From the Sector

Over the past 30 years, Monforts and its long-standing partner, Bengal Technology and Engineering, have realised over 100 fully integrated line installations in Bangladesh.

At the forthcoming Dhaka International Textile & Garment Machinery Exhibition (DTG), specialists will be on hand to provide expert advice on the wide range of services that are being provided by Monforts to the region’s dyeing and finishing sector.

The DTG takes place at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka from February 20-23 and will showcase the technologies of over 1,000 textile machinery brands and suppliers from 31 countries across its nine halls.

The successful 30-year partnership between Monforts and Bengal Technology and Engineering in Bangladesh has grown in parallel to the rapid rise of the nation’s textiles and apparel sector – from just a handful of manufacturers to over 6,000 factories today – and in particular, its growth into the world’s second largest exporter of readymade garments (RMGs).

Hoping to build on this success, the Bangladesh government has now initiated plans to achieve exports of RMGs worth $50 billion by as early as this year – and approaching $100 billion by 2030.

To realise this, however, the reinforcement of a textile manufacturing backbone will become increasingly crucial, and Monforts contributes to ensuring the Bangladesh industry continues to grow sustainably.

EDANA Innovation Forum 2025 is open for registration, inviting pioneers from across the nonwovens industry to gather at Station F, Paris, on June 11-12, 2025. Designed as a hub for bold ideas, breakthrough technologies, and fresh perspectives, this event promises an inspiring mix of keynote sessions, interactive discussions, and innovative ideas.

This year’s forum is all about collaboration and cross-industry learning. By bringing together start-ups, researchers, scientists, and business leaders, the event aims to bridge gaps, spark new ideas, and challenge the status quo. Expect engaging workshops, thought-provoking discussions, and real-world case studies that push the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether you’re looking for fresh insights, new partners, or the next big breakthrough, this is where the future of nonwovens takes shape.

Call for Papers: Share Your Innovations!
Innovation is a condition for business continuity and growth. As such, and as part of the event, EDANA has issued a Call for Papers to welcome best practices and real-life examples for innovating in the nonwoven industry! Presentations should align with one of the three key focus areas:

• - Materials
• - Technology
• - Applications

Abstracts shall be sent to giovanna.merola@edana.org, by 20th February 2025, with the following information:

• - A suggested title
• - 3-4 bullet points
• - Contact details of the speakers

Recent shifts in consumer attitudes in China show a willingness to invest more in quality and a growing emphasis on product functionality. This has been well noted by forward-thinking companies across the home textile supply chain. In addition to the latest related offerings in upholstery, towels, carpets, rugs, curtains and many more, smart bedding is set to emerge as a key trend at the upcoming Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Spring Edition. From 11 to 13 March 2025 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center, visitors can explore these trends and discover the latest innovations, alongside specialised pavilions and a diverse fringe programme centred on sustainability, and smart bedding aiding sleep quality.

Driven by global population growth, rising disposable incomes, and evolving lifestyles, the smart bedding market, encompassing products such as smart mattresses and sleep tracking technology, is projected for substantial growth. The global market for smart mattresses is expected to reach USD 3.3 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 10.1%, with innovative bedding also increasingly sought after at Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles.  

Comprehensive sourcing experience awaits buyers
Notable suppliers are set to gather to showcase diversified products that meet modern market requirements. Highlighted exhibitors include:

• Bedding: 3M China Limited, Coolist Life Technology Co Ltd, Jihua 3542 Textile Co Ltd, Yantai North Home Textile Co Ltd
• Down: Shanghai Donglong Home Textile Products Co Ltd, Liuqiao Group Co Ltd
• Mattress: Fujian Generous Sleeping Technology Co Ltd, Hui Zhou Wah Shing Company Ltd
• Towelling: Nantong No.3 Towel Factory Co Ltd, Sunvim Group Co Ltd
• Others: Tela’s Design Lda (Textile design), Shinwon Felt Co Ltd (wall)

With a strong domestic contingent, the show will welcome eight major Chinese home textile pavilions, representing various sectors within the industry. These pavilions include the Nantong and Huzhou Pavilions showcasing bedding fabrics and textile design; Qingdao Pavilion and Zhejiang Quilting Craft Association, specialising in bedding and pet products; Zhejiang Down Association Pavilion, focusing on down comforter products; Gaoyang Pavilion, presenting towelling and home products; Wool Spinning Association, showcasing coral fleece, flannels and other blankets; and Zhenze Pavilion, exhibiting silk bedding.

