Italian textile machinery production experienced substantial growth in 2022, with a notable increase of 13% amounting to €2.7 billion, while exports soared by 15% reaching €2.3 billion. These encouraging figures were revealed at the general assembly of the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers (ACIMIT), where Alessandro Zucchi, the former president, shared industry data.
The positive trajectory in the Italian textile machinery sector marks another successful year following the growth recorded in 2021. However, the latter half of 2022 witnessed some uncertainties, reflecting the prevailing macroeconomic conditions that impacted Italy’s textile machinery industry, showing signs of a general slowdown. Nonetheless, industry experts are optimistic that the recently concluded ITMA exhibition, held in Milan in June, will serve as a catalyst for further growth in 2023.
The ITMA exhibition in Italy was a resounding success, attracting a significant number of visitors, exceeding 111,000 attendees. The event not only showcased cutting-edge technological innovations but also highlighted the crucial role of innovation in the textile machinery sector. According to Alessandro Zucchi, “Innovation is the discriminating element between those who look to the future with optimism and those who will instead be forced to follow in pursuit.”
Innovation will continue to be a driving force in the industry, especially in light of the strategies outlined by the European Union’s Green Deal. With the European Commission’s focus on “sustainable and circular products,” the textile machinery sector is poised to embrace these initiatives and align with the defined legislative and regulatory frameworks. This holistic approach spans the entire lifecycle of a product, encompassing design, production, and waste management. Italian textile companies are ready to tackle this challenge by leveraging innovative machinery and systems.
Italian machinery manufacturers have taken the lead in introducing new technology trends at ITMA, and their collaboration with the entire textile supply chain has resulted in significant advancements. This includes the development of the Green Label, the Digital Ready initiative, and the recent introduction of the Recyclability Index for machinery. These initiatives are pivotal in fostering a more eco-friendly fashion industry that operates with greater efficiency and circularity.
During the general assembly, Marco Salvadè was appointed as the new president of ACIMIT, succeeding Alessandro Zucchi. Salvadè will play a crucial role in driving the association’s agenda, which includes fostering innovation, sustainability, and collaboration within the textile machinery sector.
The growth of Italian textile machinery production and exports in 2022 demonstrates the industry’s resilience and adaptability to changing market dynamics. With a firm focus on innovation and sustainability, Italian manufacturers are well-positioned to contribute to the global textile industry’s transformation towards a greener and more technologically advanced future.