The Mills Fabrica is proud to support Circ as it makes sustainable fashion accessible to the masses

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 3 May 2023 – The Mills Fabrica portfolio company Circ , the textile technology company that recycles polycotton waste back into new fibers, launches a first-of-its-kind collection with Zara. The partnership takes a pivotal step towards circularity in the fashion industry by revealing a new first-of-its-kind women’s capsule collection made with recycled textiles derived from polycotton textile waste. The collection is now available across 11 markets globally.

Zara and Circ have tackled one of the biggest challenges for the fashion industry: breaking down blends of polyester and cotton – referred to as “polycotton” – into new recycled raw materials to create new garments. Circ´s innovative recycling technology is the only platform to successfully separate polycotton blended textile waste and recover both cellulosic and synthetic fibers. Utilizing this technology, Zara and Circ have created a collection featuring lyocell garments made with 50% recycled polycotton textile waste and polyester garments with 43% recycled polycotton textile waste. With creative direction from the design team at Zara Woman, the collection showcases on-trend and light garments in burgundy tones that are designed to keep in circulation.

“We believe our partnership with Zara signals a seismic shift in how the fashion industry and consumers view what is possible in sustainability,” said Peter Majeranowski, CEO of Circ. “This is the first-time recycled polyester and lyocell clothing manufactured from polycotton textile waste is in the hands of consumers, and we are taking important steps towards making circularity the new standard. Circ and Zara want to create a new future in which the garments hanging in our closets are made from recycled materials that can then be recycled over and over again.”

“This first-of-its-kind collection demonstrates that innovation in new fibers and collaboration with specialized experts are two key pillars in advancing the circularity of the textile industry. Circ’s technology opens the door to effectively separate and recycle any blend of polyester and cotton – which is one of the most common textile blends in clothing. At Zara and Inditex, we want to lead the transformation of our industry by creating fashion collections rooted in circularity,” remarked Javier Losada, Inditex Chief Sustainability Officer.

This partnership follows investment from Inditex, Zara’s parent company, in Circ last year aimed at accelerating industrial-scale solutions towards circularity in the fashion industry. This is the first time Inditex has made an investment of this kind within its Sustainability Innovation Hub (SIH) which aims to boost technological innovation and improve product circularity.

The Mills Fabrica has been committed to supporting innovative and disruptive technologies in the techstyle (technology and apparel technology) and agrifood industries through its investments, incubation programs, office spaces, lab, and impact retail stores since 2018. It has supported Circ since 2021 through investments, marketing exposure, and connections to the textile and apparel industry. The Mills Fabrica’s portfolio of cutting edge techstyle companies also includes Renewcell, Colorifix, Geltor, and Michroma among others.

“We’re proud to see technology-empowered solutions making such a positive impact in the textile and apparel industry, contributing to a more sustainable future. The Mills Fabrica looks forward to our continued support of Circ as they make sustainable fashion accessible to the masses through this unprecedented partnership with Zara,” says Cintia Nunes, General Manager and Head of Asia, The Mills Fabrica.
Hashtag: #TheMillsFabrica

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About The Mills Fabrica

The Mills Fabrica is a go-to solutions platform accelerating techstyle and agrifood tech innovations for sustainability. Officially launched in Hong Kong in December 2018, The Mills is a landmark revitalization project by the Nan Fung Group, transforming their old textile factories into a new heritage, experiential retail, and innovation centre. With its investment fund, business incubator, spaces in Hong Kong and London, and community-building initiatives, The Mills Fabrica aims to create success stories of collaborations between innovators, entrepreneurs, and corporates, that together, will drive positive change for future generations. http://www.themillsfabrica.com/

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 3 May 2023 – From now till 31 May, iShopChangi will be pampering mums everywhere with great deals and exclusive gifts. From renowned brands like Clé de Peau Beauté to local Singaporean brands like ést.lab — snag beauty favourites and more at a bargain!

‘Beautiful’ Sitewide Deals for Travellers & Non-Travellers

Celebrate Mother’s Day with iShopChangi, with slashed prices on big beauty brands! Snap up deals and exclusive beauty sets on renowned brands like Clinique, Estée Lauder and more.

