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Successful textiles innovation conference by KARL MAYER North America

The 2nd Textiles Innovation Conference held by KARL MAYER North America proved to be a complete success. The trade event took place from June 25 to 27, 2024 at the headquarters of the KARL MAYER GROUP subsidiary in Greensboro, North Carolina. The conference boasted an impressive turnout with over 200 attendees, exhibitors, and keynote speakers. While the majority hailed from many states across the USA, the event also attracted a global audience, including participants from Italy, Canada, Mexico, and other countries.  The conference continued to build momentum as an important platform for the exchange and transfer of know-how between brands, designers, and manufacturers from the textile industry. The central theme: the importance of textiles made in the USA, their value, and their influence on global markets.

“Connecting the US-based textile supply chain to enable brands to compete and win with American-made products, was the mission for the KARL MAYER STOLL 2024 Textile Innovation Conference. By presenting software to accelerate product development, demonstrating machine enhancements to improve productivity, and networking across all levels of manufacturing, we have been able to advance our mission,” said Mariano Amezcua, President of KARL MAYER North America.

The conference brought together leading industry brands and esteemed academic institutions to delve into the future of product development and sustainability in textiles. KM.ON, Black Swan, Meta, and Supreme shared a convergence of ideas, challenges, and groundbreaking advancements shaping the textile landscape. NC State and Kent State universities highlighted their efforts in developing local talent and enhancing research capabilities to meet industry demand for regional supply chains. Manufacturing Solutions Center, Southern Textile Association, and AFFOA (Advanced Functional Fabrics of America) explored research capabilities and technology testing to foster funding opportunities and generate ideas for the future.

 Presentations given by pioneers and trendsetters

The recipe for success also included a high-profile lecture program. The conference kicked off with a keynote speech from New Balance, a brand that empowers people through sport and craftsmanship. New Balance MADE U.S., their premium collection manufactured domestically, reflects their commitment to quality and community impact. On day two Kenny Wilsey, Sourcing Director at Dillard’s, shared his expertise to ensure adherence to quality standards and social compliance requirements for private label brands. To complete the speaker series, Allison Hicks, Lead Knit Engineer at Under Armour, inspired attendees with her innovative approach to performance footwear, apparel, and accessories.

Important topics at the conference were sustainability and digitalization: Unifi showcased high-performance fibers made from recyclable materials and pre- or post-consumer waste management initiatives. KM.ON, the digital solution company of the KARL MAYER GROUP, displayed artificial intelligence applications for quality control, supply chain optimization, and predictive maintenance for warp knitting and knitwear production.

Jessy Belle Kürig, Sales Manager at KM.ON, appreciated ​​the many networking opportunities. “I felt very happy to get the chance to present KM.ON by KARL MAYER and to discuss the use of AI in the textile industry, as well as the growing importance of digital twins. Even more I enjoyed the subsequent conversations,” says the sales professional.

The Textile Innovation Conference program was rounded out by an exhibition of selected textile supply chain partners. These business partners supplemented the information about innovation presented in the lectures and performance demonstrations of the latest STOLL flat knitting and KARL MAYER warp knitting machines.

Kuzey Expo announces Fabtex Georgia 2024

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Tbilisi, Georgia – Kuzey Expo is excited to announce Fabtex Georgia 2024, a premier textile exhibition scheduled for September 26-28, 2024, in Tbilisi, Georgia. This event will convene leading industry stakeholders to explore innovations and expand their market reach.

Georgia’s strategic location at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe, combined with its stable political climate and competitive business environment, makes it an ideal host. The country offers strategic trade agreements, low production costs, and a skilled workforce, making it a burgeoning hub for textile investment.

Mr. Ergun Karabulut, CEO of Kuzey Expo, emphasized Georgia’s strategic importance: “Georgia’s geographical advantage and recent investments make it a prime location for our exhibition. We aim to foster meaningful collaborations and drive industry growth.”

Exhibitor and Visitor Profiles

Exhibitors: will include manufacturers and suppliers of fabrics, yarns, garment and apparel, textile machinery, home textiles, and more.

Visitors: will encompass export and import companies, retailers, designers, wholesalers, and other industry representatives from the local Georgia market and Buyers from neighboring countries like Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, and Iran.

Join Us

We invite all industry stakeholders to join us at Fabtex Georgia 2024 to explore new opportunities and drive the advancement of the textile and apparel industry.

