The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), in collaboration with DOST Region 12, is set to launch the Regional Yarn Production and Innovation Center (RYPIC) in Cotabato, marking a major step toward revitalising Mindanao’s textile sector, according to a DOST-PTRI press release.

The facility will process natural fibres such as abaca, banana and pineapple into high-quality yarn, addressing long-standing challenges faced by local weavers who have relied on imported materials. This initiative is expected to create new markets for agricultural produce while providing additional income streams for farmers.

The DOST-PTRI, with DOST Region 12, will establish the Regional Yarn Production and Innovation Center in Philippine’s Cotabato to process natural fibres into yarn and support Mindanao’s textile industry.
The facility aims to boost farmer incomes, reduce reliance on imported yarn and strengthen local weaving communities through training, technology transfer and improved supply chain infrastructure.

During the first-quarter meeting of the Regional Research, Development, and Innovation Committee, Evangeline Flor P. Manalang, chief science research specialist of DOST-PTRI’s Technical Services Division, stated “The RYPIC will serve as a key facility to process our natural fibers into yarn and open opportunities for skills training among farmers and local stakeholders.” She also emphasised the project’s role in building a sustainable textile ecosystem in Soccsksargen.

The RYPIC complements existing facilities such as the Natural Textile Fiber Innovation Hub at Sultan Kudarat State University and forms part of broader national programmes including the Clothing and Textile Research Innovation and Investment Agenda (CATRINA) and the FRONTIER initiative. These efforts aim to strengthen the domestic textile value chain, reduce reliance on imports and support the government’s push to expand Telang Pinoy, as highlighted by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in his fourth State of the Nation Address.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (JP)

Canadian athletic apparel retailer Lululemon Athletica Inc has reported a 5 per cent year-over-year (YoY) increase in net revenue to $11.1 billion in fiscal 2025 (FY25) ended February 1, 2026, supported by strong international growth despite continued softness in the Americas. Excluding the impact of a 53^rd week in FY24, revenue rose 7 per cent.

International markets remained a key growth driver, with revenue rising 22 per cent, while the Americas saw a marginal 1 per cent decline. Comparable sales increased 2 per cent overall, with a 15 per cent rise internationally offset by a 3 per cent decline in the Americas.

Lululemon has reported revenue of $11.1 billion in FY25, up 5 per cent YoY, driven by 22 per cent international growth despite weak Americas sales.
Margins and profits declined, with EPS falling to $13.26.
The company expanded stores and repurchased shares.
Q4 showed modest growth but weaker profitability.
Lululemon expects FY26 revenue growth of 2-4 per cent amid ongoing macroeconomic challenges.

The gross profit remained flat at $6.3 billion, while gross margin contracted by 260 basis points to 56.6 per cent. Income from operations declined 12 per cent to $2.2 billion, with operating margin narrowing to 19.9 per cent. Diluted earnings per share (EPS) fell to $13.26 from $14.64 in FY24, Lululemon Athletica said in a press release.

The company continued to invest in expansion and shareholder returns, opening 44 net new stores to reach a total of 811 locations and repurchasing 5 million shares worth $1.2 billion. Lululemon ended the year with $1.8 billion in cash and cash equivalents, while inventories rose 18 per cent to $1.7 billion.

Andre Maestrini, interim co-CEO, president, and chief commercial officer at the company, stated, “Throughout 2025, we reported double-digit revenue growth in our international business and are taking action to incorporate learnings from across our regions to drive forward our strategies. Our teams are energised by the initial response to our recent product launches and continue to deliver successful guest activations globally. Looking ahead, we are encouraged by our opportunities in North America and around the world and are grateful to our teams for their commitment to delivering the products and experiences our guests love.”

In the fourth quarter (Q4) of FY25, revenue increased 1 per cent to $3.6 billion, with international growth of 17 per cent offsetting a 4 per cent decline in the Americas. However, profitability weakened, with operating income falling 22 per cent and gross margin declining by 550 basis points to 54.9 per cent. Quarterly diluted EPS dropped to $5.01 from $6.14.

Meghan Frank, interim co-CEO and chief financial officer at Lululemon, stated, “We are pleased to achieve fourth quarter revenue and EPS results ahead of our expectations. As we begin our new fiscal year, we are focused on executing on our action plan, offering new and differentiated products to our guests, and elevating their experiences with lululemon. Driving improvement in our full-price sales over the course of 2026 is also a key priority, particularly in North America, and will enable us to enhance our brand health and deliver long-term growth and value creation for shareholders.”

Looking ahead, Lululemon expects first-quarter FY26 revenue between $2.4 billion and $2.43 billion, with full-year revenue projected at $11.35 billion to $11.5 billion, representing growth of 2 per cent to 4 per cent. Diluted EPS is forecast in the range of $12.1 to $12.3 for FY26, as the company navigates macroeconomic uncertainties and evolving market conditions.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)