The British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) will present a strong delegation of 20 companies at ITMA Asia + CITME 2025, to be held in Singapore later this year. The group will showcase groundbreaking fibre and textile innovations spanning medical sutures, aerospace composites, automation, UHMWPE fibres, and defect-detection technologies, underscoring the UK’s growing presence in advanced fibre and technical textile industries.
Among the highlights, Fibre Extrusion Technology (FET) will unveil a new fibre processing system based on supercritical CO₂ technology, enabling more efficient and sustainable production of fibres for medical applications. FET will also introduce a flexible small-scale process for ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), a material ten times stronger than steel by weight, used in implants and defence applications. The system opens new opportunities for bespoke UHMWPE development, which has traditionally been limited by large-scale, complex production routes.
In aerospace, Cygnet Texkimp will launch a next-generation prepreg tape slitting machine, designed to support automated fibre placement (AFP) and automated tape laying (ATL). These technologies are critical for manufacturing lightweight yet durable aircraft structures. The new system allows partners to trial thermoset, thermoplastic, and ceramic tapes under real-world conditions.
Other UK firms, including Airbond, are introducing splicing solutions to improve efficiency in processing expensive fibres such as carbon and aramid, while companies like James Heal, Autofoam, Roaches, Verivide, Strayfield, and Tatham will showcase automation, testing, and control systems for advanced fibre production.
BTMA CEO Jason Kent emphasized the role of strong industry–university collaboration in driving innovation, noting that aerospace, defence, renewable energy, and medical textiles remain key growth areas. He added, “There is a new spirit of openness and adventurous interaction in the UK, especially in advanced fibres and technical textiles – and we look forward to sharing this at ITMA Asia.”
The UK pavilion will bring together solutions across sustainability, composites, automation, and fibre innovation, reinforcing BTMA’s position as a leader in the technical textiles landscape.
