In 1985 was a crucial moment for the transformation of the textile sector and for the beginnings of industrial globalisation. The Association of Textile Entrepreneurs of the Valencian Community, and the initial contribution of the IMPIVA joined forces to create AITEX – the Textile Industry Research Association. The Institute had a clear mission: to boost the competitiveness of the textile industry through applied research and technological innovation.
Four decades later, AITEX celebrates its 40th anniversary having consolidated its position as a European and world reference in research, innovation, advanced technological services and certifications for the textile industry and with the stated objective of being a reference centre in the cosmetics sector in Spain in the coming years.
A look at the beginnings of AITEX
AITEX was founded in 1985 with the aim of promoting quality, design and research for the textile sector. Also to offer solutions to companies with the creation of testing laboratories and applied research. In the first 25 years, milestones were achieved that not only boosted business competitiveness, but also put AITEX on the national and international map.
In the early years, AITEX stood out for its role in the professionalisation of the textile sector, as an indispensable technical support for textile companies in the industrial districts of the Valencian Community, which were seeking to modernise in the face of the challenges of a globalised market. Its services in technical testing, training and product certification were key for companies to adopt international quality standards.
In 1997, AITEX took a fundamental step forward by joining the OEKO-TEX® association, strengthening its commitment to quality and sustainability in the textile sector.
According to Isabel Soriano, laboratories and international offices subdirector at AITEX: ‘Being the only Spanish centre accredited to grant OEKO-TEX® certifications since 1997 has allowed AITEX to consolidate itself as a reference in the textile industry in Spain and has strengthened our international reputation, allowing companies to access globally recognised certifications’.
The turn of the century brought new milestones that consolidated AITEX as a benchmark in applied research. In 2002, the creation of the R&D division allowed the centre to broaden its focus towards the development of innovative technologies, reinforcing its role in the generation of knowledge for industry. A year later, in 2003, the opening of its first international office in Pakistan represented a strategic leap towards internationalisation, allowing more direct contact with key markets in the global textile sector.
The recognition of AITEX as a global player began to take shape at the European level, highlighting its progress in product certification and its participation in international projects. This growth was complemented by its commitment to sustainability, a priority for AITEX, evidencing its leadership in an area that is increasingly relevant for the future of the industry.
The first 25 years of AITEX were a period of constant expansion and adaptation. The creation of state-of-the-art laboratories, the incorporation of cutting-edge technologies and the training of specialised professionals marked a transformation that did not go unnoticed by the media. The first 25 years of AITEX laid the foundations for the challenges and successes that the centre would continue to face in subsequent decades.
AITEX in the present: leadership and impact
Today, AITEX offers a wide range of services including advanced certifications, technical analysis, specialised training and the promotion of R&D projects. Its transversal approach ranges from sustainability and circular economy to the integration of new technologies in production processes. This constant commitment to quality and innovation has made the centre a strategic partner for companies seeking to adapt and lead in an increasingly demanding global market.
The move into the cosmetics sector was not by chance, but rather the result of a well-defined strategy to diversify its activities and take advantage of its accumulated experience in research and applied R&D. The creation of the cosmetics technical unit in 2018 marked a turning point, consolidating its entry into this sector. This decision was also driven by the exponential growth of the cosmetics industry at national level and, above all, in the Valencian Community. Increasing concern for sustainability, transparency in ingredients and product safety generated a demand for specialised technical services and high quality certifications.
In recent years, AITEX has developed specific capabilities in cosmetic product analysis and testing, addressing areas such as efficacy, dermatological safety and formulation stability. Its focus on sustainability and the circular economy, already a mainstay of its textile activities, has taken on a central role in its work in cosmetics, promoting the use of environmentally friendly raw materials and more environmentally responsible processes.
The Personal Protective Equipment sector is another strategic area where AITEX has, from the outset, played a key role. Its experience in testing and certifying Personal Protective Equipment has been decisive in guaranteeing the safety of users in sectors as diverse as industry, health and security forces.
According to Silvia Devesa, laboratories and innovation subdirector at AITEX: ‘The path of AITEX during these 40 years towards worldwide recognition in the PPE sector has been the result of decades of effort. From our beginnings, we understood that personal safety is a priority and we took on the challenge of becoming a global benchmark in testing and certification of these essential products’.
Another milestone that has consolidated AITEX’s leadership was its role during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. At a critical moment, the centre became the first in Spain to certify surgical masks, sanitary masks and FFP2 masks. This global service was essential to guarantee health safety in one of the biggest contemporary challenges.
AITEX reached another new milestone in 2021, when it surpassed 300 employees, consolidating its continuous growth and strengthening its capacity to address the challenges of a constantly evolving sector.
Finally, the change of headquarters in 2023 reflected not only the centre’s growth and expansion, but also its commitment to modernisation and adaptation to the changing needs of society. The new facilities provide modern and improved spaces, further enhancing AITEX’s ability to lead innovation in the textile and cosmetics sectors and other strategic fields in the coming decades.
AITEX looking to the future: continuous growth
the occasion of its 40th anniversary, AITEX celebrates not only its history, but also its capacity for adaptation and resilience in a constantly changing environment. This milestone symbolises the centre’s commitment to progress and excellence, reaffirming its role as a driver of technological and sustainable development.
Looking to the future, AITEX has aligned its strategy with the challenges set by the 2030 Agenda. Internationalisation is one of the main axes: more than half of its customers come from outside Spain, and the centre remains committed to helping Spanish companies to be more competitive in international markets. In line with this effort, AITEX is opening a new international office in Morocco in 2025, adding to the 9 offices it already has worldwide.
Sustainability, based on the principles of circular economy, recycling and revaluation of waste, is another of the fundamental pillars of its strategy. AITEX works closely with companies to adapt their processes and products to the demands of a more responsible market, actively contributing to the transition towards a more sustainable industrial model.
According to Vicente Cambra, R&D subdirector at AITEX: ‘Every day we look for ways to do our bit for these companies, with a focus on Spain and Europe, knowing that the environment is increasingly complex and changing. This forces us to continually adapt to these changes, and with the new transfer team structure we aim to have this great capacity for resilience’.
Digitalisation and energy efficiency complete the priority objectives of AITEX in the coming years. Digital transformation seeks to optimise processes, reduce costs and improve the productivity of companies, while energy efficiency aims to implement more sustainable solutions.
Among the milestones that will mark the future of AITEX is to continue increasing its human team, which has just surpassed the barrier of 400 employees, reflecting its growth and capacity to tackle increasingly competitive projects.
These achievements, together with its commitment to innovation and sustainability, ensure that AITEX will continue to be an essential reference for the industry in the coming years.