At ITMA ASIA + CITME 2024, 42 VDMA member companies showcased innovative machinery across various segments, including spinning, weaving, knitting, and textile recycling. The German contingent, the largest foreign participation, highlighted smart technologies aimed at green textile production.
Georg Stausberg, board member of VDMA Textile Machinery and CEO of Oerlikon, emphasized the importance of energy efficiency and resource conservation in meeting Asia’s growing demand for sustainable textile solutions. VDMA members like Oerlikon, Saurer, and Gneuss presented cutting-edge technologies, focusing on recycling, reducing emissions, and increasing energy efficiency.
Despite a challenging global market, German textile machinery exports fell only 3.4 per cent in 2023, with exports to key markets like China and Turkey declining further in 2024. However, VDMA members remain optimistic about sales opportunities in Asia, with expectations of improvement in the next six months, particularly outside China.
VDMA’s continued presence in Asia, through events like ITMA ASIA and Singapore shows, underscores their commitment to promoting sustainable and smart textile solutions. Exhibitors demonstrated technologies like Groz-Beckert’s energy-efficient tools, Gneuss recycling solutions, and Karl Mayer’s resource-saving innovations, highlighting the industry’s shift toward greener practices.
Harald Weber, Managing Director of VDMA Textile Machinery, affirmed that ITMA ASIA remains a key platform for member companies to drive the transition toward eco-friendly textile production in Asia.