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ITMA ASIA + CITME, set for October 14–19 in Shanghai, will feature strong participation from 49 VDMA member companies, marking the largest foreign presence at the fair. These German exhibitors represent nearly all machinery segments, with a focus on spinning, manmade fibers, nonwovens, weaving, braiding, knitting, finishing, dyeing, and textile processing.
Under the theme "smart technologies for green textile production," VDMA members aim to minimize carbon dioxide emissions and resource consumption in the textile value chain. Their advanced technologies target savings in materials, water, energy, and chemicals.
Harald Weber, Managing Director of VDMA Textile Machinery Association, emphasized the importance of this year’s participation, noting the challenging economic climate and the sector's need for a restart. He highlighted the critical role ITMA ASIA plays in fostering collaboration between machinery manufacturers and textile producers.
In 2024, about €580 million worth of German textile machinery was exported to Asia, a 25 per cent drop from 2023. China remains the largest market, with €240 million in exports, followed by India, Bangladesh, and other key Asian nations.
The VDMA team in Shanghai, supported by colleagues from Germany and China, is ready to assist exhibiting companies at the event.
The 11th edition of Gartex Texprocess India, held for the first time at the state-of-the-art Yasho bhoomi expo center in New Delhi, was a resounding success. Attracting B2B visitors from 311 Indian cities and 29 countries, the event showcased a diverse mix of professionals from the textile value chain. The visitor profile included apparel brands, export houses, garment manufacturers, boutique owners, buying houses, design studios, and textile mills, all contributing to a rich and varied exchange of ideas and business opportunities.
Showcase of innovations
The exhibition featured an impressive array of textile technology and product solutions. Highlights included advanced garment and textile manufacturing machinery, a variety of denim apparel production solutions, fabrics, trims, accessories, and cutting-edge digital and screen-printing technologies. The high level of enthusiasm from both exhibitors and visitors was evident, with crowded booths and aisles throughout the event.
Positive feedback from exhibitors
Exhibitors expressed high levels of satisfaction with the show. Mukund Agarwal, Business Head of Baba Textile Machinery, praised the platform for allowing the debut of their latest high-speed embroidery machines and innovative coding devices. He expressed eagerness to participate in future editions. Similarly, Vanraj Vanawala of SP Laces, a first-time participant, found the event valuable for networking and learning, noting plans to attend the Mumbai edition in 2025.
Rahul Mahajan, Head of Sales and Marketing for Datatex Asia Pacific, reported a significant increase in footfall and inquiries compared to previous editions. He anticipates converting these leads into business opportunities. True Colors Group's General Manager, Pratik Mehta, commended the new venue and the show's role in enhancing their market presence. Pankaj Singh of Ginni International Ltd highlighted the event's strong footfalls and its importance in their continued participation.
Veteran exhibitor Chandrakant of Raymond UCO noted the event's value for interacting with customers and trade partners, showcasing new products, and receiving feedback. The show's successful format was acknowledged as beneficial for the industry.
Insights from industry experts
The event also featured Gartex Talks sessions, where industry experts discussed the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation on the Indian textile sector. Topics included the activewear revolution and sustainability in the industry. Aamir Akhtar, Group President and CEO of Jindal Worldwide Ltd, highlighted the fundamental shift towards organized retail in the Indian denim market and the industry's efforts to align with UN Sustainable Development Goal No. 12, focusing on responsible consumption and production.
Gartex Texprocess India is a key player in the textile manufacturing technology sector, with specialized zones for Fabrics and Trims Show, Screen Print India, and The Denim Show.
Jointly organized by MEX Exhibitions Pvt Ltd and Messe Frankfurt Trade Fair India Pvt Ltd, the next edition will take place from May 22-24, 2025, at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. The event promises to continue fostering growth and innovation within the textile industry.
A global leader in innovative and sustainable fiber and technology solutions, The Lycra Company outlines its sustainability goals for 2030 besides showcasing latest advancements in sustainability through the ‘The Planet Agenda’ platform at the 63rd Dornbirn World Fiber Congress (GFC) in Austria. The event is being held from Sep 11-13, 2024 at the Kulturhaus in Dornbirn.
On September 11, Jean Hegedus, Director -Sustainable Business Development, The Lycra Company, delivered a joint presentation alongside Andrea Vanderh off, Director - Technology and Sustainability, Qore. Qore is a producer of the next-generation bio-based butanediol (BDO) Qira that is made from non-edible, renewable corn. The presentation focused on the development and commercialisation of the Lycra fiber made with Qira, a breakthrough in sustainable fiber technology.
