The APLIMATEC Exhibition positions itself as a highly specialist event that brings together supply and demand in the field of innovation in textiles in general and, more particularly, in technical textiles.  Likewise, the Congress differs from traditional scientific congresses where delegates ask questions and speakers respond:  at APLIMATEC  speakers and delegates ask questions of each other and the answers come from the sources of innovation.

The APLIMATEC?06 International Congress?s Scientific Committee is headed by Dr Joaquim Detrell and comprises leading researchers and teachers from research centres and from all the Spanish universities that offer courses on textile engineering.  It also includes representatives from the Authorities and well-known specialists from the quality and innovation departments of a number of Spanish textile manufacturers.  The Committee has now published a first preview of the Official Programme for the 3rd Congress.

The APLIMATEC?06 Congress will consist of eight forums and a round table.  Because the term technical textile goes hand in hand with the concept of innovation, the sessions will discuss the technical applications of textiles in particular and innovation in textiles in general.

Thus far more than 30 speakers from universities, institutes, research centres and textile manufacturers in Germany, Spain, France, the UK, Italy and Portugal have confirmed that they will be giving papers at the Congress, revealing their latest developments and innovations.  The subjects covered at the round table and eight forums will thus be:

? Textiles for agriculture
? Innovations in textile finishes
? Medical textiles
? Innovations in fibres and yarns
? Textiles for aeronautics
? Textiles for personal protection
? High-tech clothing and footwear
? Innovations in woven and non-woven fabrics
? Technical textiles for building and interior design

The subject matter being discussed at the APLIMATEC International Congress will provide a substantial insight into what is going on in the field of innovation and, reflecting the split of the Exhibition itself, has been divided into two broad areas:

? the MATEX section will cover items from fibres to finishes via stiffeners, coverings and laminates, the lines used to apply them, manufacturing yarns, open weave and knitted fabrics, non-woven fabrics, tapes and braided fibres and laboratory aparatus

? the APLITEC section will include applications in all areas of agriculture, geotextiles, sports, medicine and health, building and architectural textiles, industry including the automotive industry and transport, personal protection and interior design of public spaces. 

It is fundamental that the European textile industry address all of these areas.  In the current irreversible situation, to remain competitive and, in some instances in order to survive, the industry needs to apply itself to seeking alternatives to making commodity products.  On the basis that in the developed countries innovation is one of the key drivers of the industry?s ability to respond to a changing marketplace, the aim of the APLIMATEC?06 International Congress is to contribute to the dynamics of innovation, whilst being a window through which to keep an eye on the progress of technology and providing an opportunity to come face to face with the very latest developments.