#Industry 4.0 / Digitalization

2023-12-13

Smartex releases its first comprehensive report on "The modern textile factory: Charting the impact of a shifting textile supply chain landscape".

Smartex is at the forefront of transforming the textile industry through the integration of Artificial Intelligence, focusing specifically on achieving zero waste and traceability in Tier 2, the most impactful step of the textile supply chain.

They are part of a larger movement involving dynamic technology companies, forward-thinking factories, pioneering brands, and influential policy-makers all actively addressing challenges within the supply chain.

Currently, we are all witnessing a transformative shift in the textile industry, with a growing focus on commercial focuses (greater speed, more reliable quality & data-led pricing) and sustainability goals. The unregulated era of low-cost dominance is evolving, and the key to this transformation lies in the emergence of the Modern Textile Factory (MTF). Recognizing the power of collaboration, Smartex has established the first focus group dedicated to "The Modern Textile Factory." This global team of experts brings diverse perspectives to reshape the production landscape in response to the urgent need for change. This year, the focus group had four in-depth sessions convened by Smartex, delving into crucial topics that serve as the foundation for this comprehensive report. "The Modern Textile Factory" report is a synthesis of key findings that outline the transformative journey of the textile industry.

Smartex proudly introduces the members of "The Modern Textile Factory" for 2023, a collective force shaping the future of textile production.

As regulations are being set in motion, from restricting excess stock destruction to supply chain product tracking, the MTF is positioned as a critical factor, since textile production accounts for 80% of the industry's environmental impact. The urgency for the supply chain to adapt to new reporting standards and invest in sustainable technology is evident.

At the same time, commercial advantages are emerging for factories that embrace modernization, including the greater speed to market that aid brand revenue & deadstocks, improved quality control for greater factory control of their profits, and the ability to compete globally with data-led pricing strategies. The market is demanding competitive prices, increased speed, better quality, and rock-solid compliance at the same time, necessitating factories to accelerate their modernization efforts.

While challenges such as financing, macro trends susceptibility, and traditional mindsets exist, overcoming them is possible with collective support. Brands play a crucial role in providing financial assistance, technology companies must ensure a clear return on investment, and the industry must spotlight exemplary factories and their success stories. While sustainability is a powerful force, financial incentives are more developed and immediately compelling for factories and brands alike. By showcasing upcoming changes and illustrating the benefits for those adopting modernization, the Modern Textile Factory can emerge as the new standard, bringing about a win-win scenario for all stakeholders.

The report, authored by Max Easton, Global Innovation Director at Smartex, showcases a wealth of insights from this global team of experts. Easton, reflecting on the report, states, "After experiencing firsthand the benefits of collaboration during my time at Fashion for Good, an organization focused on sustainable innovation in textiles, I was excited to continue this at Smartex. The focus group has brought together a wide range of experts to delve into a vital topic: the modernization of the textile chain."

The report addresses critical questions surrounding supply chain modernization, factory data collection, communication systems between brands and their suppliers, and the need to elevate exemplary factories without penalizing their razor-thin margins. Easton expresses gratitude to the ten MTF group members, emphasizing the privilege of discussing their insights, concerns, and hopes. The report organizes key takeaways into a clear narrative, balancing member experience and real-life examples. While acknowledging that the report doesn't have all the answers, Easton believes it presents compelling ideas as economic and logical arguments for change in the textile supply chain.

The full report can be downloaded here:

https://www.smartex.ai/the-modern-textile-factory-report-2023

textile.4U publishes special edition “Top 100 Textile Recycling Companies 2025”

With a comprehensive 176-page special edition, textile.4U is dedicating its latest issue entirely to one of the most dynamic and influential topics in today’s textile industry: textile recycling. The new issue, published exclusively in high-quality print, presents the Top 100 textile recycling companies researched and selected by TexData – organizations that already play a key role in the transition to circular textiles or are expected to have a significant impact in the near future.

Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 signed by Governor

Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) is proud to announce that Senate Bill 707 (SB 707), the Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024, has been signed into law by the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom. This groundbreaking legislation establishes the country’s first Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) textile recycling program, marking a significant step forward in the state’s efforts to combat waste and promote sustainability.

Modtissimo promotes sustainability with 28 coordinates in the Green Circle

Modtissimo is proving more and more to be a textile and clothing show that delivers the latest innovations in the area of sustainability, with the iTechStyle Green Circle being the main showcase for companies' creations. In this 60+4 edition, taking place on 12 and 13 September, 28 coordinates will be exhibited in a section organised by CITEVE and curated by Paulo Gomes.

The EU and Egypt team up to mobilise private sector investments at Investment Conference and sign a Memorandum of Understanding underpinning €1 billion in macro-financial assistance for Egypt

At the EU-Egypt Investment Conference, co-organised by the EU and the Government of Egypt on 29-30 June, the EU and Egypt are teaming up to intensify private sector investments in Egypt. They are also signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the disbursement to Egypt of up to €1 billion in Macro-Financial Assistance.

Reifenhäuser wins German Design Award for new user interface

At K 2025 in Düsseldorf, the Reifenhäuser Group unveiled its new company-wide machine user interface, which offers a uniform design language for blown film, flat film, and nonwoven lines – and stands out for its particularly simple operation. The overall concept impressed not only customers, but also the jury of the German Design Awards, who honored the system with the prestigious design prize during the trade fair.

Lenze at ITMA Asia 2025: Smart, Robust and Cost-Efficient Motor Drive System IE5/IE6 for the Textile Future

At the world's largest trade fair for textile and apparel technology, ITMA Asia (October 28-31, 2025 in Singapore), Lenze will be presenting innovative automation solutions for the textile value chain in Hall 7, Stand B201. The focus will be on energy-efficient drive packages, modular machine concepts and scalable software solutions - developed for mechanical engineers and end users who rely on sustainable technologies. Lenze has been a reliable partner to the textile industry for over 77 years.

Toray develops recycling technology that retains carbon fiber strength and surface quality

Toray Industries, Inc., announced today that it has developed a recycling technology that can decompose diverse carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) made from thermosetting resins while retaining the strength and surface quality of those fibers. The company drew on this technology to create a nonwoven fabric employing recycled carbon fibers.

Panty liners prevent bacterial vaginosis

Worldwide, almost one third of women of childbearing age suffer from bacterial vaginosis. This is when the sensitive microbiome of the vagina becomes unbalanced. Such a disorder of the vaginal flora can cause urogenital infections, abscesses on the ovaries or fallopian tubes or premature births. This significantly increases the risk of infertility in women and of contracting a sexually transmitted disease or HIV.

PERFORMANCE DAYS sets benchmarks with record attendance & strong industry presence

With around 4,500 professional visitors and 515 exhibitors, PERFORMANCE DAYS closed its doors on October 30, 2025, after two highly successful days in Munich. Expanded show areas, an international audience, a top-class Expert Talks program, and an inspiring DAY 0 Conference with an innovative concept underlined one thing clearly: PERFORMANCE DAYS has become the leading business platform for the functional textile industry.