BTMA members unveil revolutionary textile testing innovations ahead of ITMA Asia 2025
The British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) is set to unveil a range of cutting-edge innovations in textile testing, colour management, and machine control at the upcoming ITMA Asia + CITME exhibition, scheduled to take place in Singapore from 28 to 31 October 2025. These advancements, designed to enhance textile quality and efficiency, will include notable developments such as automated patterned fabric inspection systems, LED colour booths, and new testing technologies that promise to revolutionise the industry.
BTMA CEO Jason Kent highlighted the breadth of technology advancements being pursued by association members, stating, “Many of our members are currently developing new technologies, either in-house or increasingly through joint projects, and there will be much to reveal by the time of ITMA Asia in Singapore.” This statement underscores the rapid evolution within the field, with many companies poised to showcase their latest products aimed at improving not only functionality but also operational cost-effectiveness.
Among the featured innovations is VeriVide's fresh approach to colour measurement. In a fascinating intersection of science and textiles, the introduction of the newly perceived colour, OLO, represents a significant breakthrough in colour theory. According to Adam Dakin, Sales Director at VeriVide, “OLO... could change the way we think about colour in design, technology and quality control.” The implications extend beyond mere curiosity; they could redefine standards of colour measurement and application in various sectors, including digital communication and virtual reality.
In a parallel industry shift, the impending ban on fluorescent lighting in the EU and UK will transform how colour is assessed across the manufacturing sector. This regulatory change, stemming from environmental concerns regarding mercury content, has already prompted many companies to transition to LED technology. Adam Dakin notes that leading brands such as H&M and Marks & Spencer have successfully adopted VeriVide’s all-LED light booths, which now form an integral part of their colour assessment processes.
Such developments are mirrored by advancements at Q-Lab, which has introduced TUV-421 lamps that provide a broader light spectrum for UV testing, crucial for assessing colour fading in textiles. These lamps promise to deliver superior testing capabilities, allowing manufacturers to more accurately predict the longevity of colour in various materials, as highlighted in recent studies conducted by Q-Lab.
The complexity of fabric tactile assessments also finds innovative solutions with the launch of the Sentire fabric handle tester by Roaches International. Sean O’Neill, MD of Roaches, explained that this device offers a new way to objectively measure tactile properties of fabrics. The implementation of haptic technology enables designers and manufacturers to communicate fabric qualities even before production, thereby eliminating potential discrepancies in the supply chain.
Moreover, Shelton Vision has made strides with its WebSpector automated inspection system. This technology, which recently impressed audiences at ITMA 2023, utilises sophisticated image processing techniques to inspect both patterned and plain textiles at high speeds. This capability not only heightens the accuracy of quality control but also addresses labour challenges by reducing the need for manual inspection.
Complementing these innovations, the redesigned Martindale Motion tester from James Heal is set to enhance testing efficiency, allowing multiple simultaneous tests without operator intervention. This progress highlights a significant shift towards automation and improved productivity in textile manufacturing, ensuring that time and resource efficiencies are maximised.
In conclusion, as the textile industry gears up for ITMA Asia + CITME, the showcased innovations from BTMA members illustrate a commitment to enhancing quality and efficiency. The emergence of new technologies, combined with regulatory changes and shifting market demands, is likely to reshape the landscape of textile manufacturing, pushing boundaries of what is possible in areas ranging from colour perception to fabric handle testing. As stated by Jason Kent, “These BTMA companies continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the area of textile testing.”
With this transformation on the horizon, the future of textile innovation appears brighter than ever.