Free Registration at: https://www.fabtexgeorgia.com/

Revolutionizing textile production: Thomas Höpfl discusses Mahlo’s cutting-edge orthopac RXVMC-20

For many decades, the German machine manufacturer Mahlo GmbH + Co KG has been synonymous in the textile industry with straight fabrics and state-of-the-art straightening technologies. The market leader has now further developed it’s proven straightening concept and adapted it to the challenges of its customers. We are talking about the new Orthopac RXVMC-20 automatic straightening machine, and Sales Manager Thomas Höpfl is on hand to answer any questions.

Question: Thomas, thank you for taking the time to speak with us on the topic of optimizing textile production. Let’s dive right in. At ITMA Europe last year, Mahlo presented the prototype of its latest product development Orthopac RXVMC-20. Now the first machine is installed at a customer. Can you give us an overview of the new straightening concept?

Thomas Höpfl: Good morning, and thank you for having me. The Orthopac RXVMC-20 is our latest innovation designed specifically for processing textiles with high distortion dynamics, particularly in the knitwear sector. It’s a sophisticated system that combines control and regulation to offer maximum control over the straightening process.

Q: What makes the Orthopac RXVMC-20 stand out from conventional straightening systems?

T.H.: The key differentiator is its ability to handle textiles with highly variable distortions effectively. Traditional methods struggle with the inconsistencies often found in knitted fabrics, which can be influenced by numerous factors such as the sewing together of short pieces and the type of knitted fabric. Our system uses independently controllable and adjustable straightening modules that provide a high level of precision and control, thanks to advanced scanning and evaluation electronics.

Q: Can you elaborate on how the system works?

T.H.: Certainly. The Orthopac RXVMC-20 consists of two straightening modules, each individually controllable and driven. Distortion sensors at the infeed of the first module detect any fluctuations before they reach the straightening rollers. These rollers are then adjusted using stepless hydraulic or electric drives. A self-optimizing, AI-enhanced control algorithm ensures a highly precise and fast response to these detected distortions. Additionally, there is another distortion detection system at the outlet of the second module that catches any residual distortion, ensuring it is corrected.

Q: That sounds impressive. How does this system benefit textile companies in practical terms?

T.H.: The most significant benefit is the ability to meet high-quality standards regarding permissible residual distortion, which is crucial in the textile industry today. This system not only improves the quality of the finished product but also reduces waste and increases efficiency. For instance, lower profits due to non-compliance with residual distortion values are now avoidable. This system ensures that companies can maintain consistent quality, thereby increasing their competitiveness in the market.

Q: Could you share an example of a company that has implemented this system and the results they have seen?

T.H.:  Of course. Tintoria Finissaggio 2000, a renowned textile finishing company, recently installed the Orthopac RXVMC-20. They specialize in a wide range of finishing treatments for various fabrics. After equipping their new stenter with our system, they saw significant improvements in quality and efficiency within just a few months. The owners, Dino Masso and Marco Bardelle mentioned that their expectations were far exceeded by the results.

Q: That’s quite an endorsement. What was the feedback from Tintoria Finissaggio 2000 specifically?

T.H.:  They were very pleased with the precision and rapid response of the system. Dino Masso and Marco Bardelle highlighted that their high hopes for the Orthopac RXVMC-20 were more than met. They experienced a substantial enhancement in their production process, which is a testament to the system’s effectiveness and reliability.

Q: It seems like the Orthopac RXVMC-20 is set to make a significant impact in the textile industry. What are Mahlo’s plans for the future with this technology?

T.H.: We are continuously working on innovations to further refine our systems. The success of the Orthopac RXVMC-20 has encouraged us to explore new ways to integrate AI and advanced control algorithms into our products. Our goal is to offer even more efficient and precise solutions to meet the evolving needs of the textile industry.

Q: Thank you, Thomas. It’s been great learning about the Orthopac RXVMC-20 and Mahlo’s contributions to textile manufacturing. We look forward to seeing how this technology evolves.

T.H.:  Thank you for the opportunity to share our advancements. We’re excited about the future and committed to continuing our role as a leader in textile process control systems.

Mahlo GmbH + Co. KG belongs to the worldwide leading manufacturers of measuring, control, and automation systems for the textile and finishing industry as well as the coating, film, and paper sectors. Mahlo is located in Saal on the Danube in lower Bavaria but operates worldwide: Five branch offices in Italy, Belgium, Spain, China, and the U.S. serve as support stations for the key markets. Numerous international agencies and service stations offer customer support throughout the whole world.

Kemira acquiring Norit’s UK reactivation operations

Kemira has signed a definitive agreement to purchase Norit’s UK reactivation business from Purton Carbons Limited on June 28, 2024. This acquisition is the first step for Kemira in entering the activated carbon market for micropollutants removal.

