The textile industry is a vibrant activity that has been weaving the lines of our lives for centuries. From the clothes we wear to the sheets we sleep on; textile products are an integral part of our daily lives.
So, to provide you with an introduction to the textile world, we dedicate an entire section of our website to new and interesting content related to the textile industry.
The textile industry is a global phenomenon comprised of a multitude of worldwide and multinational textile companies dedicated to the design, production, and distribution of textiles, including circular knitted fabrics such as the ones we provide to our clients.
The textile industry also encompasses a wide range of materials, namely fibers. From natural fibers like cotton and wool to artificial fibers such as seacell, or synthetic fibers like polyester.
A few of the fibers used within the textile industry may have a recorded history of thousands of years old – like linen – while others may be considered more technologically advanced, also known as technical textiles or “tech textiles”, such as Lyocell.
In other words, textile manufacturing or production has a rich history and has been a staple of our society's progress since day one.
The textile industry has a rich and varied history – as rich and diverse as the fabrics it produces. A story beginning thousands of years ago. In ancient India, for instance, cotton was spun into thread and woven into cloth as early as 3000 BCE.
One can then state that the cotton textile industry is about five thousand years old. Its products have always been a cornerstone of human civilization.
The Middle Ages saw significant advancements in textile production, particularly in regions like China, where silk weaving became a highly skilled craft – we are pretty sure the name ‘Silk Road’ speaks to all of us.
In Europe, wool became the dominant fiber, leading to the growth of powerful wool-trading cities.
However, it was the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century that marked a major turning point for the textile industry, with the invention of the spinning jenny and the power loom leading to mass production and the rise of textile factories.
In the 20th century, it continued to evolve, with advancements in technology leading to the development of increasingly sophisticated synthetic materials offering new possibilities in terms of durability and versatility.
Today, the textile industry is a global powerhouse, constantly innovating and adapting to meet the demands of consumers and businesses alike and continuing to be proof of unstopping human ingenuity and progress.
Given the history and the impact the textile industry has had and still has on our daily lives, it is impossible to deny its importance today.
The textile industry plays a crucial role in the global economy, employing millions of people worldwide. Not only that but it is also essential to the production of a wide range of products, from clothing and home furnishings to industrial materials used every day.
The textile industry truly is a major player in the global market. It employs millions of people, and it is responsible for technological advances everywhere.
Although market value estimates may vary from country to country or report to report, it is safe to acknowledge the textile industry is worth trillions of dollars.
The success of the textile industry is due to many different and converging factors, but its self-reliance may be the reason behind it all.
As the concept implies, to be self-reliant is to depend exclusively on itself, which the textile industry is: it encompasses the entire production process, from the cultivation of raw materials to the manufacturing of finished products.
Take a common or conventional 100% Supima® cotton T-shirt. Supima® cotton represents less than 1% of the worldwide cotton production. It is exclusively grown in the US through technologically and sustainably advanced agricultural processes.
ITJV is an authorized Supima® cotton supplier since 2017. Supima® produces the natural cotton fiber, ITJV transforms it into circular knitted fabrics and supplies them to brands everywhere who turn them into end-customer products.
Because of this self-reliance, this vertical integration allows greater control over quality, cost, and supply chain management.
While the textile industry’s environmental impact is widely recognized, sustainability in the textile industry is a complex issue.
Although there are still challenges related to water usage, chemical pollution, and waste, many companies are making significant strides towards more sustainable practices, including the use of organic and recycled materials, water-saving technologies, and circular business models.
At ITJV, we are proud to contribute to the sustainable effort and the fight against climate change through different approaches towards textile sustainability and certificates.
At ITJV, we are honored to be part of the textile industry’s rich tapestry. As a leading Portuguese manufacturer of circular knitted fabrics, we offer you a wide range of products made from natural, artificial, and synthetic fibers.
Our commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability makes us an excellent option for businesses looking for top-notch solutions.
