International Federation of Association of Textiel Chemists and Colourists

Dear Friends of IFATCC.

We have left another year behind us that we had imagined a little different some time ago: … the pandemic would be medically and socially over.

But no.

The pandemic still had us in its grip. I would almost say it had a partial stranglehold.

Over the past two years, we have all come to realise that life continues to present us with new challenges.

Although this has always been the case, I think it has become even clearer because it has led to restrictions in our private and professional lives that were previously unknown to us.

Now we all have to go through this together.

There will be no way around.

However, none of this has brought our jobs to a standstill. On the contrary, new or rediscovered paths have been taken.

The possibilities of virtual encounters have become second nature to us.

This with a tearful eye, as our contacts were severely limited.

I hope that the new year 2023 will be kind to all of us.

Now that we are longing  for an end to the pandemic, a new challenge is upon us.

The sanctions against Russia, because of  the war in Ukraine, brings with it an energy crisis.

Many industrial sectors, including our textile- and chemical industries, are noticing this energy problem very clearly.

Unfortunately, some companies have already reached the limits of their capacity and fear even worse not to mention the smaller companies that have already had to close down.

But I don’t want to list all the horror scenarios here; in the end, life has also bright sides.

I would like to call for courage. 
Together we can achieve a lot, we just have to want it and push it through.

When I write these lines, a song by John Lennon and Yoko Ono comes to my mind, which says, among other things:

… Imagine there’s no country, it isn’t hard to do …
… Imagine all the people sharing all the world …
… and the world will live as one …
With these thoughts I wish you all a great new year 2023 and that your wishes will come true.

Reinhard Zander
President of IFATCC

Dear IFATCC Members, dear Colleagues, dear Friends

As 2021 is coming to an end, I would like to thank all Presidents of national Associations, their members, and our affiliated Associations for their contribution and support during this very challenging time.

In 2021 April, we had a successful XXV IFATCC Congress, organized by ACIT in a challenging virtual form. Moreover, our Federation participated actively in the virtual WTIN event in October. Thank you all for your contribution and support.

Furthermore, by building the Editorial group, IFATCC will create a great future of communication for the Federation as well as for its full and affiliated associations. The usual activities will take on greater visibility thanks to the work of the editorial group that will be active through the IFATCC website and social media.

2022 will be challenging year for the textiles industries, with new regulations from Europe in the coming years.

New challenges lie ahead with significant innovations in the entire production chain.

Sustainability & Circularity will play a more vital role in achieving all the policies coming up soon from the EU commission.

The IFATCC is certainly an important communication channel for its members concerning new policies and challenges that the industry will need to address!

In this context, as you know, IFATCC is involved in organising a conference that will be held during ITMA 2023 in Milano and has already contributed to the ITMA 2023 blog.

With all the board members, we wish you and your family members a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2022.

Take care, be safe.

Mr Pascal Renger

President of the IFATCC