Innovation has always been an integral part of ITMA's DNA. Every ITMA exhibition has presented the latest manufacturing technology to textile and garment makers. In 2015, in line with industry trends and needs, the exhibition will spotlight innovations that promote sustainability. To encourage its participates, an award has been introduced for the first time.

The ITMA Sustainable Innovation Award is launched by CEMATEX, the European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers, to encourage and recognize outstanding industry members and students for their contributions to the sustainable development of the global textile and garment industry. The award, which includes a cash prize of €10,000 will be presented at ITMA 2015 in Milan, Italy.

The ITMA Sustainable Innovation Award comprises three categories, two of which are open to students:

The first being Industry Excellence Award, it recognises textile and garment manufacturers who have leveraged on technological innovations to advance business sustainability that benefit people, planet and profit. It aims to promote sustainability excellence in textile and garment production through active collaboration between technology providers and industry users.

And the second is for Research & Education Excellence, it recognises outstanding achievements in textile and garment related post-graduate research. It highlights excellence in relevant research fields with the aim of furthering the development of cutting-edge technologies which will power future innovations in the industry.

The panel of judges who were select the award winning participates includes Charles Beauduin, president of CEMATEX, Ecotextile News editor John Mowbray, Prof. Dominique Adolphe, president of Association of Universities for Textiles, Josué Gomes da Silva, President of International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) and Serge Piolat, President-elect of European Apparel and Textile Confederation (EURATEX).

Entries can be submitted online at www.itma.com from 1 September 2014 to 1 March 2015.