Don’t miss out on great deals like Clinique’s Moisture Surge™ 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator 50ml. Previously retailed at S$133, it is now S$79, or 41% off its usual price. For fans of homegrown Singaporean brands, here’s your chance to support local under the Changi LoveSG beauty section. Kicking things off with IDS Skincare’s DermaShield Mask (packet of 10’s), it retails at S$89.30 now, a good 15% off its usual price of S$105. ést.lab’s OptimaLift A+ Intelligent Eye Revitaliser 2.0 is a deal not to be missed either. Hailed as Cleo magazine’s Clear Skin 2020 Awardee, it is an accredited beauty gadget to get. Furthermore, it is retailing at S$90.10, an excellent discount of 15% off its usual price of S$106.

Beauty aficionados know the name Clé de Peau Beauté, and during this special season of appreciation, iShopChangi offers exclusive deals on this sought-after beauty brand. Going at S$130, the Clé de Peau Beauté Lip Glorifier Natural Duo Set is retailing at 39% off its usual price of S$212. With the Clé de Peau Beauté’s Correcting Cream Veil Duo Set retailing at S$220, a whopping 41% off its usual price of S$373, it is a deal to be taken advantage of.

iShopChangi Presents ‘Drink Around the World’

Discover the world of wines and spirits with iShopChangi’s 2,500 authentic liquor deals with exclusive bundles of up to 50% off! From 11 May – 8 June, seize the best deals with weekly themed spirits, whisky, wine and sake selections.

Kicking things off in the first week, Glendronach’s Revival 15 Years expression retails at S$245.90, a nice 15% off its usual price of S$289. Following that, in week 2, the Singleton Dufftown 12 Years Old Whisky bundle of 3 will be going at 5% off its usual price of S$255 at S$192. Week 3’s offering comes in hot as the Brown Brothers’ Sparkling Moscato Set of 6 bundle goes for S$128, a lovely 29% discount from its usual price of S$180. Lastly, in week 4, the Drink Around the World series closes strong with the Tanaka Shuzo Junmai Daiginjo Shirasagi No Shiro that comes with a complimentary wooden box. At just S$153, 15% off its usual price of S$180, it is not only the strongest tipple on the list but also the best deal. That’s not all: shoppers will receive a Nosing Glass set when a minimum of S$600 is spent within the wines and spirits category.

Want to carve out more savings? Cart out with these codes:

A Celebration for Both Travellers and Non-Travellers

Both travellers and non-travellers can slash another S$20 off when they spend at least S$79 on their first purchase when they lock in <ISCNEW20> at checkout. Limited to the first 1,000 new users per month.

Enjoy up to a 3% rebate with a Changi Rewards membership too. For extra savings, cart out via Changi Pay and enjoy a S$5 welcome voucher for new Changi Pay sign-ups.

Travellers may place their orders between 30 days in advance and up to 12 hours before flying, and pick up their purchases from the Collection Centres across all terminals at Singapore Changi Airport. Alternatively, spend S$59 and enjoy delivery in Singapore.

Non-travellers can cart out at tax and duty-absorbed prices on iShopChangi and have their items delivered to them for free when they spend at least S$59 and provide a Singapore residential address for delivery. If not, they can pick up selected products from the Jewel Collection Centre. No minimum spend is required.

Hashtag: #iShopChangi

https://www.facebook.com/iShopChangi
https://www.instagram.com/ishopchangi

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About iShopChangi

iShopChangi was launched in 2013 as an extension of Changi Airport’s promise to deliver greater comfort and convenience to travellers in its suite of airport retail offerings. Passengers can browse and purchase tax- and duty-free products across all terminals between 30 days to 12 hours pre-flight on the e-store – and choose to collect their items at Collection Centres within departure, upon arrival or have them delivered free in Singapore. Providing easy access to over 30,000 products across 900 brands and exclusives such as Changi First product launches, the site has since received global recognition with its award for Best Website – Retail Customer Facing at The Moodies: the Airport and Travel Retail Digital Media Awards 2018. In early 2020, the e-commerce store started to retail a selection tax- and duty-absorbed products to Singapore-based residents without the need to fly.

