#Associations

2021-04-08

Companies see light at the end of the pandemic tunnel

Turnover 2020 impacted by the corona pandemic per region (versus 2019) - © 2021 ITMF

Between January 25th and March 10th, 2021, ITMF has conducted the 7th ITMF Corona- Survey among ITMF members and affiliated companies and associations about the impact the Corona-pandemic has on the global textile value chain. In total, 196 companies from around the world participated. The 1st ITMF Corona-Survey was conducted in March 2020 when the first lockdowns were announced in Europe.

Global turnover 2020 dropped -9% on average vs. 2019

The 7th survey revealed that actual turnover in 2020 was -9% lower compared to 2019 (see Graph 1). While this decrease is significantly better than the expected drop of -33% in the 3rd survey at the height of the first Corona- wave in April 2020, the year 2020 will go down into history as one of the worst years for the global textile and apparel industry.

In comparison to the expectations expressed in the 6th ITMF Corona-Survey (November 20th – December 14th, 2020), actual turnover for 2020 compared to 2019 has improved by 3 percentage points from -12% to now -9% (Graph 1).

Turnover 2020 compared to 2019 (per segment)

As could be expected the entire textile value chain was hit hard by the pandemic including textile machinery producers. Practically all segments under review were impacted negatively to different degrees in 2020 (see Graph 2). The two segments standing out positively are the producers of nonwovens (+/-0%) and of fibres (+10%). It can be assumed that those two segments have benefitted from the extraordinary demand for masks during?2020, which compensated to a significant extent for the loss in other areas like automotive or apparel.

For 2021 and the following years up to 2024, turnover expectations are positive (see Graph 3) and have overall not changed compared to previous surveys. On a global level, turnover expectations are especially strong for 2021 and 2022, an indication that companies are expecting a strong recovery. For 2023 and 2024 companies’ growth expectations are weaker. Looking at the various regions the most striking result is the positive expectations of companies in Africa (+31% by 2024), compared to the other regions that range between +12 and +21%.

What is your company´s expected turnover from 2021 to 2024 comparde to 2019 (regional average)?

SIMTA joins ITMF as Corporate Member

In the past two decades SIMTA has established itself as producer of specialized machinery for the textile industry. In short period of time, SIMTA became an important supplier of precise rollers for top OEMs. Afterwards SIMTA started manufacturing overhead cleaners, bobbin transport systems, and other textile ancillaries. In the meantime, SIMTA is a leader in this space in collaboration with the German automation technology partner Jacobi.

ITMF and IAF conclude successful Joint Convention 2025 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) and the International Apparel Federation (IAF) have successfully concluded their second joint convention, held this year in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. In close collaboration with the host Indonesian Textile Association (API), the event gathered over 400 delegates from around the world from across the entire textile and apparel value chain.

EDANA warns of consequences of misclassification of PET spunbond imports

EDANA would like to remind its members and industry stakeholders of the legal requirement to comply with the EU rules on customs classification when importing nonwovens from third countries outside the EU. In this regard, it was recently discovered that there appears to be a high level of customs misclassification occurring in our industry. This could have dangerous and costly consequences for importers.

Engineering depth and diversity for composites

Airbond is the latest member of the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) to receive recognition for contributions to the composites industry. The engineering firm based in Pontypool, South Wales, has just received the Make UK Energy and Sustainability Award for its Lattice 3D Printing project.

Knowledge that drives progress: Techtextil and Texprocess forums strengthen the global textile industry with a future-oriented programme

From AI-supported production optimisation and digital manufacturing solutions to circular technologies and bio-based high-performance materials: the Techtextil and Texprocess forums provide answers to the key challenges of the global textile industry with a curated content programme. As hubs for innovation and knowledge, they enhance competitiveness and offer orientation in changing markets. From 21 to 24 April 2026, Frankfurt is once again the global meeting point for thought leaders from industry, research and business.

Enhanced protection without added weight: Innovative technology for flame-retardant textiles doubles reaction time and ensures high wearing comfort

Flame-retardant textiles have long faced the same dilemma: the higher the level of protection, the greater the compromise in comfort, weight and breathability. This is especially important for workwear and protective clothing worn for long hours, where comfort is crucial to wearer acceptance and satisfaction. At Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt, Swiss company Textilcolor AG will unveil pyroshell™, an innovative flame-retardant technology designed to tackle this challenge. Protection is provided by a graphite-based functional layer integrated into the textile structure, which doubles the reaction time before burns occur while significantly enhancing comfort. The material does not release any toxic fumes and offers textile manufacturers entirely new opportunities to design and produce protective and functional garments. It is also durable enough to withstand up to 50 industrial washes.

JEC WORLD 2026 opens: Paris becomes the World Capital of composites

JEC World 2026 opens tomorrow, March 10, at Paris Nord Villepinte, bringing together the entire composites ecosystem for three days of exhibitions, conferences, technical sessions, strategic industry gatherings, and business meetings. As the “festival of composites”, JEC World is also a destination for a broad spectrum of other professional visitors, eager to discover how these advanced materials can offer sustainable solutions to their industries.

Barmag presents the next generation of POY production – energy-efficient and partial-automated

With POY 2.0, Barmag is introducing a completely redesigned spinning concept that takes the production of partially oriented yarn (POY) to a new level in terms of technology and economy. The solution, which was presented to a selected audience of experts for the first time at ITMA Asia + CITME 2025, was met with great enthusiasm: several yarn producers worldwide immediately expressed their interest in a pilot plant.