The global textile industry is heading toward more vertical companies. Therefore, it is of utmost
interest to know the latest trends not only in machinery manufacturing, but also in further fabric
processing. And Cologne, Germany, is again the place to meet for the international apparel society:
It’s IMB time.
The organizers, Koelnmesse GmbH, will present IMB – World of Textile Processing April 21-24
in Cologne. IMB is without any doubt the most important trade show for processing of all kinds of
textiles – not only apparel, home textiles and upholstered furniture, but also technical textiles
in all their forms. This year, IMB will again present an extensive spectrum of products and
services that is unparalleled anywhere in the world.
Full Range To Be Seen
IMB 2009 will present to its visitors from all over the world the most extensive range of
high technology and information technology solutions and services for the flexible materials
processing industries. Suppliers from nearly 40 countries will present their latest developments
and refinements for nearly every step along the textile value chain, fulfilling the individual
needs and requirements of day-to-day production.
Suppliers and customers also will focus on more in-depth tasks. The worldwide rise of
production and transport energy prices, raw materials shortages, and concern for the health and
safety of workers will be important elements of planning and construction. Germany is one of the
leading nations in Europe for energy saving, preserving natural resources, and human ecology; and
is therefore the pioneering supplier in the area of machine and plant construction.
This future mega-trend also is the topic of “Future Talk” at the IMB Forum 2009, whose motto
is “Future Opportunities: Ecology and Sustainability.” Koelnmesse, is cooperating with IMB’s
conceptual sponsor, the German Engineering Federation (VDMA) Garment and Leather Technology
Association, to address these topics. The topics will be covered in all the presentations, but the
organizers are aware that it will only be possible to provide impulses rather than offering the
audience finished solutions.
Environmental Protection Implemented
In the apparel industry, environmental protection has been implemented for years. For
example, the amount of certified organic cotton in clothing collections is increasing
(See ”
The
Rupp Report: In Search Of New Business,” April 7, 2009). Fair trade is not just a
marketing instrument, but a serious voluntary obligation to pay real market prices for good work
and products. For example, sustainability through the use of renewable raw materials includes using
kapok, whereby some of the sales revenues from these products fund environmental projects like
reforestation of the rain forests. Other clothing manufacturers give some of their revenues to
various eco-activists’ projects instead of merely increasing the earnings of top models.
Elgar Straub, managing director of the VDMA Garment and Leather Technology Association, said
IMB is still the most important platform for exchanging ideas: “Where else can market participants
find the opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss feasible future concepts at a high international
level, than at IMB?”
Against The Negative Trend
More than ever, an intensive exchange of information and knowledge is essential to face the
actual difficulties. Therefore, Koelnmesse sees IMB 2009 as the ideal tool for exhibitors to
successfully counteract the negative tendencies caused by the current economic climate. “Trade
fairs are an anti-cyclical marketing medium. They are especially important during unfavorable
economic conditions, as they provide the necessary opportunity to exchange ideas and try to find
solutions for the future together,” the organizers said.
The Supporting Program
Presentation topics will cover all areas of the textile value chain and will range from
software parameters for the creation of sewing patterns and insights into product lifecycle
management, right through to the trendy topic of radio frequency identification. An outline of the
program with times, topics, and speakers is available online at
www.imb-cologne.com/thefair/speakers_corner.php.
When IMB 2009 opens its doors in Cologne, trade visitors from around the world will use the
leading sector platform to exchange information and engage in important discussions about the
current challenges the textile processing industry is facing.
For more information, visit
www.imb-cologne.com.
April 21, 2009
