VDMA leads the way in driving innovation, sustainability and global competitiveness
With its member base representing about 90 per cent of Germany’s textile machinery industry, the VDMA Textile Machinery Association plays a major role in advancing engineering excellence, innovation, and sustainability across the global textile value chain. As the industry gears up for ITMA Asia + CITME 2025 in Singapore, Dr. Harald Weber, Managing Director of the Association, shares his insights on the sector’s key priorities—ranging from digitalisation and circularity to workforce development and international collaboration. In this exclusive interview with Fibre2Fashion, he outlines how VDMA is supporting its members through evolving geopolitical challenges, Industry 4.0 integration, and the quest for global competitiveness.
Dr. Weber, this will be your second ITMA Asia + CITME as Managing Director of the VDMA Textile Machinery Association. What are your key objectives and expectations from the event this year?
This will be my third ITMA ASIA. But ITMA ASIA 2025 will be special, because for the first time since 2005 the show will return to Singapore. It is no surprise that at the ITMA ASIA shows in Shanghai, most visitors come from China. My expectations of the trade fair in Singapore are that the audience will be broader. I hope we will see numerous visitors from the ASEAN region, from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh and from the Central Asian countries.
Germany has long been recognised for its engineering excellence. How are VDMA member companies driving innovation to meet the evolving needs of the global textile industry?
`The foundation of our sector’s innovation capability lies, first and foremost, in the consistently high R&D efforts of our member companies. Coupled with a strong customer orientation, machine manufacturers develop tailored and efficient solutions that meet customers’ high expectations. Another key factor behind German engineering excellence is the unique research and education landscape. Renowned institutions such as ITA Aachen, DITF Denkendorf, and ITM Dresden, among others, have consistently produced highly qualified engineers equipped with the expertise to transform scientific research into marketable technologies for the textile industry.
Sustainability and digitalisation are central themes across manufacturing sectors today. How are German textile machinery manufacturers aligning their technologies with these priorities?
Sustainability encompasses several aspects, with energy efficiency being a central one. High productivity is the most effective way to conserve energy—an increasingly costly resource in the global market. Our member companies are at the forefront of delivering highly efficient productivity combined with outstanding quality.
In terms of digitalisation, VDMA member companies see themselves not merely as machine suppliers but as competent partners in both the technological aspects of digitalisation and their customers’ processes. Close collaboration among spinners, weavers, knitters, finishers, machine manufacturers, chemical suppliers, and other technology providers is essential for future success.
Many VDMA companies offer machines equipped with features that ensure reproducible quality results. These include process simulation on a PC to optimise parameters even before production begins. During production, the exchange of live data between machines is used for monitoring and further optimisation. Digitalisation also helps to address the growing shortage of skilled workers observed in an increasing number of countries.
What new or upgraded technologies will VDMA member companies be showcasing at ITMA Asia + CITME 2025 in Singapore?
As manufacturers continuously improve their machines and processes, it is difficult to single out specific companies or innovations. However, VDMA member companies will certainly showcase the most advanced manufacturing technologies, with a strong focus on digitalisation, automation, and sustainability. This aligns with the key trends currently shaping the sector.
The textile industry in Asia, particularly in countries like China, India, Bangladesh, and Vietnam, continues to grow. How does VDMA view its engagement with these markets?
VDMA member companies have been active in these markets for decades, with some operating their own production facilities in countries such as China, India, and Vietnam. As an association, VDMA also maintains representative offices in both China and India. The current trade conflicts may lead to relocations within the textile industry to reduce strategic dependencies. Nevertheless, Asia is expected to remain the leading production hub for textiles and clothing worldwide for the foreseeable future.
How is the VDMA supporting its member companies in adapting to Industry 4.0, automation, and AI-driven production processes?
The VDMA provides its member companies with a wide range of support services in the areas of Industry 4.0, automation, and AI-driven production processes. This includes technical support and standardisation, such as promoting interoperability through the development and implementation of standards like OPC UA.
Another key area is training and qualification—through the VDMA Academy, members can access practical training courses on Industry 4.0, digitalisation, and digital skills.
Additionally, the VDMA offers guidelines and decision-making tools tailored to support members in their digital transformation journey. Last but not least, VDMA facilitates networking and knowledge exchange by connecting member companies with a robust network of experts and peers to share experiences and collaboratively develop solutions.
In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges currently facing the textile machinery sector globally—and how can associations like VDMA help navigate them?
Protectionist policies and rising geopolitical tensions are among the biggest challenges currently facing the textile machinery sector. Additionally, the European textile machinery industry is experiencing increasing price competition from suppliers in China, India, and Türkiye. While incoming orders appear to be bottoming out—perhaps signalling the first signs of economic recovery—this is certainly no reason for complacency. Continuous innovation remains essential to stay competitive in this challenging market environment.
How do you see the role of German machinery in accelerating circularity and closed-loop production systems in textiles?
In line with the principles of the circular economy, VDMA member companies offer solutions across the entire textile processing and production chain. Their production programmes and services include equipment and technologies for recycling textile production waste, finished textiles, textile auxiliaries, and waste heat, as well as for processing recycled materials into new textiles.
An overview of the available technologies can be found on our website. The short descriptions of the solutions provided by member companies are organised under the following categories: recycling of textile production waste and textiles, recycling of caustic soda and waste heat, and processing of recycled materials.
Talent shortage and workforce upskilling remain key issues in manufacturing. Is VDMA taking any specific steps to address this within the textile machinery space?
The VDMA Textile Machinery Association is actively engaged in promoting young engineering talent through its Walter Reiners-Stiftung Foundation. Each year, the foundation awards promotion and sustainability prizes in the Bachelor’s and Master’s categories. By financially supporting university excursions to VDMA member companies and to the leading trade fair ITMA, it enables students to gain valuable practical insights. Additionally, our member companies maintain close relationships with schools and universities in their respective regions.
Finally, looking ahead, what is your long-term vision for the VDMA Textile Machinery Association, and how do you plan to position it as a global enabler of textile innovation?
The textile machinery industry is undergoing a transformation. At present, long-term forecasts for our sector resemble fortune-telling more than serious predictions. What remains clear, however, is that continuous innovation is essential to remain competitive in this challenging market environment.
From the association’s perspective, many challenges—such as establishing sustainable production chains, developing standards, and engaging in political advocacy—can only be addressed through a strong, united community. Cooperation rather than confrontation will continue to be the most promising path forward, especially in pre-competitive areas where the VDMA supports members with its extensive network and expertise.
