#Associations

2019-07-24

ITMA 2019: Resounding success for Italian textile machinery manufacturers in Barcelona

The 18th edition of ITMA, the global textile machinery trade fair which has just concluded in Barcelona, has proven to be a great success for Italian textile machinery manufacturers. ACIMIT President Alessandro Zucchi stated that he noted “a great many satisfied exhibitors and visitors, which is a clear sign of optimism for Italy’s textile machinery sector.”

ITMA 2019, held in Barcelona last 20 to 26 June, has closed with some positive figures. Overall, the halls that held 1717 exhibitors witnessed the passage of 105,000 visitors from 137 countries over the show’s seven days.

Italy confirmed its leadership position as the Country with the most exhibitors (364), coming in second in terms of the number of visitors (10% of the total attendance figures), just behind Spain. The main visitor Countries also included India (8%), Turkey and Germany (7%).

“ITMA remains a must-see event for the industry, and the primary global stage at which to show new developments in technology,” emphasizes Alessandro Zucchi, President of ACIMIT, the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers. “As far as our own Country is concerned, the number of Italian exhibitors and visitors bears witness to the vitality of our textile industry. The visibility of Italy’s contingent and presence is the result of the profound commitment, including in economic terms, made by our businesses, along with indispensable support in the realization of significant promotional initiatives for ITMA carried out by the Italian Ministry of Economic Development and the Italian Trade Agency."

Solutions for increasingly eco-sustainable textile processes were being proposed by the majority of exhibitors. Here too, Italy proved to be top of its class, with a product offering that provides savings in water, energy and raw materials.

Sustainability was also the main focus at the ACIMIT press conference, at which the ACIMIT Green Label Awards were assigned to two Italian machinery manufacturers, Tonello S.r.l and Loptex S.r.l., who have stood out for their outstanding commitment among ACIMIT’s associated members, in reducing the quantity of equivalent emissions of carbon dioxide produced during the operation of their machinery over the last few years.

Italian companies have also been major players in the wide scale modernization project of the textile industry in Egypt, presented at ITMA by representatives of the Egyptian government. Projected investments between 2019 and 2021 will amount to one billion euros, with the first phase including machinery by some notable Italian machinery manufacturers: EFI Reggiani, ITEMA, Marzoli and Savio.

In conclusion, president Zucchi’s comment: “The many innovations we’ve seen in Barcelona, both in the areas of sustainability and digitalization, certainly enhanced the interest of countless visitors. I believe that for a great many machinery manufacturers, the combination of sustainability and innovation will once again represent the key to success at the next edition of ITMA, slated to be held in Milan from 8 to 14 June 2023.”

Textile machinery: the upcoming Colombiatex 2026 speaks Italian

Numerous Italian textile machinery companies will be attending the upcoming Colombiatex, the premier trade fair for the Colombian textile supply chain, held in Medellin from January 27 to 29, 2026. This year’s edition further confirms the strong bond between local textile manufacturers and Italian technology providers.

Italian textile machinery: Orders index declines in 2025 third quarter

In the third quarter of 2025, the orders index for textile machinery – compiled by ACIMIT’s Economics Department (the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers) – recorded a 16% decrease compared to the same period in 2024. In absolute terms, the index stood at 41.8 points (base year 2021 = 100).

The Italian Textile Machinery industry on display at ITMA ASIA + CITME Singapore 2025

100 Italian companies will exhibit at ITMA ASIA + CITME Singapore 2025, taking place from October 28 to 31. With an area of around 4,000 square meters, Italy ranks among the top exhibiting Countries, as in previous editions. 53 Italian exhibitors will show their innovations within the National Sector Groups, organized by ACIMIT (Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers) and Italian Trade Agency.

Italian Textile Machinery: In Q2 2025 signs of recovery in the domestic market

In the second quarter of 2025, the index of orders for textile machinery, compiled by the Economics Department of ACIMIT, the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers, showed a slight decrease compared to the same period in 2024 (-1%). In absolute terms, the index stood at 47.1 points (base year 2021=100).

Engineering depth and diversity for composites

Airbond is the latest member of the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) to receive recognition for contributions to the composites industry. The engineering firm based in Pontypool, South Wales, has just received the Make UK Energy and Sustainability Award for its Lattice 3D Printing project.

FITA, ABIT and EURATEX underline strategic importance of Mercosur – EU Partnership Agreement for the textile and apparel industry

The Argentine Textile Industry Federation (FITA), the Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association (ABIT), and the European Apparel and Textile Confederation (EURATEX) continue to monitor the process of internalizing the Mercosur-European Union Partnership Agreement. This agreement is essential for the competitiveness of our industries, on both sides of the Atlantic.

Sustainable, lightweight, and sound absorbing: Polyester-based front trunk solution for BEVs

As car manufacturers look to further reduce their carbon footprint, Autoneum has developed an innovative front trunk solution for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), made entirely from polyester-based textile. The Ultra-Silent Frunk offers significant weight reduction, improved acoustic and thermal insulation, and uses up to 70 percent recycled material, supporting sustainable and efficient vehicle design. Autoneum, global technology leader in acoustic and thermal management for vehicles, has already received orders for the new frunk from three major OEMs in Asia and Europe to be built in three BEV models. Series production for two BEVs has been underway in China and Germany since last year.

Modern testing methods for raw cotton

The 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen will take place from 25 to 27 March 2026 at the Bremen Parliament. This conference has traditionally stood for in-depth expertise and international exchange. The program will focus on technical innovations, market trends, and regulatory frameworks across the entire value chain – from agriculture to the circular economy. With high-profile speakers, the conference is regarded as the key meeting point for the global cotton industry. Today’s focus: Cotton quality and testing methods.

Rieter responds to higher raw material prices

Global political and economic developments have been leading to rising raw material and energy costs for some time. The textile machinery industry is also affected by this trend. Rieter machines and components consist to a large extent of steel, copper, aluminum and electronics. These materials in particular have seen higher demand and higher prices in recent months.