#ITMA 2019

2018-10-18

CEMATEX underscores ITMA 2019 theme with innovation lab feature

To emphasise the innovation message to the textile, garment and fashion industry, CEMATEX, the European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers, has launched the ITMA Innovation Lab. The focus on innovation at ITMA 2019, which will be held in Barcelona, further underscores the ITMA 2019 theme: Innovating the World of Textiles.

“Innovation is vital for the industry’s success as Industry 4.0 gains momentum in the manufacturing world. The shift towards open innovation has resulted in increased exchange of knowledge and new types of cooperation among education institutions, research organisations and business,” explained Mr Fritz Mayer, President of CEMATEX.

He added, “ITMA has been a catalyst and showcase of ground-breaking innovation since 1951. We hope participants will be able to share new developments, discuss industry trends and spur creative efforts, thus ensuring a vibrant innovation culture in a global context.”

The ITMA Innovation Lab includes well-received features from previous editions, in addition to new initiatives and enhancements. The four main components of the Innovation Lab are:

Research & Innovation Pavilion (R&I Pavilion)
ITMA Speakers Platform
Innovation Video Showcase
ITMA Sustainable Innovation Award

Mr Charles Beauduin, Chairman of ITMA Services, elaborated: “By launching the ITMA Innovation Lab feature, we hope to better drive industry focus on the important message of technological innovation and cultivate an inventive spirit. We hope to encourage greater participation by introducing new components, such as the video showcase to highlight our exhibitors’ innovation.”

ITMA Innovation Video Showcase

The video showcase will provide a new channel for visitors to learn more about innovative exhibits at ITMA 2019. Exhibitors can submit videos based on the following topics:

Raw materials and manufacturing technology
Automation and digitalisation: Creating new opportunities in the textile and fashion industry
Technical textile innovations and manufacturing technology
Sustainable textile and garment manufacturing in the circular economy

A panel of judges from the global industry will select the videos to be shown at the Speakers Platform.

Speakers Platform

The Platform is an excellent avenue for participating R&I Pavilion institutes to present their latest research projects and cutting-edge technological developments. For the first time, guest industry speakers will be invited to share their knowledge and experience with ITMA participants. Some members of the judging panel will also be invited to lead discussions on various topics, thus adding to the vibrancy of the Platform.

R&I Pavilion

A total of 27 organisations are participating in the R&I Pavilion which will showcase cutting-edge textile and related research and development projects. Since ITMA 2007, the R&I Pavilion also serves to encourage collaboration among companies, research centres and universities in order to develop novel materials and technologies which will transform the textile, garment and fashion industry.

ITMA Sustainable Innovation Award

The Award was created by CEMATEX in 2015 to recognise the collaborative efforts by the global textile industry to advance business sustainability through innovative solutions, and promote outstanding industry related research. The Award comprises two categories: Industry Excellence Award for textile and garment makers, and brands who leverage ITMA exhibitors’ solutions to create green products; and a Research & Innovation Excellence Award, open to Master’s degree students.

ITMA 2019 will be held from 20 to 26 June at Fira de Barcelona, Gran Via venue. The exhibition will feature over 1,600 exhibitors who will be showcasing their latest technologies and sustainable solutions for the entire textile and garment manufacturing value chain, as well as fibres, yarns and fabrics. Visitor registration has started and an ITMA app has been launched. Please visit www.itma.com for more information.

Kornit Digital launches Konnections 365

Kornit Digital (NASDAQ: KRNT) (“Kornit” or the “Company”), a global pioneer in sustainable, on-demand digital fashion and textile production today announced the launch of Konnections 365 - a year-round movement designed for the people moving the apparel, print, and retail industries forward. The strategy is built on the overwhelming success of Konnections 2026 held in Hollywood, Florida, featuring more than 500 customers, partners, and collaborators who together are driving the future of apparel and textiles.

Techtextil 2026: KARL MAYER impresses as an innovative sector partner

KARL MAYER looks back with satisfaction on its participation in Techtextil 2026. From April 21 to 24, the international industry leader used the trade show in Frankfurt to meet with numerous key customers at its booth and, at the same time, establish many new contacts. Most visitors came from Germany, followed by major markets such as Poland, the United Kingdom, Turkey, France, and Portugal.

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.