#Associations

2022-09-15

Results of the 15th ITMF Corona-Survey

The 15th ITMF Corona-Survey shows that the business situation plunged into negative territory in July 2022. The business situation is worse in Asia than in the rest of the world. Textile machinery is the only segment still in positive territory. Business expectations have also turned negative for the first time since the start of survey in May 2021. South-East Asia and South America are relatively more optimistic, downstream segments as well.

Business situation and expectation have turned negative.

Order intake is weakening globally but is still in positive territory. Here too, expectations have turned negative in all textile segments except for textile machinery producers. A difficult period is to be expected ahead. Order intake is deteriorating in all Asian regions and stable in North America, South America, and Africa.

Order backlog has been slightly decreasing in the past few months, from a maximum of 3.1 months in March 2022 to 2.9 months in July. It is expected to continue falling until March 2023. Capacity utilization rate has been stagnating since the beginning of 2022, on average. This indicator is rising in Africa and North and Central America. South Asia reports a strong decrease in capacity utilization, so do fibre and home textile producers as well as spinners.

While high prices for raw materials, energy, and logistics are still regarded as major supply side concerns, they have somewhat eased compared to May 2022. The prospects of weakening demand caused by surging inflation are worrisome.

For more information, please see http://www.itmf.org or contact secretariat@itmf.org.

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.

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.