Tini Tani
Billy Hazel
Jess A
Olivia P
Mikko Puttonen
The Vision paper for smart textiles sector in Europe is developed in order to identify the various challenges and barriers faced by smart textiles stakeholders during the commercialization of smart textiles products.
This vision paper is also developed to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats faced by the European smart textiles sector and aids in developing strategies which can help the stakeholders of the sector in the commercialization of smart textiles.
According to the definition of CEN/TC 248 Committee working on standardization, “Smart or intelligent textiles are functional textiles, which interact with their environment by responding to it. This response can be either a (visible) change in the materials properties or result in communicating the environmental trigger to an external read out.”
According to reports of various market research companies, the global market for technical textiles is expected to grow to the tune of US$ 127 billion by the year 2010. While the US and EU continues to be the main manufacturers and consumers of functional textiles, China has emerged as a large manufacturer of the same.
The societal drivers that support the use of smart textiles are quality of life, population with increased chronic disorders who need continuous monitoring and care, aging population and, augmented demands and needs of the consumers. The business drivers are diversification in to other businesses, cut-throat competition in the established industries, high profitability, and gradual development of high potential markets and increased public funding in the field of smart textiles.
The strategic barriers are a lack of standardization and regulations for the new products, lack of shared product development initiatives among the value chain partners and lack of funds with SMEs for new product development. The societal barriers include ethical and social issues like privacy and confidentiality, and safety issues. The technological barriers include reliability, durability and ease of use; slow development in the areas like flexibility of electronics, durability and power; and missing interconnection of components.
The Vision Papaer for the Smart Textiles Industry in Europe also identifies major stakeholders who play an influential role in the development and subsequent commercialization of smart textiles. The stakeholders are identified based on the issues and the role they play in solving those.
Also they play a critical role in development of high performance and efficient prototypes. These stakeholders in the field of smart textiles include leading names in the respective vertical markets, research institutions, textile and machine component manufacturers, funding agencies or venture capitalists and end users/user organizations.
China had entered into a free trade pact with the Southeast Asian countries in January 2010 pursuant to which the Chinese traders enjoy a zero or low duty access in these countries for their exports.
The country now intends to construct a vast commercial complex – China City Complex in Thailand with an investment of $1.5 billion. The complex would be set up on an area of 5.4 million square-feet that is 500,000 square-meters in the fringes of Bangkok, and is believed to house over 70,000 Chinese traders.
Construction of this complex is planned to start from March 2011 and is scheduled for completion within 18 months thereafter. Various China made items like ornaments, household products, garments, etc. would be sold at the complex.
Once the complex starts, the Chinese traders would be able to sell their goods to people from different parts of the world through Thailand, which would help them to save the heavy duties that they need to pay on their exports to many of the countries, particularly western countries like the Europe and the US.
The initiative is also seen to help China to cut down its trade deficit with these countries, which touched $16.8 billion with the U.S. and $13.6 billion with the EU in November, 2010.
By and large the global recession has not had much effect on China' s trade which kept registering healthy growths. Also, driven by the rise in the sales to other developing nations which are reviving from the effects of the economic slump at a greater pace than the EU and the US, China' s exports for the month of November 2010 registered a rise of 34.9 percent to touch $153.3 billion from that registered a year ago.
But then the extra stocks lying with the EU and the US, the major importers of Chinese items have become a cause of concern and are thus inducing the traders to search newer ways to infiltrate in these markets.
South by Southwest (SXSW) announced it will introduce the inaugural Style X (pronounced Style By), an exhibition aimed at showcasing emerging talent in the fashion industry, during its 25th event in March 2011.
Style X will present dozens of up-and-coming brands that design and manufacture everything from women's dresses and swimwear, to eyeglasses, watches, shoes, and apparel. The new event will take place on Friday, March 18 and Saturday, March 19 at the Austin Convention Center.
"South by Southwest plays host to a one-of-a-kind convergence of creative industries, where fashion is playing an increasingly important role," said Roland Swenson, Managing Director of SXSW, Inc. "Style X will allow SXSW registrants to tap into an entirely new field of creative professionals who are pushing the limits and developing trends that affect and influence people around the world."
