With experience in managing ANEX 2018, Asia’s largest nonwovens exhibition and conference in Japan, Ms. Grace Mak, Asia Regional Director from E.J. Krause & Associates, Inc. (EJK) expects to continue the success with ANDTEX 2019. The upcoming exhibition in Thailand will be joined by 200 exhibitors from 14 countries and regions. In addition, there will be the display of national pavilions from Thailand, Japan, China, Indonesia, Taiwan and Hong Kong regions that will be exhibiting their innovation and technologies including products, materials, equipment, technology and innovation for nonwovens.

ANDTEX 2019 is supported by government agencies in Thailand, namely the Ministry of Industry, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Thailand Textile Institute (THTI), Thai Man-Made Fiber Industries Association (TMFA), National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), Center of Excellence in Textile and Chulalongkorn University. With an international support by Asia Nonwoven Fabrics Association (ANFA), All Nippon Nonwovens Associations (ANNA), Korea Nonwoven Industry Cooperative (KNIC), Indonesian Nonwovens Association (INWA), Taiwan Nonwovens Fabrics Industry Association (TNFIA) and Hong Kong Nonwovens Association (HKNA).

Dr. Charnchai Sirikasemlert, Executive Director of Thailand Textile Institute (THTI) said: “The textile industry in Thailand is growing continuously, gearing towards S-Curve industries, which is supported by the government in terms of advancing business, technology and innovation. Nonwovens is considered one of the rising stars for the Thai textile industry in 2019, classified in the S-Curve category due to its special nonwoven attributes that is fire-proof and anti-bacterial. This combined with lower production cost when compared to other textiles makes nonwovens a popular material of choice for the medical, healthcare and automotive Industry.

“Nonwovens is the future of the Thai textile industry, and many other related industries, with on-going demand. For this reason, it is our responsibility to instill knowledge and understanding about this robust change, in order to prepare manufacturers for this great opportunity. Thailand has an advantage in that we are one of the few countries in the world that provides a complete value chain for the entire textile industry. Therefore, I believe the industry is opportunistic in making Thailand a regional hub for the trade and investment of nonwovens in ASEAN,” added by Dr. Charnchai.

According to Mr. Somkid Rattanaprapaporn, President of TMFA: “The nonwovens industry in Thailand is on an upturn, with export value reaching nearly 8 billion baht per year. From an association perspective, nonwovens have tremendous growth opportunities not only for the domestic market but for the ASEAN markets as well. Our members in the Thai Man-Made Fiber Industries Association (TMFA) export mainly to ASEAN countries like Indonesia and Malaysia, with a forecast of double digit growth. There is an also on-going investment to expand production line and materials for nonwovens. Therefore, now is an excellent time strategically for nonwovens manufacturers in Thailand to invest and expand, in order to step up as the regional hub for nonwovens.”

“Such a unique exhibition profile like ANDTEX 2019 that features nonwoven and disposable hygiene technology for the first time in Thailand and ASEAN is aligned with Thailand 4.0 policy aiming to transform Thailand into innovation and high tech-based economy. TCEB as a government agency, focusing on using trade show as a mechanic to drive country economic and industry, we fully support 360º for the success of ANDTEX 2019 since from the start with site inspection program to connect organizer with Thai government and private sector to prepare the readiness in organizing the show until current support provide to organizer with exhibitor and visitor promotion (Exhibiz in Market and ASEAN+6 Privilege Campaign). We strong believe the show will enable Thai manufacturers to gain access to innovation and new technology and, thus, elevate their performance to another height” said by Ms. Kanokporn Damrongkul, Director of Exhibition Department, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB).

ANDTEX 2019 Conference will contribute a great significance to the future development of nonwoven and industrial textile industry in Southeast Asia. Conference speaker from European companies such as Reifenhäuser-Reicofil, Lenzing or Trützschler will share their expertise on Spunbonded, Spunmelted and Carding Technologies and Applications. Mr. Sean Kerrigan of EDANA will provide their visions and insightful views on subjects such as: "Government Policies for Nonwovens on Different Industry Sectors".

Detailed information can be provided via E.J. Krause & Associates, Germany www.ejkgermany.de