#Associations

2021-09-23

IAF, EURATEX and ABIT Collaborate on Content International Conferences

The International Apparel Federation (IAF) and ABIT, the national association for the Brazilian Apparel and Textile industry, have even given their conferences the same theme, namely ‘Transition of the Global Fashion System’. EURATEX’s conference’s theme is ‘A new paradigm for the European Textile and Clothing Industry’ and therefore also emphasizes transition. All three associations are fully aware of the urgency and importance of the transition that the apparel and textile industries are currently going through. Through their collaboration they are able to offer a global audience complimentary programs, each focusing on different elements of this transition.

The International, European and Brazilian associations IAF, EURATEX and ABIT are collaborating on the content of their annual, international conferences in the fall of 2021.

ABIT’s focus is on people, exploring data gathering; a transition to a design more guided by individualization and communication in a digital environment. IAF’s focus is on the intra supply chain dynamics, looking at how the relations between buyers and suppliers need to change. And EURATEX focuses strongly on the role of legislation shaping our industry’s actions.

ABIT’s international conference takes place on October 27 and 28. Visitors from across the world can join online www.congressoabit.com.br/ to hear a mix of Brazilian and international speakers. Brazil containing complete supply chains from cotton to consumer often presents examples of transition that can inspire companies from other parts of the world.

IAF and EURATEX are holding their conferences back-to-back in Antwerp, Belgium on November 8 and 9 respectively. For those visitors that might be held back by pandemic related restrictions to visit the venue in Antwerp, the conferences will be available online. A joint dedicated website, www.conventionantwerp.com contains all the information and the link to register. Antwerp is less than 50 kilometres away from Brussels, where the EU Commission is unveiling a very ambitious environmental and social agenda aimed at large scale transition that will have large consequences for our industry.

Three global conferences offer complementary insights into the huge transition the apparel and textile industries are going through. Their connection underlines that we have one global fashion system. To get the full pictures, ABIT, EURATEX and IAF invite you to join all three!

IAF Position on tariffs

The International Apparel Federation (IAF) represents the apparel manufacturing community across more than 40 countries—a global industry comprising hundreds of thousands of companies and millions of employees. Apparel and textiles are among the most globalized industries, historically foundational to industrial development around the world.

IAF and ITMF unite global fashion and textile leaders

The joint ITMF Annual Conference and IAF World Fashion Convention was held on September 8-10 in the historic city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan. This year’s convention, co-organized by the International Apparel Federation (IAF) and the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF), and hosted by Uztextileprom, the Uzbekistan Textile and Garment Industry Association, and the Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Uzbekistan highlighted the crucial interdependence of our sectors.

EURATEX urges Member States to prioritise competitiveness in the next EU budget

Ahead of crucial discussions among EU Member States on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034, EURATEX, the European Apparel and Textile Confederation, calls on European leaders to safeguard ambitious funding for industrial competitiveness and ensure that these resources translate into concrete investment support in European companies.

Brazil: The Italian textile and textile-machinery sector takes centre stage at two workshops

From 19 to 24 October 2026, Brazil will host a mission showcasing Italian excellence in the textile and textile machinery sectors, with two workshops scheduled for 20 October in the state of Santa Catarina and 22 October in São Paulo. The initiative will bring together Italian companies specialising in textile machinery, yarns, fabrics and clothing accessories, with the aim of strengthening commercial and industrial ties between the two countries and opening up new opportunities for collaboration.

ITMF survey shows slight improvement in global textile industry despite continued pressure

The 40th ITMF Global Textile Industry Survey (GTIS), conducted from 21 to 29 September 2026, shows a slight improvement in the global business situation, to -23pp, well above the November 2023 low of -46pp. Conditions nevertheless remain weak, in what has become a new normal of high uncertainty. Only South Asia (+13pp) and Africa (+9pp) are positive, while Europe (-36pp), South America (-44pp) and North & Central America (-56pp) report the weakest conditions.

Blue Tomato accelerates agile retail apparel production with Kornit Digital

Kornit Digital (NASDAQ: KRNT), a global pioneer in on-demand digital fashion and textile production technologies, is highlighting how Blue Tomato, Europe’s largest board sports retailer, is using two Kornit Atlas MAX PLUS systems to support a more agile approach to in-house apparel production. The systems are helping Blue Tomato respond faster to changing consumer trends, produce high-quality apparel for its network of 86 retail stores across Europe and reduce inventory by printing only what the market demands.

SANITIZED and RUDOLF join forces to extend textile performance and wearability

Long-lasting performance textiles require solutions that address a wide range of consumer expectations, from lasting freshness and comfort to reliable protection against the elements. SANITIZED and RUDOLF are highlighting their latest innovations, demonstrating how specialized textile technologies can support the functional durability and wearability of modern apparel.

The beauty of imperfection: Officina39 explores denim's next chapters

Officina39 returns to Kingpins Amsterdam on October 14–15, booth White 01, with a creative and technological program that brings together its new Spring/Summer 2028 collection, advances in denim finishing and collaborations spanning design, fabric development, fashion and publishing. At the center of the presentation of the Italian company is a shared idea: that distinctive aesthetics, responsible chemistry and efficient industrial processes can evolve together, opening new creative possibilities for contemporary denim.

Eastman Naia™ brings versatility to Kingpins Amsterdam

Denim continues to evolve, responding to changing consumer expectations for comfort, adaptability and functionality across different styles, occasions and seasons. At Kingpins Amsterdam, taking place October 14–15, Eastman Naia™ highlights how the versatility of Naia™ Renew staple fiber can help manufacturers address different denim needs through thoughtful fiber blending, while preserving the distinctive character of denim.