The Walter Reiners Foundation awards:

• Anna Markic a sustainability prize worth 3,000 euros in the Bachelor’s category. The topic of her thesis, written at Reutlingen University, was the recycling of carbon fibres.
• Mark Zenzinger, Albstadt-Sigmaringen University, received a 3,000 euro promotion award in the Bachelor’s category. His topic was the automation of the process chain for the production of welded textile hard goods.
• Lena Fink from the TU Dresden received another promotion award worth 3,000 euros. Her construction engineering project work focused on a device to simplify the maintenance of braiding machines.
• Fabio Bussmann from RWTH Aachen was awarded a promotion prize in the Master’s category, worth 3,500 euros. In his thesis, he analysed the life cycle assessments of alternative semi-finished products for geotextiles.
• Katharina Maria Ernst, TU Dresden, was honoured with a sustainability prize of 3,500 euros in the Master’s category. Her work focused on the development of a suitable process for the treatment of chitosan fibres as an alternative starting product in the production of carbon fibres.
• Lennart Hellwig, RWTH Aachen University, was awarded a 3,500 euro prize in the Master’s category. He focused on the topic of machine learning using the example of a nonwovens plant.

Posted: May 3, 2024

Source: The VDMA Textile Machinery Association

In addition to the four days in Frankfurt, Dilo had invited customers for a tour of DiloGroup’s headquarters in Eberbach on the Thursday as a supplementary event to demonstrate relatively shortly after ITMA 23 its range of latest machine and line innovations.

More than 80 interested visitors did choose to accept Dilo’s invitation to get on the shuttle bus and take the audio-guided tour through the company’s R&D and demonstration centres which had been specifically prepared by the deputy CEOs Rebekka and Riccarda Dilo and their strong team from the sales, R&D and technology departments.

The complete lines and individual machinery were on display in a space of approximately 3.100 m2 to include the MicroPunch S research and demonstration line for needling light- weights in a range of 35 up to 160 g/m2 including the MultiCard MCRR CC with FRS-P feeder which was returned from ITMA and reinstalled for the product development of hygiene, cosmetic, medical and technical lightweight nonwovens. This line was accompanied by a Hypertex line for the production of lightweight sandwiches of reinforced nonwoven layers to increase strength and stiffness in MD and CD directions for use as needled filtration and roofing material as well as shoe and garment applications. The layered mesh of filament or yarn is laid inline between a base and a cover of pre-needled material with speeds up to ca. 40 m/min.

The MicroPunch S intensive needling line can thus be combined with the Hypertex process to include all areas of applications for lightweights needled from fine fiber.

Three buses had carried the seven groups of visitors to take part in machine demonstrations which processed the special fibre material until wind-up in the end-of-line section.

In Technology Centres I and II three complete nonwovens lines ran demonstrations including a 7 m wide needling line consisting of the VQC Card (Quadro), the high speed DLSC three apron layer capable of ca. 200 m/min infeed speed and the 7 m wide pre-needler.

Also, the HyperPunch machine in 3.5 m was included in the demonstration.

At the aerodynamic web forming section “additive manufacturing” was on display through the 3D-Lofter which comprises a series of individual web formers programmable to lay down additional fibre material. This either in an

1. IsoFeed function to improve the regularity of a flock matt to feed cards by up to ca. 4 – 5 % CV.
2. Reinforcement function of needled substrate used as car interior linings of deep moulded pieces in order to strengthen locations in the felt plain where stress or strain concentrations take place. Using this method, fiber savings can be achieved of approx. 30 to 40 percent.
3. An additional feature of the 3D-Lofter is the widely enlarged patterning capability of needled felts for automotive applications or wall and floor coverings. The 3D-Lofter offers sliding colors (Colour Slide), geometric patterns or inscriptions for achieving most modern design styles. 3D-Lofter in combination with the DI-LOUR process, which was also demonstrated by the DI-LOUR IV double structuring system, is offering a joint technology which is particularly interesting for lightweight molded car velours.

