Recently, experts, industry leaders, and international business representatives from eight countries and regions, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Portugal, Austria, Australia, Singapore, and Japan, gathered in Keqiao, Shaoxing, China, to attend the 2024 International Textile Innovation Conference. Focusing on four core topics “Innovation Environment, Materials, Artificial Intelligence, and Production Processes,” the guests discussed leading trends in industry innovation, aiming to promote the transformation and optimization of the global textile supply chain.

Yan Yan, Vice President of the China National Textile and Apparel Council, emphasized that the global textile industry should be driven by innovation, integrate with contemporary trends, build a more open, eco-friendly, and dynamic value chain, accelerate the establishment of future industry pattern, and merge with emerging technologies to create multidimensional innovation spaces.

“In recent years, Keqiao has been actively building a modern ‘international textile city’, prioritizing ‘innovation and talent development’ as its main strategy, steadily enhancing its scientific and technological innovation capabilities.” Zhang Song, Deputy District Mayor of the People’s Government of Keqiao District, Shaoxing, stated that Keqiao is actively developing a high-level strategic innovation platform for the textile industry, cultivating a team of innovators in this field, and advancing in-depth integration of production, academia, research, and application within the textile sector.

In the “Innovative Environment” segment, Nicole van der Elst Desai (founder of VDE Consulting), André Wissenberg (Vice President and Head of Marketing, Corporate Communications, and Public Affairs at Oerlikon), and Matthias Gluth (Managing Director of the Austrian Fibre Research Institute) discussed topics such as the textile industry’s challenges, regulations, and sustainable supply chains. They advocated for re-forming industry and working methods, advancing digital construction, clarifying responsibility accountability, and balancing sustainable development with economic growth.

Thamires Pontes (founder and CEO of Phycolabs), Mingzhong Hu (Sales Manager of CELYS China), and Callie Clayton (Vice President of Global Apparel at Spiber) shared innovative fibre materials derived from seaweed, protein, and other raw materials. These high-yield and biodegradable products are expected to support sustainable transformation in the textile industry and offer innovative choices for the global textile market.

On the topic of “Artificial Intelligence,” Yannis Paniaras (Principal Design Lead, Microsoft Digital Studio), Charles Allard Jr (Founder and CEO of Delvify), and Orlando Ribas Fernandes (Founder and CEO of Fashable) analysed key aspects of applying AI to textiles and digital products, how AI collaborates efficiently with designers, and the value of AI in streamlining the supply chain and improving business efficiency.

Focusing on “Production Processes,” Yue Chen (Chief Manager (China), Datatex), Spasenija Božanić (ERP Project Manager, Toscana Systems), and Daniela Rondinone (Textile Specialist, DR Consultancy) presented company-specific process optimization solutions, including integrated ERP systems for textile design, automated printing industry processes, and production and application paths for leather alternatives. These solutions aim to help companies increase production efficiency and achieve stable and long-term growth in the industry.

Mark Jarvis, Managing Director of WTiN, concluded that technology, products, and production and operation models can bring more benefits to enterprises during the innovation process. The industry should actively explore effective ways to expand textile production capacity and clarify specific strategies to achieve production goals, bringing more diversified options for consumers.

Company Name: China Textile Information Center

Contact Person: HE Xiaoying

Email:hexiaoying@ctic.org.cn

State: Beijing

Country: China

Website: www.ctic.org.cn