Designers currently confirmed for Style X range from Atlanta-based streetwear line We Are The Process and Austin watchmaker Tikkr, to Charleston, S.C. women's wear designer Cavortress, newly-launched eyewear company Tortoise & Blond, and Sweden-based sock maker Happy Socks. New York women's line Yours Truly Brand and women's swimwear line ToriPraver are among other brands showcasing. Keds, the original sneaker since 1916, will be a special exhibitor in Style X, creating an interactive experience of art, fashion, style and charity, in addition to showcasing their "Design Your Own" capabilities.
"Fashion is already widely on display at SXSW, whether it's the bands onstage, the fans in the crowd, or the brands participating in the event," said Joah Spearman, the event's co-founder and owner of pop-up sneaker boutique, Sneak Attack. "Style X will give SXSW attendees a chance to be introduced to some of what's next in fashion, and to see how it intersects with so much of what is happening in their own creative industries."
The event is free and opens to the public, and will feature runway shows, select gifting opportunities, on-site screen-printing, and experiential activations. Exhibiting designers will be selling their lines onsite.
Style X was developed in November 2010 through a partnership between SXSW and two Austin business owners, Joah Spearman and Jon Pattillo. The founder, Joah, is the owner of Sneak Attack, a pop-up sneaker boutique, and co-founder Jon is co-owner of Sanctuary Printshop.
The 6th edition of ZOOM by Fatex, the trade fair dedicated 100% to fashion manufacturing at close proximity, will take place February 8-9-10, 2011 at Paris-Nord Villepinte.
135 selected exhibitors from Europe, the Mediterranean basin, Mauritius and Madagascar will propose their manufacturing know-how and high technicity during this edition, still in synergy with PREMIERE VISION PLURIEL.
Exhibitors:
ZOOM by Fatex remains a vital, necessary event on the industry calendar. As proof:
22% more exhibitors, the fourth consecutive time the fair has increased season after season, 78% of exhibitors have remained loyal each season.
This season, the fair is enriched by 27 new exhibitors and expands its offer, especially in the leather manufacturing area.
The total area dedicated to business has thus grown by 30%.
Most national organizations, betting on the quality and increased visitorship at ZOOM by Fatex, will generally arrive with more exhibitors in their group.
ZOOM by Fatex is broken down into sectors: often requested by visitors, manufacturers specializing in leather will have an area reserved for them. In the "LEATHER" area, visitors will find all the know-how for this material from clothing to shoes in passing by leather goods.
This area is part of the transversal circuit for all the PREMIERE VISION PLURIEL fairs with a theme of LE BAG and gathers 10 exhibitors from France, Italy, Morocco and Romania : Manufacture textile Méridionale, Maroquinerie Philippe Serres, Sapaf Snc Di Calistri S&C, Ronis, Cargese, Macha, Import export Gygy, Sc Angela International, Marcolev Exim
The swimwear area gathers 3 exhibitors: Amarcord (Italy), Interlinge (Morocco), Bacovet (Tunisia)
When it comes to addressing the apparel, accessories and footwear supply chain for both private label retailers and branded apparel companies, Sourcing at MAGIC continues to increase its position as the largest and most comprehensive fashion sourcing event in North America.
Sourcing at MAGIC is back this February for four days, giving attendees the opportunity to discover new manufacturing, fabric and design resources from around the world, compare pricing and place orders for their production needs. In addition to providing a marketplace for commerce and networking, Sourcing at MAGIC will reveal new Spring/Summer 2012 fashion trends and educational content through the MAGIC Seminar Series; featuring presentations from some of the top fashion industry leaders in the world.
Welcoming a 35 percent increase in size over the February 2010 show, Sourcing at MAGIC will showcase the most diverse selection of apparel, accessories and footwear manufacturers, fabric mills, trim and component suppliers, print design studios and fashion supply chain providers from around the world. The show takes place February 13-16 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. To accommodate the show's growth, Sourcing at MAGIC has relocated to South Hall – adjacent to FN PLATFORM and WWD MAGIC.
