TEXtalks: What is the new approach of CEMATEX to promote European textile machinery globally?
Ernesto Maurer: CEMATEX’s key role is to preserve ITMA as the world’s premier exhibition of textile and garment technology. Since 1951, ITMA has been our main platform for the promotion of European textile machinery globally and it is successful on this front. Over the years, ITMA has been evolving and reinventing itself. For example, we review the product index before each edition to ensure that it remains a relevant industry platform. We have also increased our engagement with more stakeholders, such as fashion brands and retailers, and technical textile users. This is necessary to encourage them to dialogue and collaborate with one another, and to champion sustainability.
TEXtalks: What are the main reasons of Asian countries always preferring European textile machinery especially Pakistan is also among one of the largest importers?
Ernesto Maurer: European textile technology is well known for its high innovation and precision engineering. Through continuous research and development, European machinery manufacturers are at the forefront of cutting-edge and sustainable production technologies.
At the same time, there is a paradigm shift towards more responsible production around the world. Textile makers in Pakistan and other top textile exporting countries have been leveraging European technology as they pivot to sustainable manufacturing to increase their competitiveness.
Ahead of this year’s ITMA in Milan, the energy crisis has intensified the ubiquitous focus on energy savings by textile technology developers over the entire textile chain into garment production. European textile machinery builders have already made great progress, especially in the development of dyeing machines in terms of design and control technology, which has led to an substantial reduction in water consumption.
TEXtalks: What are your expectations with the upcoming ITMA this year in Milan? What will be the key focus of CEMATEX at ITMA?
Ernesto Maurer: ITMA 2023 will be the first major exhibition for the textile and garment industry to be held after the coronavirus pandemic. We believe the industry is looking forward to the face-to-face interactions in Milan. We have already received strong support from exhibitors and space is fully booked. They will be showcasing their latest innovations that span the entire manufacturing value chain.
The theme of ITMA 2023 is Transforming the World of Textiles, which is very relevant as textile makers need to embrace modern technologies to future proof their business. ITMA is not only a launchpad for innovative technology, it is also a place where companies network and collaborate. The upcoming exhibition will present great opportunities for dialogues and sharing of knowledge among industry groups through a myriad of ITMA and partner events.
TEXtalks: What makes European textile machinery competitive in the international market in the current market situation?
Ernesto Maurer: The European machinery sector is well-placed to offer the most sophisticated digital solutions and sustainable technologies. Innovation is a part of our DNA and a lot of research and developments are taking place in and among industry groups, institutions, and companies. These are also the cornerstones that underscore the sustained competitive advantage of European technology makers.
TEXtalks: Please tell us about the export of textile machinery from Europe in 2022 and how do you see 2023 in terms of trade, business, and economics?
Ernesto Maurer: The pandemic has adversely impacted the textile industry and as a result, textile machinery manufacturers have also experienced difficulties in the last two years. There have been and will continue to be economic headwinds. However, our members anticipate that there will also be an increase and recovery in orders as the pandemic has spurred investments in technologies that support sustainability, circular production, and digitalisation.
