Keqiao Shaoxing, China / November 4 - 6, 2023
“Digitalization & Circularity – Megatrends Shaping the Textile Industry”
Conference Programme (as of October 31, 2023)
FRIDAY, NOV 3
12.00 – 19.00 | ITMF Secretariat / Registration (No. 2 Meeting Room, 3rd Floor) |
12.00 – 19.00 | CNTAC Secretariat / Registration (Hotel Lobby, 1st Floor) |
14.30 – 15.45 | Directors Meeting (Lanting, 3rd Floor) Directors of ITMF members associations, associate and corporate members - by invitation only - |
16.00 – 17.15 | Spinners Committee Meeting (Lanting, 3rd Floor) - by invitation only - |
17.30 – 18.30 | Board Meeting (Lanting, 3rd Floor) Board Members and Past President - by invitation only - |
18.30 – 21.00 | Reception & Pre-Conference Dinner (Wyndham Hotel, Jianhu Hall, 3rd Floor) ITMF & CNTAC Board, Speakers, and International Delegates |
SATURDAY, NOV 4
08.00 – 19.00 | ITMF Secretariat/Registration |
08.00 – 19.00 | CNTAC Secretariat/Registration |
09.00 – 10.30 |
Conference on Fabrics for Home Décor in China Moderator: Yang Zhaohua, CNTAC & ITMF Home Textile Producers Committee
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10.30 – 11.00 | Coffee Break (Foyer, 3rd Floor) |
11.00 – 12.00 |
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12.00 – 13.15 | Lunch (Qunxian 3-5, 3rd Floor) |
13.15 – 14.15 |
Fibre Session – Cotton Moderator: K.V. Srinivasan, Premier Mills, India
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14.15 – 15.15 |
Fibre Session – Man-made Fibres Moderator: Raphael Cervone, ABIT, Brazil
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15.15 – 15.45 | Coffee Break (Foyer, 3rd Floor) |
15.45 – 16.30 |
SLCP Session: SLCP as Best Practice to Reduce Audit Fatigue Moderator: Liang Xiaohui, CNTAC, China
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16.30 – 17.30 |
Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action (FICCA) Session Moderator: Hu Kehua, CNTAC, China
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18.30 – 21.00 |
Welcome Dinner at the Shaoxing Keyan Scenic Area 18.15 Meeting Point: Hotel Lobby, Ground Floor 18.30 Bus to the venue |
SUNDAY, NOV 5
08.10 – 08.30 | Shuttle bus from the Wyndham Hotel to the Convention Center Meeting Point: Hotel Lobby, Ground Floor |
09.00 – 09.40 |
Welcome Session Moderator: Yingxin Xu, Vice President, CNTAC, China
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09.40 – 11.00 |
Keynote Addresses Moderator: Mohammed Kassem, WTC, Egypt
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11.00 – 11.20 | Tea Break |
11.20 – 11.30 | Industry Development Launch |
11.30 – 12.30 |
1st Session: Textile Industry in China Moderator: Li Yufei, CCTV Financial Channel
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12.30 – 13.00 |
Shuttle bus from the Convention Center to the Wyndham Hotel Meeting Point: main entrance of Shaoxing International Exhibition Center |
13.00 – 14.15 | Lunch (Qunxian 3-5, 3rd Floor) |
14.15 – 15.30 |
2nd Session: Digitalization and Sustainability Moderator: Michelle Tjokrosaputro, Dan Liris, Indonesia
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15.30 – 15.45 | Coffee Break (Foyer, 3rd Floor) |
15.45 – 17.00 |
3rd Session: Industry 5.0 – Humans and AI-powered Robots Moderator: Olivier Zieschank, ITMF
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17.45 – 18.45 |
Committee of Management Meeting - Committee Members only - At the Convention Center (a separate bus will leave at 17.45) |
18.30 – 22.00 |
Gala Dinner Keqiao Hall (3F) of Shaoxing International Convention & Exhibition Center 18.15 h Meeting Point: Hotel Lobby, ground floor 18.30 h Bus to the venue |
MONDAY, NOV 6
08.30 – 09.30 |
4th Session: Sustainability & Regulation Moderator: Mustafa Denizer, Diktas, Türkiye
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09.30 – 10.45 |
ITMF Start-up Award Session Moderator: Tae Jin Kang, Seoul National University, Korea
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10.45 – 11.15 | Coffee Break (Foyer, 3rd Floor) |
11.15 – 12.15 |
5th Session: Scaling up Circularity Moderator: Christian Schindler, ITMF
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12.15 – 13.30 |
ITMF Award Session Moderator: Juan Parés, Textil Santanderina, Spain
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13.30 – 13.45 | Invitation to the ITMF Annual Conference 2024 |
13.30 – 14.30 | Lunch (Qunxian 3-5, 3rd Floor) |
14.30 – 19.00 | Excursion to “Zhejiang Yingfeng Technology Co., Ltd.” & “China Textile City” 14.15 Meeting Point: Hotel Lobby, Ground Floor |
Video Highlights: Day 1
Video Highlights: Day 2
Video Highlights: Day 3
Hosted by
Co-Organizers
Sponsors
Diamond
Gold
Silver
Bronze
Speakers
Conference on Fabrics for Home Décor in China
Wu Yongqian joined the China Home Textiles Association (CHTA) in August, 2006. She used to be the Deputy Director and Director of Membership Department, Deputy Secretary General and Secretary General of CHTA. At present, she is the Vice Chairman of CHTA and Executive Vice President of Beijing Youshang Home-Expo Co., Ltd.