"Sourcing at MAGIC's international scope is unparalleled," said Chris DeMoulin, MAGIC International President and Executive Vice President of Advanstar's Fashion Group. "We bring the world to our exhibitors and retail attendees. Come and be inspired at North America's most comprehensive sourcing event, where you can meet face-to-face with more than 700 manufacturers from the top apparel producing countries around the world."
International Resources / Focus Country – EGYPT
In the wake of the current sourcing challenges, SOURCING at MAGIC offers the perfect environment to discover new resources from the world's most important apparel producing regions, including Bangladesh, India, China, Pakistan, Africa, Taiwan, Korea, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, Ethopia and many more.
This February, Sourcing at MAGIC will highlight and celebrate Egypt as its focus country. Throughout the past five years, Egypt has cemented its position as a fashion hub for European and American high street brands and continues to grow rapidly. Sourcing at MAGIC will feature over 15 top Egyptian manufacturers and design resources.
Premier China, a new area which debuted in August 2010, will once again showcase more than 30 large vertically integrated women's, men's and kids' wear manufacturers from China offering contemporary design capabilities.
Other countries significantly expanding their presence at the February show are Hong Kong, India and Korea. In addition, Sourcing at MAGIC is expanding its fabric and trim environments with over 50 international textile companies.
MAGIC Seminar Series
Featuring the most prominent speaker line-up to date, MAGIC's Seminar Series kicks off on February 13 with a high-profile keynote panel discussion, "Making Money in a Brave New World" with the president of Li & Fung USA's Global Brand Business Group president – Luen Thai and The Jones Group. The speakers will discuss how to profit even in the face of the current business environment.
Teijin Fibers Limited in an announcement stated that it has come out with a new polyester fabric that is skin friendly. The company has developed this new fabric by maintaining an acidic pH level, comparable with the skin. The company further announced that this will be the first commercial polyester fabric of the world to provide pH control.
The company will put up the material for sale particularly for the spring and summer 2012 sportswear collections. The new fabric will also be sold for general garments as well as other uses.
The material will be displayed at two global sports trade shows in the coming days; one is the Outdoor Retailer in Salt Lake City, USA to be organized from January 20 to 23, and the other is the ISPO in Munich, Germany that is likely to be held between February 6 and 9.
The company revealed that the slight acidic property of the fabric has been obtained by altering the polyester polymer so that it can sustain its pH level firmly even after frequent wash and wear. The fabric will also sustain the advanced properties of polyester like water absorption and rapid drying characteristics.
The new material is likely to fulfill the growing requirements of the customers for such textiles and clothing which have value-added features like skin friendliness, odour prevention, stain resistance and antibacterial property.
According to the company sources, agents are fastened to fibres in materials which have these properties currently. This is achieved by means of post-processing treatment which reduces their functionality, restricts their durability and destroys their original texture over a period of time.
The company also revealed that the raw materials providing pH control has been, so far, restricted to water-absorbing (hydrophilic) fibres, like cotton and rayon. None of these two fibres adequately dries up the sweat, which is the foremost requirement of a high quality sportswear.
Nelasportswear.com is an online boutique dedicated to the empowerment of the active, fashion forward woman who doesn't want to compromise style, quality or comfort in her wardrobe for her everyday activities, exercise routine, rigorous sports or simply casual activities.
Nelasportswear.com, retail and distributor of performance activewear for women, announces their global expansion with a new European distributor, Spanish firm Evolution-Group Sports S.A. Nelasportswear.com, which is known for their exceptional quality and fabrics in women's sportswear as well as female fitness equipment, anticipate continued and significant growth with the Nelasportswear.com international business.
Nelasportswear.com is eager and optimistic about the new partnership with Evolution-Group Sports S.A. A company with the same ideologies, dedication, and commitment to customers as that of Nelasportswear.com constitutes for a paramount business relationship. As the brand name grows and establishes itself in the United States, Nelasportswear.com looks to provide high-quality performance sports clothing throughout many European countries as well as many other markets such as those in Canada, Japan, Russia and Mexico to name a few.