• India’s small businesses crowned innovation leaders for third year.
• Record high recruitment and strong expansion planned for 2023.
• Increasing costs, especially fuel, and internet connectivity are key challenges.

NEW DELHI, INDIA – Media OutReach – 3 May 2023 – Over three quarters of India’s small businesses are primed for growth in 2023, driven by innovation, digital technologies and customer satisfaction, a new survey shows.

Indian small businesses are among the fastest-growing in CPA Australia’s annual Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey. The survey collected views from 4280 small businesses in 11 Asia-Pacific markets, including 561 respondents from India.

Seventy-three per cent of Indian small businesses grew last year, up from 62 per cent in 2021. This momentum is set to continue, with 77 per cent expecting to grow in 2023. Indian businesses topped the survey for expectations they will grow strongly in 2023 (61 per cent).

Indian small businesses are the most bullish in the region with their plans to hire more staff. Eighty percent of respondents increased their employee headcount last year. A record high of 85 per cent plan to add staff this year.

“The robust growth of India’s small businesses can be attributed to their constant improvement in customer satisfaction, strategy and management,” CPA Australia Regional Manager for Emerging Markets Mr Nicklaus Wee said.

“The booming trend in business process outsourcing and IT outsourcing is creating many opportunities for small businesses in India. The deepening collaboration between foreign customers and local service providers has fostered a dynamic ecosystem. This nurtures small companies, attracts talent and brings more knowledge about cutting-edge technologies. It’s not surprising that over half of local small businesses anticipate revenue from overseas sales to increase significantly this year.”

The competitive advantages for India’s small businesses include their innovative culture and adoption of technology. A record high (79 per cent) plan to introduce new products, processes or services to the market this year, the highest result in Asia-Pacific region for a third consecutive year.

India continues to be a regional leader in digital transformation, with very high rates of e-commerce, digital payment options and social media adoption. This strong digital mindset is supported by high rates of investment in technology.

The survey shows that when Indian small businesses invest in technology, they do so with a high degree of success. Most found their investment in technology last year improved their profitability (83 per cent). This was the highest result of all markets surveyed and well above the survey average (55 per cent). They were also the most likely to seek advice from IT consultants (42 per cent) last year.

However, 78 per cent said internet connectivity issues had affected their business operations. This was the worst result across surveyed markets (survey average 31 per cent).

“India is a leader in transforming to the digital economy. However, weaknesses in digital public infrastructure are hindering development. To promote digital inclusion and facilitate technology upgrades, the government should continue with schemes like Production Linked Incentive (PLI) and Bharat Net Project. These should enhance public internet accessibility, especially in underdeveloped districts where many small businesses are located.”

Thirty-four per cent said increasing costs had the most negative impact on them in 2022. Of this, fuel costs (44 per cent) were most detrimental, followed by transportation and storage costs. In surveyed Indian cities, Mumbai businesses were most likely to face increasing fuel costs.

“Soaring energy prices have become a major concern for India’s economy and a financial burden on many small businesses. This is a catalyst to look for savings by reducing energy use and transitioning to green energy. Last year, many respondents monitored energy and water use (32 per cent). Some invested in green and renewable energy (28 per cent).”

Many of India’s small businesses required external finance to cover rising costs and investment in technologies. Eighty-eight per cent sought external finance last year, mainly for business growth (52 per cent). Seventy-six per cent plan to seek funding this year and 64 per cent expect easy access to such funds.

“India’s small businesses are expanding aggressively due to a strong local economy and investments in innovation and technology. Government schemes, such as Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY), have helped to improve financial conditions for micro and small businesses. Businesses need to focus on managing increasing costs. They should seek professional advice to improve cashflow for sustainable growth.”
Hashtag: #CPAAustralia #SME #Business #Economics

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About CPA Australia

CPA Australia is one of the largest professional accounting bodies in the world, with more than 172,000 members in over 100 countries and regions, including nearly 2000 members in South Asia. Our core services include education, training, technical support and advocacy. CPA Australia provides thought leadership on local, national and international issues affecting the accounting profession and public interest. We engage with governments, regulators and industries to advocate policies that stimulate sustainable economic growth and have positive business and public outcomes. Find out more at cpaaustralia.com.au