Chinese Textile Machinery Manufacturers Pandemic Prescription: Investing in R&D and Innovation
Interview:Dilek Hayırlı
Chinese textile machinery manufacturers, who could not attend the fairs for the last 3 years due to the pandemic, participated in the ITMA 2023 intensively. More than 230 manufacturers exhibited their smart textile machines, recycling and waste reduction technologies, advanced nonwoven fabric machines and waterless dyeing machines at ITMA 2023.
The textile industry is one of China’s leading sectors. China, the world’s largest textile and ready-to-wear exporter, had a difficult time due to the Covid-19 epidemic that started in the country in the first quarter of 2020 and spread all over the world. In China, which produces more than a third of all clothing and textile products in the world, factories were closed and production stopped. The negativities in the supply chains and the increases in the prices of cotton and other commodities adversely affected the sector. Textile machinery manufacturers in China, who could not participate in international fairs for a long time due to the closures, participated in the ITMA 2023 intensively.
We interviewed Noel Tian, Managing Director of Shanghai Tengda Exhibition Co.,Ltd. for our Tekstil Teknoloji magazine. We talked with Tian about the latest developments in the Chinese textile machinery industry after the pandemic, the Turkish market and the ITMA 2023.
How Chinese Textile Machinery Manufacturers prepared for the ITMA 2023. Could you tell us about the latest technologies they will exhibit at the exhibition?
After the pandemic period in the past years, we saw that exhibitors can’t wait to show their latest innovation and technology at ITMA 2023. Smart textile machinery, Recycling and waste reduction technologies, Advanced non-woven machines,Waterless dyeing and finishing machines, high speed and high definition digital printing machine, etc.
What are the expectations of Chinese Textile Machinery manufacturers from the ITMA 2023?
As a leading international exhibition for the textile machinery industry, the event provides an excellent platform for Chinese manufacturers to showcase their latest technologies and innovations to a global audience. We know that Chinese textile machinery manufacturers have high expectations for ITMA 2023. By showcasing their advanced textile technologies, expanding their business network, accessing new markets, and fostering innovations, they aim to continue playing an important role in the global textile industry.
What industrial and economic challenges are currently impacting Chinese companies, and how are they responding to them?
Currently, there are several industrial and economic challenges that are impacting the industyr. One of the primary challenges is the ongoing trade tensions, which have resulted in higher import costs.
Chinese textile machinery companies are responding to these challenges in several ways. The most important way is , they are investing heavily in R&D and technology innovation to create more advanced, efficient, and environmentally friendly machinery to cater to customers’ evolving requirements. Sustainability is the future of textile and apparel industry, many are already.
Overall, while Chinese textile machinery companies face significant challenges, they are working tirelessly to overcome them by adapting to the changing economic and industrial landscape, investing in technology and innovation, and diversifying their operations.
ITMA focuses on automation, digital future, advanced appliances, sustainability/circularity and innovative technologies. In this context, which of the products to be exhibited by Chinese companies came to the fore?
We are happy that we really get too many information to talk about, like Recycling and waste reduction technologies that support sustainability and circularity in textile production. For instance, Chinese textile machine companies could showcase equipment for recycling and upcycling textile waste, such as shredding machines, carding machines, and needle-punching machines.
Waterless dyeing and finishing machines, which rely on innovative and environmentally friendly processes to reduce water usage and eliminate pollution. These machines could include Digital printing, plasma treatment machines, and other innovative finishing equipment.
Smart textile machinery that incorporates internet of things technology, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics to optimize production and improve quality control. Chinese textile companies could showcase machines equipped with sensors, software, and other data analytics tools that offer real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance. Automated and digitized textile machinery, such as automated knitting machines, computer-controlled embroidery machines, and digitized weaving machines, which enable precision, speed, and flexibility in textile production.
Advanced non-woven machines that use innovative materials and processes to achieve better quality and efficiency in fabric production. This could include high-speed needlepunch machines, spunlace machines, meltblown machines, and airlaid machines.
How was the ITMA 2023 Fair for Chinese companies? Did it meet your expectations? How was the interest of the visitors in the products exhibited by the companies?
ITMA 2023 was a very successful fair as we saw, I believe most Chinese exhibitors also meet their expectations. Visitors are impressed about the technology and innovation exhibited by Chinese exhibitors, especially the sustainability related machines.
“Turkey is an Important Market for Chinese Textile Machinery Manufacturers”
Can we listen from you about the importance of the Turkish Market for Chinese Textile Machinery Sector?
Definitely the Turkish market is one of the most important market for Chinese Textile Machinery Manufacturers. Turkey is a significant player in the global textile industry and has a large textile manufacturing base. The country has a rich textile history and is known for producing high-quality apparel, textiles, and home textiles.
For Chinese textile machinery manufacturers, Turkey represents a significant market opportunity due to the country’s robust textile industry. With many textile manufacturing companies in Turkey looking to upgrade their machinery and adopt new technologies, there is a significant demand for advanced and innovative textile machinery.
The strategic location of Turkey between Europe and Asia offers an excellent opportunity for Chinese textile machinery manufacturers to expand their business into a promising huge market. In response to this, Chinese textile machinery manufacturers are increasing their presence in Turkey to better serve the Turkish textile industry and explore new opportunities for growth.
In conclusion, the Turkish market is one of the most important market for Chinese textile machinery manufacturers due to the country’s significant textile industry, demand for advanced machinery, and initiatives to support cooperation between Turkish and Chinese textile industries.
“Chinese Textile Machinery Manufacturers Will Provide Strong Participation in ITM 2024”
Turkey is a very important market for Chinese textile machinery manufacturers. Due to the pandemic, Chinese machinery manufacturers could not participate in the ITM held in 2022. What would you say about the ITM 2024 Exhibition to be held next year? How will Chinese manufacturers prepare for the exhibition?
We’ve already seen a overwhelming demand to ITM 2024 from Chinese exhibitors,
The ITM Exhibition is one must-attend international event for the textile industry.
Given the challenges posed by the pandemic and the inability of Chinese machinery manufacturers to participate in the ITM 2022 Exhibition, Chinese manufacturers are much more motivated to make a strong showing in the ITM 2024 Exhibition. In preparation for the exhibition, Chinese textile machinery manufacturers are likely to focus on developing innovative and sustainable machinery products that meet the needs of the Turkish and middle Asian market.
Chinese manufacturers are also likely to collaborate with Turkish textile companies and suppliers to create new business opportunities and strengthen partnerships. This will enable them to better understand the local market and tailor their products and services to meet specific customer needs.
ITM already plays an important role in the international textile machinery market and act as the wind vane in Turkey and Middle Asia, there’s no double that ITM 2024 will be one successful fair again. As there are already so many demands from the exhibitors from different countries to ITM 2024 and the exhibition space is limited, we do hope every Chinese machinery exhibitors can have the chance to exhibit ITM 2024.
