ITMF conference concludes successfully in Bali

The four-day conference hosted panel discussions and Q&A sessions apart from presentations on various issues in the textile value chain.

On September 13, the conference kicked-off with a meeting of the directors of ITMF member associations, associate and corporate members. Dr. William Humphries of Humphries Scientific, Australia and Peter Kreitals of Kreitals Progressive Business Advise, conducted a workshop on 'Managing Innovation Risks' on the second day. It was an opportunity for the participants to get a better understanding of innovation risk and ideas to increase the chances of innovation projects creating value for their companies. The day witnessed meetings of the Spinners Committee, Joint Cotton Committee and Fibres & Applications (F&A) Committee and traditional Fibers Session on cotton and man-made fibers.

In the opening session of the third day, Jas Bedi, president, ITMF, Kenya, talked about the changing global consumption patterns and the growing per capita consumption in developing countries such as China and India. "The per capita consumption of all fibres will further increase because China’s own consumption is expected to grow from current 18 kgs to 25 kgs (similar to Europe) and India’s consumption will rise from the current 5 kgs to 15 kgs. Whilst the US remains the largest consumer with 39 kgs per capita, the global consumption patterns will change by 2025," said Bedi.

Indonesia’s textile-related exports are projected to reach $15 billion by 2019 and will employ 3.11 million people, said the country's industry minister Airlangga Hartanto on the general session on textile industry in Indonesia. The industry ministry predicted that textile and textile products exports will grow around 11 per cent annually. The sector is estimated to contribute $12.09 billion to the economy in 2017 and $13.5 billion in 2018. By 2017 end, this sector can absorb up to 2.73 million workers, and increase that to 2.95 million in 2018.

The general director of ITMF Christian Schindler talked about the global textile (machinery) industry in disruptive times. "Since the last few years, the textile industry in Indonesia has experienced stable growth. It has the potential to grow efficiently in the future. However, textile production in Africa, America and Europe has more potential due to technology, fast trends, and reduced cost differentials and circular economy," said Schindler.

"Fast fashion and e-commerce have transformed the textiles industry fundamentally, Industry 4.0 is becoming a reality much faster than expected, political patterns are undergoing fundamental change (nationalism and protectionism), and environmental challenges are more visible than ever," Schindler added.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India