Fringe programme highlighting innovations in bedding and other home textiles
In addition to a robust lineup of exhibitors, Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles will host various fringe events to keep attendees informed about emerging developments, trends, and key insights, including Sleeping Aid Summit 2025 and Green and Low Carbon Forum. Other notable events at the show include the award presentations and launch ceremonies for ‘Zhenze Silk Cup’ and ‘Zhang Jian Cup’.

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Spring Edition 2025 will be held concurrently with Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition, Yarn Expo Spring, CHIC and PH Value at the National Exhibition and Convention Center. The fair is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Home Textile Association (CHTA).

The Sustainable Apparel Forum 2025 is a transformative event, marked its 6th edition with a focus on elevating Bangladesh as a leader in responsible sourcing.

The forum has successfully facilitated transformative dialogues on critical issues such as climate action, environmental conservation, and decent work. By bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs, this platform fosters innovative solutions and paves the way for a sustainable future in the industry.

Today marks the successful conclusion of the 6th edition of the Sustainable Apparel Forum (SAF) in Dhaka, organized by Bangladesh Apparel Exchange (BAE) in partnership with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This event continues to serve as a vital platform for fashion sourcing executives, emphasizing the importance of sustainability in the apparel industry.

The event featuring an opening ceremony, four insightful panel discussions, five impactful presentations, and two engaging breakout sessions. With over 20 innovators and more than 40 world-class speakers, we welcomed over 550 national and international delegates today.

High profile speakers at the opening ceremony include Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser, Ministry of Environment, Forests, Climate Change, and Water Resources, H.E. Michael Miller, Ambassador and Head of Delegation, The European Union Delegation to Bangladesh, H. E. Andre Carstens, Ambassador, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bangladesh, Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman (Senior Secretary), Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Mostafiz Uddin, Founder & CEO, Bangladesh Apparel Exchange shared their thoughts on sustainability & responsible business.

H.E. Michael Miller, Ambassador and Head of Delegation, The European Union Delegation to Bangladesh, said “EU consumers have benefitted from good value and high-quality products imported from Bangladesh. Partnerships between the EU & Bangladesh must evolve as we move forward and evolve. We look to Bangladesh to increase its ambition when it comes to renewables. The EU is determined to work with Bangladesh to ensure it is equipped with the capacity to provide opportunities for sustainable developments.”

H. E. Andre Carstens, Head of Mission, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bangladesh, said “The Netherlands values its partnership with Bangladesh and recognises Bangladesh's leading role in the global RMG industry.

We are committed to working together with Bangladesh to navigate its challenges. We strongly support the mission to raise awareness, standardise sustainability goals, and enhance circularity and traceability. Today, we are bringing together all key players in the apparel value chain, and collaborative efforts are key to implementing the sustainable solutions needed for Bangladesh to solidify its position as a responsible sourcing destination. This forum offers a crucial opportunity to accelerate progress in vital areas.”

Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman (Senior Secretary), Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Said “We as a country would like to be the leader in sustainable apparel by 2040. Let's work together and try to find quick wins together.”

Mostafiz Uddin, Founder & CEO, Bangladesh Apparel Exchange said “If you look into the efforts, we are creating collaboration and connection, increasing opportunity and investment, and further integrating the business. I think our initiatives will continue, and we will be doing impactful initiatives towards a sustainable future.”

In addition, The Netherlands Circular Textile Trade mission to Bangladesh is scheduled from February 10th to 13th. This initiative, organized by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), with support and collaboration of Export Partner, Clean & Unique, BGMEA and Bangladesh Apparel Exchange (BAE). With the participation of 18 Dutch companies leading in circularity and renewable energy, attendees found opportunities for networking and matchmaking at the Sustainable Apparel Forum (SAF).