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JAAF Insights

Modern Challenges and Opportunities for the Apparel Industry

Colombo, Sri Lanka – February 20, 2025 – The three-day international conference, “Modern Challenges and Opportunities for the Apparel Industry,” held from February 18-20, 2025, at the Courtyard by Marriott in Colombo, Sri Lanka, successfully brought together global experts, industry leaders, and policymakers to explore the future of sustainable and resilient apparel production. Organized by Monash University Business School, in collaboration with Loughborough University, the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), the Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM), and INTERACT, this event proved to be a pivotal moment for the apparel industry.

The conference kicked off with a powerful lineup of distinguished keynote speakers on day one. Among the notable speakers was Prof. Mohan Munasinghe, the 2021 Blue Planet Prize Laureate and Nobel Peace Prize-winning IPCC Vice-Chair, who provided groundbreaking insights into the intersection of climate change, sustainability, and the apparel industry. His presentation emphasized the need for innovative, environmentally-conscious strategies in global production systems.

Ms. Nemanthi Kooragamage, Director of Group Sustainable Business at MAS Holdings, also delivered a compelling speech on driving sustainability at scale within the apparel sector. Her speech resonated with the audience, offering actionable solutions on integrating circularity and sustainable practices into business operations.

The conference continued with thought-provoking panel discussions, addressing critical topics such as Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) trends, the importance of circularity in fashion, and the evolution of sustainable supply chains. These discussions fostered rich dialogue among participants, emphasizing the pressing need for the industry to evolve in the face of environmental and ethical challenges.

On day two, the conference featured academic paper presentations that highlighted the latest research in apparel production, sustainability, and technological advancements. This academic track provided an opportunity for scholars to share their findings with industry professionals and policymakers, further fueling innovation in the field.

The final day of the conference offered a unique opportunity for delegates to visit local apparel factories, allowing them to see firsthand the implementation of sustainable practices in Sri Lanka’s thriving apparel sector. The factory tours provided a real-world perspective on the challenges and successes of integrating sustainable production practices at the ground level.

Throughout the event, participants took advantage of numerous networking opportunities, fostering connections that will undoubtedly lead to future collaborations in sustainable fashion. Workshops on practical implementation strategies ensured that attendees left the event equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to drive change in their organizations and industries.

As the conference concluded, it was clear that the global apparel industry stands at a crossroads. The event underscored the critical importance of collaboration, innovation, and action to ensure that the apparel sector evolves into a more sustainable and resilient industry. With the insights shared over the three days, it is evident that the future of apparel production is one that must balance economic growth with environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

The “Modern Challenges and Opportunities for the Apparel Industry” conference has set the stage for future advancements in sustainable apparel production, leaving participants inspired and empowered to shape a greener, more equitable future for the industry.

Mygroup Is Embarking On A Pioneering Sustainable Textile Production And Manufacturing Proof-Of-Concept In Sri Lanka

The multi-faceted initiative, spearheaded by the company’s ReFactory arm, will extend across four Sri Lankan provinces – North West, North Central, Uva and Eastern. It aims to reintroduce cotton cultivation in the country for the first time since the 1970s, support and grow traditional artisan skills and techniques in communities, as well as drive planet-friendly innovations in fabric production and treatment.

For the textiles elements of the initiative, the ReFactory team has partnered with the Sri Lanka arm of Fibershed, a global non-profit consultancy focused on sustainable, localised systems for producing textiles and clothing. Fibreshed Sri Lanka advocates for and promotes the use of local fibres, natural dyes, traditional labour and techniques, ensuring these practices are preserved, modernised and scaled for the long-term.

All elements of the Sri Lanka initiative are aimed at employing and fairly compensating local artisans and workers, revitalising traditional industries and strengthening local economies, but with a keen focus on environmental responsibility to foster the long-term growth and transition of the country’s textiles and fashion industries toward a sustainable future.Sustainability In Textiles

GTEX Training in Circular Economy

Workshops focused on the Circular Economy was recently conducted for the technical and ESG teams at Courtaulds, marking a significant step toward embedding sustainability within the company’s operations. The workshop’s focus on circular economy principles was highly relevant to Courtaulds' ongoing efforts to enhance its sustainability initiatives. By equipping their technical and ESG teams with the latest knowledge and tools, Courtaulds is better positioned to take actionable steps toward reducing waste, improving resource efficiency, and adopting circular strategies across their operations.

