The first ever joint International Textile Manufacturers Federation Annual Conference and International Apparel Federation Fashion Convention 2024 held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan revealed the apparel industry is more innovative than the world gives it credit for.
The jam-packed three-day event brought together visionaries, experts and start-ups who are all coming up with solutions to tackle the sector’s biggest problems.
Plastic-based fibres are being taken back down to their polymers to be recycled infinitely courtesy of Samsara Eco, while Syre is conducting textile-to-textile recycling on a hyperscale. Sustainable fibres from plant leaves are gaining traction and apparel manufacturers are being made aware of how AI and automation can streamline future manufacturing processes.
International Textile Manufacturers Federation director general Christian P. Schindler told Just Style over dinner on the final night of the conference — regulation is coming, but this year’s event offered insights into how the sector is already helping people, planet and the longevity of our industry.
The surroundings of the safe, clean and beautiful host country also acted as a constant reminder of how embracing change can lead to dramatic results.
Schindler described Uzbekistan as the “new kid on the block” when it comes to apparel and textile sourcing, but I’d go as far as to call it our industry’s new miracle child.
In less than a decade it has been cleared of forced labour and child labour practices and it is now regarded as a genuine alternative fashion sourcing and investment destination.
International Apparel Federation’ secretary general Matthijs Crietee told Just Style the country’s growth rate is so impressive that it would make anyone curious, which was way the two organisations decided it was the perfect location to hold their first joint event.
By the end of the trip all delegates were left in awe of a country that was at the heart of the ancient Silk Road for much longer than it was ever part of the Soviet Union.
It’s clear the country’s government wants to take it back to its proud roots.
Fast forward to today and it is is able to offer Asia-style manufacturing costs with faster access to Europe so it’s no surprise that it has already achieved a 200% increase in exports in the last five years alone.
Change is possible and given we are running out of time to hit climate targets and reduce climate change, now is the time for the apparel industry to use Uzbekistan’s newfound success as a great example of how make the world stand up and take notice of the remarkable sustainable initiatives and innovations that are already being applied at scale.
Top stories on Just Style last week
Explainer: Could Uzbekistan be fashion sourcing’s next hotspot?
Fashion and textile industry experts explain why brands and retailers should consider adding Uzbekistan to their fashion supply chain in 2025 on its proximity to Europe and Asia-style costs.
Explainer: How successful would a Ted Baker relaunch actually be?
Industry experts discuss whether Authentic Brands Group (ABG) is wise to relaunch Ted Baker across multiple markets this autumn following its bankruptcy earlier this year.
Explainer: How costly is Nike’s ‘silence’ on supply chain worker rights?
Nike’s annual meeting is expected to be dominated by discussions over its alleged lack of engagement on supply chain worker rights as a shareholder proposal to consider a worker-driven model and worker rights agreement is tabled.
US apparel sector concerned by probe into Cambodia worker rights group
Major brands and conglomerates, including Adidas, VF Corporation and PVH Corporation sourcing from the apparel sector of Cambodia have come together to cite concerns over the timings of the Cambodian government’s investigation of the NGO CENTRAL.
Germany to tighten rules on discount fashion retailers including Shein, Temu
German legislators are drafting new regulations to ensure that Chinese “discount retailers” such as Shein and Temu adhere to standards for product safety, environmental protection, consumer rights and customs and tax laws, according to reports.
Former CEO Umar Kamani and free returns are back at Pretty Little Thing
Industry onlookers say the return of Umar Kamani in a leadership capacity at Boohoo-owned Pretty Little Thing is not hugely surprising and is possibly the result of panic over slowing sales.
September strikes possible at US ports ahead of contract negotiation deadline
Major US container ports brace for a busy September amid fears of a labour strike at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports, according to the Global Port Tracker report by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates.
Galy raises $33m, backed by H&M, Inditex to scale lab-grown cotton
Galy Co, a climate tech co pioneering the development of a “first-of-its-kind” sustainable agriculture product has closed an oversubscribed $33 million Series B financing aimed at advancing its lab-grown cotton product to pre-industrial scale.
“Week in review: Uzbek’s speedy transformation gives apparel hope” was originally created and published by Just Style, a GlobalData owned brand.
The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