Bio-derived BDO makes up 70 per cent of the new Lycra fiber, while the remaining 30 per cent comes from fossil-based MDI, which is combined with the bio-derived component to create the final fiber, says Hegedus.
This innovative fiber can be certified by independent bodies for its sustainability claims, ensuring transparency and accountability, adds Hegedus. It offers the same performance as the original Lycra fiber allowing customers to reduce environmental impact without compromising on the quality, he states further.
The bio-derived Lycra fiber made with Qira offers several key benefits. By utilizing corn as a raw material, the fiber preserves finite petroleum resources, using a renewable, annually sustainable alternative. Additionally, this new fiber will be available at a large scale, enabling significant reductions in environmental impact across products using Lycra fibers.
Furthermore, brands and retailers will not need to re-engineer fabrics, patterns, or processes, as the bio-derived Lycra fiber offers equivalent performance to its conventional counterpart. This ensures that manufacturers can adopt the fiber without making significant changes to production methods, making sustainability more accessible and efficient across the textile industry.
In another session, Alberto Ceria, Senior Applications Development Professional, and David Godshall, Senior R&D Scientist, The Lycra Company, demonstrated the company's efforts to develop circular solutions for spandex recycling.
Rieter Holding Ltd has announced that Rico Randegger, Head of the Business Group After Sales and a member of the Group Executive Committee, will step down from his role on December 31, 2024. The Board of Directors expressed gratitude for Randegger’s long-standing service and his key contributions to the growth of the After Sales business.
Effective January 1, 2025, Alexander A Ozbahadir will take over Randegger’s position, joining the Group Executive Committee. Ozbahadir brings extensive international experience, having held leadership roles at Jungheinrich Group, Schindler Management Ltd, and C Haushahn GmbH. His most recent role was Senior Vice President for Global Account Management Europe at Schindler Group, Ebikon, Switzerland.
The Board of Directors has praised Ozbahadir's experience and leadership in global sales and marketing, noting his diverse roles in Germany, China, and Switzerland. Ozbahadir, born in 1978, is a German citizen with a robust track record in strategic business development and acquisitions.
Rieter Holding Ltd. looks forward to leveraging his expertise to continue advancing the After Sales division's growth trajectory.
Open Lab, a pioneering initiative by HKRITA and the H&M Foundation, has won the International Collaboration Award at the 2024 International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) Awards. Launched on September 4, 2024, this is the first global recognition for Open Lab.
The ITMF award celebrates progress in international collaboration within the textile industry, aligning with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Open Lab’s focus on innovation and partnership exemplifies its commitment to sustainable transformation in fashion and textiles.
Teresa Yang, Chairman of HKRITA, highlighted Open Lab's role in fostering partnerships beyond the textile sector. Through collaborations, the initiative applies innovative technologies to real-world challenges. Christiane Dolva, Strategy Lead of H&M Foundation, emphasized the importance of collaboration in driving meaningful change across the global textile value chain.
Located at Hong Kong's Advanced Manufacturing Centre, Open Lab occupies 20,000 square feet and showcases over 80 sustainable projects. It features two key areas: the Pilot Plant, which includes the Green Machine 2.0 for large-scale textile recycling, and the Fashion Future Lab, focusing on early-stage solutions like “Farm-to-Garment.”
Supported by the Innovation and Technology Fund of Hong Kong and leading industry players, Open Lab is positioned to accelerate sustainable development and climate action in the fashion industry.
Leading denim manufacturer and exporter in Bangladesh, Envoy Textiles plans to establish a Waste Fabric Recycling Plant at its factory in Bhaluka, Mymensingh. Through this move, the company aims to increase its production capacity while meeting the growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly textile production.
The total project is estimated to cost Tk 237.04 million, with 70 per cent of the funding coming from debt and 30 per cent from equity. The recycling plant is expected to be operational by the end of June next year.
The plant will process both local and in-house pre-industrial and post-consumer waste fabrics, converting them into high-quality recycled fiber. Once operational, it will reduce Envoy Textiles’ reliance on externally sourced waste cotton by producing recycled fiber in-house. This will not only boost the company’s operational profitability but also cater to growing buyer demand for environmentally responsible production practices.