Fan Yushun graduated in July 1990 as Ph.D from Tsinghua University. Since August 1990, he has worked at Department of Automation, Tsinghua University.
He is now tenure Professor of Tsinghua University, Deputy Director of National CIMS Engineering Research Center of China, Director of Service Technology and Engineering Center, and National Government Special Allowance Expert.
He has responsible for more than 20 projects of major basic research projects, National Natural Science Foundation, National High-tech R&D Program. He has published more than 500 papers and 14 books. He has been awarded twice as the second prize for science and technology promotion from Ministry of Education of China, first prize for teaching achievement from China Automation Association. He was listed as Most Cited Chinese Researchers by Elsevier from 2014 to 2019.
His major research field are enterprise strategic information management, service science and technology, big data and intelligent service platform
YANG Linshan, who established ZHONGWANG FABRIC CO., LTD. in 1994, has been leading ZHONGWANG to focus on the home textile industry for more than 40 years. ZHONGWANG adopts model innovation through a new generation of information technology, intelligent manufacturing, digital management, green construction, and other scenes. In addition, it builds its features with the market, marketing, R&D, supply chain, manufacture & services, and industrial chain all in one, thus the current operating model emerges.
ZHONGWANG went public on the Main Board of Shanghai Stock Exchange on 08 Sep. 2020, becoming the first stock of China’s home textile industry. Currently, YANG Linshan serves as the chairman of ZHONGWANG FABRIC CO., LTD., the director of China National Textile and Apparel Council, the vice-president of China Home Textiles Association, and the president of Hangzhou Linping Home Textile Industry Association.
Qiang Zhanglin (48 years old) is the Assistant President of Shanghai Shuixing Home Textile Co., Ltd. He joined the company in 2011. Most of his career has been developed at the Shuixing Home Textile Brand Center. This experience has led him to uphold scientific concepts, committed to injecting technology into products, enhancing brand awareness and reputation, and striving to convey the concept of healthy sleep and high-quality life to the people. Let every family member have a good sleep.
Qiang Zhanglin, graduated with an MBA from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, has rich experience in brand building, marketing, sales, and other aspects.
Shanghai Shuixing Home Textile Co., Ltd. is a major member enterprise of Shuixing Holdings Group and an important founder of China's modern home textile industry. After 35 years of development, adhering to the concept of "scientific protection of sleep, allowing everyone to have a healthy sleep", we have quickly become a professional and multi brand enterprise that integrates research and development, design, production, and sales, focusing on the household textile industry.
Zhao Jing, the currently head of the Marketing Department of Amazon Global Selling in Zhejiang Province, Vice President of the Cross-border E-commerce Industry Research Institute of the Ministry of Education, Physical Tutor of China Cross-border E-Commerce College, Senior Expert of Zhejiang E-commerce Think Tank, and Part-time Secretary-General of Hangzhou Cross-border Electronic Commerce Association.
With 15 years of practical experience in cross-border e-commerce and cross-border payment, Ms. Zhao has rich experience and industry influence in the development of China's cross-border e-commerce industry and the brand building, marketing and seller operation of cross-border e-commerce enterprises.
Camelia joined the leading home furnishing brand IKEA in 1997 and has made great contribution to the company during her 26-year career journey with IKEA. At present, she is the Vice President, IKEA Supply Area East Asia, to lead the Supply Area assignments and organisation in East Asia, together with the management team. She leads the compliance agenda of IKEA Supply Area East Asia and office operations to facilitate office-level exchanges and strengthen the interaction and cooperation among the offices.
She is a senior purchasing manager, with rich experience from many roles in IKEA, leading people/teams globally in different categories/materials, creating the global purchasing strategy and developing logistics. This empowered her to gain a thorough and global vision of the home furnishing industry and supply chain management.
