[pageLogInLogOut]

#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

IHKIB and WRAP have signed a collaboration agreement to boost Turkish Apparel exports to the USA

In a move to enhance the global competitiveness of the Turkish apparel industry, the Istanbul Apparel Exporters' Association (IHKIB) has entered into a collaborative agreement with the Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP). IHKIB, representing 80% of Türkiye's apparel exports, aims to facilitate and guide its members in navigating new markets and staying abreast of sectoral developments.

Majority of Türkiye's apparel exports are carried out by IHKIB members

IHKIB actively engages with its members, providing support through partnerships and initiatives with various ministries to further promote and streamline export activities. With the majority of Turkish apparel exports being conducted by IHKIB members, the association holds a pivotal role in both national and international ecosystem.

WRAP-certified facilities reduce audit fatigue and enhance their competitiveness in the global market

The significance of WRAP certification in global market competitiveness was highlighted in the joint announcement. WRAP, a US-based non-profit organization, focuses on promoting safe, lawful, humane, and ethical working conditions within the textile and apparel industry. Suppliers with WRAP certification demonstrate a commitment to workers' rights, occupational health and safety, environmental sustainability, and compliance with local laws. The certification not only reduces audit fatigue for the more than 3,500 WRAP-certified facilities worldwide but also enhances their competitiveness in the global market, meeting the expectations of leading brands and retailers.

IHKIB - WRAP signed a Good-Will Agreement to support business relations between Türkiye and the USA

In a milestone collaboration, Mr. Selcuk Mehmet Kaya, Chairman of the International Relations and Sustainability Committee of IHKIB, and Mr. Avedis Seferian, President and CEO of WRAP, officially inked a collaboration agreement on March 8, 2024, marking a significant step towards fostering business relations between Türkiye and the USA. The agreement focuses on a pilot project developed by IHKIB and WRAP, aiming to identify leading Turkish apparel companies exporting to the USA and encouraging these facilities to attain WRAP certification. In return, WRAP will provide in-person and virtual training at no charge to guide these facilities through the certification process. The project seeks to strengthen business ties between Türkiye and the USA, creating additional opportunities for mutual cooperation between the parties in both countries.



Mr. Avedis Seferian (left) and Mr. Selcuk Mehmet Kaya signing the agreement © 2024 IHKIB
Mr. Avedis Seferian (left) and Mr. Selcuk Mehmet Kaya signing the agreement © 2024 IHKIB


Mr. Selcuk Mehmet Kaya expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "This partnership with WRAP aligns seamlessly with our mission to guide IHKIB members towards excellence, sustainability, and global competitiveness, ultimately contributing to our goal of increasing Turkish apparel exports in the lucrative U.S. market."

Mr. Avedis Seferian shared his insights, saying, "WRAP is committed to promoting responsible and ethical practices in the global textile and apparel industry. Partnering with organizations like IHKIB allows us to extend our reach and contribute to the success of Turkish exporters, reinforcing our shared values."

Mr. Avedis Seferian (left) and Mr. Selcuk Mehmet Kaya are looking forward to great results  © 2024 IHKIB
Mr. Avedis Seferian (left) and Mr. Selcuk Mehmet Kaya are looking forward to great results © 2024 IHKIB


More News from IHKIB

More News on Textiles & Apparel / Garment

#Sustainability

Practical toolkit to drive coordinated climate action launched

An open-access workshop toolkit enables brands, suppliers, policymakers and investors across the textile industry to apply the System Map in their own work, identifying leverage points to halve emissions and enable a just transition.

#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

YKK launches “YZiP® Light” aluminum alloy zipper for cotton pants

YKK Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Koichi Matsushima; hereafter, YKK) has launched YZiP® Light, a lightweight aluminum alloy zipper for cotton pants, with sales beginning in late March. The introduction of YZiP® Light expands YKK’s zipper portfolio—led by the flagship YZiP® copper alloy zipper—providing customers with greater flexibility to meet diverse garment needs.

#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

Coats to showcase innovative reinforcement and filler materials for leather goods and accessories at APLF 2026

Coats, a world-class Tier 2 manufacturer and trusted partner for the apparel and footwear industries, will be promoting four advanced materials from its ‘Lifestyle Solutions’ portfolio at APLF 2026 in Hong Kong in March. Each innovation has been specifically engineered to help luxury and premium brands elevate the craft, durability, sustainability and creative expression required in the manufacturing of handbags, purses, and other high-end designer accessories.

#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

Design, innovation and sustainability propel VIATT 2026’s expanding role in ASEAN textile sourcing

At its third edition, the Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles, and Textile Technologies (VIATT) further reinforced its role as a key sourcing and business platform for ASEAN’s textile industry. The three-day fair welcomed over 17,000 visits from 54 countries and regions, and featured over 460 exhibitors from 21 countries and regions across 18,000 sqm. The 2026 edition was marked by the introduction of new international pavilions and zones, broadening the fair’s sourcing scope across new geographies and product categories. The fringe programme, headlined by the debut Trend Forum, further distinguished VIATT as the region’s most integrated textile trade platform – uniquely spanning the entire value chain.

Latest News

#Raw Materials

New study shows low environmental impact by Cotton made in Africa Organic Cotton from Tanzania

Today, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) is announcing the results of a comprehensive life-cycle analysis (LCA) for cotton produced in Tanzania under the Cotton made in Africa Organic (CmiA Organic) standard. The study emphasises the small ecological footprint of CmiA Organic verified cotton. This can largely be traced back to the absence of synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilisers, and artificial irrigation. Consequently, CmiA Organic cotton can help the textile industry meet regulatory requirements as well as science-based targets. The results also show that the consequences of climate change threaten the livelihoods of these cotton farmers, even though the type of agriculture they practise barely contributes to climate change.

#Raw Materials

Better Cotton Initiative strengthens regenerative focus in standard update

The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) has strengthened the regenerative focus of its field-level standard with the launch of a new version of its Principles & Criteria (P&C), which marks the next step in the organisation’s journey to becoming a regenerative standards system.

#Man-Made Fibers

Selenis and Kintra Fibers partner to scale 100% bio-based synthetic fiber technology

Selenis, a leading global specialty polyester manufacturer, today announced a strategic manufacturing partnership with materials science company Kintra Fibers to scale Kintra’s patented fiber-grade PBS resin - a 100% bio-based and biodegradable material designed for textile applications.

#Functional Fabrics

PERFORMANCE DAYS proves its relevance as the industry’s key meeting point

Held on March 18–19, 2026, PERFORMANCE DAYS once again confirmed its position as a leading international platform for functional textiles. A total of 3.366 trade visitors and around 560 exhibitors gathered in Munich, with the event already kicking off successfully on DAY 0, which received highly positive feedback for its interactive format. Despite challenging conditions caused by the public transport strike in Munich, the event saw strong attendance and a consistently high level of activity across both exhibition days.

TOP