After a year of the Covid-19 pandemic, with the reality changed, many entrepreneurs have had to restructure their business model, reinvent and accelerate some structural changes, especially in relation to digital transformation and market innovation.
The textile industry was one of the sectors that reacted most quickly to the crisis and is seen as an important segment for the recovery of the economy.
After a period of caution in 2020, the sector is preparing for the future of the industry and projecting the best actions to get through this period with the least possible impact, as well as preparing for post-pandemic trends.
According to the Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association (Abit), expectations are positive for the sector in 2021.
Outlook for 2021
The market should show productive growth. The textile sector could be an important focus for the recovery of the Brazilian economy through innovation.
The outlook for 2021 in the Brazilian textile industry economy, according to the 2020 balance sheet and expectations presented by ABIT, indicates that the sector is expected to grow by 8.3% in production. Domestic sales will be 6.8% and imports 5.2%. Exports are expected to grow by 6.25% compared to 2020. The end of last year was positive for the industry.
So expectations are that supply will be outstripped by demand. In addition, group B and C1 consumers will be responsible for the recovery of the textile industry in the post-coronavirus period and for optimism in the sector’s prospects.
Industry 4.0
According to data from the textile and clothing industry, there are 25,200 formal textile companies in Brazil. The country is considered the largest representative of the textile industry in the West, as it excels in cotton plantations, fiber production, fashion shows, weaving, among other types of clothing.
Technology is very present in our daily lives, and it’s no wonder that it is advancing and being improved with each passing day.
According to FIESP – the Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo, many companies are using their downtime to modernize their industrial facilities, within their investment capacity, by implementing new technologies.
The concept of Industry 4.0 will reach retail. This concept works with the application of new technologies, with fully automated equipment that interacts with each other and modernizes the production process.
As a result, the textile sector will be able to gain new business possibilities, expectations, ideas and solutions with Industry 4.0 and become more competitive.
Another measure is to look for new opportunities. E-commerce has gained strength in the pandemic. Online shopping will also be a post-Covid reality – and even after trade reopens, the population will continue to opt for remote shopping, as this method offers consumers several benefits, including agility.
That’s why, more than ever, managers will have to focus on digital marketing in the textile industry.
Changes in values after the pandemic
Another transformation that should intensify in the post-pandemic period is sustainability. In the textile industry, this becomes even more important. Textile activities have major consequences for the environment, and minimizing this damage is a priority issue for the segment.
Consumers are demanding more responsibility from brands in relation to damage to nature, and expect to buy from sustainable brands, high quality products and at a fair price.
In addition, many renowned companies are implementing renewable energies in their production lines, reducing waste and reusing resources. Recycling has become one of the biggest trends.
The aim is to make the most of the upturn in activity with greater productivity, competitiveness, lower costs, less waste and even more sustainable and efficient processes.
There are therefore great expectations for the textile industry in the post-pandemic period. However, if the company is to be able to face the challenges of the coming year, it must be prepared and able to adapt to the new economic and social times.
