[pageLogInLogOut]

#Associations

5th ITMF Corona-Survey: Vertical integration improves resilience

Between September 5th and 25th, 2020, ITMF has conducted its 5th ITMF Corona-Survey among ITMF members and affiliated companies and associations about the impact the Corona-pandemic has on the global textile value chain. In total, 216 companies from around the world participated. When looking at the different segments of the textile value chain (Graph 1), it is interesting to observe that the segment of finishers/printers is expecting in 2020 a significantly stronger reduction of turnover (-30%) than the other segments.

Like the 4th ITMF Corona-Survey revealed, integrated manufacturers  seem  to  be  coping  better  with  the  negative  effects  of  the  pandemic  than  other  segments.  Under  “Others”  companies  can  be  found  that  are  active  in  various  segments  of  the  textile  value  chain  listed  but  also  companies that are supplying chemicals, dyes, auxiliary material, etc. 

Source: 5th ITMF Corona-Survey (September 5-25, 2020) © 2020 ITMF
Source: 5th ITMF Corona-Survey (September 5-25, 2020) © 2020 ITMF


The Corona-pandemic has proven in a brutal way how important digital capabilities are when physical interactions with suppliers or customers are impossible or restricted (Graph 2). 21% of all companies see a necessity to improve their digital capabilities.


18% are of the opinion that reducing the dependency from few customers is important going forward, followed by 17% of companies for which both broadening the products on offers and strengthening the balance sheet are crucial in the future. 15% are of the opinion that changing the products on offer is necessary and 10% believe that reducing the dependency from few suppliers is a relevant objective. 

Source: 5th ITMF-Corona Survey (September 5-25, 2020) © 2020 ITMF
Source: 5th ITMF-Corona Survey (September 5-25, 2020) © 2020 ITMF


More News from International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)

#Associations

Data and skills, not algorithms, hold back AI adoption in textiles, finds ITMF and ITA white paper

The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) and the Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University (ITA) have published a new white paper entitled AI in the Textile Value Chain: A Strategic Guide to Artificial Intelligence for the Global Textile Industry. The study concludes that the main barriers to artificial intelligence adoption in the textile and apparel industry are not technological limitations, but poor data integration, skills shortages and gaps in governance. According to the authors, further progress will depend on coordinated efforts to develop capabilities across the industry.

#Associations

ITMF survey shows slight improvement in global textile industry despite continued pressure

The 40th ITMF Global Textile Industry Survey (GTIS), conducted from 21 to 29 September 2026, shows a slight improvement in the global business situation, to -23pp, well above the November 2023 low of -46pp. Conditions nevertheless remain weak, in what has become a new normal of high uncertainty. Only South Asia (+13pp) and Africa (+9pp) are positive, while Europe (-36pp), South America (-44pp) and North & Central America (-56pp) report the weakest conditions.

#Associations

ITMF names three winners of the Sustainability & Innovation Award 2026

Three projects from the UK, Korea and China have been selected as winners of the ITMF Sustainability & Innovation Award 2026. The projects address textile-to-textile recycling, chemical recycling for automotive textiles and a regenerative approach combining silk production with ecological restoration.

#Associations

ITMF names five winners of the Start-up Award 2026

Five start-ups from Switzerland, Brazil, the United States and China have been selected as winners of the ITMF Start-up Award 2026. Their concepts range from new polymer chemistry and natural-fiber biocomposites to zero-waste design, 3D weaving and enzymatic PET recycling.

More News on Associations

#Associations

China and India: Different market dynamics create opportunities for Swiss textile machinery

Ahead of ITMA Asia + CITME in Shanghai and India ITME in Greater Noida, Swiss Textile Machinery highlights the contrasting industrial structures, investment priorities and technological requirements of two of the world's most important textile manufacturing markets.

#Associations

European and Canadian textile associations call for stronger transatlantic cooperation

Ahead of the EU–Canada Summit in Montréal on 29–30 October 2026, EURATEX, the Canadian Textile Industry Association (CTIA) and the Canadian Apparel Federation (CAF) have issued a joint statement calling for closer industrial cooperation, improved implementation of the CETA trade agreement and stronger partnerships in innovation, sustainability and advanced textile technologies.

#Associations

Italian textile machinery orders rise 7% in Q3 2026 as export demand strengthens

Order intake for Italian textile machinery manufacturers increased by 7% in the third quarter of 2026 compared with the same period of 2025. Growth was driven by international markets, where orders rose by 8%, while domestic demand remained weak, declining by 4%.

#Associations

EU and Mercosur textile industries launch new Textile and Apparel Dialogue

EURATEX, ABIT and FITA have launched the EU–Mercosur Textile and Apparel Dialogue (TAD), a new industry platform aimed at strengthening cooperation between the European and Mercosur textile and apparel sectors.

Latest News

#Recycled Fibers

Recover launches global campaign highlighting industrial-scale recycled cotton solutions

Under the motto “REAL. Today, Not Someday.”, Recover aims to shift attention towards recycling technologies already operating at commercial scale. In 2025, the company's recycled cotton was used in more than 200 million garments worldwide.

#Heimtextil 2027

Heimtextil 2027 introduces Functional Futures Lab for innovative performance materials

Heimtextil 2027, taking place from 12 to 15 January in Frankfurt, will introduce the Functional Futures Lab, a new special showcase dedicated to innovative materials and their functional properties. Curated by Future Fabrics Expo, the exhibition will present developments ranging from temperature-regulating and flame-resistant textiles to bio-based composites and experimental material concepts. By bringing together early-stage prototypes and commercially available solutions, the showcase aims to provide guidance for future material selection and product development in architecture, interior design and hospitality.

#Digital Printing

VistaPrint increases apparel production capacity with Kornit Apollo

Kornit Digital (NASDAQ: KRNT), a provider of on-demand digital textile production technologies, reports that VistaPrint has significantly increased its apparel production capacity through the implementation of the Kornit Apollo system. The installation has enabled the international print and design company to add approximately 25,000 units of weekly production capacity while improving production speed, operational efficiency and order turnaround times.

#ITMA Asia + CITME 2026

Picanol to unveil new AirOne airjet weaving machine at ITMA Asia 2026

From November 20 to 24, 2026, Picanol will present the world premiere of its new AirOne generation of airjet weaving machines at ITMA Asia + CITME in Shanghai. Developed in response to the latest requirements in basic woven fabric production, AirOne marks an important expansion of Picanol’s airjet weaving portfolio. Featuring a newly developed crank shedding motion, the machine combines high performance and low energy consumption with advanced digitalisation and ease of operation.

TOP