This training underscores the growing importance of circular economy practices in the textile industry, empowering businesses to play a critical role in creating a more sustainable and responsible future for the sector.

The event, which was also part of the International Trade Centre’s (ITC) GTex initiative, provided a deep dive into circular economy business models specifically tailored for the textile and clothing industry. The session aimed to equip participants with the tools and strategies necessary to adopt more sustainable practices within their respective teams and projects.

Facilitated by experts Eranthi Premaratne and Sumiith Siriwardana, the workshop aimed to enhance the team’s ability to integrate circular economy principles into their everyday work. Similar such workshops were also conducted at UoM, CCL, Emjay, and Hirdaramani.

Eranthi Premaratne shared, “It’s always inspiring to engage in activities that drive sustainable practices and empower teams to create meaningful change.” As one of the first trainers to be certified by the International Trade Centre on Circular Economy Business Models, Premaratne’s insight and experience played a vital role in guiding the workshop. The training also highlighted the significance of collaborative efforts and practical steps toward transforming the industry’s environmental impact.

Sumiith Siriwardana, who co-facilitated the training, added, “Being part of the first cohort of trainers to be trained by ITC on Circular Economy for the textile industry was truly a privilege. The knowledge shared here is instrumental in shaping the future of sustainable business models.”

Sri Lanka’s Green Bonds Must Demonstrate Climate Impact Measurement

Sri Lanka is witnessing a significant shift towards sustainable finance, with the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) introducing the listing and trading of Green Bonds in 2023. DFCC Bank led the way among financial institutions by issuing the country’s first green bond, aimed at funding renewable energy projects, particularly in the solar energy sector. This initiative has been followed by Alliance Finance, which announced plans to issue redeemable green bonds to raise Rs. 1 billion.

France approves ‘ambitious’ ban on PFAS in clothing

France has become the second country after Denmark to ban per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in certain products. The bill approved by the French parliament blocks the production, import or sale of cosmetics, clothing textiles (with some exceptions) and ski wax containing PFAS from January 2026. However, environmental campaigners argue that national bans are no substitute for EU action.

Following intense industry lobbying, the bill does not include kitchenware such as non-stick saucepans, despite campaigners claiming alternatives are available. Textiles used for protective clothing for security and civil protection workers are exempt until 2030.

Digital Textile Printing & Fast Fashion: Designed to Disrupt

Epson's Textile Innovation Centre was officially launched earlier this month in Lutterworth, UK.

Central to the launch was Epson's creation of the first ever Textile Academy, a platform designed to inspire young people to help build a better, greener textile industry.

Manufacturing Digital was in attendance and, through workshops held for textile design students from Nottingham Trent University (NTU) and a series of executive presentations, observed the advantages of digital textile printing.

Grants to Support Ethical Fashion and Sustainable Textiles

The fashion industry has long been criticized for its detrimental impact on the environment and society. However, a growing movement towards ethical fashion and sustainable textiles is reshaping the landscape. Ethical fashion emphasizes fair labor practices, transparency in supply chains, and the use of environmentally friendly materials.

Sustainable textiles, on the other hand, focus on reducing waste, conserving resources, and promoting circular economies. Together, these concepts aim to create a fashion ecosystem that respects both people and the planet. As consumers become increasingly aware of the consequences of their purchasing decisions, the demand for ethical and sustainable options is on the rise.

H&M, Levi’s, Puma among early backers of next-gen clothing materials

Brands from Adidas to Zara know that old-school materials can’t deliver the low-carbon future that fashion needs. Climate change is disrupting their production of traditional staples such as cotton, leather and wool. Consider that the apparel industry creates about 4 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, and it’s nowhere near being able to curtail that.

That’s why industry innovators are turning their thinking upside down by sourcing new materials from some surprising and unlikely sources.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐒𝐎 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐒𝐆

In the journey towards a sustainable future, ISO standards play a pivotal role in guiding organizations to adhere to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria.

