China’s textile and apparel industry is becoming more innovative and environment friendly, according to the textile industry’s 2013-2014 social responsibility report released by the China National Textile and Apparel Council (CNTAC). The report focuses on the environment, product safety, human resources, fair competition and international trade that the industry confronts amid economic transformation while fulfilling its social responsibilities.
The report says the Chinese textile and apparel enterprises must cut down the use of 51 textile dyestuffs and 17 dye auxiliaries, which were added to a list of dangerous chemicals in response to media exposure of apparel safety issues. This will help making safer and environment-friendly textiles.
Although the growth in sales and exports of textile and apparel industry from January to July decelerated by 1.5 percentage points and 1.2 percentage points, respectively, the industry’s net profit in the first seven months went up to 58.69 billion yuan, with an increase of 14.29 percent per year. The profit ratio of sales was 5.28 percent from January to July, 0.2 percentage points higher compared to the same period last year.
The vice-president of CNTAC, Chen Dapeng said, to overcome the current decrease in sales, the textile industry must take the initiative to adapt to new market changes and stabilize growth, China Daily reported.
Chen said the textile companies must develop core competitiveness in research and development, design, production, management and marketing to adapt to the new market.
Last year, China implemented binding environmental protection codes and higher standards on waste water and waste gas discharged from reeling, wool and flax spinning, dyeing and printing enterprises.
Around 64 Chinese textile and apparel enterprises have published 171 social responsibility reports, among which 58 were published through the council. (GK)