"We've seen the demand for Nelasportswear.com high-quality fabrics and outstanding activewear craftsmanship in the international market growing steadily as the brand grows in the US", shares Nela Torres, Founding Partner and CEO of Nelasportswear LLC. "Nelasportswear.com offers distributors an unique opportunity to add to their existing Sports, Exercise and Fitness lines business without the large upfront investment. In fact, the opportunity to distribute Nelasportswear gives out partners exclusivity and a product unmatched in terms of quality, performance and style. A massive competitive advantage".
With Nelasportwear.com triumphing as the leading seller in women's fitness fashion, workout wear, exercise clothing and casual wear for multiple wearing options and the Spanish firm receiving exclusivity, the two companies can expect an explosive growth in the Nelasportswear brand name. In addition, with the New Year quickly approaching, Nelasportswear.com can expect a prosperous year ahead, and with great opportunity for further growth in providing Hi Tech fashionable and flattering activewear to women of all ages as they seek a sexier look in all activities of their life.
The fashion center of the United States is soon to be buzzing with industry insiders as top textile and fabric manufacturers from South Korea will present a sneak peak at their Spring/Summer 2012 collections. The Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City will be hosting the Korean Preview in New York 2011 (KPNY) on January 26th and 27th, where innovative, high quality, and eco-friendly textiles and fabrics will be showcased exclusively for fashion industry insiders.
Visitors can expect to see the latest trends in fabric and textile designs from Korea along with stunning fashion events. Free seminars will also be held on both days for all event attendees.
"This is our 15th KPNY show over the past 8 years, and we couldn't be more excited to share the hottest fabric and textile trends and innovations from Korea with the U.S. market," says Soon Yong Hong, President, KOTRA North America. "The event provides a tremendous opportunity to continue our successful partnership with U.S. retailers that began more than 30 years ago."
KPNY has a rich history of creating lasting partnerships between U.S. buyers and Korean fabric and textile manufacturers. Strategic partnerships are created thanks to high-quality, competitively priced textiles made newly available to the U.S. market.
"We're thrilled to introduce U.S. buyers, textile executives, designers, and sourcing teams to the innovative fabrics being created in South Korea. There will be many great partnership opportunities at KPNY, as U.S. and Korean companies can come together to mutually benefit and better satisfy their customers," explained Ro Hee Chan, Chairman, Korea Federation of Textile Industries (KOFOTI).
Bibby Financial Services announced it has successfully worked with one of Southern California's largest vertically integrated apparel and fabric manufacturers to provide a $2 million factoring facility for two of its companies.
One business offers a full spectrum of washing, dyeing and printing fabrics at a locally-based factory and hand finishes garments at another location in Central America. The other business produces and sells fabrics to garment manufacturers. Both companies will use the additional cash flow to grow and develop their business providing secure financing on which to build their plans for 2011 and beyond.
"Apparel manufacturing is a key industry for our company because it is dominated by design led entrepreneurs who can experience very rapid growth. Factoring speeds up the cash flow cycle, helping to convert a large order book into quick sales and satisfied customers," said Nick Hart, managing director, Bibby Financial Services, California. "This particular company has an impressive domestic dye house with an experienced staff. I am very proud that we are able to support jobs and entrepreneurs in the apparel industry both here and abroad."
Bibby Financial Services is a worldwide market leader in business cash flow solutions to small- and medium-sized companies. With offices in seven North American cities and 14 countries around the world, its product portfolio includes accounts receivables finance, factoring, export finance, purchase order finance, specialist solutions for the staffing and trucking sectors, and it is an approved lender for the Export-Import Bank's working capital guaranty delegated authority program.
The 15th International Exhibition on Textile Industry (ShanghaiTex 2011) will be held at Shanghai New International Expo Centre, Pudong, Shanghai during June 14 – 17, 2011. Being the long-standing textile machinery exhibition, ShanghaiTex is praised as the business barometer of the textile industry, which serves as an arena for new product launch, information exchange and networking with industry players.
Unveiled by the organizers, the exhibition halls are being filled up at a good pace. Apart from overwhelming response from individual brands and companies, country pavilion recruitment is on quick move too, especially for the German and Korean pavilions.
