A good option to compete against the rising cost of cotton in clothing

By John A Stefani

On Monday, January 10, 2011 I wrote the article: Cotton Prices Driving Brands to Increase Prices, Alternative Fabrication. The promotional product industry has noticed an increase in t-shirt and other cotton made items prices and it is beginning to be seen in the prices the customer pays.

Texas drought last summer, super weeds, like the herbicide resistant Pig Weed (see the above video), within cotton crops in Arkansas added to the international shortages of cotton due to floods and poor crops is causing clothing prices to increase.

On Jan. 18, 2010, quotations for the base quality of cotton averaged 67.66 cents per pound in the seven designated markets measured by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. On October 15, the average had increased to $1.06.52, the highest price recorded since May 26, 1995, when the average was $1.11.53 cents per pound.

As we watch cotton prices soar, we are left wondering "Now what?"

Opportunity for Synthetics?

With increased cotton prices and the resulting cost increases for cotton fabric we should see an upsurge in interest for a cost-effective, quality alternative: Microfiber.

What is microfiber and why does it out perform cotton?

Described to be hundred times thinner than a single strand of human hair and ten times finer than silk; microfibers are extremely fine compared to that of a cotton strand.

Microfiber out performs cotton because of its admirable polyester and polyamide fibers that are strong and ensure durability. It's resistance to stretching and shrinking that guarantees shape retention. Other than that, it is also wrinkle, mildew, abrasion resistant due to its highly elasticity.

Moreover, it is resistant to most chemicals, retains heat-set pleats and crease, and is easily washed even only with clear water or mild soapy water. In comparison to cotton, a microfiber will absorb 98% moisture, while cotton can only absorb at best 70%.

What is a General Certificates of Conformity (GCC) mean?

by John A Stefani

General certificates of conformity (GCCs) will be required for the flammability standards for non-children's products made into vinyl plastic film, clothing textiles, carpets and rugs beginning January 26, 2011 certifying that a manufacturer's products comply with these standards. GCCs do not need to be based on testing done by a third-party laboratory. Rather, certification testing can be done by the manufacturer of the product based on a test of each product or on a "reasonable testing program."

A GCC must accompany the product whether imported or manufactured in the United States and be furnished to the product's distributors and/or retailers. Firms must supply GCCs for their products to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) upon request.

What does this mean to promotional products?

Logo or personalized apparel would fall into this category. What might come to your mind when you hear the phrase “logo apparel?” Custom t-shirts are the most common answer, but the apparel category includes other wearable products like baseball caps, fleece jackets, business polo shirts, knit scarves and more.

The manufacturers are required to supply GCCs for their products to the U.S. CPSC. GCCs do not need to be based on testing done by a third-party laboratory. Rather, certification testing can be done by the manufacturer of the product based on a test of each product or on a "reasonable testing program."

The manufacturers of the printed clothing need to comply with the new General Certificates of Conformity (GCC) standards. I wonder if this is a contributing reason why logo apparel prices are going up.


What do you think?  Feel free to leave your comments.

Cotton Prices Driving Brands to Increase Prices, Alternative Fabrications

By John A. Stefani

Prices of promotional clothing are beginning to be hit by a cotton shortage. Vendors of printed clothing are having to pass the increases on to the end user. Prices have been changing almost week to week for cotton clothing. What would you be willing to pay for a cotton T-shirt? Hmmmm...

Recent Trends In Promotional Products Industry

Promotional products are means by which an organization can increase their sales and establish a good relationship with various entities which are an integral part of running the business. Therefore, it is very important to follow the current trends in promotional products industry so as to be able to choose the right products for use in promotional activity.

Though promotional products have long been used for various reasons, the underlying objective is to increase sales. The trends in such situations change every year. In the late 1990's it was common to see fountain pens engraved with the company logo and name and used as a promotional product. Other products which were very popular include calendars, mugs, key chains, etc.

Recent Trends
Recent trends in the industry include GREEN products or ECO Friendly products which are made from biodegradable materials. Through such products, organizations also emphasize on the use and importance of environment-friendly products and send across a message of corporate social responsibility.

Some popular green promotional products include clothing, bags, plants and flowers, organic material, and paper products. Customers today are more environment conscious and also expect the business to be responsible towards the planet.

Another growing trend is the use of colors. A promotional product has to be aesthetically appealing as color forms an important part of the overall product appeal. Most promotional products are available in colors that match the company logo and other related colors and help identify the product with the company in this way.

Another growing trend is of promotional products having some function which add value to the user. Such products give some added benefit to the user apart from just the conventional usage. Any user will appreciate a product which helps makes his life easier with its use.

Promotional products also fall under various categories according to their uses like corporate gifts, sales promotional products, trade show promotional products, and others. Many promotional products are also categorized according to their industry. Promotional products for sports, education, retail, healthcare, engineering and hospitality are some examples where these trends are applicable.

How Do Promotional Trends Help Companies?
Trends in promotional product industry play a vital role in the design of the message that companies try to convey at different points of time. All the promotional products have a limited life span during which they are considered most popular. The earlier example of fountain pens that were used in the 1990s is almost an outdated promotional product now.

A trend is something which provides the product its moment of glory. As long as the product is trendy, it is sold like hot cakes and once the trend shifts to another product, it is sidelined for the new product which takes its place.

Almost all the companies follow trends and order their promotional products accordingly. This has it own advantages as it reinforces the brand value, is used at trade shows to gather more attention, reward employees, and promote the goodwill of the company among others.


Articles Source:http://business.ezinemark.com/recent-trends-in-promotional-products-industry-16a155b01b8.html
          
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