The interesting guided tours included enough time to get in depth insight of machines, technologies and textile products which also were on display and given as samples along with technical literature. The tours were concluded in a host and service area with finger food and beverages and with the related discussions of current needs and demands for preparing a more sustainable and successful future by innovations.

All the visitors from many countries including South America, Africa, Europe and China expressed their appreciation for a very interesting day at Dilo.

Posted: May 2, 2024

Source: DiloGroup

The company, a member of TMAS, the Swedish Textile Machinery Association, has taken on the task of developing the digital solution that will successfully meet the future demands for Vandewiele Group customers worldwide.

Coherent dialogue

“One of the primary challenges faced with B2B sites, is in building a coherent online narrative for products that have traditionally relied on in-person dialogue,” explained Henrik Kruse, Vandewiele Sweden’s Area Sales Manager, who led the development team. “Another challenge, of course, is that every customer should have a positive experience regardless of where they are in the world and via whatever internet connection they are operating with.”

Addressing this, the Vandewiele Sweden team has developed a user-friendly interface that exploits the latest “exploding view” diagrams to ensure customers can easily identify and order the components they need, all within a 1:1 digital representation. The next stage in 3D technology is set up and ready, although it awaits implementation and market readiness to fully integrate and utilize its features.

“The trend today is to bring our behavior from home to the workplace, which is especially true for the younger generation,” Kruse said. “This means that the B2B textile sector needs to rethink its offer. While the pandemic catalyzed digital transformations across industries, Vandewiele has been at the forefront in recognizing the need for accessibility and added value for customers, despite the industry’s traditional nature.”

Focus on core products and clientele

Adopting a phased approach, the company is initially introducing its IRO-branded accessories, spare parts and gauge parts, targeting textile mills, weavers and distributors. The platform has been carefully crafted to cater to the varying needs of its diverse clientele, offering streamlined direct sales and a transparent commission structure for agents and distributors.

“With this project we need to walk before we can run,” Kruse explains. “The foundation is an advanced, user-friendly web shop for the customer that prioritizes function and simplicity. The initial focus has been on products where there are few variables and thus no possibility of making the wrong selection. However, in the not too distant future we will test with machines that can fit this digital format.”

With an ambitious logistics promise of 48-hour dispatch, Vandewiele is set to revolutionise service standards. Leveraging third-party payment service providers like Nets, the company assures speed and reliability, fostering trust and efficiency in every transaction.

”This initiative underscores our commitment to not only meeting but exceeding the evolving demands of our global customers, ensuring that we stay at the forefront of technological advancement,” Henrik concluded.

Launch in April 2024

Scheduled for launch in April, Vandewiele stands ready to introduce its new e-commerce solution to key markets, including Scandinavia, the Baltics, parts of Europe, Turkey, and India.

“We are anticipating a significant shift towards online sales in the coming years, enabled by AI, automation and generative tools that will play a significant role in shaping the future of textile machinery sales,” said TMAS Secretary General Therese Premler-Andersson. “Through such forward looking initiatives our industry is dedicated to exceeding the needs of customers across the globe.”

The new platform, iroonline.com, is now live for preview. Vandewiele extends an invitation to all potential clients to register and experience the future of textile machinery commerce.

Posted: May 1, 2024

Source: Vandewiele Sweden, a member of TMAS, the Swedish Textile Machinery Association

With this award, Messe Frankfurt is honoring the commitment of exhibitor pioneers in the technical textiles industry. “We celebrate the past, the present and the future of this dynamic industry with you,” can be read on the mini stele, which was presented by Detlef Braun, member of the Board of Management of Messe Frankfurt, and Sabine Scharrer, director Techtextil.

Jochen Schmidt, general manager of KARL MAYER Technical Textiles, appreciates being among those honored. “We are delighted to have been involved right from the start and to have laid the foundations for the success of the trade fair. Techtextil is also today still an important platform for us to present our innovations and meet our customers”.

The KARL MAYER GROUP looks back on a successful Techtextil 2024 and is already looking forward to the next edition.

