A number of new technical processes are being deployed by European fabric manufacturers in order to achieve greater environmental sustainability, according to a report in the latest issue of Global Apparel Markets from the business information company Textiles Intelligence. Manufacturers are also offering fabrics in natural colours.

The industry is increasingly conscious of the need for processes which are more environmentally sustainable, and many new processes and techniques are being directed towards this end.

One serious issue is the profligate use of water in textile manufacturing. And one potential solution which manufacturers have been adopting is the use of digital printing, which is a water-free process.

Another development is the use of plasma technology for fabric finishing, which -- as well as leading to a reduction in the use of water -- helps to reduce the amount of chemicals employed and consumes little energy. Also, there is no waste matter to dispose of. Moreover, the use of plasma technology results in an improvement in the fabric and its performance without changing the fabric's key natural properties.

The creativity and inventiveness shown by European fabric manufacturers through the application of new techniques and processes -- combined with their craftsmanship and imagination -- has resulted in a whole new textile aesthetic. One consequence of this is that buyers have been increasing their sourcing of fabric in Europe in recent seasons.

However, the European industry continues to have problems as the perceived pick-up in business appears to be confined to the top end of the luxury market.

"European yarn and fabric fairs for autumn/winter 2015/16" was published by the global business information company Textiles Intelligence in Issue No 27 of Global Apparel Markets.

Other reports published in the same issue include: "Talking strategy: John Murphy of Huntsman discusses the restriction of hazardous chemicals in the global apparel supply chain"; "Product developments and innovations"; "Trade and trade policy: the EU clothing import market and its ten largest supplying countries"; and "Business update".

Global Apparel Markets is a quarterly publication from Textiles Intelligence. Each issue provides an independent and worldwide perspective on the global apparel industry.

A year's printed subscription to Global Apparel Markets costs £750 / Euro1,310 (Europe, Middle East or Africa) or US$1,695 (Americas or Asia Pacific). An electronic supplement is also available. Single issues are available on request.

For further information, please contact Belinda Carp at Textiles Intelligence, Alderley House, Wilmslow SK9 1AT, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1625 536136; Fax: +44 (0)1625 536137; Email: info@textilesintelligence.com