ITMA ASIA + CITME 2024, Asia’s leading business platform for textile machinery and garment technologies, opened in Shanghai on October 14, marking a significant event for the textile industry. The five-day exhibition, which runs until October 18 at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre, offers a comprehensive display of solutions aimed at advancing manufacturing processes and promoting sustainability in the textile sector. This year’s event spans an impressive 160,000 square metres across six halls, hosting approximately 1,700 exhibitors from 22 countries and regions.

The exhibition is owned by CEMATEX, along with its Chinese partners, the Sub-Council of Textile Industry (CCPIT TEX), China Textile Machinery Association (CTMA), and China Exhibition Centre Group Corporation (CIEC). It serves as a vital platform for introducing innovations and solutions that can drive productivity and environmental responsibility in the textile industry.

Growing global participation and showcase of sustainability

Alex Zucchi, President of CEMATEX, expressed enthusiasm over the exhibition’s growth, highlighting a 9 per cent increase in size compared to the 2022 edition. Zucchi noted the importance of showcasing automation, digital technologies, and environmentally friendly solutions to build a more sustainable textile industry.

Gu Ping, President of CTMA, emphasized the exhibition’s relevance to China’s textile industry as it transitions toward more advanced, high-end manufacturing. The 2024 edition aligns with the country’s ‘new quality productivity’ drive, focusing on intelligent technologies and sustainability. Ping highlighted the critical role of the exhibition in supporting China’s evolving textile sector, which is increasingly prioritizing sustainable and efficient production practices.

Technological innovation and sector highlights

ITMA ASIA + CITME 2024 encompasses a broad range of technologies, covering the complete textile and garment manufacturing value chain. The product categories featured include spinning, weaving, knitting, printing, dyeing and finishing, nonwovens, embroidery, garment manufacturing, and recycling technologies. Automated production lines and digital solutions are among the key highlights, with a strong focus on enhancing productivity and reducing the industry's carbon footprint.

The dyeing and finishing sector commands the largest space, occupying 22 per cent of the exhibition area. It is followed by spinning and man-made fibre production, which take up 19 per cent, knitting at 16 per cent, weaving at 14 per cent, and printing and inks at 10 per cent. The showcased technologies offer manufacturers an opportunity to explore advanced machinery that supports efficient and sustainable textile production.

Global Exhibitors and Intellectual Property Safeguards

Exhibitors from mainland China dominate the event, occupying over 80 per cent of the exhibition space. International participation includes manufacturers from Germany, Japan, Italy, Taiwan (China), and Belgium. The exhibition features a carefully curated showcase, with only textile machinery manufacturers and intellectual property (IP) rights holders eligible to participate.

In addition to the technological displays, ITMA ASIA + CITME 2024 has implemented measures to protect intellectual property rights. An onsite IP office has been established, staffed by legal and technical experts to oversee and resolve any IP-related disputes during the exhibition.

Extensive promotional efforts to attract buyers

To ensure strong attendance, the organisers undertook an extensive promotional campaign both locally and internationally. This included overseas roadshows in key textile production hubs in Asia and intensive direct marketing initiatives. Collaborations with trade media partners further enhanced visibility, helping to attract a diverse group of buyers to the exhibition.

ITMA ASIA + CITME 2024 is organised by Beijing Textile Machinery International Exhibition Co Ltd and co-organised by ITMA Services. The Japan Textile Machinery Association (JTMA) also plays a special role as a partner of the event, adding to its global significance.