The leading textile and garment manufacturing technology showcase that takes place from 12-19 November in Milan, will be complemented by a wide range of knowledge sharing events that will feature discussions on issues that impact the industry’s sustainability.

Among the exciting events are the Textile Colourant and Chemical Leaders Forum and Nonwovens Forum at ITMA 2015.

Textile Colourant and Chemical Leaders Forum

Launched at ITMA 2011, the forum was a success, drawing lively participation from colour and chemical professionals, and fashion and sports brand owners from around the world. This year, the agenda will focus on sustainability in dyeing and finishing processes and participants will be updated on industry opportunities and best practices.

Covering a comprehensive range of issues, such as current challenges, solutions and future trends, the one-day forum on is divided into three sessions:

• The issue: topics related to chemical pollution and environmental issues and how these impact the market place
• The solution: how does the supply chain respond
• The future: what are the trends and/or game changers moving forward

Sustainable supply chain

“Topics to be covered include the chemical/colourant suppliers’ response to current environmental issues, updates on REACH regulation, new dyeing and printing technologies and their impact in a more sustainable supply chain,” said Alessandro Gigli, board member of the Association of Italian Textile Chemists and Colourists, who chairs the forum programme committee.

“We have received many paper submissions as there is strong interest in sustainability issues impacting the textile and garment industry. We hope the forum will be a focal point for meaningful dialogues which will contribute to improvements in this sector.”

Nonwovens Forum

The Nonwovens Forum at ITMA is jointly organised by EDANA and MP Expositions. The forum will address pertinent issues, challenges and opportunities in the rapidly evolving world of nonwovens.

“The programme is built around the theme – Nonwovens: A World of Growth and Opportunities. Presentations on the latest applications and finishings will benefit ITMA visitors who are involved in or have the intention to move into nonwovens manufacturing,” said Pierre Conrath, Sustainability & Public Affairs Director, EDANA (Belgium), who will kick-off the forum with an introduction on the nonwovens industry.

“Participants will find it very useful to be able to visit the ITMA exhibition and view many of the technologies on show at the exhibition.”

Exploring nonwovens

The first session will focus on applications and technologies for nonwovens:

• Overview of Nonwoven Production Technologies and Applications
• From Melt to Nonwoven: Spunbond Lines for Technical Applications
• Nonwoven Production Lines Installed

The second session explores added value ingredients and finishing for nonwovens:

• Spin Finishes and Additives in the Production of Nonwovens
• Added Value Through Selected Functionalisation of Nonwovens
• Advantages of Ultrasonic in Web Splicing Applications
• Striking Colours and Performance for PP SpunMelt Nonwovens
• The Nonwovens Industry and Markets in Numbers

Programme features

In addition to the forums, ITMA participants can gain valuable insights into new technologies and research at the Research & Innovation Pavilion’s Speakers Platform. ITMA 2015 will also feature the World Textile Summit, a high-level knowledge sharing platform on 13 November. Co-located with ITMA 2015 is the Digital Textile Conference on 15 November.

 ITMA 2015 showcases end-to-end solutions for the entire textile and garment making chain. The exhibition has a gross size of over 200,000 square metres. To-date, over 1,500 exhibitors from 47 economies have signed up to take part in the exhibition.

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