Posted: April 30, 2024

Source: KARL MAYER GROUP

Techtextil and Texprocess 2024 ended with 1,700 exhibitors from 53 countries, 38,000 visitors from 102 countries and a 29 percent increase in visitor numbers. The top visitor nations were Germany, Italy, France, Turkey and the Netherlands. The top exhibitor nations were Germany, Italy, China, France and Turkey. Countries such as Egypt, China, Indonesia, Kosovo, Luxembourg, Moldova and Thailand contributed to the expansion of exhibitors, among others.

In times of emerging AI technologies, increasing legislative requirements and high energy costs, both trade fairs offered the markets the most important international marketplace for product innovations along the textile value chain at the right time: “With an overwhelming atmosphere and growth in size, exhibitors and visitors, Techtextil and Texprocess made it clear: textile innovation for a wide range of industries can only be found in this global width and strength here in Frankfurt. The textile industry, through both leading trade fairs, becomes the driving force and enabler for cross-industry transformations and a globally future-proof economy”, said Detlef Braun, Member of the Executive Board, Messe Frankfurt GmbH.

75 percent of visitors – including producers, engineers from various industries, architects, processors, industrial designers, clothing and construction material manufacturers, R&D decision-makers, medical developers, product developers and other top executives – thoroughly leveraged the cross-networking opportunities, spanning from the preliminary stages of Techtextil to the wide array of processing and clothing technologies offered at Texprocess. The trade fair duo thereby set the stage for numerous international collaborations and business initiations, fostering innovation across sectors and making them market-ready.

Visitor satisfaction at a very high level

Exhibitors and visitors made intensive use of the trade fairs as efficient sales channels, made new international contacts and gained a concentrated overview of the global spectrum of high-tech textiles that can be used across industries, as well as the latest machines and technologies for textile processing. Visitor satisfaction at both events was at a very high level: 95 percent of visitors were satisfied overall with their trade fair visit, achieved their trade fair objectives and were impressed by the range of exhibitors.

20 years of Techtextil: biggest edition sets new standards

In its anniversary edition, Techtextil set a record in terms of size and underlined the dynamic growth and innovative strength of the textile industry.

Studies confirm the enormous future prospects of technical textiles: Fortune Business Insights[1]estimates the global market at 225.99 billion dollars in 2023 and forecasts an increase to 346.67 billion dollars by 2030. Similar forecasts by Allied Market Research[2] expect an increase to 331.8 billion dollars by 2032. Within the EU textile industry, technical textiles are the most dynamic drivers of demand in sectors such as medicine, agriculture, construction, outdoor clothing and automotive.

Techtextil is the only platform in the world to showcase the entire range of high-tech textiles across 12 application areas. In addition to examples such as medical textiles with a virus barrier, fibre structures for sound insulation in the construction industry or technical nonwovens for the automotive industry, these also included innovative world firsts in 2024: from the latest weaving technology with an open shed from the start-up Casmue, a new type of coating for self-cooling textiles from the German Institutes of Textile and Fibre Research Denkendorf to recyclable insulating textiles made of bio-based aerogel fibres from the start-up SA-Dynamics. Techtextil also placed a clear focus on sustainable action and production. More than 15 percent of the exhibitors presented natural fibres and materials.

“Techtextil is the most important industry event of the year for us and went really well for us in 2024. Once again, we were able to showcase our technology expertise to visitors. The special aspect about this global industry meeting place is that it not only brings us potential new customers, but we also meet our partner companies and suppliers here. The connection with Texprocess creates fantastic synergies. Techtextil 2024 has made it clear that the industry is on the move and sustainability is the overarching theme. We were surprised and pleased that we were visited by a particularly large number of young visitors – students as well as young innovators – with very specific requests for cooperation, also with regard to our sustainable solutions,” says Holger Michael Steingräber, Senior Vice President Global Marketing & Communications, Freudenberg Performance Materials.

“Techtextil 2024 has shown: We are on the right track with investments in circular economy. The response to our scalable solution that recycles garments into multifibres was downright enthusiastic. The trade fair went very well for us. We met existing and new customers, especially from Scandinavia and Southern Europe. What we really appreciate about Techtextil: Our end customers come to the show and exchange ideas with us in order to understand the benefits of our developments for their employees. And last but not least, Techtextil is simply the right place to present your innovation,” says Amaury Sartorius, Managing Director, Klopman.

