ITMA ASIA + CITME, Singapore 2025 has received overwhelming support, surpassing the show owners’ expectations with a 30 per cent increase in the number of applicants to date.

ITMA ASIA + CITME, Singapore 2025 is owned by CEMATEX (the European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers), China Textile Machinery Association (CTMA) and the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT (CCPIT TEX).

Scheduled to be held at the Singapore Expo from 28 to 31 October 2025, the exhibition has attracted over 770 technology and service providers from 33 countries and regions to apply for space. They include many international textile machinery manufacturers, as well as new technology providers. As a result of the increased demand, the show owners have expanded the booked hall space from 60,000 to 70,000 square metres.

Speaking on behalf of the owners, Alex Zucchi, president of CEMATEX said: “We are grateful to have the continued support of the industry. To accommodate all the eligible applicants, we have increased the booked hall space to allow more machinery manufacturers to showcase their latest products and solutions to the region’s buyers who aspire to leverage technology to drive cost efficiency and remain competitive.  

“The strong interest in the Singapore edition, despite being scheduled just a year after the Shanghai edition, highlights the need to penetrate deeper into emerging markets to sustain and grow our manufacturers’ businesses.”

Mr. Gu Ping, president of CTMA, concurred: “In recent years, digital technology has significantly influenced the development of the textile industry, with burgeoning new demand from regions such as South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. In response, we have added the Singapore edition between ITMA ASIA + CITME 2024 and 2026 exhibitions to meet the expectations of global exhibitors and visitors, hoping to bring them greater benefits.” At the close of space application on 12 November, almost all the booked exhibition space at Singapore Expo had been snapped up. Since then, applications have continued to stream in, prompting the show owners to expand space at the venue.

Hall sector plan

Spanning seven halls of the Singapore Expo, the sector plan features 19 product chapters of the complete textile and garment manufacturing chain. Based on the exhibition’s unique selling proposition, the exhibits have been clustered in product sectors, enabling buyers to source more conveniently. The three biggest sectors based on space booked are finishing, followed by spinning and knitting.

Billed as The Leading Textile Technology Exhibition Driving Regional Growth, ITMA ASIA + CITME, Singapore 2025 will be held from 28 to 31 October 2025. The exhibition is organised by ITMA Services and co-organised by Beijing Textile Machinery International Exhibition Company. Japan Textile Machinery Association (JTMA) is a special partner of the exhibition. For the latest updates, visit www.itmaasiasingapore.com.

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Over the past 12 months, extensive trials have been conducted, and tons of data has been collected and used to upgrade the level of accuracy in polypropylene detection. The data was used for optimization in signal processing and to offer an additional setting function specifically for spinning mills that must contend with pronounced climatic fluctuations.

Polypropylene clearing

Contamination of cotton with synthetic fibers remains a significant concern for spinning mills. Polypropylene contamination, typically stemming from bale packaging, can lead to a myriad of issues throughout the production process. These include broken needles in knitting applications, thread breakage during weaving, and visible defects in the final product after dyeing. Effective contamination clearing substantially enhances yarn quality, while overly stringent measures can negatively impact production efficiency and increase waste.

For spinners, clever P-clearing balances the need for quality yarn with the imperative to maintain operational efficiency. Loepfe’s approach combines advanced technology, precise signal processing, and tailored settings to address various production scenarios, now enhanced to account specifically for humidity fluctuations.

New climate compensation

In response to the unique demands of spinning mills operating in environments with significant humidity variations, PRISMA now features an innovative climate compensation setting. Extensive testing of this new functionality at affected spinning mills has demonstrated several benefits, including:

• Enhanced overall classification accuracy
• Improved clearing performance
• Consistent cut rates coupled with superior final fabric quality
• Same cuts and better clearing performance

The new function makes it easy to counteract the changing climate in a spinning mill. The system then takes into account the increasing humidity and calculates an average value between the standard deviation and the peak values.

By providing this enhanced climate compensation setting, Loepfe empowers spinning mills to sustain peak performance and exceptional quality, even when confronted with challenging environmental conditions.