Camelia holds a master’s degree in mechanical engineering at Polytechnic University Bucharest, and graduated MBA from National School for Political and Administrative Studies in Bucharest.
IKEA Supply Area East Asia (IKEA SAEA) develops and supports the supply business for IKEA products in China, Japan and South Korea, including production and transportation of IKEA products. IKEA SAEA is the umbrella name for several legal entities, including IKEA Purchasing Service (China) Co., Ltd. Currently, IKEA SAEA has 3 purchasing offices in Shanghai, Shenzhen and Qingdao, with approximately 700 co-workers.
In IKEA value chain, SAEA covers two important stages: “Manufacture and improve” and “Package and distribute” for IKEA products and keeps moving forward with the vision “To create a better everyday life for the many people”. The partnership between SAEA and its suppliers goes far beyond buying and selling, bringing mutual growth and development. The practice of the sustainability concept changes people’s mind and creates a better society. Most things still remain to be done. A glorious future!
Fiber Session – Cotton
Mr. Dong Kuiyong graduated from the College of Textiles, Donghua University with a master’s degree in Engineering and earned an EMBA at Renmin Business School. He is a professorate senior engineer.
Mr. Dong is the Chairman of China Cotton Textile Association (CCTA). In this role he leads comprehensive coordination and public service among China’ cotton textile industry and beyond, and oversees the association’s research and advisory work on industrial economy and technical economy.
Before assuming his current role at the CCTA, Mr. Dong was the Deputy Director of the Dept. for Productivity Promotion at China National Textile and Apparel Council (CNTAC), the Deputy President of China Textile Information Center (CTIC), the Deputy Director of the Office for Brand Promotion at the CNTAC, and the Editor-in-Chief of the magazine “China Textile Leader”.
Mr. Bharat Desai has been associated with the textile industry for over four decades. A fibre specialist, and a certified cotton classer by the USDA. He is dexterous both in natural and man-made fibres.
He has held leadership positions in various enterprises as Arvind, Reliance Industries, Sintex, Alok and Recron Malaysia.
He has also served as a member on the advisory board of National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) for Agricultural Trade Liberalisation and Domestic Market Reforms in Indian Agriculture.
He is also actively associated with varied national and international industry platforms.
Alex Hsu (52) is the Managing Director of Formosa Trading Co., Ltd., a family cotton agency. He has a diversified career experience working in cotton trading, management consulting, and internet commerce. More recently, he served on the Board of Directors of the International Cotton Association (ICA) for 8 years, and served as President of the ICA in 2021-2022.
Formosa Trading Co., Ltd. is a family-owned cotton agency serving Greater China, East Asia, and Southeast Asia since 1965. It is a sales representative for major cotton merchants and producers from most cotton-producing countries.
Fiber Session – Man-made Fibers
Tracey’s first job was a teacher, teaching English at University for four years. Tracey had 11 years of experiences in textile and apparel business, producing apparel mainly for fast fashion brands worldwide, such as H&M, Zara and Walmart etc. Her role also included costing and quoting in order to receive orders from the customers.
Tracey worked for a nylon filament joint-venture for over six years, being an assistant of general manager, translator and coordinator of technology and management, involving in cost-effective production, after-sale service and training etc.
Tracey worked part-time for PCI in 2012-2014 for nylon and spandex research and officially joint in PCI in August 2015, later merged with Wood Mackenzie in the same year. Tracey is responsible for all fibres in China market. With her strong knowledge in textile, apparel and filament industries, Tracey has supported many single client projects as well besides her regular research work. Since 2019, Tracey has focused on polyester, acrylic and viscose fibres.
Education:
Graduated from UIBE (University of International Business & Economics) in Beijing, Majored in English of International Trade, Batchelor degree in Economics
Sateri Group is a global leader company in the cellulose fiber industry, with high-quality natural fibers sourced from renewable plantations and widely used in various textiles and skincare hygiene products, providing users with the most comfortable experience with excellent performance.
Mr. Tom Liu is currently serving as the Vice President of Sateri Group and a member of the Sateri Management Committee. He is responsible for the group's business development strategy and strategic planning, Simultaneously responsible for overseeing Sateri's Lyocell business and non-woven fabric business.
Before joining Sateri, Mr. Tom Liu had nearly 20 years of experience in business and team management, and had held business management positions in Fortune 500 companies such as China National Bluestar , celanese international corporation, and General Electric Company. Have extensive experience in business, strategic, cross industry cooperation, and establish innovation.
Mr. Tom Liu holds Master's degree in Business Administration from Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
Mr. Tom Liu is also the Chairman of the Alliance for Green Development and Innovation in the Nonwoven Industry, Vice President of the China Industrial Textile Industry Association, Vice President of the China Chemical Fiber Industry Association, and Vice President of the Laiser Fiber Branch of the China Chemical Fiber Industry Association.
