Sustainability to the fore

Since the last ITMA edition, the global textile and garment industry has made rapid strides and evolved tremendously with technological innovations. And 2015 being the Year of Sustainability, the organisers have done well to make this as the main theme ´ Master the Art of Sustainable Innovation. It underscores the importance of the industry´s drive towards sustainability in the entire textile and garment value chain. Come November, ITMA 2015 will spotlight on sustainable innovations and ´live´ demos by 1,500 exhibitors from over 40 economies.

Colorant Forum
ITMA 2015 has attracted various industry groups to initiate activities that address critical sectorial concerns, as well as challenges faced by the textile, garment and fashion industry.

Among the exciting events are the Textile Colourant and Chemical Leaders Forum and Nonwovens Forum at ITMA 2015. Launched at ITMA 2011, the forum was a success, drawing lively participation from colour and chemical professionals, and fashion and sports brand owners from around the world. This year, the agenda will focus on sustainability in dyeing and finishing processes and participants will be updated on industry opportunities and best practices.

Covering a comprehensive range of issues, such as current challenges, solutions and future trends, the one-day forum on 14 November is divided into three sessions: The issue: topics related to chemical pollution and environmental issues and how these impact the market place; The solution: how does the supply chain respond; and The future: what are the trends and/or game changers moving forward.

Alessandro Gigli, board member of the Association of Italian Textile Chemists and Colourists, who chairs the forum programme committee, said: ´Topics to be covered include the chemical/colourant suppliers´ response to current environmental issues, updates on REACH regulation, new dyeing and printing technologies and their impact in a more sustainable supply chain.

Nonwovens Forum
To be held on 16 November, the Nonwovens Forum at ITMA is jointly organised by EDANA and MP Expositions. The forum will address pertinent issues, challenges and opportunities in the rapidly evolving world of nonwovens.

Pierre Conrath, Sustainability & Public Affairs Director, EDANA (Belgium) who will kick-off the forum with an introduction on the nonwovens industry, said: ´The programme is built around the theme – ´Nonwovens: A World of Growth and Opportunities´. Presentations on the latest applications and finishings will benefit ITMA visitors who are involved in or have the intention to move into nonwovens manufacturing. Participants will find it very useful to be able to visit the ITMA exhibition and view many of the technologies on show at the exhibition.´

The first session will focus on applications for nonwovens:

• Overview of Nonwoven Production Technologies and Applications by Laurent Jallat, Head of Marketing Department, ANDRITZ Nonwoven (France)
• From Melt to Nonwoven: Spunbond Lines for Technical Applications by Martin Rademacher, Sales Manager & Ingo Mahlmann, Senior Manager Product Management Nonwoven, Oerlikon Neumag (Germany)

The second session explores added value ingredients:

• Spin Finishes and Additives in the Production of Nonwovens by Stephan Reil, Marketing Manager Nonwoven, Pulcra Chemicals (Germany)
• Added Value Through Selected Functionalisation of Nonwovens by Michael Bildhauer, Head Technical Service Fibre Auxiliaries & Robert Zyschka, Head Technical Service Coating/Finishing, CHT R. BEITLICH (Germany)

World Textile Summit reveals first speakers