ITMA 2023 aims to transform the world of textiles to explore new ways of improving environmental protection within the industry by using right technology
The Swiss Textile Machinery Association represents Swiss producers of textile equipment, systems, and services. Currently, there are 44 affiliated companies that include machine and component manufacturers as well as service providers for the textile industry. These companies offer solutions for the entire textile value chain from spinning to quality control. The association has been in operation for 83 years and aims to support and promote the Swiss textile machinery industry. They organize symposia in important textile markets, participate in exhibitions and events where a Swiss presence is advantageous, and hold innovation workshops on topics such as additive manufacturing and digitalization.
The association is a member of the European textile industry committee CEMATEX, which is the owner of ITMA, the largest international textile machinery exhibition in the world. The upcoming ITMA exhibition will be held from 8 June to 14 June, 2023 in Milan, Italy. Recently, during a pre-ITMA press conference in Berne Switzerland, Ernesto Maurer, President, Swiss Textile Machinery Association who is also the President of CEMATEX, shared his thoughts with Textile Today.
Textile Today: Can you share with us the specialty of Swiss technology in the textile industry?
Ernesto Maurer: In my opinion, sustainability and innovation go hand in hand and are crucial to reducing our environmental impact in the textile industry. However, innovation needs to be supported by an economic foundation to be viable. Swiss technology is known for being both sustainable and economical, making it an ideal choice for the textile industry.
Textile Today: In light of the current struggle with profitability due to the economy, what can we expect from ITMA?
Ernesto Maurer: At ITMA, we will showcase how sustainability and environmental protection are not in contradiction with economic development. In fact, they complement each other. With increasing regulations and demands, investing in equipment that fulfills requirements is crucial to avoid wasting money, resources, and impacting the economy negatively.
Textile Today: Manufacturers are facing high energy prices, and it’s becoming a matter of survival. What solutions do you suggest?
Ernesto Maurer: One solution is to introduce new energy-saving components and operations to make the best use of existing equipment. Additionally, when investing in new machines, go for the ones with the lowest possible operation costs. It is essential to consider acquisition and operational costs, energy consumption, and waste production carefully.
Textile Today: What do you think about companies making existing machinery more cost-effective and efficient?
Ernesto Maurer: It’s crucial to synchronize sustainability with machine optimization. While keeping machines running longer can protect investments, putting off upgrades that can reduce energy and waste consumption is counterproductive.
Textile Today: How feasible do you think retrofitting existing machines to recycle materials is?
Ernesto Maurer: While this is currently done on a small scale, I believe it is feasible to scale up. We should start today, taking small steps to address this pressing issue.
Textile Today: How do you see circularity growing in the industry?
Ernesto Maurer: Circular production has accelerated over the past ten years, but it’s still in its early stages. Legislative action and research will help advance it, and with increasing energy costs, governments worldwide are investing in renewable and recyclable energy, which benefits circularity as well.
Textile Today: Will there be any incentives for manufacturers to align with the legislation?
Ernesto Maurer: Yes, governments are investing in renewable and recyclable energy, which benefits circular production. Manufacturers can also benefit from incentives, but we need to consider the political and technological sides to achieve sustainable results.
Textile Today: What about the challenge of distributing the benefits of sustainability?
Ernesto Maurer: It is crucial for the textile industry to unite and work together towards sustainability. We need to be vigilant and take action when we see sustainability initiatives taking place. Additionally, we need to educate end-users that purchasing clothing at exceptionally low prices, such as $12-$25 for a pair of jeans or t-shirts, is not a sustainable practice. We must use our industry associations to spread this message, so that we can collectively absorb the costs of sustainable practices and pass on the benefits to end-users.
Textile Today: Can you talk about ITMA 2023 and how you are planning for it?
Ernesto Maurer: The theme of ITMA 2023 is ‘Transforming the world of textiles’, which means we are looking at ways to improve environmental protection through the right equipment. ‘Transforming the world of textiles’, does not refer to exploring new fashion trends or presentation techniques. Instead, the focus is on exploring new ways to improve environmental protection within the industry. The use of the right equipment and technology is crucial in achieving this goal, and it must be done correctly from the outset. The emphasis is on finding innovative ways to make textile manufacturing processes more eco-friendly and sustainable.