Professor-level Senior Engineer, Director of Henan Chemical Fibre Engineering and Technology Research Centre, Director of Henan Fibre Green Manufacturing Engineering and Technology Research Centre, Chief Engineer of Xinxiang Chemical Fibre Co.
Member of Chemical Fibre Professional Committee of China Textile Engineering Society, Member of Standardization Committee of China Chemical Fibre Industry Association, Member of Henan Provincial Textile and Garment Standardization Technical Committee, Member of Ionic Liquid Professional Committee of China Chemical Society. Member of Expert Committee of Knitting Industry Magazine.
Distinguished Professor of Zhongyuan Institute of Technology; Visiting Professor of Wuhan Textile University; External Tutor of Master's Degree Students of Donghua University, Henan University and Hebei University of Science and Technology; Tutor of Modern Industry of Shandong Science and Technology Vocational College.
He has presided over and completed one national key research and development programme and one major scientific and technological research programme in Henan Province. He has won 1 second prize for scientific and technological progress in Henan Province, 4 third prizes for scientific and technological progress at provincial and ministerial levels, and 6 first prizes for scientific and technological progress at departmental level. He has obtained 21 authorised patents, including 11 invention patents, presided over the drafting of 13 national and industrial standards, and published more than 30 professional papers.
SLCP Session
Janet holds 20+ years of experience in sustainable supply chains, including sustainability consultancy and leadership roles in international development (non-profit). She has served on several boards and councils of multi-stakeholder initiatives. Being the Executive Director for the Social & Labor Convergence Program (SLCP), she is currently responsible for overseeing SLCP’s strategic direction and execution.
Michael is the Director of Operations & Supply Chain at Décor (Suzhou) Co. Limited, managing a sophisticated supply chain at a global scale. He is a veteran in the textile and garment industry since 1998, with extensive experience in merchandising, product development, operations and supply chain management, responsible sourcing and sustainability. Michael is passionate, open-minded and eager to contribute his part for a better world for all.
Michael has been elected to the SLCP Council since March 2021 and have actively participated in the Council work. He is a member of the Strategy Committee deployed to develop the next 5 year Strategy Plan.
Décor (Suzhou) Co. Limited, is a full-service global fashion supplier founded in 1994, known for the commitment to integrity & responsibility, fashion-forward apparel & accessory, speed-tomarket, quality product at value prices, flexibility & innovation, and global supply chain management.
Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action (FICCA) Session
Lindita Xhaferi-Salihu
FICCA, Germany
I have more than 10 years “green” experiences in international org and MNCs, with different roles in green building, environment and sustainable value chain of fashion and sports retailers. Currently I am responsible for advancing the sustainable agendas for customers and stakeholders in Decathlon China. She holds MSc Environmental and energy management from University of Twente.
Founder of Chenfeng Group Co.,Ltd. He is currently senior consultant of Chenfeng group, part-time vice president of CNGA and CCCT.
He started working in 1981, be the director of Jiangsu province Jintan Silk Garment Factory in 1988, became the chairman of Chenfeng group in 1992 and led the company to complete the construction of the whole textile & garment industry chain. YIN GUOXIN promoted Chenfeng group to join the Climate Leadership Project in 2019. CHENFENG became the first Chinese manufacturer to sign the UNFCCC, donated initial funds to Fashion Climate Innovation Fund, built zero-carbon factory pilot company, etc. Chenfeng provides solutions and localized application support for the fashion industry to accelerate its move towards carbon neutrality and explores a demonstration model for accelerating the low-carbon transformation of the industry.
Huang Wenbin, currently works for Sateri, a world's leading man-made cellulose fiber (MMCF) company, as the sustainability senior manager, and leads the implementation of the group's sustainability agenda.
Huang Wenbin has been deeply involved in the field of sustainable development for more 15 years and served for several international organizations, including the Worldwide Fund for Nature.
He has rich experience on global environmental governance, industry low-carbon transition, and bio-diversity conservation and circular economy.
Laila Petrie is the Founder and CEO of 2050, an independent organisation working to support a rapid transition to a sustainable future in collaboration with many global organisations including the Fashion Pact.
Laila is the author of the UNEP roadmap for circular textiles, the technical lead for the WWF and Google Global Fibre Impact Explorer and was the Joint Chair of the UNFCCC Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action. She was also the Global Textiles Lead for WWF International, building their programme of textile partnerships and impact programmes around the world.
Keynote Addresses
Ruizhe Sun, started his career in 1985. He first graduated from university with a bachelor degree of engineering and later received an EMBA degree. He is now a professor-level senior engineer and an expert enjoying special subsidy rewarded by the government.
