By Subadra Anand & Nithin Kumar
Little King Global, a prominent player in the textile industry, is making significant strides in sustainability and innovation. Their journey, as detailed in a recent interview with Bruce Liao – Vice President – Little King Global Co., Ltd, at the Taipei Innovative Textile Application Show (TITAS), highlights their commitment to high-performance, eco-friendly solutions and their strategic expansion into global markets, particularly India. This article explores the company’s history, key milestones, and future ambitions, underscoring its role in shaping the textile industry’s future.
A Legacy of Innovation and Growth
Little King Global’s story began as a family-owned business. Founded in 1982 by Mr Liao’s parents, the company initially focused on supplying footwear fabrics and knitted materials. Over the years, Little King Global has carved out a niche in the synthetic, man-made functional materials market. Their journey of growth and innovation saw them securing key customers, including industry giants like Nike and Adidas, which significantly boosted their market presence.
In the 2000s, Little King Global expanded its operations globally, establishing a presence in Thailand to shorten lead times and setting up innovation centers in Taiwan and Jakarta. This strategic move not only enhanced their operational efficiency but also positioned them at the forefront of textile innovation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company demonstrated resilience by upgrading its product ERP systems to the cloud, utilizing SAP ERP and AWS to streamline operations.
One of the company’s most notable milestones is its investment in India, in partnership with Shahi Exports. This venture aims to bring their latest technology and customer connections to a new market, further solidifying their global footprint.
Showcasing at TITAS 2024
At TITAS 2024, Little King Global’s participation underscored their commitment to connecting with the global textile industry. The show provides a platform for performance and outerwear brands to showcase and develop new technologies. Little King Global took this opportunity to exhibit their core capabilities and latest innovations, emphasizing the importance of performance and sustainability.
Their exhibit at TITAS featured four key technological advancements:
- Next-Generation Jacquard: This innovation offers unlimited design possibilities for brands, enabling creative and unique textile solutions.
- Lux Fleece Essentials: Designed for superior warmth and comfort, this product caters to consumers’ demand for high-quality, cozy textiles.
- Breeze Light Show: Offering movement without limitations and UV protection, this technology is ideal for activewear and outdoor applications.
- Eco Cycle Innovations: This breakthrough in sustainability involves converting scrap and excess fabric, as well as post-consumer apparel, into new polyester fibers. This not only reduces waste but also promotes circularity in the textile industry.
Strategic Expansion into the Indian Market
Little King Global’s decision to enter the Indian market was driven by the country’s growing significance in the global textile industry. With its vast population, increasing economic influence, and a young, well-educated workforce, India presents a tremendous opportunity for growth. The partnership with Shahi Exports, India’s largest apparel manufacturer, is a testament to Little King Global’s strategic vision.
Shahi Exports, established by Sarla Ahuja, has become a powerhouse in the textile industry with a strong focus on sustainability and corporate responsibility. Their investments in water recovery, recycling, green energy, and solar and wind power align perfectly with Little King Global’s sustainability goals. This collaboration aims to create a robust supply chain that serves both local and international markets.
Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability is at the core of Little King Global’s long-term vision. The company is dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting environmentally friendly practices. They have set ambitious goals to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030, leveraging their partnership with Shahi Exports to achieve this target.
Water recovery and green energy are key components of their sustainability strategy. Shahi Exports provides 100% green energy, ensuring that their operations are environmentally responsible. Little King Global’s efforts to regenerate polyester from post-consumer apparel exemplify their commitment to circularity and reducing reliance on virgin materials.
Facing the Future with Confidence
The textile industry is at a crossroads, facing unprecedented challenges in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and growing environmental concerns. Little King Global recognizes the need to balance sustainability, performance, and growth. Their focus on digital creation, which reduces the need for physical samples and development, is a significant step towards minimizing their environmental impact.
By combining their advanced technologies with a well-established supply chain, Little King Global is confident in their ability to navigate these challenges and create a sustainable future. Their partnership with Shahi Exports and their commitment to innovation and sustainability position them as leaders in the industry.
In conclusion, Little King Global’s journey is a testament to the power of innovation, sustainability, and strategic partnerships. Their participation in TITAS 2024 and their expansion into the Indian market highlight their vision for the future. As they continue to develop high-performance, eco-friendly textiles, Little King Global is set to make a lasting impact on the industry.
Their commitment to reducing carbon emissions, promoting circularity, and leveraging digital technologies ensures that they are well-equipped to face the challenges ahead. Little King Global’s story is one of resilience, growth, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, making them a beacon of inspiration in the textile world.
