Christian Schindler, director general of ITMF, stated that “ITMF is delighted to welcome Heberlein Technology as a corporate member of ITMF. The value of ITMF is that the members are from different segments of the entire textile value chain including textile machinery and component producers. Heberlein’s expertise in air interlacing and air texturing jets for synthetic continuous filament yarns will widen and strengthen ITMF’s membership and expertise. Vice-versa, the access to other segments of the textile value chain will be beneficial to Heberlein Technology.”

Martin Zürcher, CEO of Heberlein Technology, pointed out that “joining ITMF means access to very informative statistics, survey, and reports that help to better understand the dynamics of the industry as well as access to a unique international network. ITMF conferences offer valuable information and the possibility to network with high-level industry representatives from the entire textile value chain.”

For more information about the Heberlein Technology,

please go to https://www.heberlein.com/en/

For more information about ITMF, please go to www.itmf.org

Posted: October 14, 2024

Source:The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)

ZÜRICH, Switzerland — October 4, 2024 — The ITMF Global Textile Industry Survey (GTIS) for September indicates an improved business situation, marking the best conditions since September 2022, with progress largely driven by recoveries in South America and Africa. Despite this, other regions showed no significant advancements. Business expectations remain positive, with optimism stable around +25pp since November 2023, although the overall business situation has yet to catch up. Order intake remains negative but has been steadily improving for 10 months, particularly in South America and Africa.

Order backlogs show a slight positive trend, with an average global backlog of 2.2 months in September 2024, up from 1.9 months in March 2024. Capacity utilization reached 75% in September, rising since July and recovering from a low of 68% in November 2023. Weak demand has been the primary concern since 2022, affecting 66% of survey participants in September 2024. However, order cancellations have dropped to their lowest recorded level, with 63% reporting no cancellations, especially in South America.

Inventory levels remain average along the textile value chain, with 55% of companies reporting average levels in September. In the USA, apparel inventories at retail and wholesale level have been rising, suggesting that the bottom may have been reached.

Posted: October 4, 2024

Source: International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)

With a strong presence in Indonesia and Ethiopia, operating 24 manufacturing facilities, and partnerships with Bangladesh, Jordan, India, Nicaragua, and Honduras, Busana’s fashion journey is further enriched through washing, embroidery, and printing collaborations. Employing over 33,500 people, their production capacity is a testament to excellence, with 70 million units produced annually, making Busana a formidable force in the global market.

Christian Schindler, director general of ITMF, stated: “ITMF is very pleased to welcome Busana Apparel as a corporate member. Busana Apparel is a producer of high-quality apparel products serving brands and retailers around the world. As an apparel producer it must source good quality fabrics from reliable and competitive suppliers. ITMF offers its members a unique network of producers of fibers, yarns, fabrics, etc. from around the world as well as machinery and instrument manufacturers. It is mutually advantageous if companies from the entire textile value chain are coming together at ITMF to meet and discuss issues related to the entire value chain. Busana Apparel has a lot of expertise to offer but can also benefit from other members’ experience and best practices.”

Maniwanen Marimoetoe, chairman of the Busana Apparel Group, pointed out: “By having joined ITMF the Busana Apparel will now have access to a lot of valuable reports, statistics, and surveys. This by itself is already worthwhile becoming a part of this platform. Furthermore, an important aspect is the fact that so many other important companies from along the entire value chain are affiliated with ITMF. This will allow Busana Apparel more valuable interaction with colleagues from around the world. In today’s interwoven world it is important to be well connected in the industry and to have easy access to both information and industry colleagues around the world.”

Posted: October 2, 2024

Source: The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)

Uzbekistan was chosen as the host of this year’s convention due to its rapidly growing role in the global textile and apparel industries. With a strong tradition in cotton production, recent strong export growth of textiles and garments and ambitious plans for sustainable growth, Uzbekistan is evolving into a key player in the textile value chain.

The event attracted more than 350 leaders from more than 30 countries from the entire fiber, textile and apparel value chain, highlighting also the broad awareness that, in the words of IAF President Cem Altan: “Apparel and textile manufacturers hold the keys to meaningful, positive change. Initiatives such as decarbonization, reducing overproduction, enhancing transparency, and driving digitalization are critical — and they rely heavily on the efforts and investments of manufacturers.”