Mr. Sun is the president of China National Textile and Apparel Council (CNTAC), vice chairman of the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF), chairman of the Responsible Supply Chain Association (RSCA), CNTAC, and also Director of China Textile & Garment Brand Strategy Promotion Committee.
Wang Yiming
Vice Chairman of the China Center for International Economic Exchanges
Matteo Renzi is the youngest person to serve as Italian Prime Minister and was the youngest leader in the G7. He was also the first serving Mayor to become Prime Minister. In 2014, the American magazine Fortune ranked Renzi as the third most influential person under 40 in the world, and Foreign Policy listed him as one of the Top 100 Global Thinkers.
Matteo has a wealth of experience in the field of political and economic issues, both at home and abroad. Decision makers from all fields benefit from his wide-ranging knowledge of international affairs, the environment and most of all his keen insight and grasp of global economic issues.
Following the results of the Italian parliamentary election, in March 2018 he resigned as Leader of the PD.
Matteo Renzi is currently Senator for the Electoral College of Florence, Scandicci, Signa, Lastra a Signa and Impruneta. His activity as a politician has been accompanied by his writing: “Fuori!” (2011), “Stilnovo” (2012), “Oltre la rottamazione” (2013), “Avanti! Perchél’Italia non siferma” (2017).
1st Session: Textile Industry in China
Yonghua Wu joined the company in October2003and has served successively as Corporate Sales VP and CEO of ANTA brand. Under his leadership, ANTA has grown into the largest Chinese sportswear brand, and secured its place on BrandZ's Most Valuable Global Apparel Brands Top 10 list in 2021 and 2022, and on Brand Finance’s Most Valuable Apparel Brands Top 50 list for four consecutive years.
Yonghua Wu holds a Master’s degree from Beijing Jiaotong University. He also joins the CEO program of Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business.
ANTAGroup is the largest sportswear company in China. The group was established in 1991 and listed on the Main Board of HKEx in 2007. On top of ANTA, italso operates Fila, Descente and Kolon Sport in Greater ChinaRegion. In 2019, ANTAGroup, together with an investor consortium successfully acquired Amer Sports, aFinland-basedsportswear group which boasts world-renowned brands such asArc'teryx, Salomon and Wilson. The company attaches great importance to philanthropy. So far, ANTAGroup and Hemin Foundation (the founders’ family foundation) have made cash and in-kind donation with total value of more than RMB2.2 billion.
Stephan Sielaff is Chief Executive Officer of the Lenzing Group, a world leading provider of specialty cellulose fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries with nine production sites in eight countries. With a master's degree in Chemical Engineering and extensive international management experience, he is committed to Lenzing's purpose and strategy. As CEO since 2022, he is driving Lenzing's "Better Growth Strategy".
Prior to that, he served in Lenzing as Chief Technology & Operating Officer Fibers (2020-2022). In this role, he managed seven global manufacturing sites whilst being accountable for driving the manufacturing footprint to world-class, he introduced a state-of-the-art continuous improvement program and purchasing excellence.
Stephan's career began in 1994 at Unilever Home and Personal Care Europe, where he held key positions in both marketing and operations, excelled in various management roles and led numerous projects until 2005.
From 2005 to 2014, Stephan made significant contributions at Symrise in Holzminden, Germany. From 2014 to 2020, he took on the role of Chief Operating Officer at Archroma Management GmbH.
Stephan Sielaff's profound impact on the industry underlines his unwavering commitment to driving positive change and promoting sustainable fibers.
Lenzing – The Lenzing Group stands for ecologically responsible production of specialty fibers made from the renewable raw material wood. As an innovation leader, Lenzing is a partner of global textile and nonwoven manufacturers and drives many new technological developments. Its high-quality fibers, which are also biodegradable, form the basis for a variety of textile applications ranging from elegant clothing to high-performance sports clothing.
The Lenzing Group strives for the efficient utilization of all raw materials and offers solutions for a closed-loop economy. Lenzing's clear vision is, to make a carbon-zero future come true.
Zhang Hongxia is the General Manager of Shandong Weiqiao Venture Co., Ltd. and the Chairwoman of Weiqiao Textile Co., Ltd..
She is also a deputy to 20th National People’s Congress (NPC), and serves as the Contributing Deputy Chairwoman of the China National Textile and Apparel Council (CNTAC).
She was awarded the “National Model Worker” and the "National March-eighth Red-banner Pacesetter Title". She published 14 academic papers and authorized the use of 26 invention patents.
The projects that she headed and participated won the CNTAC’s Science and Technology Progress Award, the National Innovation Award in Business Management, and the National Intelligent Manufacturing Demo Plant.
