#Colloquia / Symposia

2018-01-11

Global experts to speak at Apparel 4.0, first ever global summit at GTE

The 26th edition of Garment Technology Expo (GTE) ’18 will be held from January 19-22, 2018 in New Delhi’s NSIC Exhibition Complex. In the sidelines of GTE, on January 20, FashionatingWorld/DFU Publications and GTE 2018 are organizing a global summit ‘Apparel 4.0: Shaping the future with Smart Factories’.

Apparel 4.0 is the buzzword in apparel manufacturing and apparel technology industry today. It is an interpretation and application of Industry Revolution 4.0 in apparel technology and apparel manufacturing sectors across supply chain. The primary focus of Industry 4.0 is on increasing productivity, flexibility and efficiency in order to create smart factories.

The summit aims to educate how Apparel 4.0 is shaping and transforming the global fashion and apparel business and the opportunities it offers for Indian industry. It will bring together apparel manInsightful sessions at summit ufacturers, apparel technology solution providers and stakeholders who will discuss the major challenges apparel businesses are facing in today's digital marketplace, and identify practical steps companies can take to digitalise their value chain.

Insightful sessions at summit

The sessions will deliberate on the topic, ‘What exactly is Apparel 4.0, and the concept of Smart Factories? Are these factories already operational?’ How is digitalisation of apparel manufacturing processes, from design/creation to production, Apparel 4.0 is creating a new organisation of factory ecosystem. The summit shall also address opportunities and challenges of implementation for India; is India ready for such a transformation?

Global industry experts at Apparel 4.0

The conference has an impressive line of experts speakers led by theme presentation by Dr Mike Fralix, President and CEO [TC]2, USA. Dr Fralix, a PhD in technology management, is an globally acclaimed speaker on technology and automation. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the AAFA (American Apparel and Footwear Association) and active in several industry organizations including the IAF, where he serves as a member of the Board and Chairman of the Technical Committee.

Dr Prabir Jana, NIFT, while introducing the subject, will give the keynote presentation. Dr Jana, Head of Research at NIFT, is a visionary in technology development and management in apparel manufacturing. CEO & chairman Dürkopp Adler, Dietrich Eickhoff, would highlight opportunities Apparel 4.0 brings in the global scenario, as a technology providerl; Samath Fernando, CIO, Hirdaramani Group of Companies, Sri Lanka will share his expertise as users’ perspective. Hirdaramani, a pioneer in the Sri Lankan apparel industry, has already implemented Industry 4.0 and the company is a one-stop shop for global brands with 38 manufacturing facilities across Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Vietnam & Ethiopia.

Representing Indian perspective in terms of opportunities and challenges, Dr Rajesh Bheda, RBC will conduct a panel discussion with industry stalwarts H K L Magu, Chairman AEPC, Dr Darlie Koshy, ATDC, J D Giri, Shahi Exports, R C Kesar, OGTC, Sudhir Sekhri, GEA, Gunish Jain, Royal Datamatic and Vinod Aiyer, Fortuna Colours.

Zhang Min, Chairman, ShangGong Group would be the Guest of Honor at Apparel 4.0. The conference is supported by all leading textile trade bodies like AEPC, OGTC, CMAI, IKF,GEA, NAEC and GEAR

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

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“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

Recover™ and Ünteks Group partner to scale recycled cotton in knitwear

Recover(TM), a global producer of low‐impact, high‐quality recycled cotton fiber, announces a new partnership with Ünteks Group, a vertically integrated textile manufacturer based in Turkey. The collaboration focuses on the development of circular knit fabrics and garments, combining Recover’s recycled cotton fiber with Ünteks Group’s integrated capabilities across knitting, dyeing, printing, and garment production.

STEELTOP®: A new benchmark in flat tops for spinning preparation

Modern carding generations achieve higher production performance, placing significantly greater stress on flat tops. Higher cylinder speeds and increased fiber density, combined with tighter carding gaps, create more demanding operating conditions. At the same time, poorer raw material quality and the increased use of recycled materials further intensify these challenges. With STEELTOP®, Trützschler introduces a new full steel flat top series developed for these demanding modern carding processes.

YKK develops concept EXCELLA® zipper tape using nonwoven fabric partially derived from used clothing

YKK Corporation has developed a concept version of its premium EXCELLA® zipper series made from nonwoven fabric sheets created by fiberizing used clothing and other textile materials. Based on a proposal by fashion designer Yuima Nakazato, this item was created as a result of collaboration between Nakazato, Seiko Epson Corporation and YKK. The concept zipper was incorporated as a material component for pieces in the newest YUIMA NAKAZATO Couture Collection, “INFERNO,” which was unveiled in Paris, France on July 8, 2026.

Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris highlights evolving global sourcing landscape

From 31 August to 2 September 2026, Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris will bring together more than 1,000 international exhibitors at Paris-Le Bourget Exhibition Centre. This edition reflects the new global balance of textile and apparel sourcing, highlighting a strong diversity of sourcing countries — some unexpected.