K.V. Srinivasan, ITMF president, pointed out: “The textile and apparel industry is going through a perfect storm of high input costs and low demand squeezing profit margins and leaving more and more capacities idle. Nevertheless, the winners of the ITMF Awards 2024 in the categories ‘Start-up’, ‘Sustainability & Innovation’ and “International Cooperation’ highlighted the capability of the industry to innovate and work together.”

Furthermore, the increasing regulatory pressures on the industry around the world were highlighted, with a call for shared responsibility. Cem Altan, IAF president: “We are all aware that the apparel and textile industries are increasingly subject to regulation. As meeting these sustainability standards can be costly, it is crucial that the financial burden is shared equitably among all supply chain partners, from raw material to end consumer.”

“It is important that industry leaders and experts from the entire value chain meet in-person to discuss and analyze the short- and long-term challenges and opportunities of the industry going forward like sustainability, compliance, digitalization, or AI”, Srinivasan added.

ITMF and IAF are confident that the partnerships and insights emerging from this historic event will drive lasting, positive change across the apparel and textile industries.

Posted: September 17, 2024

Source: International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)

SAMARKAND, Uzbekistan — September 10, 2024 — The ITMF Annual Conference and IAF World Fashion Convention commenced in Samarkand with insightful discussions on the promising future of Uzbekistan’s textile and apparel industry.

Key speakers, including leading Uzbek textile producers, international investors, and representatives from public organizations and regulatory bodies, explored the sector’s potential and outlined the steps needed to ensure Uzbekistan’s success in the global textile arena.

In recent years, Uzbekistan’s textile industry has undergone significant reforms and modernization, aligning itself with international regulations and the highest quality standards. The introduction of cotton-textile clusters in 2017, along with progressive labor regulations followed by cotton boycott lifting in 2022, has transformed the industry. Today, Uzbekistan is a member of both the Better Cotton Initiative and the Better Work program, enabling the export of textiles to numerous global partners. Between January and July of this year alone, Uzbekistan exported over $1.7 billion worth of textile products to 85 countries across all continents. By 2026, the country aims to triple its export volume to $6.5 billion, underscoring its commitment to global growth and market expansion.

Government support has created favorable conditions for international investors. Kihak Sung, chairman of Youngone Corp., shared his company’s success story. Youngone operates two factories in Uzbekistan and is planning further expansion, bringing $55 million in investments and creating over 5,000 jobs. The company hopes to replicate its success in transforming the textile industry in Bangladesh within Uzbekistan.

The international textile community has taken notice of Uzbekistan’s prospects. According to Karim Shafei, International Partner at Gherzi Textil Organisation, Uzbekistan has the potential to become a game changer in the global textile industry and value chain. The country benefits from competitive labor costs, a favorable investment climate, a strategic geographical position, and effective government support. In a dedicated report titled “Is Uzbekistan the Next Textile Giant?,” Gherzi examines both the advantages and challenges Uzbekistan faces on its path to becoming a significant player in international textiles.

“We are honoured to host the ITMF Annual Conference and IAF Fashion Convention 2024 in Uzbekistan. This unique platform allows us to showcase our latest developments and achievements while gaining the trust of the international community,” said Mirmukhsin Sultanov, acting chairman of Uztextileprom. “Uzbekistan’s textile story is deeply rooted in history, dating back to the ancient Silk Road when we became a central hub for textile trade and craftsmanship. Today, we continue that tradition through reform and modernization, embracing technology, innovation, and sustainability. The textile industry is a major driver of our national economy.”

Sultanov added: “From the introduction of cotton processing by the Chinese in 2000 BC to today’s conference, we have achieved remarkable milestones. As we aim for our ambitious $10 billion export target by 2030, we are confident that even greater successes lie ahead as we expand further into global markets.”

The ITMF Annual Conference and IAF Fashion Convention 2024 is a is one of the major international events in the textile industry. Themed Innovation, Cooperation, and Regulation — Drivers of the Textile and Apparel Industry, the conference brought together over 500 professionals in Samarkand to discuss the future of textiles, explore cutting-edge innovations, and expand global partnerships.

Posted September 10, 2024

Source: ITMF

The ITMF Awards recognize outstanding achievements by actors in the global textile industry in two categories: Sustainability & Innovation and International Cooperation. These awards highlight the textile industry’s commitment to sustainability and global cooperation, showcasing innovation and collaborative efforts that are driving progress towards a more sustainable future. The award winners, selected by an expert jury, will present their unique projects in a special session.

