The ITMA Speakers Platform is set to host a diverse panel of industry experts to share future trends, rare insights, and strategic solutions. To be held from June 21-25, 2019, in Barcelona, Spain, the Speakers Platform is part of the ITMA Innovation Lab, a special feature launched to promote innovation excellence in the textile and garment industry. At a time when the industry is facing massive disruption, intense competition, and global challenges, the owner of ITMA, CEMATEX – the European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers, strives to add greater value to participants’ experience at ITMA 2019. By having industry experts who are not ITMA exhibitors to give their presentations, CEMATEX hopes to encourage cross-pollination of ideas and spotlight best in class solutions, according to a press release on the show. The invited industry speakers will join ITMA 2019 exhibitors, selected to make their presentations based on themes that include innovative raw materials and manufacturing technology, strategic business innovation through automation and digitalisation, technical textiles innovations and manufacturing technology, and sustainable textile and garment manufacturing in the circular economy. Response from industry professionals has been positive. Well-known experts who have confirmed their acceptance to speak include Yoel Fink, CEO of Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA). He will address the topic, ‘Textile Sensors – Applications and Market Growth’. Lutz Walter, director innovation and skills, Euratex, will present ‘Towards a 4th Industrial Revolution of Textiles & Clothing – Strategic Innovation & Research Agenda: Results in Practice & Way to Go’. Rakhil Hirdaramani, manufacturers’ committee chair, World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) will provide insights on ‘Digitisation & Realisation of Data of the Shop Floor’. Navaid Baqai, director, global textile of Cotton Council International (Cotton USA) will speak on the ‘Impact of US Cotton and Its Technical & Financial Performance. Peter Sestic, lead development engineer, Sigmatex UK, will highlight ‘The Breakthrough Aerospace Materials Project (BAM) on Development of 3D Woven Textile Composites in the Aerospace Industry’. On the sustainability front, leading industry practitioners will share their viewpoints and solutions. Sophie Mather, strategic director, The Microfibre Consortium will share advice on ‘Prevention of Microplastic Release into the Aquatic Environment during the Washing of Synthetic Clothes: Results of the Cross Industry Agreement CIA)’. René Bethmann, innovation manager (materials and manufacturing), Vaude, will share ‘Vaude Expectations from Raw Materials Suppliers in the Sense of Sustainability’. Natalia Papu Carrone, research analyst, textiles programme, circle economy, will update on ‘Towards a Zero Waste Textiles industry: The End-of-use Value Chain’. Roian Atwood, director of sustainability for Wrangler and Lee Jeans, will provide details on ‘Engaging the Global Supply Chain to Drive Greater Social & Environmental Performance’. Lisa Rosengren, head of R&D raw material, Fristads AB, will speak on ‘Measuring the Total Impact of a Garment – Environmental Product Declaration’.