The company emphasises, the project will strengthen its eco-friendly manufacturing credentials and enhance its competitiveness in the export market by reducing costs associated with external sourcing. The recycling plant is designed to process 12 tons of waste fabrics per day, with an impressive 98 per cent recovery rate, converting nearly all input material into reusable fiber.
Under favorable market conditions, the project is expected to generate around Tk 80 million in annual profits, further contributing to Envoy Textiles' bottom-line growth.
One of the largest denim manufacturers in the country, Envoy Textiles is also the first denim project in Bangladesh to utilize the rope-dye technology. The company’s commitment to sustainability is further highlighted by its recognition as the world’s first LEED-certified platinum factory, underscoring its leadership in eco-friendly textile manufacturing.
Uniqlo, a brand synonymous with quality basics and innovative fabrics, has taken the world by storm. Its journey from a small family-owned tailoring shop in Yamaguchi to a global retail giant with nearly 2,500 stores worldwide is nothing short of remarkable. Overlooking the picturesque Sumida River, Fast Retailing's headquarters in Tokyo's Ariake district stands as a testament to the company's incredible growth and its unwavering commitment to innovation.
Laying the foundation
Uniqlo was launched in 1972 when Tadashi Yanai, a 23-year-old with big dreams, took over his father's clothing chain, Ogori Shoji. Yanai had a vision to transform the business from selling men's suits to offering casual everyday wear. In 1984, he opened a new store in Hiroshima, named Unique Clothing Warehouse, which he later shortened to Uniqlo. "When I try something new, I know that I'm going to fail. I do not plan for success from the very first step. So I don't take these failures too seriously, I just take on the challenge," says Tadashi Yanai
The early years were not without their challenges. Uniqlo's first foray into the international market in 2001 with a store in London was a failure. The company had to close most of its stores in London by 2004 and faced similar challenges in Shanghai. These early failures underscored the importance of differentiation and understanding local market needs.
Global expansion with 'global is local, local is global' approach
The second wave of store openings in Europe, with flagship stores launching in London and Paris in 2007, marked a crucial turning point. Uniqlo adopted a ‘Global is local, local is global’ approach, tailoring its products and strategies to resonate with local consumers while maintaining a global brand identity.
Table: Store network across the world
|
Region |
Number of Uniqlo stores |
|
Japan |
808 |
|
Greater China |
942 |
|
Southeast Asia and Oceania |
478 |
|
South Asia |
13 |
|
North America |
61 |
|
Europe |
193 |
As of May 2024, Uniqlo boasts of a vast global network of 2,495 stores, with more stores outside Japan than within. For example, Uniqlo's success in China is a testament to its 'Global is local, local is global' approach. The brand has adapted its product offerings to suit Chinese consumers' preferences, offering larger sizes and styles that resonate with local tastes. Uniqlo has also leveraged e-commerce platforms like Tmall to reach a wider audience in China.
Similarly, Uniqlo entered India in 2019 and has been steadily expanding its presence. The brand currently operates 13 stores in India and has plans for further expansion. Uniqlo's focus on functional and high-quality products at affordable prices has resonated well with Indian consumers. As Yanai says, "We aim to become the number one apparel brand in India." Uniqlo India's financial performance too has been impressive, with a 31 per cent rise in turnover in FY24. The company reported operating revenue of Rs 814.85 crore and a net profit of Rs 85.31 crore in FY24.
Magic mantra: Customer-centric approach and innovation Uniqlo's customer-centric approach is at the heart of its success. The company places great emphasis on gathering and analyzing customer feedback to improve its products and innovate. Also, Uniqlo's success lies its LifeWear philosophy - creating high-quality, functional, and affordable clothing for everyone. This commitment to quality and customer satisfaction permeates every aspect of the business, from product development to supply chain management.
Uniqlo's collaboration with Toray Industries, a leading material manufacturer, has led to the development of innovative fabrics like Heattech, AIRism, and Ultra-Light Down. These technologies have revolutionized the way people dress, offering comfort and functionality in everyday clothing.
The fourth frontier
As Uniqlo celebrates its 40th anniversary, Yanai has outlined his vision for the future: "The Fourth Frontier: Challenge, Take Action, Achieve." This vision encompasses Uniqlo's commitment to tackling future challenges, embracing technological advancements, and evolving to meet the changing needs of consumers. Yanai has set ambitious targets for the company, aiming to achieve group revenue of ¥5 trillion within a few years and then doubling that to ¥10 trillion. India is expected to play a key role in achieving these goals. “We may or may not be successful in impressing customers always. But the mindset should always be to impress customers,” Yanai emphasizes.
