Visits: 27
Recycling and increasing machine life is to be the feature in ITMA 2023
Swiss Textile Machinery Association in the recently concluded Pre-ITMA Press Conference in Berne Switzerland – with ITMA 2023 fast approaching – highlighted innovation is the way forward to be more sustainable to better contribute to the EU goal for circularity by 2030.
Members of Swiss Textile Machinery members in their presentations and panel discussions stressed that they have the innovative strength and commitment to providing the textile industry with the sustainable solutions it is craving – with Swiss textile machinery companies, the ‘inventor gene’ leads to adding value for customers.
They also highlighted that the sheer innovative spirit of the Swiss has been established many times through inventions traversing various fields of human experience. Their impact on the global textile industry has been among the most notable, with continuous and significant developments. Swiss textile machinery companies have been at the core of this naturally-evolving tradition of inventiveness. While automation brings reliability and efficiency, eventually saving costs to produce the right quality consistently. And Swiss companies are already specialized in many of these disciplines.
Ernesto Maurer, President, Swiss Textile Machinery Association and President, CEMATEX stressed that as the EU’s transition to a circular economy is growing to ensure reduced pressure on natural resources, create sustainable growth and jobs – being the leader in innovation and sustainability – it is Swiss Textile Machinery Association’s priority to contribute more to it by providing the necessary innovative technology which will cater the recycling demand and retrofitted solutions to increase machine lifetime.
Highlighting the legacy of Swiss Textile Machinery, Maurer said, “The Swiss textile machinery industry has evolved and in the process has become stronger, constituting a robust pillar in the framework of European textile machine manufacturing today. In line with its centuries-old tradition, Switzerland has continuously developed its export business. Through their numerous international subsidiaries, Swiss textile machine manufacturers control far more than is revealed by national customs statistics.”
“In terms of reducing environmental impact – sustainability and innovation go hand in hand and are essential in the textile industry. Nevertheless, innovation needs to be reinforced by an economic foundation to be sustainable. And Swiss technology is recognized for being both sustainable and economical, making it an excellent choice for the textile industry,” Ernesto Maurer added.
Cornelia Buchwalder, Secretary General, Swiss Textile Machinery said, “Swiss Textile Machinery Association aims to achieve at ITMA – would be to assure visitors that Switzerland is seen in the vanguard of progress in both sophisticated digital solutions and sustainable solutions. Sustainability has a double meaning for us: the ability to offer continuing benefits and enduring performance for our customers while embracing every aspect of sustainable production to the highest standards of environmental responsibility.”
Dr. Marcus Rennekamp, Managing Director – Head of Business Unit Open-End Spinning, Saurer in his presentation said, “It is astonishing that the textile industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions. Despite that, only 1% of used textile is recycled.”
“Circular economy is one of the measures the textile industry can take – as EU has brought forward the Strategy for Sustainable Textiles – Vision 2030. Where, New Eco-design, Digital Passport, and extended producer responsibility scheme for waste will get priority. Textile technologies that turn old textiles into new fabrics will be the key driver in the market.”
“Thus future textile machinery needs to offer a longer lifetime and re-usability, be easier to repair and recycle – will be the ultimate game changer,” Rennekamp added.
“Saurer is transforming the world of textiles towards circularity. Saurer is a key enabler of the transformation; offering a full portfolio of machines for the production of sustainable yarns. Its pre-spinning solutions are flexible solutions for recycled fibers in blowing/carding.”
Narayanan Sivakumar, Executive Vice President, Marketing & Business Development, Uster Technologies AG said, “The European Union has defined a strategy for sustainable and circular textile production, to make the sector greener and more competitive under 2030 Vision. It is an unavoidable fact that blending virgin and recycled cotton will make some quality parameters worse. To cope with the risks, better communication and a common understanding are needed throughout the textile value chain.”
“Uster’s common language of quality will be – once more – vital in improving communication throughout the textile industry. For 66 years, Uster Statistics has been the only globally accepted quality benchmark and the foundation for industry-wide quality improvement. The new edition, to be launched at ITMA 2023, includes for the first time a section for recycled yarn.”