P-Clearing Matrix

The P-Matrix allows operators to input specific parameters, starting with a pre-generated clearing curve by the Autostart function that considers the most crucial factors for optimal and efficient clearing results. By easily adjusting the settings – raising or lowering the clearing curve – operators can tailor outcomes to meet their individual production needs.

The key influences on polypropylene clearing include:

• Raw material (fiber length and short fiber content)
• Yarn count
• Twist amount in the yarn
• Yarn hairiness
• Humidity (impact on hairiness)

How to set P climate compensation

Go to Default Group Settings and set Climate Compensation to 50%. Select the checkbox Adjustable in Group to show it in Group Settings optional. This 50% will be applied to all the groups by default. The service key is required to access the Default Group Settings.

The Climate Compensation value may be influenced by the yarn count and cotton variety. It is recommended to start with a value of 50% as various trials show that the best result can be achieved between 35% and 75%.

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Epyllion Group achieved the FBHRO Corporate HR Excellence Award 2024 recognizing its commitment to setting benchmarks in HR excellence across industries.

This prestigious award, recommended by the distinguished FBHRO Award Committee, highlights our dedication to:

• Upholding a positive corporate perception.
• Implementing cutting-edge modern HR practices.
• Championing sustainability initiatives.
• Strategic HR expenditure.
• Transparent HR disclosure.

Receiving this recognition at the FBHRO- 6th National HR Convention 2024 is a testament to the collective efforts of our talented HR team and the organizational commitment to advancing people-first practices.

Thanks to FBHRO and the Award Committee for acknowledging our efforts. Here’s to continuing our journey of empowering individuals, driving innovation, and creating lasting impact in the HR landscape of Bangladesh!

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The signing ceremony, held in Dhaka, was attended by key representatives from both organizations. Present from Unilever Bangladesh were Mohammad Zaved Akhtar, Chairman & Managing Director; Md. Ruhul Quddus Khan, Supply Chain Director; Dilruba Ahmed Choudhury, Country Procurement Lead, Somnath Chougule, Engineering Manager; and Abdul Majid, Senior Engineering Manager at the Kalurghat Factory. Representing SOLARIC were Didar Islam, CEO, and Engr. Naznin Akther, Director of Business Development.

At the event, Mohammad Zaved Akhtar, Chairman and Managing Director of Unilever Bangladesh, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the company’s dedication to integrating renewable energy into its operations as part of its broader sustainability goals. Didar Islam, CEO of SOLARIC, said, “We are excited to partner with Unilever Bangladesh, a global leader in sustainability, to deliver clean and renewable energy solutions. This initiative aligns with our mission to revolutionize energy systems and promote a greener future for Bangladesh.”

The solar installation, designed to generate approximately 900 MWh of clean energy annually, will significantly reduce Unilever’s reliance on grid electricity and cut CO₂ emissions, reinforcing its commitment to operational efficiency and environmental responsibility. SOLARIC’s proven expertise in rooftop solar projects ensures the plant’s seamless integration, enhancing Unilever’s energy independence while contributing to Bangladesh’s renewable energy sector.

This initiative not only showcases Unilever Bangladesh’s six-decade legacy of impactful contributions to the nation’s economic, social, and environmental growth but also reflects SOLARIC’s unwavering commitment to driving the country’s adoption of sustainable energy solutions. Together, the organizations are setting a benchmark for corporate sustainability, paving the way for a greener, more energy-efficient future for Bangladesh.

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Many Bangladeshi businesses have yet to recognize the export potential of the toy industry. Interestingly, several global fashion retailers who already source garments from Bangladesh also run toy lines. This overlap presents an untapped opportunity for Bangladeshi manufacturers. According to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), the country’s toy exports reached $77 million in the last fiscal year, serving about 88 countries. While this is a notable achievement, it pales compared to China, which dominates the industry with an 86% global market share, exporting $88.58 billion worth of toys in 2023 alone.

Bangladesh’s toy manufacturing industry, like its RMG sector, produces items tailored to buyer specifications. The toy sector encompasses four primary categories: metal-based, wooden-based, plastic-based, and fabric-based products. However, foreign companies in Bangladesh currently dominate toy exports, with local firms contributing only a small portion.

