Source: www.fibre2fashion.com
The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) Annual Conference 2023, held from November 4–6, 2023, drew to a close in Keqiao, China, marking a significant event co-hosted by the China National Textile and Apparel Council (CNTAC) and the Shaoxing Municipal People’s Government. In a ceremony that celebrated innovation and sustainability, the ITMF Start-up Awards were presented for the second time, recognising six start-ups for their groundbreaking contributions to the textile industry.
The awards aim to bridge the gap between emerging start-ups and established entities in the textile value chain, fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration. The winners, evaluated by an international jury, excelled in criteria spanning business propositions, sustainability, recyclability, digitalisation, and efficiency. They showcased their ideas in a dedicated ‘Start-up Session’ during the conference, ITMF said in a press release.
Furthermore, the ITMF Awards were presented in the categories of ‘Sustainability & Innovation’ and ‘International Cooperation’. These awards highlight the industry’s commitment to the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, celebrating achievements in sustainable practices, innovation, and international collaborations that foster progress and create win-win situations.
Furthermore, the ITMF International Cooperation Award 2023 recognised partnerships that fostered innovation and sustainable practices. Winners included Kelheim Fibres from Germany and Santoni from Italy for their advanced machine technology paired with performance viscose fibres; Lenzing from Austria and Södra from Sweden for enabling the circular textile industry; Magnolab from Italy for setting up a textile innovation district; Satori from Germany for accelerating international growth for fabric mills through B2B e-commerce; and the Sustainable Terms of Trade Initiative (STAR Network Asia) for their project focused on improving purchasing practices.
