#Associations

2020-05-20

Cotton and textile sectors call for collaborative action

BCI, CICCA, ICA, ICAC and ITMF are unified in promoting a common set of values and shared commitment to safe trading and contract sanctity across the global cotton community. "Our joint challenge today is to ensure that fair and equitable trade practices govern the commercial relationships throughout the cotton and textile supply chains. We believe that these principles have never been more important than they are now", the association stated in a press release.

The loss of demand resulting from COVID-19 and the preventative measures that are being applied throughout the world affects the cotton and textile sectors from end to end. It is essential for each trading partner to be mindful of each other’s position.

ITMF states: "We must strive to find mutual agreements which keep in mind our shared commitment to the long-term health of the international cotton and textile trade, and to the principles of fair and equitable trading practices on which it is built. We encourage that all those engaged in the cotton and textile value chains jointly and collaboratively commit to:

Take actions that are considered and designed to contribute to the recovery of the cotton and textile sectors in 2021 and beyond
Communicate, collaborate and be responsive to the needs of their counterparties
Continue to respect the trade rules that govern the sectors
Recognise and publicise positive behaviours. Identify and call out negative, counter-productive commercial behaviours.

The strong sense of community in the cotton and textile world will continue to be a source of strength. The constraints we are currently facing will pass and many of the freedoms that we are used to are likely to return before too long. We have confidence in the future of our industry."

SIMTA joins ITMF as Corporate Member

In the past two decades SIMTA has established itself as producer of specialized machinery for the textile industry. In short period of time, SIMTA became an important supplier of precise rollers for top OEMs. Afterwards SIMTA started manufacturing overhead cleaners, bobbin transport systems, and other textile ancillaries. In the meantime, SIMTA is a leader in this space in collaboration with the German automation technology partner Jacobi.

Young talents honoured – 60 years Walter Reiners Foundation

At the Techtextil trade fair in Frankfurt at the end of April, Peter D. Dornier, chairman of the VDMA’s Walter Reiners Foundation, presented awards to five successful young engineers. Promotion and sustainability awards were presented in the categories of bachelor’s/project theses and diploma/master’s theses. Academic theses are eligible for the sustainability awards if, for example, they develop solutions for resource-efficient products and technologies.

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.

Seamless Splicer to headline Mesdan S.p.A. presentation at ITM 2026

MESDAN S.p.A. will once again participate in ITM 2026, Turkey’s most important textile trade fair. The Italy-based leading manufacturer of yarn joining solutions and textile testing equipment,will be exhibiting at the booth of their local agent for the spinning, SARTEKS MAKINA at Hall 7, Stand 701A.

Elastic yarns to become more recyclable and environmentally friendly in future

On 29 April 2026, ITA student Tobias Dickmeiß was awarded a sponsorship prize by the Wilhelm Lorch-Stiftung for his innovative approach, to replacing conventional elastane with elastic yarns made from thermoplastic copolyester elastomers (TPC). Thanks to their thermoplastic nature and compatibility with typical polyesters used in the textile industry, elastic TPC yarns offer improved recyclability. Furthermore, the use of the melt-spinning process in yarn production eliminates the need for solvents that are harmful to the environment and human health.

HIGHTEX 2026 technical textile and nonwoven industry to gather in Istanbul

Between 9–13 June 2026, the HIGHTEX 2026 exhibition, held at the Tüyap Fair and Congress Center in Istanbul and organized concurrently with ITM 2026, is preparing to become one of the most significant global gatherings of the technical textiles and nonwoven industry. Bringing together more than 1,000 companies and agency representatives from 55 countries, the event will unite the latest technologies, innovative solutions, and investment opportunities within a single platform.