Interview with Mr. Charles Beauduin, ITMA Services Chairman

 

CT: As the first ITMA ASIA + CITME exhibition held in Singapore, what are the highlights of this show? Are there any activities planned for the exhibition?

Charles Beauduin: The first combined exhibition in Singapore will feature the unique selling proposition of an ITMA exhibition, such as live machinery demonstrations, and exhibits clustered in product sectors. As it is only a four-day exhibition, our exhibitors would like to concentrate on business and to present their technologies and solutions to the region’s buyers who don’t visit our Europe or China exhibitions. There is a highlight which will add value to our participants’ experience – The ITMA Sustainability Forum which is presented by CEMATEX on the third day of the exhibition.

 

CT: How many exhibitors are participating in this show, and could you share some key data about it?

Charles Beauduin: We are pleased to confirm the participation of about 800 exhibitors from 30 countries. The exhibition will gross 70,000 square metres at the Singapore Expo. China is the biggest country represented on the show floor, and finishing is our biggest sector. We will provide other key exhibition statistics at the show.

 

CT: How many European manufacturers are exhibiting at this event? What about companies from ASEAN countries? Which equipment manufacturers have the largest presence?

Charles Beauduin: More than one-third of the exhibitors are from Europe while there is only a handful of ASEAN exhibitors since there are few textile equipment makers. This is to be expected as Southeast Asia is buyer-oriented and not producers of textile machinery. The highest number of participants is from China, as mentioned earlier.

 

CT: The exhibition booths sold out very quickly. What motivates companies to participate in the exhibition?

Charles Beauduin: Asia is the world’s largest exporter of textiles and garments. Outside of China, the manufacturing hubs are concentrated in South and Southeast Asia. Therefore, many of the machinery manufacturers are using the combined exhibition to expand their market presence in the region.

 

CT: What impact might ITMA ASIA + CITME Singapore 2025 have on the global textile machinery market?

Charles Beauduin: The exhibition is a regional showcase and it has a specific market focus. Since buyers from this region are expected to invest in cutting-edge technologies to be competitive and to meet sustainability standards, we expect the exhibition will have a positive impact on the machinery market, but it would be difficult to predict the extent at this time since global challenges remain.

 

CT: What textile machinery technologies and trends should we pay attention to this year?

Charles Beauduin: Trending are sustainable and circular solutions which will greatly impact textile and garment production in the region. Due to regulatory and consumer demands, manufacturers will need to adopt green technologies and practices. Many of the exhibits on display at the October exhibition will have many of these green features incorporated in the latest machinery.

 

CT: What are the biggest challenges facing the global textile industry? How should manufacturers address these challenges?

Charles Beauduin: The geopolitical uncertainties is a major challenge facing the global textile industry. Such tensions disrupt supply chains and impact bottom lines. Unfortunately, this situation is something that manufacturers can’t control. Having said this, it would be important for manufacturers to leverage technology and best practices to build resilience and agility into their manufacturing operations.

There is also a new wave of complexity caused by sustainability concerns, as regulatory pressures and consumer scrutiny on eco-claims have made it critical for textile and garment manufacturers to adopt green solutions. Again, manufacturers will have to modernise their production with new technologies.