Page 68 - July/August 2019

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Innovating the
Reports World of Textiles
ITMA 2019 concludes successfully with
the largest gathering of exhibitors and
buyers in its history
Since its launch in 1951, ITMA has enjoyed wide
industry recognition as the world’s largest textile and
garment technology exhibition. This year’s exhibition
in Barcelona sees its reputation solidify further with
the largest gathering of exhibitors in its history. The
record number of exhibitors totaling 1,717 from 45
countries has set a new milestone. The event
featured many exciting and new product launches
and innovative technologies and products.
July/August 2019
Themed ‘Innovating the World of Textiles’, the 18th
edition of ITMA, the world’s most established textile
and garment technology exhibition, concluded
successfully in Barcelona, Spain.
CEMATEX, the European Committee of Textile Machinery
Manufacturers, and owner of ITMA and ITMA ASIA,
reported that the industry support from visitors and
exhibitors was tremendous, resulting in record-breaking
number of exhibitors since its inception.
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Mr Fritz P. Mayer, President of CEMATEX said, “The
digital transformation of the textile and garment
interests in ITMA 2019. We had a strong turnout,
manufacturing value chain and sustainability
concerns of the industry have driven up visitor
despite trade tensions and poor business
sentiments. Many of our exhibitors were pleasantly
surprised with the large number of serious buyers
attending the exhibition.”
Of the total number of exhibitors, over half are from
CEMATEX countries; the balance comprising
International participation
companies from other parts of Europe, Asia, the
Middle East and the America.
Reflecting the international composition of the
participants, the largest number of exhibitors are
from Italy (364 exhibitors), China (276 exhibitors),
Germany (222 exhibitors), India (169 exhibitors) and
Turkey (164 exhibitors).
especially in the field of sustainability and SpA has won the ITMA Sustainable Innovation
CEMATEX countries continue to occupy the largest digitalization, have increased the interest of visitors. Award, held in conjunction with ITMA 2019. Its
exhibit space, taking up 65% of the total net exhibit It is essential to focus on these issues also for the innovative product, Candiani Re-Gen is a ‘circular
space. Italy booked 26% of the space, followed by next edition of ITMA to be held in Milan in 2023.” denim’ fabric created from regenerated and recycled
Germany which booked 18%. The top raw materials.
non-CEMATEX countries are: Turkey with 9%, China Focus on innovation
with 8%, and India with 5% of the space booked. The theme of ITMA 2019 was ‘Innovating the World Nominated for the award by ITMA 2019 exhibitor
of Textiles’. To support the innovation drive, Lenzing Ag, Candiani SpA received the trophy from
The innovation place CEMATEX introduced the ITMA Innovation Lab. A CEMATEX president Mr Fritz P. Mayer, at a presentation
Many new technologies were launched, ranging from new umbrella branding of a series of activities, the ceremony on the opening day of ITMA 2019.
3D weaving and knitting to hi-tech nonwovens Lab includes the Research and Innovation Pavilion,
processes, sustainable chemicals and ITMA Speakers Platform, ITMA Sustainable The two other finalists of the ITMA Industry
state-of-the-art garment-making technologies, and Innovation Award and Innovation Video Showcase. Excellence Award - Levi Strauss & Co, and Lee –
wide range of software-powered automation Speakers from the industry were invited to share were also praised for their efforts to introduce green
solutions. their perspectives and experiences at the Speakers innovations into their products and processes.
Platform which was held from June 21-25. A finance
Product sectors forum was also held on June 21. Research & Innovation Excellence Award
Visitors sourced a wide range of integrated solutions The ITMA Research & Innovation (R&I) Excellence
across the entire value chain in 19 exhibit sectors. Co-located events and industry engagement Award for Master’s students of R&I Pavilion
Printing, which has seen many advances being To encourage the exchange of knowledge, exhibiting institutions is won by Mathias Zidda,
made in the last few years, is an exciting growth collaboration and networking, several events were Institut Für Textiltechnik, RWTH Aachen University for
sector. Chalking up a 38pc increase in the number of staged alongside ITMA 2019. his thesis: Development of a gear driven 3D
exhibitors compared with the previous exhibition, it is also made a bigger impact at ITMA. rotational braiding machine and its control concept.
one of the top five sectors at ITMA 2019: The ITMA-EDANA Nonwovens Forum and Textile He received prize money of 10,000 euros.
• Finishing - 325 exhibitors Completing the entire value chain was the showcase Colourant and Chemical Leaders Forum met with
• Spinning - 281 exhibitors on fibers, yarn and fabrics. The addition of innovative overwhelming response and seats had to be added. The first runner up is Ms Sarika Sunil Borikar of
• Weaving - 182 exhibitors fabrics in the fiber and yarn chapter at ITMA further Similar strong response was also received by partner D.K.T.E. Society’s Textile & Engineering Institute
• Printing - 157 exhibitors completed the sourcing experience for buyers. events, including the Better Cotton Initiative Seminar, (thesis: Sanitary Napkin: A Greener Approach),
• Knitting - 136 exhibitors European Digital Textile Conference, TexSummit followed by Ms Pamela Massaccesi of Universidad
Mr Alex Zucchi, President of ACIMIT also shares Mr Global, Planet Textiles, SAC & ZDHC Manufacturer De Buenos Aires (thesis: TUTTI – Reusable Food
Nonwoven and technical textiles due to their wide Beauduin’s view. He said, "This Barcelona edition Forum and Texmeeting by TEXFOR. Wrapping).
range of applications continue to be an important has confirmed ITMA as the main B2B platform in the
sector at ITMA 2019. Garment making, which has textile industry. The many innovations seen here, ITMA 2019 Sustainable Innovation Award The next ITMA will be held in Fiera Milano, Milan,
been impacted by digitalization and fast fashion, One of Europe’s largest denim producer, Candiani Italy, from June 8-14, 2023.
July/August 2019