#Associations

2021-09-02

36th IAF World Fashion Convention taking shape

The IAF 36th World Fashion Convention, held back-to-back with the EURATEX 9th European Apparel & Textile Convention on November 7-8-9 in Antwerp, is taking shape with a strong backing from a global cast of sponsors.

The Convention will bring together senior apparel industry representatives from across the supply chain. The Convention’s theme ‘Transition of the Global Fashion System’ will therefore be consistently viewed through the lens of the necessary buyer-supplier collaboration to pull of the needed transition.

David Sävmann, head of supply chain at the H&M Group, will be one of the IAF Convention’s speakers who will be discussing with various manufacturers from different parts of the world on this theme. Leading industry analyst John Thorbeck will present a current business case highlighting the strong link between a transition of business processes and improved sustainability. And the convention’s extensive coverage of the crucial topic of digitalization will be built around the interaction between brands, retailers and their suppliers.

The IAF sponsors reflect the multifaceted face of the transition of the global fashion system. IHKIB is a major Turkish association strengthening the export capabilities of a major part of Turkish apparel manufacturers, QIMAone is a collaborative platform digitizing quality and compliance management for global brands, retailers, and manufacturers, Serai simplifies global trade by building more efficient supply chains, A&E is the foremost manufacturer and distributor of premium quality industrial and consumer sewing thread, embroidery thread and technical textiles, the Fair Wear Foundation is a multi-stakeholder initiative helping companies to improve labour conditions in their supply chains and SIM brings innovative supply chain information systems from the food industry to the apparel industry.

The list of sponsors is still growing. These organisations enable federations such as the IAF to host a high level industry-wide platform. Also, the event will be extensively covered by our media partners just-style and FashionUnited and our knowledge partners Fibre2fashion and Sourcing Journal.

Whereas the IAF conference on Monday November 8 views industry transition through the lens of global supply chain collaboration, the EURATEX conference on Tuesday November 9 takes a legislative perspective. There is a barrage of rules on sustainability and labour conditions with a potentially large effect on the apparel industry that will be coming from Brussels in the coming years.

We invite all participants to join IAF and EURATEX for drinks and food at the newly reopened Antwerp Fashion Museum on Monday evening November 8. The Convention will be live, with digital accessibility.

Registration: https://conventionantwerp.com/registration-entry-tickets/

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI redefine textile processing

Making investment decisions in textile processing has become significantly more demanding. Increasing energy costs, a shortage of skilled labour and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties are compelling companies to focus on technologies that deliver clear gains in efficiency and process reliability. This applies equally to apparel manufacturing and to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. As a result, modernisation initiatives are assessed more carefully – even as the need to upgrade production systems continues to intensify.

Techtextil 2026: Between innovation pressure & market reality

From 21 to 24 April 2026, Techtextil in Frankfurt am Main will once again become the central meeting point for the international technical textiles and nonwovens industry. Running in parallel, Texprocess will focus on the industrial implementation of textile processing technologies as the leading platform in this field. Together, the two trade fairs form a closely integrated presentation and working platform along the entire textile value chain – from material development to finished applications.

Between geopolitical pressure and industrial resilience

In this interview, Dr. Janpeter Horn (VDMA) discusses the current challenges facing textile machinery manufacturers, shaped by geopolitical tensions, regulatory developments and subdued investment. He also outlines why innovation strength, integrated solutions and strategic positioning remain key to global competitiveness.

Young talents honoured – 60 years Walter Reiners Foundation

At the Techtextil trade fair in Frankfurt at the end of April, Peter D. Dornier, chairman of the VDMA’s Walter Reiners Foundation, presented awards to five successful young engineers. Promotion and sustainability awards were presented in the categories of bachelor’s/project theses and diploma/master’s theses. Academic theses are eligible for the sustainability awards if, for example, they develop solutions for resource-efficient products and technologies.

BTMA backs global growth while investing in future UK leaders

As one of a number of new initiatives launched this year, the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) is launching the UK-India Textile Machinery Coalition. The UK-India Free Trade Agreement, signed in July 2025, has implications that extend across sourcing, competitiveness and long-term trade dynamics, believes BTMA CEO Jason Kent.

China projected to increase cotton production, yields, and imports in 2026/27

World cotton production in the 2026/27 season is projected at 25.9 million tonnes, exceeding global consumption of 25.2 million tonnes, according to the May 2026 issue of Cotton This Month. That means both production and consumption are expected to remain close to current season levels, while global cotton trade is projected to decline by 2.7% to approximately 9.6-9.7 million tonnes.

ANDRITZ at INDEX ’26: Driving sustainability with next-generation nonwoven technologies

From May 19-22, ANDRITZ Nonwoven & Textile is presenting its innovative solutions for the nonwoven & textile industry in Geneva, Switzerland. ANDRITZ will focus on technologies for sustainable and durable nonwovens, converting, sustainable fiber processes, textile recycling, and life-cycle services on booth 2114 in hall 02.

INDEX™26: World’s leading nonwovens exhibition presents groundbreaking product launches, exclusive seminars and immersive experiences

From 19 to 22 May 2026, 620 exhibitors from 44 countries will gather in Geneva at Palexpo for INDEX™26. The exhibition aims to demonstrate how the future of technical materials will increasingly be shaped by collaborative supply chains and integrated innovation across the nonwovens industry. This year’s edition focuses not only on individual technological advances, but also on how cooperation throughout the value chain can enhance the performance, sustainability and value of nonwoven solutions.

The LYCRA Company launches LYCRA® ADAPTIV fiber for nonwovens, advancing comfort and fit in disposable hygiene at INDEX™ 26

The LYCRA Company, a leader in innovative and sustainable fibers for apparel and personal care, today announced the official global launch of LYCRA® ADAPTIV fiber for nonwovens at INDEX™ 26, in Geneva, Switzerland, May 19–22. This breakthrough stretch fiber, already trusted by leading global apparel brands, now ushers in a new era of comfort, fit, and performance for baby diapers, disposable hygiene products, adult incontinence, and feminine care.