Upland cotton sales for 2024-25 fell 8% to 106,800 RB. Despite this, exports rose to 130,000 RB, with key markets being Pakistan and Vietnam. Pima cotton saw a 32% sales increase, though exports dropped by 40%.

The US Fed cut interest rates to 4.75-5% to address inflation, noting steady economic growth but a slight rise in unemployment. Future rate adjustments will depend on ongoing economic data.

Textiles are one of the biggest sources of PFAS pollution in Europe though their use in most types of textiles is not a technical necessity, says a briefing by the European Environment Agency as it warns that PFAS in textiles can be a barrier to their longer use, reuse and recyclability, negatively influencing the sector’s shift to a more circular economy.

UK’s Competition and Markets Authority has promised a crackdown on greenwashing by fashion brands and even warned 17 of them to review their green claims. In doing so, it will help to make sure shoppers looking to buy ‘green’ can trust the claims they see.

Sapphire Mills introduces sustainable stretch fabrics for workwear with XLance fiber, known for its eco-friendly properties and durability, perfect for industrial laundry and high-performance applications.

The UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT) has come out with a report that aims to encourage innovators, brands, retailers and manufacturers to work together so that the industry can collectively achieve environmental impact reduction goals.

Ralph Lauren’s 2024 report showcases progress with its Timeless by Design strategy, including 33% emissions reduction, new sustainable products, and the opening of a cancer prevention center.

Fashion brands like Boohoo and Shein are ramping up synthetic fiber use, worsening environmental and health risks. Despite sustainability claims, many are criticized for increasing synthetic materials and perpetuating plastic pollution.

The country’s Competition and Markets Authority has written to ‘well-known’ labels advising them to review their practices after issuing a new compliance guide for the fashion sector.

Neo Performance Materials invested $46.4 million to upgrade its Zibo, China plant for emissions control catalysts. The facility aims to meet stricter standards and reach full production by late 2024.

Pakistan's Sapphire Mills has teamed up with a polyolefin-based stretch yarn producer XLANCE Srl to revolutionise workwear by integrating XLANCE's sustainable stretch technology, providing enhanced durability and comfort.

Global non-profit Canopy has identified a huge opportunity for India to lead the global alternative fibre industry and is calling for $13-15bn of investment to help the country transform agricultural and textile waste into low-carbon materials, reducing emissions and boosting green jobs.