#Associations

2021-04-08

Companies see light at the end of the pandemic tunnel

Turnover 2020 impacted by the corona pandemic per region (versus 2019) - © 2021 ITMF

Between January 25th and March 10th, 2021, ITMF has conducted the 7th 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, 196 companies from around the world participated. The 1st ITMF Corona-Survey was conducted in March 2020 when the first lockdowns were announced in Europe.

Global turnover 2020 dropped -9% on average vs. 2019

The 7th survey revealed that actual turnover in 2020 was -9% lower compared to 2019 (see Graph 1). While this decrease is significantly better than the expected drop of -33% in the 3rd survey at the height of the first Corona- wave in April 2020, the year 2020 will go down into history as one of the worst years for the global textile and apparel industry.

In comparison to the expectations expressed in the 6th ITMF Corona-Survey (November 20th – December 14th, 2020), actual turnover for 2020 compared to 2019 has improved by 3 percentage points from -12% to now -9% (Graph 1).

Turnover 2020 compared to 2019 (per segment)

As could be expected the entire textile value chain was hit hard by the pandemic including textile machinery producers. Practically all segments under review were impacted negatively to different degrees in 2020 (see Graph 2). The two segments standing out positively are the producers of nonwovens (+/-0%) and of fibres (+10%). It can be assumed that those two segments have benefitted from the extraordinary demand for masks during?2020, which compensated to a significant extent for the loss in other areas like automotive or apparel.

For 2021 and the following years up to 2024, turnover expectations are positive (see Graph 3) and have overall not changed compared to previous surveys. On a global level, turnover expectations are especially strong for 2021 and 2022, an indication that companies are expecting a strong recovery. For 2023 and 2024 companies’ growth expectations are weaker. Looking at the various regions the most striking result is the positive expectations of companies in Africa (+31% by 2024), compared to the other regions that range between +12 and +21%.

What is your company´s expected turnover from 2021 to 2024 comparde to 2019 (regional average)?

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.

ITMF and IAF conclude successful Joint Convention 2025 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) and the International Apparel Federation (IAF) have successfully concluded their second joint convention, held this year in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. In close collaboration with the host Indonesian Textile Association (API), the event gathered over 400 delegates from around the world from across the entire textile and apparel value chain.

EDANA warns of consequences of misclassification of PET spunbond imports

EDANA would like to remind its members and industry stakeholders of the legal requirement to comply with the EU rules on customs classification when importing nonwovens from third countries outside the EU. In this regard, it was recently discovered that there appears to be a high level of customs misclassification occurring in our industry. This could have dangerous and costly consequences for importers.

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.

Sandler turns financial stability into a catalyst for shaping the future

The Sandler Group has presented its financial figures for the past fiscal year (01/01/2025-12/31/2025). Like previous years, the year 2025 was also marked by industry-wide structural challenges and geopolitical uncertainties. Turnover was virtually stable at EUR 321 million (2024: EUR 326 million). High energy costs continue to weigh heavily on profitability. The number of employees was 975 (2024: 980). The family-owned company, which was founded in 1879 and has been run by the fifth generation since August 2025, continues to invest millions in its Schwarzenbach site despite the high production costs in Germany. As part of the long-term corporate strategy, the management team is focusing on strict cost management, further development of the product portfolio, and greater efficiency in production and administrative processes. The company does not expect a market recovery in 2026 and 2027.

JEC Composites Startup Booster: 2026 winners announced

The leading global startup competition for composites and advanced materials has crowned its 2026 champions, ahead of a landmark 10th anniversary edition next year. The winners of the JEC Composites Startup Booster 2026 were announced on Wednesday, 11 March, at JEC World, recognizing the most promising emerging companies reshaping the future of composites and advanced materials.

Textile Chemicals & Dyes: Innovation in Textile Chemistry moves into focus at Techtextil 2026

From PFAS-free finishes and water-saving dyeing technologies to advanced coatings and recycling-compatible formulations, innovation in textile chemistry is accelerating across the industry. Reflecting this development, Techtextil 2026 introduces Textile Chemicals & Dyes as a dedicated product segment, highlighting the growing role of chemical solutions in shaping the next generation of technical textiles.

ITM 2026 will bring the global textile technologies industry together in Istanbul

ITM 2026 International Textile Machinery Exhibition, considered one of the most important organizations in the field of textile technologies in the world, is preparing to bring together all stakeholders of the industry in Istanbul between June 9–13, 2026. The exhibition, where advanced technology machines and innovative solutions for every stage of the textile production chain will be showcased, will offer an important global meeting platform for manufacturers, technology providers, investors, and professional visitors.