“Techtextil is extremely important and very valuable for us. We see and feel the market, meet our customers, suppliers and new interested parties from all over the world, especially from Europe and overseas. Sustainability is the hot topic here in the exhibition halls and is much more present than it was two years ago. Textile companies around the world are working hard to reduce CO2 emissions and comply with CSR regulations. The tightening European regulations are playing a large part in this. Accordingly, the demand here at Techtextil for our sustainable developments, such as our PVC alternative with fifty percent CO2 savings, is strong,” says Michèle Sioen, CEO, Sioen Industries.

“Techtextil was an outstanding experience for us at Lenzing. The trade fair was very well attended and we were able to maintain valuable customer contacts and gain new ones. The diversity of visitors was particularly impressive – from experienced experts to curious students who came to find out about our innovative and sustainable fibre technologies. It is clearly noticeable that the topic of recycling is becoming increasingly important. Techtextil was a complete success for us,” says Oliver Spöcker, Global Sales Director, Lenzing AG.

Texprocess strengthens its pioneering role in digitalisation and automation

At Texprocess, a vast array of cutting-edge machines, processes, and services for textile and apparel processing were exhibited, spanning from innovative AI technologies to design systems and visualization tools, along with highly efficient cutting and state-of-the-art sewing machines. Texprocess presented pivotal solutions harnessing the latest technologies.

“For the Texprocess exhibitors, this trade fair was more important than ever before. The entire textile processing industry is facing enormous challenges worldwide, such as changing trade conditions or labor shortages. Many new technological solutions to these challenges were on show at Texprocess. There are great new developments, especially in the areas of digitalisation, automation and AI. Texprocess has thus focused on the future and highlighted many new opportunities”, says Elgar Straub, Managing Director, VDMA Textile Care, Fabrics and Leather Technologies.

“Against the backdrop of the current industry situation, our expectations were rather muted. The trade fair really exceeded them. The visitors were very well balanced in terms of internationality and fields of application. Europe was there entirely, but also the Middle East, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, the USA and Mexico. Our customers drive automation and process optimisation. We presented future-oriented solutions in this field – including our CNC sewing unit with rotating sewing kinematics, which won the Innovation Award, as well as an AI-based seam correction”, says Michael Kilian, COO, Dürkopp Adler.

In the areas of sewing technology and cutting solutions, Texprocess offered the world’s most comprehensive range of suppliers presenting pioneering solutions for efficient and advanced manufacturing processes – also through AI: “This year, we presented our latest innovation, which integrates AI directly on the machine. Texprocess is exactly the right platform for this: a meeting point for technology, partnerships, customers from all over the world and indispensable for the global fashion industry. We made numerous new contacts, including from markets new to us such as South Africa and Australia,” emphasises Marta Maiandi, CTO, Orox Group. The exhibitor Eurolaser was also delighted: “The trade fair went excellently for us. Visitors came from all over Europe, the USA, Mexico and further interesting markets and, of course, from very diverse application areas such as protective clothing, medicine and automotive. The format trade fair is back in full force. Our biggest innovation is our camera system, which sits directly on the bar. It scans the entire table in three seconds and optimises the cut and contours,” says Laura Capone, Chief Sales Officer, Eurolaser.

The exhibitor Assyst provided insights into what a completely digital, sustainable and profitable future for the fashion industry looks like – with AI-driven solutions that support design in the creative process and visualise styles in real time: “Texprocess 2024 was extremely successful for us. Our visitors were enthusiastic about how uncomplicated digitalisation becomes for the apparel industry when AI, 3D simulation and 2D CAD are seamlessly integrated. With a highly interested international trade audience, the trade fair offers the ideal environment to present this type of product innovation,” says Hans Peter Hiemer, Managing Director, Style3D | Assyst.