She is a senior engineer, with a master’s degree.
Yang Lan
Sun Media Group, China
2nd Session: Digitalization and Sustainability
Mr. Keh is the CEO of The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel. He is also on Faculty at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology where he teaches supply chain operations.
Until April 2010 Edwin was the SVP COO of Wal-Mart Global Procurement. Prior to Wal-Mart Edwin managed a consulting group that has done work for companies on supply chain, manufacturing, and product design. The practice also did work for non-profit organizations and charities. Edwin co-founded the Consortium For Operational Excellence in Greater China (COER GC). The Consortium is sponsored by the Wharton School and Tsinghua University.
Edwin had a career as senior executive with several US consumer goods and retail companies. He was the Managing Director of Payless Shoesource International, Donna Karan International, and Country Road Australia. He also worked for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees.
Edwin serves on multiple industry and educational boards. He advises several other social enterprises. Edwin is the 2011 recipient of the Production and Operations Management Society’s Martin K. Starr Excellence in Production and Operations Management Practice Award, and is on the Debrett’s Hong Kong 100 as one of the most influential people in Technology and Digital sector.
Rakesh Vazirani is currently having the role as Global Head of Sustainability Services, Business Stream Products for TUV Rheinland, and currently based out of Hong Kong. Rakesh joined TUV Rheinland in 2007 in Japan which was then Head office for Asia spanning Middle-East to Australia and was leading the development and deployment of digital traceability for Food to support safety/compliance needs. A similar compliance approach was established for Electronics and Medical device companies in order to showcase compliance with stringent environmental compliance requirements like RoHS, REACh, amongst others. Since 2014, Rakesh and his team have also been supporting textile supply-chain with their efforts of resource efficiency related to use of chemicals and their impact on water, energy, and waste. This digital traceability is also necessary for ensuring safety when continously circulating the materials within the economy.
Rakesh graduated as an Engineer from University of Mumbai, India; and has worked in India, Japan, Germany, and China.
An overview of his experience
- 19 years of progressive international experience with 'Product Environmental Compliance', 'Sustainable Production', Food Traceability, and Technical Due-Diligence for "Impact/Green Finance" across 15 countries.
- Leading a multidisciplinary & multi-cultural team spread across 11 timezones for Sustainability verification programs.
- Qualified for ESG planning and disclosure framework (GRI, IFRS SASB, and TCFD).
- Mentor at Hong Kong Science Park - Incubation and Acceleration Programmes.
- Executed multiyear Sustainability improvement projects with international development agencies and donors including GIZ (German government's International Development Agency) and WWF with multiple stakeholders (Factories, Universities, NGO, Brands, Government)
Thomas Gries, born in Cologne, Germany, in 1964, studied at the RWTH Aachen University, Germany. He holds a diploma degree in mechanical engineering and economics and a doctorate in mechanical engineering.
From 1995 to 2001, he worked at Lurgi Zimmer AG, Frankfurt am Main, Germany, at the Department of Technologies for Fibres & Textiles in leading positions.
From April 2001 onwards, he is Director of the Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University. The honoris causa Professorship of Lomonossow University is the most distinguished scientific award of Russia given for his achievement of tailored reinforcements.
The ITA was established in 1934 and is one of the world’s leading research establishments. Its fields of research consist in man-made fibre technology, staple fibre processing, fabric production, technical textiles & composites, medical textiles & biomaterials as well as in smart textiles & joining technologies. With a budget of 15 million € and a staff consisting of 110 scientists, 65 technicians and administration staff and more than 200 graduate researchers ITA is leading in the digitalization of the textile sector as well as textile bio-economy.
Thomas Gries presently is
- Member of National Academy of Technological Science and Engineering acatech
- Member of the working group “Industrial Artificial Intelligence” of the National Platform Industrie4.0
- Member of the North Rhine-Westphalian Academy of Science
- Member of the scientific advisory committee of the “Zukunftsinitiative Textile NRW (ZiTex)” and other instituutions
- Evaluator DFG (German Research Foundation) as well as of other national and international project funding organisations
- Member of editorial board of several highly ranked scientific journals and conferences
4th Session: Sustainability & Regulation
Yan Yan, the Director of the Office for Social Responsibility at the China National Textile and Apparel Council CNTAC, also serves as the Vice President of the China Textile Information Center. She is currently in charge of sustainable supply chain promotion at CNTAC and trade promotion at China Textile Information Center. She is a senior engineer and also a Board Member of the China Green Carbon Foundation.
