers Award
Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Shahbaz Sharif presented the Compliant Taxpayers Award to Archroma Pakistan being amongst the top Compliant Taxpayer companies on 26 March 2024 at the Prime Minister's Office, Islamabad. Archroma Pakistan abides by all federal and provincial regulatory requirements especially timely deposits of returns in the official exchequer. Federal Bureau of Revenue recognized and appreciated Large Taxpayers and Exporters in a high profile well-attended ceremony.
Archroma Pakistan Bags Silver RecognitionEmployer of the Year Award 2024
Results of the much sought-after Employer of the Year Award 2024 were announced in a big gathering of the corporate sector on 30 July 2024 in Karachi. Archroma Pakistan received Silver Recognition in the Multinational category in a nationwide contest organized by Employers' Federation of Pakistan. Mr. Abdul Salam Thahim, Minister for Labour and Human Resources, Government of Sindh was the Chief Guest. Also present were the Country Director of ILO, Mr. Geir Tonstol and the Country Representative, GIZ, Germany.
Archroma Pakistan is a proud recipient of Employer of the Year Award consecutively in 2016, 2017 and 2018 securing First Position along with the Chief Executive of the Year Award. We are presently on the winners list every year.
Archroma Pakistan wins Women Empowerment and Gender Equality Award 2024!
Employers' Federation conferred the Silver Award to Archroma Pakistan in recognition of our commitment to fostering gender-inclusive workplace on 4 March 2024 in Karachi.
Ms. Iffat Zahra, our D&I Ambassador received the Award from Dr. Arshad Mehmood, Federal Secretary, Ministry of Labor, Government of Pakistan in the presence of a large gathering of corporate sector. This recognition coincides with the International Women’s Day celebration.
Archroma Pakistan conferred with Gold Award - Sustainability Partner Category by Interloop
Archroma Pakistan has been honored with the Gold Award in the Sustainability Partner category by Interloop, one of the world's largest and most renowned multi-textile manufacturing companies. Interloop is a vertically integrated supplier of hosiery, denim, knitted apparel and seamless activewear, serving global brands and retailers.
The award is a recognition of Archroma's longstanding partnership with Interloop spanning decades. As a preferred supplier of specialty chemicals for textile effects, Archroma has continuously supported Interloop in achieving superior results. Key to this collaboration are Archroma’s technical expertise and commitment to knowledge-sharing, helping drive mutual success.
Aligned with our PLANET CONSCIOUS+ approach, this award reflects both companies' dedication to sustainable practices. Interloop, with its strong emphasis on sustainability, values Archroma's contributions, particularly in advancing the use of cleaner chemicals through our SUPER SYSTEMS+ solutions.
The award was presented during a prestigious ceremony on October 30, 2024, at Hotel Nishat in Lahore, attended by Interloop’s team and local textile industry leaders. Mr. Navid Fazil, CEO of Interloop, presented the Gold Award to Mr. Khurram Shehzad, Senior Accounts Manager at Archroma Pakistan’s Textile Effects division in Faisalabad.