Leading Exporters and Success Stories

One of the key players in Bangladesh’s toy export market is Sonic (Bangladesh) Limited, a subsidiary of the Hong Kong-based Sonic Group. Operating from the Uttara Export Processing Zone in Nilphamari, Sonic produces over one million die-cast scale models each month, including replicas of international rally-winning cars. These models are primarily exported to European countries like Spain, Germany, and Italy, along with Japan. In 2023, Sonic’s exports totaled $43.17 million, making it the largest toy exporter in Bangladesh.

Another noteworthy company is Cupcake Exports Ltd, a subsidiary of the US-based Cupcake Group. This fabric-based toy manufacturer started operations in 2019 and has grown from employing 65 workers to over 600. Despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions, the company’s export value is expected to reach $2.5 million this year. However, the absence of dedicated toy buyer offices in Bangladesh forces companies like Cupcake Exports to conduct business abroad, adding logistical hurdles.

Challenges and Barriers to Growth

While Bangladesh’s toy sector shows promise, several challenges hinder its growth. One major obstacle is the lack of buyer offices within the country, making it difficult for manufacturers to secure large-scale orders. Exporters also face barriers in obtaining the certifications required for producing licensed toys, which are in high demand among international retailers. For instance, companies like Disney require compliance with the Better Work program to manufacture licensed products. Although Bangladesh’s RMG and footwear sectors are part of this program, the toy industry is yet to be included.

Packaging and product testing are additional challenges. Exporters must import packaging materials to meet buyer specifications, and samples often need to be sent abroad for quality testing, increasing production costs and lead times. Addressing these bottlenecks could significantly enhance the competitiveness of Bangladeshi toy manufacturers.

Learning from the RMG Sector

Bangladesh’s RMG sector offers valuable lessons for the toy industry. The expertise gained in dealing with international buyers, managing supply chains, and meeting global standards can be leveraged to scale toy exports. Many established fashion brands that source garments from Bangladesh, such as Walmart and Inditex, also feature toy lines, providing a ready market for local manufacturers.

Policy Support: A Critical Fact

Industry leaders emphasize the importance of government support in realizing the toy sector’s potential. Kamruzzaman Kamal, Marketing Director at PRAN-RFL Group—a key exporter of plastic toys—believes that targeted policies could help Bangladesh emerge as a significant player in the global toy market. PRAN-RFL has already expanded its exports to several countries, producing low-cost toys and tricycles. The company aims to diversify its portfolio by introducing higher-end products for the export market.

To compete with global giants like China, Bangladesh must address wage competitiveness and labor-intensive production. According to Dr. Mashrur Reaz, founder of the think tank Policy Exchange of Bangladesh, rising wages in China are prompting its gradual exit from the low-cost toy market. This shift creates an opportunity for Bangladesh to capture a significant share of the market, provided the right policies are implemented. Dr. Reaz estimates that the sector could generate up to $10 billion in annual exports with proper investment and policy alignment.

Capitalizing on Emerging Trends

The global toy market is not limited to traditional toys; it also includes electronic toys, educational kits, action figures, and board games. Diversifying into these segments could unlock new opportunities for Bangladeshi manufacturers. Engaging with licensing giants like Disney and securing Better Work certification for the toy industry could attract both foreign and local investment.

Additionally, strengthening infrastructure for product testing and certification within Bangladesh would reduce dependency on foreign facilities, streamlining operations and boosting competitiveness. Developing a skilled workforce for the toy industry, much like the initiatives undertaken in the RMG sector, is another critical step.

A Way Forward

With a strategic approach, Bangladesh’s toy industry could replicate the success of its RMG sector. By fostering collaboration between the government, local manufacturers, and international buyers, the sector can overcome existing challenges and establish itself as a key player in the global market. Addressing barriers such as certification, packaging, and testing, while leveraging the expertise gained from the RMG sector, will be instrumental in this journey.

The global toy market’s rapid growth presents an unparalleled opportunity for Bangladesh. With the right mix of policy support, innovation, and entrepreneurial effort, the country can transform its toy industry into a major foreign exchange earner, driving economic growth and enhancing its global standing.

References:https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/global-toy-market-could-be-bangladeshs-next-forex-giant-after-rmg-1004381

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Bangladesh’s earnings from merchandise exports witnessed a positive growth of 15.63% year-over-year (YoY) to $4.11 billion in November in the ongoing FY25.

