Editorial: Technologies at ITMA 2019 for Improving the Environmental Sustainability of Textiles and Apparel Production

A large proportion of consumers believe that cotton is more "environmentally friendly" than synthetic fibers. But the reality is that the cultivation of cotton causes immense damage to the environment as it involves huge amounts of pesticides, artificial fertilisers, and water. In order to address the damage which is being caused to the environment by the textile industry, a great deal of work is being done to improve product and process sustainability, and industry leaders presented the outcomes of these efforts at ITMA 2019 which was held in Barcelona, Spain, during June 20-26, 2019.

In this report, Robin Anson discusses a number of the innovative products and processes which were presented at ITMA 2019, with particular reference to those aimed at reducing the consumption of chemicals, energy and water, and improving the treatment of wastewater.

Companies profiled in this report include Candiani Denim (Candiani), Huntsman Textile Effects, Idrosistem Energy, Kornit Digital, Lee, Lenzing, Panta Rei Water Solutions (Panta Rei), Tonello and Twine Solutions (Twine).