German Companies Eye on Strong Growth in Domestic Demand in China
After the financial turmoil in 2008, the global economy has begun to recover, especially for the China market which recorded continual booming trade figures. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, in Jan – Aug 2010, the total import -export value of textile machinery was USD3.726 billion, showing year-on-year rise of 59.84% while the import value was USD2.642 billion, witnessing a year-on year rise of 63.13% and with a growth rate of 108.08%.
The huge increase in growth rate proves that China has become one of the prominent markets for foreign enterprises. In fact, Germany, as the 2nd largest textile machinery importing country to China during Jan – Aug 2010, has prepared to further expand its market share in China.
Eyeing on the strong domestic demand for textile machinery, German machinery makers, which have good reputation on durability of their products, are eager to explore the China market and join the German Pavilion for a big-scale showcase. Exhibitors, including Karl Mayer, Terrot, Mayer & Cie, Erhardt Leimer, Rauschert, Andritz Kuesters, Bobotex, Osthoff-Senge, Sedo Treepoint, Rosink, Brueckner, etc., will display leading warp-knitting, knitting, spinning, dyeing and finishing machineries.
Karl Mayer, one of the key exhibitors in the German Pavilion, has invested heavily in its participation at ShanghaiTex 2011 by setting up booths in both halls of W1 (Knitting & Hosiery Machinery Zone) and W3 (Weaving Machinery Zone). Karl Mayer has been established since 1937 and the company has developed itself into the world's leading manufacturer of warp knitting machines.
It has created various concepts and special solutions for tricot machines and Raschel machines in order to meet the increasing demand of enterprises. Industry players cannot afford to miss to visit to Karl Mayer's booths and the German Pavilion at ShangaiTex 2011.
Korean Pavilion Showcases Latest Needle Making Technology
On the other hand, Korea, a vibrant Asia country, has continued to show great support to ShanghaiTex 2011. Organized by Korea Textile Machinery Association (KOTMA), the Korean Pavilion has now been recruited with more than 20 enterprises, such as Samsung Knitting Needle, DGI, Dongsin, Hyosan, Hyun Dae, Nam Seo, etc. These Korean enterprises will focus on their knitting machineries and a wide range of needles, aiming to showcase their innovative products through ShanghaiTex 2011.
The key exhibitor of Korean Pavilion is Samsung Knitting Needle which is found in 1948. Samsung knitting Needle is the pioneer and ranks no. 2 among the world's needle making industry. It designs and makes circular, transfer, hosiery, flat and wire needles, and a variety of sinkers, sliders and jacks for enthusiastic users over 20 countries. Visitors who focus on spare parts sourcing should not miss the Korean Pavilion.
Sponsored by Shanghai Textile Holding (Group) Corporation, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Shanghai Sub-council and China Chamber of International Commerce Shanghai Chamber of Commerce, ShanghaiTex is organized by Shanghai International Exhibition Co Ltd., Shanghai Textile Technology Service & Exhibition Centre and Adsale Exhibition Services Ltd.
Being the long-standing exhibition in China, ShanghaiTex is rooted in Shanghai with influences spanning over China since 1984. Benefited from the recovery of textile industry and the surging demand, ShanghaiTex2011 is expecting an exhibition area of over 92,000sqm and the participation of 1,000 exhibitors.
The key exhibitor of Korean Pavilion is Samsung Knitting Needle which is found in 1948. Samsung knitting Needle is the pioneer and ranks no. 2 among the world's needle making industry. It designs and makes circular, transfer, hosiery, flat and wire needles, and a variety of sinkers, sliders and jacks for enthusiastic users over 20 countries. Visitors who focus on spare parts sourcing should not miss the Korean Pavilion.
Sponsored by Shanghai Textile Holding (Group) Corporation, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Shanghai Sub-council and China Chamber of International Commerce Shanghai Chamber of Commerce, ShanghaiTex is organized by Shanghai International Exhibition Co Ltd., Shanghai Textile Technology Service & Exhibition Centre and Adsale Exhibition Services Ltd.
Being the long-standing exhibition in China, ShanghaiTex is rooted in Shanghai with influences spanning over China since 1984. Benefited from the recovery of textile industry and the surging demand, ShanghaiTex2011 is expecting an exhibition area of over 92,000sqm and the participation of 1,000 exhibitors.