ITMF Sustainability & Innovation Award

The ITMF Sustainability & Innovation Award aims to recognize achievements in the textile industry with an emphasis on innovation, design, development, and production in accordance with the highest standards of sustainable development and environmental stewardship. Projects are evaluated by the jury based on criteria such as the value proposition of the chosen approach, environmental impact, outcomes achieved, novelty, socio-economic impact and economic viability.

The winners for 2024 are:

• GuoWang High-Technique Fiber Co., China, for “Low Carbon and Sustainable Innovations in PET Fiber Production”;
• HeiQ AeoniQ Holding AG, Switzerland, for “Hyper-Scaling HeiQ AeoniQ”.
• Samsara Eco, Australia, for “Endless Plastic Recycling: A Solution for Textiles Out of Use.”

ITMF International Cooperation Award

The ITMF International Cooperation Award aims to recognize progress in international cooperation within the textile industry in line with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined by the UN.

The winners for 2024 are:

• DITF, Germany, and RBX Creations, France, with the project “Next Generation Cellulosic Fibers from Hemp”.
• HKRITA, Hong Kong, China, with the “Open Lab.”

In addition, the conference in Samarkand will host a presentation and award ceremony for the ITMF Start-up Awards, created to give startups a platform to showcase their innovations and connect with leading companies from across the entire textile value chain.

The winners of the ITMF Start-up Award 2024 are:

• RE&UP Recycling Technologies, the Netherlands, with the project “RE&UP – Scalable Recycling Technology for High-Performance Fibers”;
• Sci-Lume Labs, United States, with the project “Bylon – Oil and Waste-Free Melt-Spun Fibers”.
• Sycoretec CAS, China, with the project “SYCORE-TEX – Topological Soft Gel Materials for Ultra Thermal Insulation”
• Syre Impact, Sweden, with the project on recycling textiles into new textile products.

The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) and the International Apparel Federation (IAF) are hosting the conference “Innovation, Cooperation, and Regulation — Driving Forces of the Textile and Apparel Industry,” in collaboration with the Uztextileprom Association. The event, set to take place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, will gather over 500 industry professionals, including representatives from leading international textile companies, brands, financial institutions, and retailers. Attendees will have a unique opportunity to explore the future of the textile industry, discover the latest innovations, and expand their network of global partners.

Online registration is open until September 6. You can register to participate and receive additional information about the event at

https://www.itmf-iaf-conference-2024-samarkand.org/.

Posted: September 5, 2024

Source: The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) / The International Apparel Federation (IAF)

The conference, titled “Innovation, Cooperation, and Regulation — Driving Forces of the Textile and Apparel Industry,” will highlight the world’s most pressing issues and trends in the global textile industry through expert discussions and multiple panel sessions.

The event, organized in cooperation with the Uztextileprom Association, will bring together over 500 industry professionals, including representatives of leading international textile companies, brands, financial institutions, and retailers.

The first day will be devoted to fibers, with the production and processing of raw cotton at the core of the discussion. During the panel, experts from Indorama Corp. (Singapore), Global Textile (Uzbekistan), and Cotton Analytics (USA) will discuss the path of cotton from field to fashion, as well as Uzbekistan’s journey from tradition to innovation and the changes that have occurred in the global cotton industry over the past 50 years. The second part will focus on man-made fiber production and the scarcity of natural materials in the global textile industry.

The second and main day of the conference will address a wide range of topical issues and global trends. Euratex (Belgium) will present the EU Strategy for Sustainable Textiles and prospects for international cooperation, while Steve Lamar from the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA, USA) will highlight the regulatory outlook in the United States. The emphasis will be on digitalization, the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the textile production chain, and addressing the skills shortage in the textile industry. Participants will discuss digital labeling with AAFA (USA) and the digitalization of distribution with Christian Lott from DMIx (Germany). Additionally, the role of AI in resolving the skills shortage in the textile industry will be covered during this session. The second day will conclude with a vibrant light and fashion show at the Registan Complex.