Under her leadership, the textile and apparel sector’s commitment to social responsibility has not only witnessed groundbreaking research endeavors and in-depth industrial practices but has also garnered widespread acclaim both domestically and internationally. Corporate Sustainability Compact for Textile and Apparel Industry (CSC9000T) has been continuously improved and developed. She adheres to an innovation-oriented approach and has rich work experience in the field of sustainable public governance in the industry. She leads her team to actively explore responsibility value-added solutions that are suitable for China's socio-economic landscape and industry characteristics in the direction of global sustainable development. She strongly promotes sustainable supply chain initiatives, promotes innovative climate stewardship, and is responsible for the China Textile and Apparel Industry Life Cycle Assessment Working Group and the Accelerated Action on Carbon Neutrality in China's Textile and Apparel Industry (30▪60 Plan).
Dirk joined EURATEX as a Director General in September 2019, representing the interests of 160,000 European companies in the textiles and clothing industry towards the European Union. His mandate is to move the organisation forward and to promote a competitive, sustainable and innovative European Textiles and Clothing industry. Prior to EURATEX, Dirk worked for EUROCHAMBRES, the European Chamber of Commerce lobby, as a Director of Operations and previously Director of International Trade. Dirk has an economic background and holds a Masters degree from the College of Europe, Bruges.
Stephen E. Lamar is President and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association, the national trade association representing more than 1,000 brands in the apparel and footwear industry. Steve leads a dedicated team of professionals who represent AAFA members before the government, through the media, and in industry settings on key brand protection, supply chain and manufacturing, and trade issues. Steve also advises AAFA member companies on legislation and regulatory policies. Prior to becoming President and CEO, Steve served as Executive Vice President for the association.
Prior to AAFA, Steve spent more than a decade engaged in international public policy work, including stints at the U.S. Commerce Department and in the Peace Corps. A runner, juggler, and genealogist in his spare time, Steve is President of the Washington International Trade Association. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Colgate University and a Master of Arts Degree in International Affairs (with a concentration on African politics and international trade) from George Washington University.
ITMF Start-up Award Session
Dr. Musa Akdere (37) is the Founder and Managing Director of CarboScreen GmbH, a company supported and funded by the "EXIST-Transfer of Research" program of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). He and his two co-founders are currently in the process of transferring their expertise to the market. Dr. Akdere spent 8 years (2014-2022) in the man-made fiber department at the Institute für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University. His background in Computational Engineering Science led him to develop sensor technology for the fiber industry.
In his role as the country representative for Türkiye at ITA, he built international contacts and conducted bilateral and publicly funded projects with international partners. With over 15 years of experience in reinforcing fiber research and international project management, Dr. Akdere and his co-founders bring a wealth of expertise to CarboScreen GmbH.
Dr. Musa Akdere completed his Ph.D. at RWTH Aachen University under the guidance of Prof. Dr.-Ing. Thomas Gries. His doctoral thesis focused on the simulation and modeling of fiber processes, where he developed a model for exothermic reactions during the oxidation of polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based precursors for carbon fiber manufacturing.
Orr is a founder and Chief Executive Officer of Colorifix.After his early education in Portugal, Orr did his undergraduate, Masters and PhD degrees at Newcastle University, where he studied nanomaterials, biochemistry and synthetic biology. Orr went on to Jim’s Ajioka’s lab at the University of Cambridge to apply these skills to the arsenic biosensor project. From there they spun out a novel and sustainable approach to dyeing textiles using modified organisms to produce, deposit and fix dyes to fabrics.
recycling gaps for compounds, envisioning a future without waste, turning used materials into valuable raw material for new virgin quality products. As a textile entrepreneur, she wanted to make her own products circular, but quickly realized that functional fabrics have a recycling problem, because they are made from mixed synthetic fibers. Her aim was to make YARN-TO-YARN® Recycling a reality - turning fashion waste into yarn for new clothes.
Sandra grappled with a profound dilemma faced by many fashion brands and consumers: a tough choice between material performance and environmental sustainability. Recognizing the broader implications of this issue, she collaborated with top-tier scientists and astute business professionals to establish Rheiazymes AG. This Swiss biotech firm is committed to bridging the recycling gap for plastic blends and high-performance textiles using its groundbreaking Molecular Bio-Recycling technology. By harnessing the power of natural enzymes, Rheiazymes extracts high-value raw materials at the molecular level through an eco-friendly process inspired by nature itself.
Rheiazymes’ first industry application is developing the technology for polyamide-elastane (PA/EA) blends and establishing a circular YARN-TO-YARN® ecosystem. This project is made possible by the Migros Pioneer Fund, the innovation fund of Switzerland’s largest retail group. Before founding Rheiazymes, Sandra has founded and built the sustainable fashion brand Seefeld.Style and developed the “pants for life”. Switzerland’s first Zero Waste pants.
