#Associations

2022-01-06

ARISE Integrated Industrial Platform (IIP) joins ITMF

In January 2022, the textile division of ARISE Integrated Industrial Platform (IIP), based in the UAE, has joined ITMF as a new Corporate Member.

ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (IIP) identifies industrial gaps in African countries to unlock value and create new industries. The objective is to industrialize key sectors by creating local transformation, maximizing production, efficiency, and cost, which in turn generates local value addition.

Arise IIP seek to boost exports, enable local transformation of raw materials and promote trade by tailor-made special economic zones in Gabon, Benin and Togo. In Benin and Togo Arise IIP will focus at creating value chains for the textile industry – from raw material sourcing to resource transformation through manufacturing, to exporting final products.

The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) founded in 1904 is the international forum of the global textile value chain. Its members are from textile and apparel producing countries representing 90% of global production.

“By becoming a Corporate Member of ITMF, Arise IIP will benefit from a unique international network, the expertise of ITMF, and an international platform for the global textile value chain where international trends and are discussed. Likewise, ITMF and ITMF’s members will benefit from Arise’s activities in West Africa”, stated Dr. Christian Schindler, Director General of ITMF.

Mr. Rajaguru Raja, the CEO of Arise IIP (Textile Division), commented that “by joining ITMF we have access to all major players in the global textile and apparel value chain. The world is getting more and more integrated. Therefore, cooperation along the global textile value chain and understanding its complexity and dynamics are paramount”.

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.

ANDRITZ at INDEX ’26: Driving sustainability with next-generation nonwoven technologies

From May 19-22, ANDRITZ Nonwoven & Textile is presenting its innovative solutions for the nonwoven & textile industry in Geneva, Switzerland. ANDRITZ will focus on technologies for sustainable and durable nonwovens, converting, sustainable fiber processes, textile recycling, and life-cycle services on booth 2114 in hall 02.

INDEX™26: World’s leading nonwovens exhibition presents groundbreaking product launches, exclusive seminars and immersive experiences

From 19 to 22 May 2026, 620 exhibitors from 44 countries will gather in Geneva at Palexpo for INDEX™26. The exhibition aims to demonstrate how the future of technical materials will increasingly be shaped by collaborative supply chains and integrated innovation across the nonwovens industry. This year’s edition focuses not only on individual technological advances, but also on how cooperation throughout the value chain can enhance the performance, sustainability and value of nonwoven solutions.

The LYCRA Company launches LYCRA® ADAPTIV fiber for nonwovens, advancing comfort and fit in disposable hygiene at INDEX™ 26

The LYCRA Company, a leader in innovative and sustainable fibers for apparel and personal care, today announced the official global launch of LYCRA® ADAPTIV fiber for nonwovens at INDEX™ 26, in Geneva, Switzerland, May 19–22. This breakthrough stretch fiber, already trusted by leading global apparel brands, now ushers in a new era of comfort, fit, and performance for baby diapers, disposable hygiene products, adult incontinence, and feminine care.