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.
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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.
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By GlobalDataIn 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.
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