As Uniqlo embarks on its next chapter, its focus on sustainability, technology, and customer satisfaction is poised to propel the brand to even greater heights in the years to come.
A landmark trade agreement between the European Union (EU) and Pacific states is poised to significantly alter the dynamics of the textile and apparel industry in both regions. The interim Economic Partnership Agreement (IEPA), which includes Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and the Solomon Islands, sets the stage for increased trade flows and deeper economic integration.
Key provisions of the IEPA
The IEPA focuses on establishing a free trade area, with a particular emphasis on sustainable development and supporting the integration of Pacific States into the global economy.
Tariff elimination: The EU grants 100 per cent duty-free and quota-free access to all imports from Pacific EPA countries, ensuring permanent and unrestricted access for all products. Pacific EPA countries are progressively phasing out duties on EU imports, with flexibility based on their development levels and sensitive sectors. Safeguard measures, such as import quotas or temporary reintroduction of duties, can be implemented under specific circumstances to protect domestic industries from import surges.
Rules of origin: The IEPA includes rules of origin to ensure that only products originating from the participating countries benefit from the preferential tariff treatment.
Trade facilitation: The agreement aims to simplify customs procedures and reduce trade barriers, facilitating smoother trade flows.
Sustainable development: The IEPA includes provisions on labor rights, environmental protection, and good governance, promoting sustainable trade practices.
Impact on the textile and apparel industry
The IEPA is expected to significantly boost the textile and apparel industry in both the EU and the Pacific States.
Primarily, it will give a boost to exports from Pacific States to the EU. The removal of tariffs and quotas will make textile and apparel products from the Pacific States more competitive in the EU market. This is likely to lead to a substantial increase in exports, creating new jobs and boosting economic growth in the region. The agreement is also likely to boost exports of high-quality, niche products from the Pacific, such as traditional handicrafts and sustainable textiles.
Table: Textile & Apparel Exports from Pacific to EU
|
Year |
Exports from Pacific to EU (in million $) |
% Change |
|
2022 (Pre-IEPA) |
50 |
- |
|
2023 (Post-IEPA) |
65 |
+30% |
|
2024 (Projected) |
80 |
+23% |
It will also result in improved access to raw materials. Pacific States' textile manufacturers will benefit from duty-free access to raw materials and intermediate goods from the EU, reducing production costs and enhancing competitiveness. The IEPA's favorable trade environment is expected to attract more investment in the textile and apparel sector in the Pacific States, further stimulating growth and development.
Table: Textile & Apparel Exports from EU to Pacific
|
Year |
Textile & Apparel Exports from EU to Pacific (in million $) |
% Change |
|
2022 (Pre-IEPA) |
200 |
- |
|
2023 (Post-IEPA) |
220 |
+10% |
|
2024 (Projected) |
250 |
+13.6% |
Overall the IEPA is expected to significantly boost trade in textiles and apparel between the EU and Pacific states. The agreement will likely lead to structural changes in the textile and apparel industries in both regions, with a focus on higher-value-added products and sustainable production methods. The IEPA has the potential to contribute to sustainable development in the Pacific, creating jobs and boosting economic growth.
The Karl Mayer Group is gearing up for ITMA ASIA + CITME 2024, set to take place from October 14 to 18 at the Shanghai National Exhibition and Convention Center. As the textile industry faces rapid change and global disruptions, Karl Mayer is stepping forward with cutting-edge technologies under the theme "Master the Change." The event will focus on solutions tailored to the growing demands of sustainability, profitability, and efficiency in the Chinese and international textile sectors.
Navigating market challenges with technology
China’s textile industry has remained resilient amid global uncertainties, maintaining growth through exports. However, rising costs, labor shortages, and sustainability concerns are significant hurdles. Karl Mayer's innovations aim to help manufacturers adapt to market dynamics and capitalize on new growth opportunities. Their focus will include mechanical engineering, digitalization, and customer-centric solutions to address these pressing challenges.
Karl Mayer will highlight solutions for the warp knitting sector, including the HKS 2-S with gauge E 44, designed for producing lightweight, dense fabrics ideal for outdoor fashion and sun protection clothing. These textiles offer excellent UVA protection and breathability, making them perfect for sun protection garments.