A comprehensive understanding of these standards is crucial for facilitating widespread ESG understanding and reporting. ISO standards serve as a universal language that enables organizations to benchmark their sustainability efforts, communicate their commitments, and build trust with stakeholders.

The ISO 14000 series, for instance, focuses on environmental management systems, helping organizations reduce their environmental footprint by implementing practices such as life cycle assessments, carbon footprint calculations, and water footprint evaluations. This not only aids in mitigating climate change but also aligns with global sustainability goals.

Exploring how we can reimagine growth in the fashion, apparel and textile industry

The Reimagining Growth Landscape Analysis is a comprehensive report examining the prevailing linear “take-make-waste” business model of the fashion, apparel, and textile industry, aiming to drive a shift away from unchecked resource consumption.

The report highlights that the industry’s current trajectory is incompatible with achieving key climate, nature, and human rights goals, with impacts only increasing while growth remains a business imperative. It calls on existing scientific and academic literature to provide a set of pathways to reimagine value creation beyond exponential increases in the extraction and production of new raw materials to create new products.

Read full report

Bangladesh mills feed fast fashion but go slow on green energy

DHAKA - Rising energy prices are piling pressure on Bangladesh's textile sector, pushing dozens of factories to close and forcing a big rethink on how best to power the nation's No. 1 industry in terms of export and jobs.

Be it solar roof panels up top or green boilers on the factory floor, the textile sector is looking at new ways to deliver cloth more cheaply and with stronger green credentials.

CreateMe Technologies and The University of Warwick Pioneer Breakthrough in Reversible Adhesive Technology that will Drastically Reduce Apparel's Environmental Impact

NEWARK, Calif., Feb. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CreateMe Technologies, a pioneer in automated apparel manufacturing with adhesives, and The University of Warwick, globally renowned for applied research excellence, today announced its proprietary thermoreversible adhesive after an extensive three-year research and development program. This scientific breakthrough is backed by 19 patents and is poised to make textile recycling more scalable for a $1.7 trillion fashion industry. 

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Textiles at the OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector, hosted by Global Fashion Agenda, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, and the OECD,

You can now rewatch this session, hosted by Global Fashion Agenda, Ellen MacArthur Foundation, and OECD, at the OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector. The session explored the role of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Textiles in advancing a circular economy.

Industry experts shared insights on EPR’s global potential, its impacts across environmental, social, and economic areas, and the challenges of aligning policies globally.

Trailblazer Programme 2025: Open Call for Early-Stage Innovators

The Trailblazer Programme invites early-stage innovators across all facets of the fashion supply chain to join a programme offering guidance for scaling and an opportunity to compete for an equity investment from PDS Ventures*. Upon submission of your application, a dedicated jury will review and select nine companies for the pitch round.

If you progress to the next stage as one of the shortlisted innovations, please be aware that your availability is required for a pitching workshop on 5 May 2025 followed by a pitching day to the jury. Furthermore, your availability to travel to and attend Global Fashion Summit: Copenhagen Edition 2025 on 4-5 June 2025 is essential.

Applicants will be reviewed and shortlisted by an esteemed Jury including representatives from PEPPER-i2, PDS Ventures, Ralph Lauren Corporation, Zalando, Fashion for Good and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

GFA Innovation Forum

The Innovation Forum will feature a curated exhibition of some of the leading solutions driving progress in fashion sustainability. We're excited to introduce some of the solution providers participating in the Global Fashion Summit: Copenhagen Edition 2025.

Arxy is revolutionising wholesale fashion with the world’s first fully immersive and interactive virtual showroom platform, enabling brands to showcase products in lifelike detail through dynamic, customisable digital spaces.

Certilogo enables Fashion & Luxury brands to create secure and engaging Digital Product Passports, using AI-powered authentication to verify products in real time and drive circular, sustainable shopping experiences.

YKK®, a global leader in fastening solutions, is committed to advancing circular fashion through innovations like NATULON® zippers made from recycled materials, AcroPlating® technology eliminating hazardous substances, and Revived renewal components designed for repairability.

Apply to become a Solution Provider at the Summit here, there are limited exhibition spots left.

𝐄𝐒𝐆 𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐔𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