Häfeli Franziska, Head Marketing & Systems Rieter Machines and Systems, Rieter said, “EU’s goal for circularity by 2030 stipulates us on recycling fiber. But we have a lot of challenges in the textile fiber recycling sector. With Rieter’s rotor spinning system for recycling – spinners have been using the rotor spinning process for decades for recycled material. Rotor spinning is best suited for processing material with high short-fiber content.”
“You are cordially invited to join the unveiling event at ITMA 2023 – where we will present for the first time ever key technology highlights,” Franziska added.
Natascha R. Meier, Senior Director Sales & Marketing at Santex Rimar AG said, “SANTEX RIMAR AG is the leader in technology for textile finishing of high-quality knitted fabrics, offering comprehensive systems of stand-alone machines for the treatment of tubular and open knitted fabrics. Santex’s goal is to maximize performance with low energy consumption to achieve low residual shrinkage, smoother handle and silk-like appearance. The lines are equipped with various energy-saving options, benefiting customers through sustainable production and low CO2 levels.”
André Imhof, CEO AUTEFA Solutions Switzerland said, “Our industry needs to reduce its carbon footprint, water consumption, recycling, circular economy, and energy savings are key to achieving these goals and innovative solutions need to be developed to meet these challenges. With our innovations, however, we can provide solutions to these challenges. As a result, the industry can continue to grow and prosper while contributing to a more sustainable future.”
Mutti Matteo, Managing Director, Itema Switzerland said, “Itema is a global leading provider of advanced weaving solutions, including weaving machines, OEM spare parts, weaving accessories, and integrated services.”
“ITMA 2023 will take place in Milan, Italy, which is our Group home country. Therefore, we are excited to welcome visitors from all over the world and we are working to guarantee them the best possible experience at the event.”
Mutti added, “At ITMA 2023, Itema will present a full range of solutions developed to make our customers’ life easier while providing them with tangible benefits in terms of textile mastery, Eco-efficiency, digitalization and easy weaving.”
Schoeler Rolf Erik, Global Head of Sales and Marketing, Benninger AG said, “Benninger aims to become the complete system supplier with leading technology for continuous wet processing, and discontinuous dyeing and remain the leader for solutions for the tire cord industry. We take seriously our responsibility towards sustainable textile production and have always stood for textile finishing plants that are particularly resource efficient.”
Legler Fritz, Textile Global Head of Marketing, Sales and Service WPS; Textile Marketing Officer, Stäubli Technology highlighted that Stäubli Group has a passion for innovation and in ITMA 2023, we will exhibit some impressive innovations. With core competencies in shedding (cam motions, dobbies, and Jacquard machines) and weaving preparation (drawing-in, leasing, and warp-tying machines).
Lerch Christian, Head of Global Sales and Marketing, Jakob Müller AG said, “Jakob Müller AG is transforming the world of textiles into digital and sustainable technologies.”
Oswald Barbara, Head of Assessment Textile and Accessories, Bluesign said, “The word sustainability – in terms of energy, water, resources – how many times we hear the word. And all the new rules and regulations also coming up. But above all, it is the togetherness of the whole supply chain as well – to commit to sustainability as well. Bluesign joined Swiss Textile Machinery as a member because, as I said earlier, we all are part of the whole value chain. We feel that textile machinery needs to be part of our system. As a whole, we want a sustainable index – not only for textile chemistry – but also for the machinery sector as well.”
Meier Sandra, Head Products & Solutions, Loepfe said, “In today’s world, sustainability is becoming more and more important and finding ways to reduce energy, and waste is paramount. Sustainable management of limited resources is directly linked to corporate success for our customers. Be it the successful achievement of corporate or environmental goals. Loepfe’s clearers utilize the latest sensor technologies to monitor yarn. Mill and quality managers have full flexibility in balancing targeted yarn quality vs. contingent productivity losses.”
“Loepfe Brothers Ltd. develop sensors and actuators to support machine manufacturers and production mills in their routine challenges. New sensors such as those presented by Loepfe at ITMA 2019 and ITMA 2023 set new benchmarks,” Meier Sandra added.
Franganillo d Guillermo, Regional Sales Manager, Luwa Air Engineering said, “Founded in 1935, Luwa is focused on environmental and social sustainability.”
The two-day press meeting also included some panel discussions and other activities.
