2016 Abit Congress: the future of the textile industry is technology

The first Abit International Congress 2016, held in Sao Paulo on June 1 and 2, gathered around 400 executives for strategic discussions of the industry and how at the global level, eyes are turned towards innovation, sustainability, internationalization and macro trends, in addition to new technologies, business models and a new consumer profile. The event was held by the Association in partnership with Apex-Brasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency) through Texbrasil (Brazilian Fashion Industry Internationalization Program).

Even with an uncertain Brazilian scenario, Rafael Cervone, the CEO of Abit, feels that no crisis lasts forever and this moment should be seen as an opportunity. One example of this is the fact that with high costs, people stop purchasing electronics and start buying clothes. “For such a creative industry, no idea is lost. Now, next to each of you is someone who is ready, who is thinking about how to innovate for this new Brazil that will come,” he said.

One highlight of the event was the presentation of a positive vision by the organization in relation to the textile industry, which continues to seek to develop foreign trade and which, although facing foreign competition for some time, has grown its actions beyond the country’s borders. Optimism about exports was also echoed by David Barioni, president of Apex-Brasil. “In January to May of this year alone, the textile industry exported around BRL 650 million,” said the executive.

With themes split into six panels, speakers discussed the importance of investing in new technologies that integrate processes and minimize environmental impacts, since the industry’s future is directly tired to new generations, where the consumer will define what will be made, prioritizing what is customized and politically correct. The internet will influence all of these changes, interconnecting information so as to benefit not just the end customer, but the entire textile chain.

The “A Quarta Revolução Industrial do Setor Têxtil e de Confecção: a Visão de Futuro para 2030” (The Fourth Industrial Revolution of the Textile and Apparel Industry: A Look at the Future for 2030), edited by Flavio da Silveira Bruno, was also launched at the event, in an effort to bring Brazil closer to the industrial revolution already occurring in other countries. This book brings together history and technology through images and videos available through QR Code, a difference that facilitates reading comprehension.

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