Additionally, the display will feature warp-knitted alternatives to cotton, ideal for sportswear, including yoga apparel. These fabrics provide the look and feel of cotton but are more sustainable and productive due to Karl Mayer’s advanced technology. The warp-knitted E-40 fabric for use in thick down jackets will also be a highlight, offering comfort and sustainability in cold-weather clothing. Karl Mayer's exhibit will also showcase breathable and stylish warp knits for shoes, produced by the HKS 3-M ON Plus and double raschel machines. These warp knits are gaining popularity as mono-material solutions for upholstery in cars and mattresses. The innovative materials offer flexibility, breathability, and sustainable production processes, expanding their use in both fashion and technical textiles.
Digital solutions to enhance textile production efficiency
At the forefront of Karl Mayer's ITMA ASIA display will be their latest digital solutions aimed at streamlining textile production. Their myKM.ON customer portal will provide visitors access to Karl Mayer’s digital ecosystem, including the new Energy Efficiency Solution (EES), which focuses on reducing energy consumption for warp knitting companies. These digital tools are designed to improve sustainability while driving down operational costs.
The Digital Production Management (DPM) system and Quality Monitoring System (QMS) for warp knitting will also be introduced. These systems use real-time monitoring and AI to optimize production processes and improve quality control. Stoll PPS, powered by KM.ON, will enhance flat knitting efficiency, reducing production times and improving delivery reliability.
Flat knitting solutions for changing market demands
STOLL, Karl Mayer’s flat knitting division, will be showcasing the CMS 703 ki knit and wear, combining flexibility, efficiency, and a competitive price point. With its 72-inch working width, the machine is designed for producing finished garments and full-fashion products in a wide size range, catering to the growing demand in Asia.
Other flat knitting highlights include the CMS 503 ki L, offering pattern variety across larger sizes, and the ADF 530-32 ki FLEX, which can produce a diverse range of items from sweaters to upholstery fabrics, thanks to its innovative comb gap control.
Sustainability and efficiency in warp preparation
Karl Mayer will also unveil a new generation of direct warpers designed to improve efficiency in warp preparation. These machines offer superior performance, producing high-quality beams for weaving with greater energy efficiency and operational reliability. The new Cascade system reduces steam consumption during the sizing process, significantly cutting environmental impact.
For predictive maintenance, the Smart Size Box technology monitors wear components, while the combined Care X-Tend and Connectivity Package ensures high machine availability.
Karl Mayer will also host an in-house show at their China subsidiary in Changzhou, starting a day before the exhibition. The event will feature demonstrations of their latest machines, including new models in the double raschel sector. Additionally, the unveiling of their new showroom in China will present solutions from all their technology areas.
Technical textiles for new market opportunities
Karl Mayer's Technical Textiles division will spotlight its multiaxial warp knitting machines, capable of producing non-crimp fabrics for composites in lightweight construction. These fabrics, made from glass and carbon fibers, offer exciting opportunities for conventional textile manufacturers looking to expand into technical textiles.
At the in-house show, visitors can see Karl Mayer’s new weft insertion machines, which will be particularly valuable in the construction industry for producing lightweight glass fabrics used in plaster grids and crack tape.
Karl Mayer's participation at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2024 will provide the textile industry with innovative solutions to navigate market volatility, embrace sustainability, and enhance production efficiency.
As announced by Manjunath Bhandary, Member of the Legislative Council, the Karnataka state cabinet has approved the long-anticipated plan to develop an Rs 27-crore textile park in Karkala, Udipi district.
To be developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, this textile park is expected to become a hub of economic activity in the region. The project is poised to create a significant number of employment opportunities, benefiting the local community and promoting industrial growth in the district.
The project was initially announced by BS Yediyurappa, Former Chief Minister, Karnatakain the state budget plan of 2020-21. Despite the early momentum, the project faced delays and challenges in securing the necessary approvals and funding. However, renewed efforts were made by V Sunil Kumar, former Energy and Kannada Culture Minister, as he laid the foundation stone for the park in March 2023.
Once completed, the textile park is expected to house several units dedicated to textile manufacturing and processing, offering facilities for spinning, weaving, and garment production. It is set to attract both local and national investors, fostering innovation and sustainable practices in the textile industry.
Strategically located in the Udupi district, a place known for its skilled labor force and proximity to key transportation routes, the Karkala textile park will prove as an ideal location for industrial development in the state. It will not only enable smoother logistics in the state but also ensure efficient distribution of textile products both within India and for export markets.