In her career, she has explored a wide variety of industries. Always engaged in solving problems, building eco systems and creating excitement. At the age of 22 she built her first company and ran it for 8 years: a fine food store featuring its own webshop (quite pioneering back in the 2000’s). In addition she represented the Hungarian National Tourist Office as a Business Development Manager in Switzerland from 2005-2010.
Whilst studying her MBA in International Management and Affairs, Sandra supported C-Level Executives at the International Operations & Business Strategy HQ of a global pharmaceutical company in driving internal processes across countries and functions and led the programme planning and implementation of international meetings with high-level speakers.
Between 2018 - 2021 she was Vice President at Verband Frauenunternehmen (Association of female owned businesses in Switzerland), responsible for strategic partnerships & fundraising.
Professional Experience
- 1985 ~ 1995: Township enterprise workers
- 1995 - 2018: China Textile City East Market operated as a trader (including the "Shaoxing Qian Yong Textile Co., Ltd." registered and established in 2013 for trade purposes)
- 2018 - present: Transforming "Shaoxing Qian Yong Textile Co.,Ltd." from a "trading company" to a "production oriented company", specializing in the production of digital direct jet printing of nylon fabrics. In 2022, it will become a "supply chain enterprise” for uniform equipment production during the Beijing
Mr. Xiao Xing Shui has a high sense of social responsibility and has always been committed to public welfare. He is not only considers the development of the enterprise, but also considers the overall interests and long-term development of society, and assumes corresponding social responsibilities. Especially during the COVID-19 epidemic many donations were made to support the medical workers at the front line of the epidemic. He actively supports public welfare undertakings and supports the infrastructure construction of local schools, establishes a mechanism for assisting employees in need, and provides regular condolences and special support to families in need every year.
During the 2022 Winter Olympics, Qian Yong undertook the printing production of nearly 70,000 sets of outdoor functional jackets and functional sports pants fabrics. Received recognition from government.
Andreas Nilsson joined TreeToTextile AB in 2022 as Head of Commercial. He has M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from Lund University, Sweden, and brings experience from over 20 years with Pulp & Paper and Chemical suppliers Kvaerner, Kemira and Perstorp AB. He has held global commercial positions within Product and Sales management and has broad experience of implementing innovative chemical solutions in a global business environment. His drive lies with supporting customers to find their competitive edge – always with sustainability high on the agenda.
5th Session: Scaling up Circularity
Christopher Kenneally (56) is the Executive President of Indorama Ventures’ global Fibers Segment. Located in Bangkok, Thailand, he has spent most of his international career building and developing brand portfolios in B2B and B2C markets, among others for Mars Inc., The Coca-Cola Company and Tetra Pak International.
As a firm believer in circular business models to sustain economic growth, Mr. Kenneally sees the man-made fibers industry moving towards a more collaborative mindset in recent years, starting to address burning issues such as decarbonizing operations, finding alternatives to fossil-based feedstock, pursuing more circular materials and the like.
Mr. Kenneally joined Indorama Ventures PCL in 2020 to integrate and transform the Fibers business segment, which consists of more than 40 manu-facturing sites across 15+ countries, generating US$4.1 billion in revenue in 2022. He is an Australian native with a home in Italy. He holds a Bachelor of Business from Swinburne University of Technology, Australia, as well as a Double Major in Economics and Marketing.
Born in Izmir in 1984. He completed his middle and high schools at Izmir American College and Northfield Mount Hermon School (USA). He studied Economy at Connecticut College and Northeastern University (USA). He started to work as Marketing Manager at Agrita Yem A.Ş. (Söke, Aydın) in 2008.
He started to work as the head of Sustainability at SÖKTAŞ Tekstil A.Ş. in 2015. After taking further responsibilities at the commercial and sales functions, he was appointed as CEO in 2019.
Muzaffer Kayhan serves as the Vice President of Aegean Textile and Raw Materials Exporters’ Association, and Board Member of Söke Commodity Exchange and Good Cotton Practices Association.
Founded in 1971, and listed in the Turkish Stock Exchange, Söktaş designs and produces premium cotton and cotton blended shirting fabrics. The Söktaş philosophy is to combine exceptional fabrics and impeccable service with a positive social and environmental impact.
As an advocate for innovation and circularity in the textile and apparel industry, Tricia joined Renewcell November 2022 to accelerate the commercial development of Circulose®, making fashion circular. With a vast global network, as well as experience in brand building, storytelling, and business development, she is an invaluable partner to close the loop and optimize the benefits of Circulose®.
Tricia holds a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising from The Fashion Institute of Technology, as well as certificates in Digital Marketing and Strategy from Cornell University and MIT. She serves as secretary of Accelerating Circularity, as well as board positions at Transformers Foundation and the Fashion Impact Fund.