The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) recently reduced its policy rate by 75 basis points to 12.50 per cent from 13.25 per cent along with two other steps to deal with the situation created by the COVID-19 pandemic. SBP governor Reza Baqir said with the domestic deceleration in food prices and a significant decline in consumer price expectations, the outlook for inflation had improved, paving the way for the rate cut.Pic: ShutterstockTextile exporters and economists rejected the 75-basis points cut i

15% of manufacturing companies in Vietnam have slashed their production as the textile and apparel industry hard hit due to coronavirus outbreak, reports Reuters.The country’s labour ministry informed this data last week.This crisis situation directly impacted 2.8 million workers in the labor-intensive garment and textile industry as firms have reduced shifts and stopped overtime, according to Vietnam News Agency report.Figure:15% of manufacturing companies in Vietnam have slashed their producti

3DLOOK, 3D body scanning system, joins hands with with Professional Clothing Industry Association Worldwide (PCIAW)!Image Courtesy: i.pinimg.comThe partnership aims to assist the members of PCIAW with the digital approach for fit and sizing. PCIAW members will be able to leverage the technology by providing their customers to use the app.And how! Using smartphones, customers can put their body measurements to the app they are using, which will further help the clothing brand know the accurate bo

CHRISTCHURCH - Microfibres from machine-washable wool biodegrade more than three times faster than untreated wool in water, according to a surprising new study by scientists at New Zealand's AgResearch which serves the country's agriculture industry.AgResearch, a corporatised state research institute, found that both untreated wool and machine-washable wool biodegraded readily in a marine environment compared to synthetic fibres.But researchers found that machine-washable wool biodegrade

STUTTGART – The new version of the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) released includes new requirements for chemical formulators, makes changes to the addition of regenerated and virgin synthetic textile fibres and has added a completely new section on ‘migrant workers.’Version 6.0 of GOTS, which is updated every 3 years, covers the processing, manufacturing, packaging, labelling, trading and distribution of all textiles made from at least 70 per cent certified organic natural fibres.Source

AMSTERDAM - Three new companies - including Uniqlo owner Fast Retailing Co Ltd - have signed up to the ZDHC Roadmap to Zero initiative to replace hazardous chemicals with safer ones in textiles and clothing production.Fast Retailing becomes a ZDHC signatory brand, while speciality chemicals company, the Bozzetto Group, and textile producer Century Rayon have become ZDHC contributors. Meanwhile, fashion giant Ralph Lauren has become an official friend of the programme.A ZDHC statement said: "

LONDON - Fashion brands are being urged to dramatically cut their use of virgin raw materials within the next decade to address the climate and nature emergencies facing the planet.The call comes in a new report, entitled the Earth Logic Action Plan, which was commissioned by the JJ Charitable Trust and written by a group of academics, business leaders and analysts.It urges businesses across the global fashion sector to “radically transform” their models, to put nature ahead of short-term financ

The Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council of India (TEXPROCIL) has requested the government for urgent policy intervention to provide fiscal relief and ensure credit flow to the textile sector. The suggested steps include extending the Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (ROSCTL) scheme to cotton yarn and fabrics and the Merchandise Exports of India (MEIS) scheme to all textile products beyond March 31.Pic: ShutterstockThe spread of coronavirus has led to cancellation and deferment o

With the UK Prime Minister advising Brits to avoid all non-essential travel and work from home where possible as a result of COVID-19, businesses across the country are quickly having to establish a new norm, says digital supply chain specialist SupplyCompass.Sock factory. © SupplyCompass.“Technology and team management tools are becoming crucial in order to maintain some level of ‘business as usual’ – but are companies digitally prepared enough in these uncertain times?” the London based outfit

As the situation comesunder control in China, the Japanese fast-fashion retailer Uniqlo opens most of its stores located in the country.Image Courtesy: fastretailing.comPeople return to their work as the situation getsbetter in China and South Korea;however condition is still worse in USA and Italy.Fast Retailing, which owns the brand,had closed about 350 of its casual clothing stores and some partner factories in China a month ago.Out of 750 Uniqlo stores in China, 30 stores that are located in