The Olympics of textile machinery exhibitions, ITMA 2023 concluded on a high note. ITMA 2023 saw an exciting transformative phase for the textile industry that is moving towards sustainability and digitalisation. This trendsetting global exhibition cemented its reputation as the innovation launchpad for the textile industry, with 1,709 exhibitors showcasing groundbreaking technologies, and revolutionary solutions.
From sustainable materials and eco-friendly processes to waste reduction and responsible production, ITMA 2023 reaffirmed that sustainability is imperative for a thriving future. Valuable knowledge sharing, exchanges and collaborations were also fostered at the series of events organised at ITMA 2023.
Ernesto Maurer, President, of CEMATEX says, “This edition has been a great success with the visitorship higher than the previous exhibition in 2019. At this ITMA, the transformation journey toward digitalization and sustainability has taken a huge leap forward. It has been a mega gathering with the presence of stakeholders of the entire textile and garment-making ecosystem. CEMATEX associations and their member companies, as well as all other exhibitors, are delighted with the results as the exhibition has surpassed all our expectations.”
Johan Verstraete, VP of Weaving Machines, Picanol says, “Once again, we can look back on a very successful ITMA trade fair. It was one of the best ITMA exhibitions in our history – a true success both from an organizational and logistical perspective, as evidenced by the vast number of visitors to our booth from day one. The many fruitful contacts we had with customers and prospects from all around the world exceeded our expectations and will enable us to sow even more seeds for the future.”
Chikachi Nagasaki, Executive Vice President, of TAJIMA America Corp (a subsidiary of TAJIMA Group) says, “The Tajima Group had not participated in the ITMA exhibition since 2015. However, after participating in ITMA 2023, we reaffirm our recognition of ITMA as the
industry-leading exhibition that connects us with new market opportunities, as well as existing customers expanding their business. During the exhibition, we received a good number of international and European buyers from the fashion textile sectors interested in our new machinery and software solutions. We met new contacts from the automotive and aircraft interior sectors. What’s more impressive is that
they were mainly decision makers, or production and development managers.”
Arno Gärtner, CEO, of Karl Mayer Group, says, “ITMA 2023 is once again the place to be for decision-makers and experts from all over the world. Our participation in the strategic topics of sustainability and digital process solutions provided answers to current customer challenges. We had an unbelievable number of intensive discussions with our international customers. We are glad that the enforcement of IPR regulation is taken seriously at ITMA. We had successfully taken action against a case of infringement of our patent rights during the exhibition.”
Innovator Xchange
Innovator Xchange provided an excellent platform for visitors to learn about the latest innovations on display at ITMA 2023 and gain insights from industry experts based on four trending topics: Advanced Materials, Automation and Digital Future, Innovative Technologies, and Sustainability and Circularity. The Innovator Xchange has attracted a total of 1,174 participants over 5 days.
Start-Up Valley
A new initiative, Start-Up Valley spotlighted companies in their early stages of development with fresh solutions and technologies. Fifteen applicants from 11 countries were selected for the grant where they enjoyed showcasing their game-changing innovations and solutions for the textile industry on this world stage, gained immediate exposure and access to potential investors and/or collaborators directly, received feedback, with strong support from CEMATEX and the ITMA Organiser to promote their participation through various marketing channels.
ITMA Sustainable Innovation Award 2023
Industry Excellence Award Winning Company: Alberto Candiani, Owner, of Candianiof SpA says, “Winning this award represents true recognition of the importance of research and development, as well as the investments and efforts required to make a positive change through better processes and products. Candiani won the award in 2019, and this additional recognition has become a sign of consistency towards our commitment to continuous, tangible improvements.”
Research & Innovation Excellence Award winner: Philipp Benjamin Weigel, a Student, Nominated by the Institute of Textile Machinery and High-Performance Material Technology (ITM) says, “Attending ITMA was an invaluable experience. With industry experts, manufacturers, and suppliers all in one place, I was able to gain insights into the latest technological advancements and emerging trends. Winning the ITMA Sustainable Innovation Award was a great achievement that validated my efforts in developing eco-friendly solutions for the industry.
ITMA provided valuable networking opportunities and a platform to learn about sustainable practices and showcase my research, fostering connections and collaborations with industry leaders who are passionate about sustainability.”
Frank Michel, Executive Director, The ZDHC Foundation says, “The ZDHC Impact Day, hosted at ITMA 2023, demonstrates the power of collective action to drive sustainable progress across the fashion industry. This gathering of key stakeholders served not only as a conference but as a pivotal moment for collective action, underscoring that the future of leadership lies in partnership. As we have for the past eight years, ZDHC will continue to develop and promote sustainable chemical management for a cleaner, more ecological future.”
The next ITMA 2027 will take place from 16 – 22 September 2027 at Hannover Exhibition Centre, Hannover, Germany.
