Talking strategy: Elgar Straub of VDMA Garment and Leather Technology discusses how investment for sustainability can help apparel manufacturers to reduce costs and improve efficiency

Rising wages, production costs, logistics costs and energy costs are growing problems in the global apparel industry. Also, sustainability is becoming an increasingly important issue as there is a growing need to conserve resources and improve efficiency. In a bid to reduce these costs, companies are developing machinery which is more efficient and reduces energy consumption. To keep pace with these developments, VDMA (Verband Deutscher Maschinen- und Anlagenbau eV -- German Engineering Federation) has developed the Blue Competence initiative, whereby manufacturers of sewing and clothing equipment can show that -- by means of constant innovation -- they can use energy more efficiently, conserve resources, reduce costs and increase productivity. In "Talking strategy" this quarter, the managing director of VDMA Garment and Leather Technology, Elgar Straub, discusses the issues affecting the European garment manufacturing industry. In particular, he explains how being sustainable is helping manufacturers to reduce costs and improve efficiency. He talks about the Blue Competence initiative and provides insight into how this is helping manufacturers in Europe to achieve a number of benefits.

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Global Apparel Markets provides intelligence, analysis and insight on the global apparel and fashion industries.

What's in it? Each issue contains data and expert analysis on key industry topics, including: artificial intelligence (AI); augmented reality (AR); consumer expenditure; corporate social responsibility (CSR); cotton; denim; environmental sustainability; fibres; imports and exports; key geographical markets; labour law; product innovations; regulation; retail; sourcing; strategy; supply chains; and trade and trade policy. A single issue of Global Apparel Markets includes: practical and strategic advice from an industry expert a report on a key geographical market a round-up of the latest product innovations a feature on trade and trade policy comprehensive coverage of the latest business news An annual subscription to Global Apparel Markets is a cost-effective way to keep informed about trends and developments in the global apparel and fashion industries. Subscriptions are available in printed and/or digital formats. Printed and digital subscribers receive each issue in printed format in addition to a digital PDF file, which is available immediately on publication. Subscribers also receive a complementary digital subscription to Global Apparel Update, delivered directly by email once a month. This free supplement contains essential information on business news and the latest product developments. Like all Textiles Intelligence publications, Global Apparel Markets is a reliable source of independently sourced business information, and it does not carry advertising. This is what our customers say: "Running the largest online global sourcing marketplace and platform in the world for the Textiles and Apparel industries means I need to keep up with movements everywhere. I find the Global Apparel Markets report from Textiles Intelligence to always be full of great information that confirms to me what I know to be true and tells me what I need to be aware of in the global markets that I might not be. I always look forward to getting it in the mail." (Tony Forcucci; Global Director, Textiles & Apparel Sourcing P; MFG.com)