International textile giants such as Zegna, Marzotto, and Ziche will be convening in November 2005 in Padua, Italy, to discuss what they are expecting nanotechnologies to deliver to help make their businesses stay ahead of the competition.

Representatives from these textile companies along with the leading providers of nanotechnology solutions will be part of Euro Future Tex (www.eurofuturetex.com) a conference to be held in Padua, Italy, on November 8-9, 2005.

The European textile industry has been experiencing major changes in the business environment as a result of the introduction of quota-free trade since the beginning of the year, and the competition from cheaper Asian imports is already having an effect.

As a result, the European textile industry is taking a closer look at the ability of nanotechnologies to innovate, add value and create new products. Current applications range from enhanced properties such as stain resistance to the integration of textile technologies with sensors and electronics to create major new market opportunities.

European textile companies are likely spurred in their interest in nanotechnologies by US-based Burlington, which has experienced a turnaround from the brink of bankruptcy after its success with Nano-Tex.

( www.fibre2fashion.com)