The KARL MAYER GROUP, a leading global supplier of textile machinery, and the Lenzing Group, a leading global manufacturer of wood-based specialty fibers, have joined forces to form a strategic partnership. The aim of the cooperation is to create a more environmentally friendly textile value chain: The cooperation is intended to increase the proportion of plant-based, biodegradable and fossil-free materials used in the production of textiles on both knitting and flat knitting machines.
In knitting, the aim is to use up to 100% vegetable and biodegradable fibers and filament yarns – specifically TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers and TENCEL™ Lyocell filament yarn. Sustainable products should also convince with an attractive look. The processing of sustainable materials can create additional possibilities in terms of the performance and appearance of knitwear.
The processing of CO2-neutral TENCEL™ fibers on STOLL machines in the production of fully fashioned flat-knitted articles ensures less environmental pollution in flat knitting. The special low-waste knitting process was used to produce an ultra-fine flat knit fabric on gauge 20 machines suitable for underwear production. The fully fashioned process is new in this area. The process steps of cutting and sewing are usually part of the production of underwear.
With this orientation of cooperation, the KARL MAYER GROUP and Lenzing offer manufacturers new perspectives. By using plant-based and fossil-free fibers during the production process, they are able to achieve extremely low carbon emissions, in line with the consumer behavior of today’s consumers who are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of the products they buy. “As a leader in the manufacture of textile machines, the KARL MAYER GROUP always has its finger on the pulse of its markets. In addition to efficiency, sustainability has become a key success factor for our customers. We work with pioneers throughout the textile value chain to offer our customers solutions with a low environmental impact. The yarn in particular is important. In cooperation with Lenzing, we want to expand the processing spectrum of our materials to include petroleum-free yarn variants. This is not only a contribution to more sustainability, but also opens up potential for new product developments,” explains Arno Gärtner, CEO of the KARL MAYER GROUP.
The strategic cooperation between the KARL MAYER GROUP and Lenzing represents an important step for the two companies to lead the industry into a more sustainable future. It underlines its commitment to supporting partners in the textile chain with value-added solutions and innovations in reducing the carbon footprint of their supply chains. “As a major industry player, Lenzing continues to partner with like-minded partners to offer breakthrough solutions that improve the quality of textile products and support continued sustainable development and growth of the industry. Through our partnership with the KARL MAYER GROUP, we will inspire the textile value chain to proactively strive to achieve their climate goals,
KARL MAYER GROUP and Lenzing will present a range of concept products, technical patterns and fabrics at the upcoming ITMA 2023 trade fair at their stands (Hall 2-E212 and Hall 4-B-119) to showcase the innovation potential for the knitwear sector opened up by the collaboration to illustrate. From this point on, the partners in the textile value chain can contact Lenzing and the KARL MAYER GROUP to discuss how they can achieve more sustainability in their own operations.
