#ITMA 2015

2014-07-23

World Textile Summit 2015 to explore the business benefits of an effective sustainability strategy

Mr. Du Yuzhou, President of China National Textile & Apparel Council spoke at the World Textile Summit (WTS) 2011 in Barcelona. (c) 2014 Cematex

The second World Textile Summit (WTS) will explore sustainability strategies that create business value in the textile manufacturing value chain. Scheduled for 13 November 2015, and co-located with ITMA 2015 in Milan, WTS 2015 will be a unique one-day event that brings together the world's most influential textile leaders to debate issues of strategic importance to the global industry. It is owned and organised by CEMATEX, WTiN and MP Expositions.

In line with the key themes of ITMA 2015, WTS 2015 will seek to answer sustainability questions that matter to the industry's strategic decision-makers:

What return should I expect from capital investment in resource-efficient technologies?
How do I establish and monitor a sustainable supply chain?
What are the market opportunities that arise from a strategy based on clean production and sustainable materials?
How do I manage the risks to corporate reputation?

Charles Beauduin, President of CEMATEX, said: "ITMA 2015 will be an opportunity for manufacturers to view and compare the latest in resource-efficient textile technologies. Such investments take place against a policy background where senior decision-makers have to consider their sustainability strategies against corporate objectives. World Textile Summit 2015 will help to place sustainability in its context as a key component of value creation in any business.”

Mark Jarvis, Managing Director of WTiN, said, "WTS 2015 will be different from other conferences examining sustainable methods in textile manufacturing. Instead of delving into the detail of technical solutions, delegates will hear from international experts on the business value created through a strong sustainability strategy.”

Programme development will be assisted by an advisory panel that currently includes: Jason Kibbey, Executive Director of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition; Jonas Eder-Hansen, Programme Director of the Nordic Initiative Clean & Ethical; LaRhea Pepper, Managing Director of Textile Exchange; Patrick Laine, CEO of the Better Cotton Initiative; Baroness Young of Hornsey, Chair of the UK All Party Parliamentary Group on Ethics and Sustainability in Fashion, and Ambassador for the Ethical Fashion Forum and MADE-BY; and Saskia Hedrich, Senio Knowledge Expert, Apparel Fashion & Luxury, at McKinsey & Co.

Eileen Ng, Project Director of ITMA 2015, said: "With almost 16 months still to go, WTS 2015 is already attracting strong support from the broader textile community. We are very pleased to have the Textile Institute and the Sustainable Apparel Coalition on board as our supporting partners.”

Leading textile machinery companies SPGPrints, MS Italy and Oerlikon have also confirmed their sponsorship of the event, as has the sustainable-manufacturing specialist bluesign technologies.

For more information, please visit www.worldtextilesummit.com

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From 20 to 24 November 2026, the textile machinery industry will gather in Shanghai for ITMA ASIA + CITME 2026, Asia’s leading business platform for textile machinery, to be held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). The exhibition will occupy seven halls, with a total gross exhibition area of about 180,000 square metres. The exhibition has expanded by 10% over the last edition which reflects the continued industry interest in the region.

ITMA 2027 receives strong industry response

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ITMA 2027 gains strong momentum

In line with the theme "Co-creating the future of textiles", ITMA continues to strengthen its support for start-ups, recognising their role in driving innovation and shaping the future of textile and garment manufacturing. Through the Start-Up Valley, emerging companies gain access to a global marketplace where they can connect with industry leaders, potential partners, investors and customers.

More patterns, less effort: the MULTI-MATIC® at Rohleder

Rohleder is one of Europe’s most modern weaving mills. For over 80 years, the family-owned company has been developing and manufacturing premium fabrics for brands, retailers and private customers – 100% Made in Germany. This success is made possible by a consistent focus on design, quality, and functionality, as well as by continuous investment in state-of-the-art production facilities. Rohleder also relies on innovative technologies in warp preparation and has been collaborating with KARL MAYER for many years. As recently as 2023, a MULTI-MATIC® was delivered to the company’s headquarters in Konradsreuth.

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Naia™ from Eastman strengthens western hemisphere textile connections at Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala

As brands and retailers explore more diversified and responsive sourcing networks, the Naia™ brand from Eastman is strengthening its engagement with the textile and apparel value chain across the western hemisphere. From August 18–20, the company will participate for the first time in Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala, a regional meeting point for apparel sourcing, manufacturing and nearshoring.

Dornbirn GFC 2026 expands conference program with new thematic sessions

For 65 years, Dornbirn GFC has stood for innovation and is one of the world’s leading conferences in the fiber industry. From September 16 to 18, 2026, the international fiber community will meet in Dornbirn, Austria, to discuss current trends, technological developments, and forward-looking solutions. More than 600 experts from industry and academia from over 30 countries are expected to attend. With around 100 presentations by renowned speakers, a 2,5-day conference program, and three parallel presentation rooms with moderated sessions, Dornbirn GFC provides a first-class platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and international collaboration. Together, participants will generate ideas and impulses that will sustainably shape the future of the global fiber industry.