The joint conference will conclude with the ITMF Awards and ITMF Start-up Award ceremony, recognizing outstanding achievements and start-ups in the global textile industry. The final session on collaboration will bring together representatives from Inditex (Spain), Epic Group (Hong Kong, China), and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to discuss the future of sustainability and waste reduction measures.

At the end of the business agenda, delegates will enjoy a rich cultural program, including visits to local textile factories and the ancient city of Bukhara, one of the key hubs of the Great Silk Road.

As a follow-up to the international dialogue of textile industry leaders, the Global Textile Dialog forum will be held in Tashkent on September 13, 2024, where local and international organizations will gather again.To register for the event and get more information, please visit the website.

Posted: August 28, 2024

Source: The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) / The International Apparel Federation (IAF)

The ITMF Awards 2024 are presented in two categories:

• ITMF Sustainability & Innovation Award
• ITMF International Collaboration Award

The winners will present their projects at the upcoming ITMF & IAF Conference 2024 which will be held from September 8-10, 2024, in Samarkand, Uzbekistan and will be co-hosted by the Uzbek Textile & Apparel Industry Association (UZTS).

The objective of the ITMF Sustainability & Innovation Award is to recognize sustainable and innovative achievements in the textile industry with focus on innovation, design, development, and production under the strictest standards of sustainability and respect for the environment.

The winners of the ITMF Innovation & Sustainability Award 2024 are (in alphabetical order):

• GuoWang High-Technique Fiber Company (China): http://www.shenghonggroup.cn/en/ –
  Low-carbon & sustainable innovation in PET fibre industry
• HeiQ AeoniQ Holding AG (Switzerland): https://www.heiq-aeoniq.com/ – Hyperscaling HeiQ AeoniQ
• Samsara Eco (Australia): https://www.samsaraeco.com/ – Infinite plastic recycling: a solution for end-of-life textiles

The objective of the ITMF International Cooperation Award is to recognize progress in international collaboration in the textile industry according to the values of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The winners of the ITMF International Cooperation Award 2024 are (in alphabetical order):

• DITF (Germany): www.ditf.de and RBX Creations (France): https://www.iroony.net/ –
  Next generation cellulosic filaments from hemp
• HKRITA (Hong Kong, China): https://theopenlab.one/ – Open lab

For more information about ITMF visit – https://www.itmf.org/ or contact secretariat@itmf.org.

Posted: August 28, 2024

Source: The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)

The objectives of the ITMF Start-up Awards are to provide start-ups a platform to showcase their innovative ideas and to offer them the possibility to meet in-person with well-established companies from the entire textile value chain.

The 4 winners of the ITMF Start-up Award 2024 are (in alphabetical order):

• RE&UP Recycling Technologies (Netherlands): https://reandup.com/
  • RE&UP – scalable recycling technologies for high-performance fibers
• Sci-Lume Labs (USA): https://www.sci-lumelabs.com/
  • Bylon – scalable, melt-spun fibers without oil or waste
• Sycoretec CAS (China):  https://www.sycoretec.com/index.php?lang=en
  • SYCORE-TEX – materials of topological softgel for ultra-thermal insulation
• Syre Impact (Sweden): https://www.syre.com/
  • Syre hyperscales textile-to-textile recycling

Posted: August 21, 2024

Source: International Textile Manufacturers Federation  (ITMF)

Order intake has improved slightly in July (-20pp) compared to May (-24pp) and is certainly significantly better than the -50pp in November 2023. Nevertheless, the capacity utilization rate fell slightly from 71% to 68%, the lowest level reached already at the end of 2023. The outlook for both order intake and capacity utilization rate are not indicating a strong improvement.

The major concern in the entire textile value chain was and is weak demand. 66% of participants expressed that they are seeing weak demand as a major concern. That geopolitics is now the second major concern (40%) shows that investors’ and consumers’ sentiments are suffering from wars and geopolitical tensions. High costs remain a challenge too, especially higher logistical costs (24%) due the problems related with the access to both the Suez and Panama Canals but also energy costs (22%) and raw material costs (27%).

Order cancellations are not a major issue as was the case in the immediate aftermath of the Corona-pandemic. Inventory levels are also average and do not pose a major concern for companies along the textile value chain. This was different with retailers and brands that struggled since the end of 2022 with unprecedented inventory levels. In the meantime, they have fallen to a level where it can be expected that they will place more orders again in the coming months.

Posted: August 20, 2024

Source: International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)