Trade fair duo shines with research, knowledge transfer and high-quality content 

A powerful mix of topics drove the intensive exchange between research and industry and provided visitors with important impulses on the newest textile solutions, intelligent materials and the latest research results in the sectors. Numerous exhibitors, start-ups and renowned research institutes demonstrated at both trade fairs that AI, digitalisation and automation are significantly advancing the industry. Whether textile recycling, fault detection in production and processing, networked production steps or smart clothing that monitors the wearer’s physical functions – the new opportunities offered by AI and digitalisation are multifaceted. These technologies are paving the way for the future of the industry.

Latest materials and recycling technologies in times of legislative requirements

In times of upcoming legislative requirements as part of the EU strategy for sustainable textiles, Techtextil and Texprocess focussed on recyclable solutions and the latest research results on resource efficiency and recyclability. This was also reflected in the increased number of exhibitors in the Econogy Finder: more than twice as many exhibitors were checked against the criteria of recognised labels and certificates as well as the Sustainable Development Goals and were included in the Finder. In addition, the Econogy Talks provided a platform for dialogue on resource-saving solutions, while the Econogy Tours led by an independent expert provided first-hand insights on sustainable products.

The next edition of Techtextil and Texprocess will be held from 21 to 24 April 2026.

Posted: April 26, 2024

Source: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

Accordingly, the industry has high hopes for the solutions that will be presented and discussed at Texprocess, with a particular focus on flexible digitalization and automation solutions.

Decline in orders in the entire Textile Care, Fabric and Leather Technologies sector

Incoming orders for German manufacturers of textile care, fabric and leather technologies are still on the decline: in the period from March 2023 to February 2024, incoming orders fell by 17 percent in real terms compared to the previous year. However, sales are in positive territory with an increase of 10% in the same period. Exports in the narrower sewing and clothing technology sector are stagnating. German machine manufacturers were only able to increase their exports by 0.7%. The most important customer markets here were Italy, France, and the USA. Overall, the outlook is therefore mixed.

At the VDMA TFL press conference, member companies Assyst, Morgan Tecnica and Pfaff/KSL gave an overview of their latest innovations that will shape the future of textile processing. Assyst presented the power of artificial intelligence in a fully digital fashion workflow. Brands and manufacturers can benefit from fast, high-quality designs, reliable fit across all products and accurate cost calculations and savings. Morgan Tecnica gave an overview of the cutting room of the future, where the latest technology can reduce energy consumption by up to 50%. Pfaff /KSL showed a new era of controlled sewing with its AI-based ONLINE VISION SYSTEM and also how textile welding has created a sustainable joining technology without threads and consumables. JASMA, the Japanese sister association of VDMA TFL, also gave an outlook on the next technology trade fair for the Asian region, JIAM. JIAM will take place in Osaka from November 27 to 30, 2024.

VDMA Textile Care, Fabric and Leather Technologies is the conceptual partner of Texprocess

Texprocess is the leading international trade fair for the processing of textile and flexible materials. From 23 to 26 April 2024, international exhibitors will be presenting the latest machinery, equipment, processes and services for garment manufacturing and textile and flexible materials to trade visitors at Texprocess for the seventh time. Techtextil, the leading international trade fair for technical textiles and nonwovens, takes place parallel to Texprocess.

Posted: April 25, 2024

Source: VDMA

With 1,700 exhibitors from 53 countries, Techtextil and Texprocess 2024 are the centre for future-oriented innovations by the international textile industry – from progressive technologies to revolutionary materials. Moreover, for its 20th edition, Techtextil presents itself in a new dimension. Texprocess is also strongly positioned across all product groups. The materials, products, machines and processes presented at the two trade fairs, as well as the newly forged business alliances, are paving the way for the future of the industry. “Frankfurt is once again the centre for textile and technological innovations, which are often presented to the public for the first time at Techtextil and Texprocess. These are an important indicator and driving force for the future of many other branches of industry. On its 20th anniversary, Techtextil has become larger than ever before and, together with Texprocess, is in great shape,” said Detlef Braun, Member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt GmbH, in his speech.

