India

One of the largest textile manufacturers in the world is coming under fire from some of the world’s major retailers over allegations that they falsely claimed that their products contained high-quality Egyptian cotton when they actually contained a lower grade of cotton. Mumbai-based Welspun India has already lost some of its major clients, including Target Inc., over allegations that they mislabeled some of their bedding products, which sold for as much as US$75. Egyptian cotton is considered premium because it has a longer fiber that creates a softer thread than other types of cotton. (Bloomberg)
 
Indian Textiles Minister Smriti Irani is stepping in to help address a number of issues raised by weavers in Surat. During a recent meeting in Delhi, local weaving business owners raised several concerns over price fluctuations, anti-dumping policies, and reduction of technology subsidies. Minister Irani has directed the local textile commissioner to record the concerns of weavers and prepare a report for her within 15 days. (Fibre2Fashion)
 
Eco-labelling has yet to fully catch on in the Tirupur knitwear manufacturing cluster, according to local industry leaders, even though global buyers are increasingly asking for it. Local experts cite a lack of awareness of the importance of eco-labelling as one major reason for this, saying that many producers have a short-term approach for such things. New policies like Europe’s REACH initiative are expected to increase demand for eco-labelling among buyers.(The Hindu)
 
Officials in India say they have increased the duty drawback for exports of some non-fabric inputs made from imported fabrics in an effort to increase sales of high-value readymade garments. Officials say that the drawback rate will be increased from 3.2% to 4.7% starting next month. (Fibre2Fashion)