ATEVAL Expects Quick Recovery of Home Textile Sector Following Coronavirus Crisis

The Home Textile Association, ATEVAL, has faith in the sector's recovery after the coronavirus crisis. According to the association, companies in the group “are working against the clock to adapt to the new situation that has hit us”, minimizing expenses of all kinds to tackle the new reality, and turning to telecommuting. The association also plans to start up new projects to reactivate the sector once the crisis has passed. And they add that “the commitment to design, innovation, and use of new materials will be an added value to encourage customers and contribute to restarting consumption.”

Aware of the added difficulties caused by the confinement and the standstill of non-essential services due to the pandemic, the Valencia-based association has created an operational team known as GRUPvsCOVID19 in hopes of offering a broad response to its companies, afflicted by the new circumstances.

The negative consequences so far for textile companies range from the cancellation of domestic and international orders, stoppage of production, and delays in customer payments, to numerous temporary layoffs that have affected 90% of sector businesses.

Despite the hopes and trust placed in a successful return to normal, association sources are clear that the eagerly awaited end of confinement will be “very difficult”, and it will leave the textile companies “in a situation of vulnerability, with serious problems in continuing with their full activity.”

Likewise, sales through the online channel have also been affected, as the association says the Home Textile and Clothing Textile categories are not an essential need in the current situation. ATEVAL is optimistic, however, that “in the coming weeks” there will be an increase in the use of the online option. The association is also confident that sales “could rebound after the confinement period” through that channel.

Likewise, ATEVAL points to “the adaptability, generosity, and cooperation” of the companies, which in turn are developing “action plans” for the coming weeks with a view to returning progressively to normal. ATEVAL highlights “the entrepreneurial initiative” of businessowners in the sector who have turned to the production of textile products for healthcare personnel.

That is true of many companies that have converted part of their production activity altruistically to address the health emergency. On the one hand, there are factories certified by the Government that have adapted their facilities “in record time” to supply approved masks. On the other hand, many more companies have contributed “their grain of salt” by manufacturing all types of health and hygiene articles. On top of that are the donations made by both businesses and individuals to hospitals, city halls, senior residences, and social care centers.