At the opening event, Techtextil and Texprocess generated forward-looking impulses in a panel talk entitled: From textile recycling to garment processing – the role of AI. Discussing about the opportunities of using AI in the fields of textile production and processing were Chloé Salmon Legagneur, Director, CETIA, Prof. Dr. Ingo Rollwagen, AMD Akademie Mode & Design / Hochschule Fresenius, Senior Advisor IMP Consulting, Elgar Straub, Managing Director, VDMA Textile Care, Fabrics and Leather Technologies, and Olaf Schmidt, Vice President Textiles & Textile Technologies, Messe Frankfurt.

Artificial intelligence in the textile industry

Identifying new approaches, utilising potential and improving existing processes – AI represents a great opportunity for progress in the textile industry. Those who engage with the new developments today are well positioned for the future. The advantages of AI solutions are evident: greater efficiency, competitiveness, transparency and sustainability. However, making the most of AI calls for expertise, investment and the suitable technologies. The panel talk looked at how AI can be used to best effect in the textile industry from a variety of perspectives.

New opportunities with AI

Artificial Intelligence offers new opportunities for innovation. On the one hand, developments are emerging that use AI to improve traditional textile manufacturing and processing operations and to make them more efficient, e.g., intelligent fault detection during production or optimised material calculations make production and processing faster, better and more sustainable. On the other hand, AI can be used to create completely new products. “AI expands the scope for innovations. In addition to accelerating and increasing the efficiency of existing processes, it creates added value by improving products. For example, in the form of circular, regenerative textile solutions with longer life cycles. In the future, AI will make it possible to not just do the same thing faster but also to create completely new, better, more individual and more sustainable textile solutions that are better tailored to the customer and also better for the environment,” explained Prof. Dr. Ingo Rollwagen in his keynote speech.

Textile recycling reimagined with AI

Most textile waste is either returned to the retail trade as second-hand fashion, ends up in landfill sites or is incinerated. Hence, demand for recycling solutions, e.g., for old clothes, remains high. Moreover, the EU Green Deal also calls for scalable recycling solutions. New developments with AI integration promise to provide a remedy for this in the future, for example, by differentiating between textile and non-textile materials, such as zips, and separating them automatically. The French innovation platform CETIA is developing industrial solutions that prepare textiles for the recycling process. “Efficient, innovative technologies are needed to enable textile recycling on a large scale. Automation, robotics and AI increase profitability and competitiveness. Interdisciplinary cooperation between research and industry is essential for this,” explains Chloé Salmon Legagneur in the panel talk.

Techtextil and Texprocess driving new technologies

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a buzzword for companies. Indeed, it is rapidly changing the industry and finding its way into more and more applications. This also means that the industry has to get involved with AI to remain competitive and utilise the many advantages that it offers. As international meeting places for the industry, Techtextil and Texprocess are the first ports of call for gathering information and exchanging ideas. “The industry is facing major changes. Although AI creates many new opportunities, it also confronts companies with a variety of transformational challenges. We look forward to accompanying the international industry through this process and highlighting potential solutions at Techtextil and Texprocess. Together, we can leverage the unique potential for the future,” said Olaf Schmidt.

At the two trade fairs, participants find innovative solutions and partners that will propel their companies forward and make them ready for the future – whether progressive start-ups or top-class research institutes. Expert knowledge is available at first hand from the Techtextil and Texprocess forums, e.g., on the subject of ‘Textile value chain digitalisation and data driven AI business models’ or ‘AI-Based Real-Time Energy Optimization in the Textile Industry’, as well as a guided tour of Texprocess exhibitors focusing on digitalisation and AI. Additionally, two Texprocess Innovation Award winners were honoured in the ‘Digitalisation + AI’ category.

Examples of AI integration can also be found in the portfolios of ever more exhibitors. Visitors can look forward to intelligent systems that analyse fashion trends using AI, for example, use image analysis to identify faults or sort old clothes, as well as to network different production steps intelligently with one another. “Advances in the field of AI have come at exactly the right time for the textile processing industry. New technologies offer genuine opportunities to tackle challenges such as labour shortages, the demand for greater sustainability and resource scarcity,” says Elgar Straub.

