Sustainable sourcing
CBI supports exporters from developing countries to Europe
As the opening date draws nearer, Apparelsourcing Paris is recording an increase of almost 15% in registrations compared with the same period in 2012. The fair remains very international with 17 new manufacturing firms attending from China, Egypt, India and Tunisia.
This reinforces the exhibition’s role as the foremost platform for sourcing in terms of diversity of exhibitors and variety of products. In fact, the show is expanding and welcomes new companies from the Mediterranean region: six new exhibitors, three from Tunisia and three from Egypt.
Egyptian companies for sportswear /casual wear /uniforms Royaltex, Egypt, based near Cairo, and supplies lines from basic to mid-range, for adult and junior casual wear and sports clothing. Its skills in transfers and printing are an added value for all urban and sportswear collections that need graphic design and printing.
Heliopolis, Egypt is building up a portfolio of CMT services (Cut Make Trim) in a broad variety of knitwear products (T-shirts, shorts, sweaters) as well as in woven fabrics (bomber jackets, trousers, jackets) for men, women and children. This is an offer that will attract buyers for entry-level and mid-ranges. The manufacturer favours Egyptian cotton for use in its entire production.
Nountex, Egypt belongs to a large textiles group from Cairo, specializing in knitwear. Where CMT services or co-contracting are concerned, labels are spoilt for choice with all that this company offers. It can react quickly to requests for very large quantities as it benefits from fabrics sourcing at the very heart of its textile sector. Price range: from entry-level to higher-end for menswear, womenswear and children’s wear.
A look at the new Tunisian Companies Dresses and blouses
Dorratex, Tunisia, located in Tazarka, has made its name with womenswear and children’s wear with mid-range to top-of-the-line Cut Make Trim services since 2007. The manufacturer counts some of the major women’s fashion labels, like Christian Dior, Sonia Rykiel, Kenzo and Massimo Dutti, among its customers. It is also developing a ready-to-wear range in collaboration with a French designer.
Knits
Zaoui, Tunisia is a group made up of 5 firms, whose headquarters is strategically located in the vicinity of Monastir airport. The manufacturer offers sub-contracting, co-contracting and finished products for womenswear and children’s wear in a very competitive price range for the mass market, entry-level and mid-range markets. It is working on its eco-friendly approach, offering 100% natural, organic dyeing and resin finish for denim.
Denim
Olatex, Tunisia, a local family business established in 1978, launched their export business in 1997. The manufacturer supplies mid-range to high-end products, encompassing everything from knitwear to denim for men, women and children. A new Turkish firm has added its name to these suppliers for local sourcing at the Shirting sector.
BNC Konfeksiyon, offers high-end men’s shirts that are completely in tune with market requirements in terms of quality of fabrics and sophisticated finishes. Their fashionable collections, made exclusively in predominantly double-twist cotton give the shirts an incomparable fit. As a private label, buyers can have items customised to the extent they wish.
A special note should be taken of Pakistan, which has been reaping the benefits of the reduction in custom duties on textile and clothing products entering the European Union since September last year. Pakistan, with all its skills, represents an excellent opportunity for firms.
Three new firms will contribute to the ranges offered:
• Global Exports is focussing on products made from plain and printed polar fleece with excellent finishes and competitive prices for entry-level and mid-range markets.
• Grace Apparel presents an assortment covering a number of ranges (sportswear and uniforms for both, men and women, dresses and blouses) which are aimed at the high-volume retail sector from entry-level to mid-range.
• Multan Fabrics is part of the Mahmood holding based in Multan in the Punjab. The company offers its knitwear collection brands, mainly for men and ranging from entry-level to mid-range prices.
Sustainable sourcing
Acknowledging the commitment of manufacturers to social standards linked to labour conditions and wages: two Indian exhibitors have WRAP certification (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production), which is the most important certification programme in the world for the clothing, footwear and ready-made garments sectors.
• Meenakshi India Limited with a collection in casual wear and sportswear for men, women and children for the mid-range market.
• Opera Clothing is targeting the entry-level to mid-range market with its shirting for men, knitwear for women and children from 6 months to 10 years of age. As testimony to their commitment to the environment, Cuty Merchandising Pakistan, which has Organic Exchange certification, uses organic and recycled cotton for part of their collection.
CBI supports exporters from developing countries to Europe
The CBI, attending Apparelsourcing Paris for the second time, represents an economic programme established by the Netherlands foreign affairs ministry. It contributes to fair economic development in 48 developing countries by providing assistance for management at SMEs that export, with the goal of increasing their exports to Europe.
Textiles and clothing are among the 27 sectors which benefit from this programme of support. For almost 40 years, CBI has been striving to make it easier for companies from Africa, Asia and Latin America to access the European market. It also provides them with guidance in optimising their performance (in terms of quality and reliability) and adapting their products for this market.
Three companies from Pakistan were able to attend Apparelsourcing Paris last September thanks to support from CBI. At this February’s show, it is attending with 6 Mediterranean countries: three from Egypt (Royaltex, Nountex, and Heliopolis) and three from Tunisia (Zaoui Creation, Olatex, Dorratex).
You will find CBI in Hall 1; stand M39 where you can obtain more detailed information about sourcing in the countries that benefit from their support.