This was $3.56 billion in the same period of last fiscal year.

In November, the readymade garment (RMG) sector, the highest export earner of the country, bagged $3.3 billion, fetching a positive growth of 16.25% YoY against 2023, which was $2.84 billion last year, according to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) data published on Wednesday.

The state agency provided this data, reflecting real-time shipment updates as per Asycuda World from the National Board of Revenue (NBR).

According to EPB data, Bangladeshi exporters shipped goods worth $19.9 billion, which was $17.81 billion in the first five months of FY24.

This was YoY growth of 11.76% in July-November of FY25.

In that period, export earnings from almost all major sectors witnessed positive growth.

Breakdown

EPB data also stated that in the July-November period, the RMG sector earned $16.11 billion from its global destinations, which was 12.34% higher than the $14.34 billion earned in FY24.

In this period, knitwear earned $8.95 billion, 12.23% higher than $7.97 billion, and woven earned $7.17 billion, 12.48% higher than $6.37 billion in FY24.

In this period, knitwear earned $8.95 billion, 12.23% higher than $7.97 billion, and woven earned $7.17 billion, 12.48% higher than $6.37 billion in FY24.

After repeated narrow growths for a long time, home textiles saw a positive growth of 5.03% to $326.83 million in the July-November period of FY25, up from $311.19 million in the same period last fiscal.

In the first five months of FY25, export earnings from agricultural products increased by 8.34% to $495.38 million, up from $457.25 million in the same period last fiscal year.

Export receipts from jute and jute goods experienced negative growth of 9.99% to $341.70 million, down from $379.62 million in July-November of FY24, EPB data stated.

Leather and leather goods experienced positive growth of 7.61% to $466.39 million, up from $433.42 million in the first five months of FY24. 

Another potential export sector, engineering products, fetched a positive growth of 5.70% to $205.80 million, up from $194.71 million in last FY.

Behind the growth

EPB vice chairman Anwar Hossain said that the significant dynamics behind the growth were peak season for RMG shipment (holiday, Christmas, Black Friday, Thanks Giving), completion of backlog orders, year-end inventory management, 1% growth in developed countries, and 2% growth in developing countries, as per Unctad.

Hossain further said that although private investment was sluggish, the economy was not at standstill, and the growth indicated a favourable situation.

Talking to Dhaka Tribune, Mohiuddin Rubel, former BGMEA director, said that the global economy is gradually improving, which accelerated the purchasing practices of the consumers of the export destinations, which impacts exports.

“Moreover, we have the capacity and infrastructure to meet the buyer’s demands. It’s proven. For this, buyers also supported us during our transitional period,” he added.

He also said that buyers trusted and were committed to Bangladeshi manufacturers. They hoped that exports would remain positive in the coming days as the country was also regaining stability.

Another former director of the BGMEA, Shams Mahmud, said that the growth happened riding on the growth of some top exporters, as firm financial footing allowed them to perform well. 
However, small factories are struggling and lack the economic resilience to absorb shocks.

He also said that the apparel sector has made significant progress after addressing the unrest in two major industrial zones—Ashulia and Gazipur. 
However, factories in the Ashulia industrial belt continued to face challenges securing direct orders. The buyers remain hesitant to place orders in this zone due to concerns over the lingering effects of recent unrest.

As a result, these factories are now compelled to sustain their production primarily through subcontracting arrangements, he added.

According to the EPB, the revised export earnings in FY24 was $44.47 billion, which was $55.28 billion in mismatched data.

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Bangladesh based one of the LEED certified sustainable apparel manufacturing company Fashion Asia Ltd sister concern of Northern Toshrifa Group organized a quantum voluntary blood donation program for their staffs to meet their labors’ emergency blood demand recently at factory premises.

Aqib Jafri Sharif, Director, Northern Tosrifa Group said an official statement

The well-being of our workers is a holistic measure of their physical health at the workplace at Fashion Asia Limited!
we conducted a free “Blood Grouping and Diabetes Screening Campaign”, prioritising all the workers to help them understand and improve their health better.

We are giving blood for our labor. Our workers & staffs will not require any outside help for blood. We are now self-sufficient in emergency blood requirement.

