The very first joint International Federation of Textile Manufacturers The annual conference and the International Apparel Federation Fashion Convention 2024 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, showed that the apparel industry is more innovative than the world thinks.
The three-day event brought together visionaries, experts and start-ups all devising solutions to tackle the sector’s biggest problems.
Plastic-based fibers are reduced to their polymers to be infinitely recycled thanks to Samsara Eco, while Syre performs textile-to-textile recycling at hyper-scale. Sustainable fibers from plant leaves are gaining popularity, and apparel manufacturers are waking up to how AI and automation can streamline future production processes.
Christian P. Schindler, Director General of the International Textile Manufacturers Federation, told Just Style at the dinner on the final evening of the conference that while regulation is on the way, this year’s event provided insight into how the sector is already helping people, the planet and the longevity of our industry.
Moreover, the environment of the safe, clean and beautiful host country was 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 would go so far as to call it the new wunderkind of our sector.
In less than a decade, the city has been freed from forced and child labor and is now seen as a genuine alternative destination for fashion and investment.
Matthijs Crietee, Secretary General of the International Apparel Federation, told Just Style that the country’s growth figures were so impressive that anyone would be curious. That’s why the two organizations decided it was the perfect location to hold their first joint event.
At the end of the trip, all participants were impressed by a country that had been part of the Soviet Union for much longer than ever before, and was the heart of the ancient Silk Road.
It is clear that the country’s government wants to return to its proud roots.
And now the company can offer production costs comparable to those of Asia, but also faster access to Europe. It is no surprise that it has achieved 200% export growth in the last five years.
Change is possible and as time runs out to meet climate goals and mitigate climate change, now is the time for the apparel industry to use Uzbekistan’s newfound success as a shining example of how we can help the world stand up and take notice of the remarkable sustainable initiatives and innovations already being implemented at scale.
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“Week in Review: Uzbekistan’s Rapid Transformation Gives Clothing Hope” was originally created and published by Just Stylea brand of GlobalData.
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