Techtextil and Texprocess 2024: Innovations and networking on subjects of major significance for the future of the industry

Innovative materials and disruptive technologies – Techtextil and Texprocess present the most comprehensive spectrum of technical textiles, functional apparel textiles, nonwovens, production and processing technologies at the same time and place. In twelve areas of application, the unique innovative strength offered by textile solutions for a wide range of sectors is reflected – from construction to medicine. As an international meeting place for the industry, the programme of events at Techtextil and Texprocess generates a host of important impulses.

Visitors will find a list of expert lectures, guided tours, special shows and events in the event calendar. The thematic spectrum covered ranges from denim processing, via recycling to functional apparel textiles. Areas focusing on functional natural fibres, start-ups and campus & research combine subject-specific presentations for visitors. Products, processes, solutions and information relating to sustainability can be found under the Econogy label. The Techtextil and Texprocess Innovation Awards represent another highlight for visitors. The pioneering research, new products, materials, processes and technologies selected by a jury of experts represent the future of the industry. The exhibits selected for the Techtextil Innovation Award can be seen in Hall 9.1 up to and including 26 April 2024. Additionally, the jury is offering guided tours to the stands of the winners of the Texprocess Innovation Award on 23 and 24 April.

The events Techtextil and Texprocess will be held from 23 to 26 April 2024.

Posted: April 23, 2024

Source: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

From April 23 to April 26, 2024, Picanol will be exhibiting at Techtextil Frankfurt in Hall 12.0, Booth C01. On the one hand, the unique combination of revolutionary product platforms in rapier and airjet weaving technology and the digital platform PicConnect, and on the other hand dedicated solutions for technical fabrics offer our customers the best of all worlds: reliability, performance, and flexibility – in the most sustainable way. During Techtextil Frankfurt, Picanol will present its solutions for various applications, including filter fabrics, agro-textiles, carpet-backing, coating fabrics, para-aramides, and tire cords.

The all-new, revolutionary Ultimax rapier weaving machine

Picanol’s all-new and revolutionary rapier weaving machine, the Ultimax, focuses on three main benefits: ultimate performance and high-quality output, readiness for the sustainability requirements of tomorrow, and the greatest ease of use thanks to a maximum level of digitalization. In addition, the classic Picanol exterior design of the machine has been radically disrupted in order to make it clear from the outside just how revolutionary the Ultimax is on the inside. The Ultimax excels in the fields of performance and quality, it has been designed with sustainability as the baseline, and the high degree of digitization results in a previously unseen ease of use.

OptiMax-i Connect rapier weaving machine

The predecessor of the Ultimax, the OptiMax-i Connect rapier weaving machine remains available for specific applications for weaving technical textiles, up to 540 cm.

OmniPlus-i Connect airjet weaving machine

Digital innovations in PicConnect

With PicConnect, Picanol is centralizing its digital tools and services in one new fully digital platform. Those visiting Techtextil Frankfurt will be able to discover all the benefits and latest features of PicConnect to leverage the full extent of the possibilities offered by Picanol weaving machines.

Picanol has a strong ambition to further grow together with our technical customers – enhancing their market success. We are looking forward to welcoming all our customers, prospects, and partners at our booth during Techtextil Frankfurt.

Posted: April 20, 2024

Source: Picanol

The bio-based recyclable insulation textiles consist of 100 percent bio-based aerogel-fibres. They contain up to 90 percent air, trapped in the nano-pore system of the aerogel-fibres. The bio-based raw material is sustainably sourced and certified. The insulation textiles made from bio-based aerogel fibres are said to insulate the same or even better than synthetic insulating materials of fossil origin like PET, PE or PP and mineral or stone wool.

“By using bio-based aerogels, we are doing away with fossil-based materials and doing something for the environment and climate,” explains Maximilian Mohr, Chief Technical Officer (CTO) at SA-Dynamics. “We are thus meeting the regulatory measures of the EU and the governments of many countries for more climate and environmental protection. By using bio-based, recyclable aerogels, we can revolutionise the world of construction. Come to Techtextil at our booth at the Elmatex joint booth in hall 12.0 D63 and see for yourself.”

The Techtextil and Texprocess Innovation Awards ceremony will take place on 23 April 2024 at 12.30 pm in Hall 9.0 in Frankfurt/Main, Germany.

