Future Strategy of VDMA Members: Efficiency, Digitalization and Circularity
News: Dilek Hayırlı
The German Textile Machinery Association (VDMA) announced the future strategies of its members at the ITMA 2023. According to this; German manufacturers focus on three core areas: efficiency, digitalisation and circularity.
VDMA held a press conference at the ITMA 2023 Fair held in Milan on 8-14 June. At the meeting where the future strategies of VDMA members were announced, some companies including Oerlikon, Saurer, Dornier and Thies introduced their products where they presented at the ITMA and textile recycling technologies.
15% of the Total Participants of ITMA 2023 were German Companies
VDMA Head of Public Relations and International Markets Nicolai Strauch, who made the opening speech of the press conference, said that as a union, they are determined to use all resources used in textile production responsibly. Strauch stated that 110 VDMA member companies have created the technical prerequisites for more efficient reuse and recycling of textiles in all fields from spinning to nonwoven, from weaving to knitting, from warp knitting to finishing. Strauch also stated that Germany has created a strong German presence at ITMA with 200 participating companies totalling for 15% of the total participants.
German Textile Machinery Manufacturers Exported 2.8 Billion Euros in 2022
Janpeter Horn, Managing Director of August Herzog Maschinenfabrik, shared the textile machinery production and export figures of Germany in 2022 in his speech. According to this; Germany increased its production from 3 billion euros in 2021 to 3.2 billion euros in 2022. Exports, which were 2.7 billion euros in 2021, reached 2.8 billion euros. The countries to which Germany exports the most in 2022 are respectively; China (707 million euros), India (351 million euros), Turkey (344 million euros), European Union countries (269 million euros) and the United States (266 million euros).
Noting that the concerns in the market remain, Horn confirmed that although the Indian market had grown for the VDMA, there has been a slip with the Chinese market. Horn said; “Our books are full and we’re still experiencing backlogs, but prospects are still bright.”
Harald Weber, General Manager of VDMA, said that VDMA makes digitalization a necessity for its members, companies connect machines to each other and standardize interfaces. Companies have done this by providing a centralized overview of devices, standardizing business management, and exchanging processes for information.
Oerlikon Achieved CHF 2.9 Billion in Sales in 2022
After the speeches, the companies made presentations about the products they will exhibit at the ITMA. André Wissenberg, Oerlikon Vice President, Head of Marketing, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, presented his statistics, including growth factors. According to this; Man-made fibers grew by 4%, driven by population growth and affluence, better availability, lower resource intensity and superior product characteristics.
Oerlikon Group achieved sales of CHF 2.9 billion in 2022. 55% of sales were to the Asia Pacific region, 28% to Europe and 17% to the Americas. The company, which has 12 thousand 74 employees, invested CHF 113 million in R&D in 2022.
André Wissenberg said that the Oerlikon Neumag EvoSteam Process, which they introduced at the ITMA 2023 Fair, allows more than 12% higher efficiency returns, 8% energy savings, 50% waste and 20% lowered CO2 footprint. Wissenberg added that Oerlikon is prepared to enable the path to PET recycling technology.
Saurer’s Autocoro Saves 38% Energy
Saurer Group CEO Uwe Rondé underlined that they focus on energy efficiency in their machines. Stating that they apply the E3 (Energy, Economic and Ergonomic) formula in their machines, Rondé explained that the rotor spinning machine Autocoro has achieved 38% energy savings in 15 years.
Dornier Allocates 8% of Sales to R&D
Dornier Technologies presented its new machine designs for Dornier air-jet technologies, type AWS4/E D10 for sun protection with an article from Sattler SUN-TEX as well as its digital outlook and concept for Dornier Weaving services and technologies.
Wolfgang Schöffl, Dornier Weaving Machines Production Line Director gave a company overview that stated its total sales for 2022 accumulated to EU€370m, with its incoming orders for 2023 amounting to EU€442m. Schöffl said: “Dornier is on a sustainable mission to have sustainability as a corporate strategy through both having a low carbon footprint due to local supply chains and manufacturing in Lindau, Germany. And, by having long lasting technologies for weaving machines with a long life cycle still generating reliable quality after many decades in operation.” He added that around 8% of Dornier’s annual sales flow into research and development.
Thies Signature Series will allow for a 25% reduction in water usage, 23% reduction in CO2
Verena Thies, General Manager of Thies, unveiled a new Signature Series for the company, which it said is going to open a new chapter in fabric coloration. The technology will allow for a 25% reduction in water usage, 25% reduction in steam, 23% reduction in CO2. It also offers a 50% chemical reduction, 20% dyestuff reduction and up to 82% reduction in Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), according to Thies. She said: “The Signature Series offers a holistic concept.” Its applicable for all types of fibres, styles and forms, offers excellent colourfastness, uniform levelness with no limitations for colour and shade ranges.
