#Associations

2024-11-01

IVGT on tour in Albstadt

For the second edition of the Albstadt ID industry event on 10 October 2024, more than 300 school students from all over Germany and around 200 other interested parties from the industry came to Albstadt to find out about new training and employment opportunities in the textile and clothing industry through numerous presentations. The IVGT was also there! In room 205-141, Iris Schlomski reported on the current status of the ADDTEX Erasmus+ project and explained in particular the content of the ADDTEX Academy and the Hackathon and Bootcamp programmes that have now been successfully implemented.

Iris Schlomski during her lecture © 2024 Iris Schlomski

ADDTEX project presented at the university

In her presentation, Iris Schlomski also addressed the current shortage of labour and skilled workers in the textile industry. According to the Association of German Engineers (April 2024), nine out of ten small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) state that they can no longer find new employees in Germany. At the same time, 25% of all European technical textiles are produced in Germany and their export share has been growing steadily for years, currently at 40% and a value of goods of over 12 billion euros. In light of this and the fact that more than 60% of German textile manufacturers have already switched their portfolio to technical textiles, she emphasised that training formats need to be adapted accordingly.

Adapting training formats to the needs

Germany urgently needs well-trained creative employees in the still growing and innovative future market of technical textiles! In addition to the more than 40 presentations on various topics, participants had the opportunity to gain a non-binding but detailed insight and overview of innovation topics in the industry and the textile degree programmes at Albstadt-Sigmaringen University of Applied Sciences by taking part in guided tours of the laboratory.

Rector Dr Ingeborg Mühldorfer and Prof. Dr Ing Christian Kaiser during the welcoming speech at the 2nd Albstadt ID © 2024 Iris Schlomski

The aim of the Albstadt ID is to strengthen the links between industry and the university and at the same time to generate enthusiasm for the exciting world of the textile and clothing industry - across all generations. An offer that was very well received and also made the 2nd Albstadt ID a very special event.

www.ivgt.de

www.addtex.eu

www.hs-albsig.de

IVGT: AddTex final meeting in Terrassa

From 25 to 26 June 2025, the final meeting of the ERASMUS+ project AddTex took place in Terrassa, Spain, which aimed to train workers, pupils and students in the textile industry. Over a period of three years, eleven partners from Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovenia, Spain, the Czech Republic and the IVGT association for Germany were involved in the project.

Promoting sustainability, digitalisation and resilience

The EU project ADDTEX has reached an important milestone with the two publications White Book and E-Book. Both publications contain comprehensive guidelines, findings and policy recommendations to support the sustainable, digital and resilient transition of the textile industry. The focus is on technical textiles, whose innovations are considered key to the competitiveness and resilience of the European industry.

IVGT with the ETT Club at HANNOVER MESSE 2025

Technical textiles are highly developed materials that have been specially optimised for industrial applications. They are indispensable in many areas, even though they are often invisible. As "hidden champions" in the manufacture of numerous innovative products, technical textiles are a real alternative to conventional materials! HANNOVER MESSE, which will take place from 31 March to 4 April 2025, will bring together these important aspects for the first time and present the joint stand "Technical Textiles" in the innovative Future Hub in Hall 2.

Successful trade fair appearance of the IVGT members

With a total of 38,000 visitors from 102 countries and 1,700 exhibitors, the 20th Techtextil 2024 from 23 to 26 April in Frankfurt am Main once again maintained its position as the world's largest trade fair for technical textiles and nonwovens. The Industry Association for Finishing – Yarns – Fabrics – Technical Textiles also draws a positive conclusion about the course of the trade fair for its members.

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.