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Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Bangladesh Michael Miller on Tuesday expressed the EU’s intention to partner intensively with the European Union Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (EuroCham) EuroCham to maximise trade and investment.

He laid emphasis on exploring more B2B contacts, navigating the challenges of LDC graduation and promoting sustainable due diligence in supply chains, opening up the prospect of greater EU foreign direct investment (FDI) and a more diversified Bangladeshi economy.

The EuroCham was officially launched on Tuesday which is seen as a new milestone in EU-Bangladesh business relations.

EuroCham is a business initiative that is actively supported by the European Union Delegation and the EU Member States in Bangladesh.

The Chamber will serve as a centre of excellence, promoting business relations between European investors and their counterparts in the country.

It will facilitate dialogue between the private sector and key government stakeholders, such as BIDA, the Ministry of Commerce, and the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to improve the ease-of-doing business in Bangladesh.

EuroCham will advise European and Bangladeshi companies on the impact of upcoming EU legislation on their supply chains, – the corporate sustainability due diligence directive, textile strategy, circular economy, digital product passport, and eco-design for sustainable products, to name just a few.

With a view to facilitating Bangladesh’s green and digital transition, EuroCham will offer a platform for sharing know-how.

EuroCham Bangladesh will form part of the European Business Organisations (EBO) Worldwide Network that represents European business interests in over 54 key global markets.

It caters to European multinationals, as well as micro, small, medium, and large enterprises, said the EU Embassy in Dhaka.

EuroCham Chairperson, Nuria Lopez, and the Board welcomed attendees, saying that the Chamber will focus on branding Bangladesh to attract more European investment; Europe not only brings capital but also a model of good governance and sustainable growth.

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In light of the upcoming EU and global North regulations, Bangladesh’s RMG industry has been proactive. BGMEA is taking the lead as the parent organization for Bangladesh RMG sector. The BGMEA has established the Responsible Business Hub (RBH) within our premises, which plays a pivotal role in preparing the industry in adapting to these changes. The RBH focuses on capacity-building through targeted trainings, ensuring that factories are well-equipped to meet the stringent sustainability requirements. Additionally, the Hub is committed to continuous monitoring of factories, helping them to not only comply with but also exceed the upcoming regulations.

Moreover, BGMEA’s Digital Data Disclosure Platform, which has yet to be launched, is a groundbreaking tool designed to facilitate industry-wide data collection on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics. This platform is set to become an essential resource for tracking and reporting on sustainability practices across the industry, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Our engagement in circular economy initiatives is another critical area of focus. BGMEA is actively participating in the SWITCH2CE Project by UNIDO, which supports the transition to a circular economy in the garment sector. We are also involved in the CREATE project, led by Aalborg University, which is aimed at fostering innovation and sustainable practices in textile production.

BGMEA’s Sustainability Strategic Vision 2030 is our roadmap for aligning the RMG sector with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the national priorities of Bangladesh. This strategic vision emphasizes the importance of sustainable growth and reinforces our commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic resilience.

Bangladesh’s leadership in green manufacturing is evident in our achievement of having the highest number of LEED Certified factories in the world, with 230 certifications, including 92 Platinum and 124 Gold-rated factories. This accomplishment underscores our progress in enhancing green manufacturing capabilities, which not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also strengthens the global competitiveness of our textile and garment industry.

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RUDOLF is committed to maintain the exceptional level of service and quality products that Proeza‘s customers have come to rely on. Our commitment to customer satisfaction remains a key priority and we look forward to introduc a range of innovative products from the RUDOLF portfolio to expand the product offering and drive innovation.

Proeza has built a strong reputation over its 40 years in the industry and we are honoured to build on this legacy. To ensure seamless integration and local expertise, RUDOLF has appointed Mr Javier Sagrero as the new Managing Director of RUDOLF Mexico. With his valued leadership, we are confident in our ability to continue to deliver outstanding service and pioneering solutions.

With RUDOLF‘s century-long global presence and Proeza‘s extensive industry experience, we are excited about the opportunity to provide our customers with unparalleled technical support and a highly innovative product portfolio. This powerful synergy will empower our customers to deliver the best solutions to the marketplace, reinforcing our commitment to their needs and success.

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