The Aachen-based start-up SA-Dynamics is made up of researchers from the Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) and the Institute of Industrial Furnace Construction and Heat Engineering (IOB) at RWTH Aachen University.

The bio-based aerogel fibres originate from the LIGHT LINING research project of the BIOTEXFUTUREinnovation area. The LIGHT LINING research project focussed on sports and outdoor textiles. The research results are transferable to the construction sector.

Posted: April 20, 2024

Source: RWTH Aachen University

loopamid® – the first circular polyamide 6, based on textile waste

In January 2024, BASF launched loopamid®, the first polyamide 6 (PA6, also known as nylon 6) to the market that is entirely based on textile waste via a segregated production. Inditex has made a jacket exclusively from loopamid; the lining, zippers, velcro fasteners and buttons are also made from the recycled material. loopamid is an innovative solution to recycle PA 6 textile waste and thus promote circularity in the fashion industry. As the chemical recycling technology tolerates all fabric blends, it enables textile-to-textile recycling of industrial textile waste and used clothing. The fibers and materials can be recycled over several cycles. At the same time, the material properties are identical to those of conventional polyamide.

Ultramid® Ccycled® – for more sustainability in the textile sector

With Ultramid® Ccycled®, BASF offers an innovative, mass-balanced product that supports the use of alternative raw materials from the chemical recycling of plastic waste that is difficult to recycle, such as end-of-life tires. The recycled raw material is fed into the beginning of the BASF production network and allocated to the Ultramid Ccycled products using a mass balance approach. Fossil raw materials are thus replaced and saved, while the product quality remains unchanged.

Ultramid® Biomass Balance (BMB) – drop-in concept enables the use of biowaste feedstock

With Ultramid® BMB, BASF has developed a sustainable drop-in concept which enables the use of biowaste raw materials in product manufacturing: Certified renewable raw materials replace fossil resources at the beginning of the production process and are then allocated to the Ultramid BMB products in the appropriate quantities via the mass balance chain. Without compromising on quality and performance, the product carbon footprint can be cut up to more than 50% versus standard Ultramid.

Towards more sustainable solutions with Elastollan®

Due to its high elasticity and excellent mechanical strength, the thermoplastics polyurethane (TPU) Elastollan® is suitable to produce a wide range of materials for the textile industry, especially for producing mono- and multi-filaments, as well as for coating polyester and glass fibers. It can also be worked into nonwoven fabrics. Bio-based and certified biomass-balanced Elastollan grades provide identical material properties to those of equivalent fossil-based products.

Certified Sustainable FiberMax® Cotton (CSF) with a traceable blockchain platform

BASF, in collaboration with CSF partners, all within a 250 kilometers (155 mile) radius in Greece, has introduced a highly transparent and traceable blockchain platform from Seed 2 Sew. The platform, technology by Bext 360° and powered by Hyperledger, allows brands to seamlessly integrate interesting data such as carbon footprint, into their supply chains through an Application Programming Interface (API). Additionally, BASF has partnered with the University of Thessaly in Greece to research and implement regenerative practices for cotton production in Europe. The aim is to provide European fashion brands with certified European non-GMO regenerative cotton, enabling consumers to make informed decisions and choose high-quality sustainable clothing, both now and in the future.

More information can be found on Sustainable Fashion (basf.com).

Fiber bonding technology for upcycling

With BASF’s low-emission fiber bonding technologies Acrodur®, acForm® and Acronal®, reclaimed materials such as denim or discarded materials such as spent coffee grounds and used paper cups can be turned into building blocks for new and more-valuable products. Extending the life cycle of single-use products helps to reduce waste and decrease the reliance on scarce natural resources. The BASF booth will showcase several upcycling exhibits developed with industry partners, including flooring produced with denim, coffee grounds and paper cups.

Further exhibits produced with fiber bonding technology include a lightweight panel made of natural fiber and Acrodur composite with paper honeycomb core, glass nonwovens for exhaust air treatment of lacquer cabins and glass meshes for the reinforcement of plaster and insulation systems.

Posted: April 20, 2024

Source: BASF