ITMA 2023
(Source: dfv/mm)
The 19th edition of the world’s largest textile and garment technology exhibition, ITMA 2023, has opened in Milan/Italy, unveiling a definitive showcase of cutting-edge technologies presented by 1,709 exhibitors from 47 countries.
Spanning 200,000 m² of exhibition space, the ITMA 2023 is the biggest textile machinery exhibition in the post-pandemic era. Highlighted on the show floor are solutions on advanced materials, automation and digital future, innovative technologies, and sustainability and circularity under the show theme, Transforming the World of Textiles.
The global pandemic has significantly impacted businesses across the industry. In response, exhibitors and visitors alike are leveraging the ITMA exhibition as a means to revive and rejuvenate their respective enterprises.
According to the European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers (CEMATEX), Zurich/Switzerland, the ITMA continues to be a sought-after platform for textile machinery manufacturers, with this year's exhibition receiving a 3% increase in net exhibit space compared to the ITMA 2019. This year the event welcomes new exhibitors from Tunisia, Estonia, Ireland, Norway, Ukraine, and as far as Panama, Peru, and Honduras.
Due to high demand, about 150 applicants were unable to be accommodated as some sectors were sold out after the space application deadline.
In keeping with tradition, the dates for the next ITMA were announced at the opening press conference of this year’s event. The next ITMA will be held in Hanover/Germany from September 16-22, 2027, at the Hannover Exhibition Center.
The last ITMA to be held in Germany took place in Munich in 2007.
Innovation launchpad
The ITMA 2023 features a wide display of manufacturing technologies and raw materials spread over 118,300 m² of net exhibit space. Visitors will be able to see newly launched machinery and products across 20 product sectors that will help in the digital and sustainable transformation of their business.
As in past editions, exhibitors from CEMATEX countries continue to have a strong presence on the show floor. A total of 867 exhibitors booked 63% of the net exhibit space. The largest contingent of 422 exhibitors comes from Italy, formed by the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers (ACIMIT), Milan. Italian exhibitors occupy the largest space at 30% of the space.
The next biggest group of exhibitors come from Germany. A total of 198 German exhibitors booked 15% of the space. The third largest group is from Turkey with 191 exhibitors taking up 12% of the space.
Exhibitors from other non-CEMATEX countries with sizeable participation are China (7% of space by 231 exhibitors) and India (6% of space by 181 exhibitors).
Comprehensive product sectors
With the inclusion of a new product sector – textile composites – there is a comprehensive range of technologies and services.
The top 5 sectors in terms of participation are: Finishing - 329 exhibitors; Spinning - 257 exhibitors; Weaving - 161 exhibitors; Printing - 146 exhibitors; Knitting - 128 exhibitors.
Although not in the top sectors, the recycling and software sectors have attracted greater interest. In this edition, both sectors have seen a doubling of exhibit space. The number of exhibitors has also increased to 31 for the recycling sector, and 47 for the software sector.
Innovation spotlight
The spotlight on innovation can be seen from various highlights at ITMA 2023. Among them is a new initiative that showcases young enterprises with game-changing solutions for the textile, garment, and fashion industry. The Start-Up Valley in Hall 3 features 15 companies selected by a panel of industry experts. All start-ups receive a CEMATEX grant to support their participation at the ITMA 2023.
Other highlights at the exhibition include:
• Research & Innovation Lab
• ITMA Sustainable Innovation Award
• Innovator Xchange (June 9-13)
• ITMA Textile Colourants and Chemicals Forum (June 9)
• ITMA Nonwovens Forum (June 10)
Co-located industry events that enhance educational and networking opportunities among textile industrialists from around the world are:
• ZDHC Impact Day 2023 by ZDHC Foundation (June 11)
• Planet Textiles, Hosted by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (June 12-13)