Activated carbon is the most common technology to remove odor and taste in drinking water, as well as micropollutants including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water treatment applications. Micropollutant removal is expected to become increasingly relevant for water and wastewater treatment plants due to growing concern for consumer health and environmental safety. In addition, PFAS removal from drinking water and micropollutant removal from wastewater have been introduced in recent EU regulation updates.

The scope of the agreement includes the reactivation facility in Purton, UK. Reactivation regenerates spent granular or pelletized activated carbons, making them ready for another reuse cycle. The acquired reactivation facility produces Green reactivation for potable water and food-related applications, and Amber reactivation which is used for other non-food related applications. The deal is expected to close in Q3 2024. Revenue of the acquired plant in 2023 was some millions of euros and nine employees will transfer to Kemira as part of the transaction.

Tuija Pohjolainen-Hiltunen, President Industry & Water at Kemira said: “PFAS and other micropollutants removal from water is increasingly relevant for our customers who are compelled to comply with regulations around consumer and environmental health. Acquiring Norit’s UK carbon reactivation business bolsters our portfolio and strengthens our water treatment offering, allowing us to capitalize on a rising demand in Europe.”

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ICA signs MoU with Supima

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The ICA has signed and exchanged a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Supima in June at the ACSA Convention in Arizona, US to formally acknowledge the alliance and cooperation between organizations.

This MoU will help to foster greater cooperation between the ICA and Supima and enable us to work more closely on a number of shared goals, which include promoting the sanctity of contracts; training and visit programmes; information exchange and dissemination; diplomatic initiatives; testing and quality issues.

ICA President, Kim Hanna, explains; “I am really pleased that we can add Supima to the ICA’s growing list of alliances. Along with our existing MoUs, this latest addition will strengthen the relationships between organizations through increased communication and collaboration, which will ultimately help make trading safer.”

The ICA also has existing MoUs with;

  • Better Cotton
  • China Cotton Association (CCA)
  • China National Cotton Exchange (CNCE)
  •  Cotton Association of India (CAI)
  • Aid by Trade Foundation with its initiative Cotton Made in Africa (CmiA)
  • International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)
  • TextileGenesis
  • U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol

Huntsman secures bluesign approved status for IROGRAN TPU products

Global chemical company Huntsman has secured bluesign approval for ten of its IROGRAN thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) products, which are used extensively across the textile and apparel industry. The materials in question are part of Huntsman’s IROGRAN film and sheet portfolio, and can be used to enhance the production, performance, and comfort of stitchless, seamless garments including underwear, sportswear, and outdoor and waterproof clothing.

Recognized worldwide, bluesign is a leading sustainability solutions provider that ensures that sound environmental practices and products are used at each step of the textile value chain. Chemical products and textile materials carrying the bluesign APPROVED label are confirmed to meet the strict ecological and toxicological requirements set out in the bluesign CRITERIA. For textile and apparel manufacturers, this third-party endorsement can significantly reduce the amount of time and money they need to spend on researching products and testing samples to confirm their environmental credentials.

The bluesign APPROVED IROGRAN products have been designed to help textile and apparel manufacturers to create stitchless and waterproof garments that are practical and comfortable, yet also stylish. IROGRAN TPUs developed for barrier and adhesive film applications combine abrasion and friction resistance with elasticity and a soft touch. They also offer strength and temperature flexibility – for a seamless finish that can deliver high performance.

Approved products include:

  • IROGRAN PS443-204
  • IROGRAN PS455-218
  • IROGRAN PS370-206
  • IROGRAN A 95 P 5044 H UV
  • IROGRAN CA116-206
  • IROGRAN PS455-203
  • IROGRAN A 80 P 5039
  • IROGRAN CA117-200
  • IROGRAN A 92 E 4860
  • IROGRAN PS456-206.

Dr. Anja Weismann, Global Materials & Industry Sustainability Senior Lead Global Platform Elastomers at Huntsman Polyurethanes, said: “bluesign is a hallmark of quality that is actively changing the impact that textiles have on the planet, for good. Wherever you go in the world, bluesign is recognized as a stamp of trust and transparency. We are delighted our polyurethanes business has qualified so many products – building on our existing status as a bluesign SYSTEM PARTNER. At Huntsman we have long recognized the need for responsible and sustainable manufacturing across all markets in which we operate. Our work with bluesign reinforces that commitment and underlines our efforts to manufacture polyurethane and TPU products with the lowest possible impact on people and the planet.”

Michael Sabo, Head of Chemical Services at bluesign said: “As one of the most respected sustainability solutions providers that chemical companies, brands, and their supply chain partners can work with globally, bluesign conducts strict on-site assessments of chemical manufacturers – examining the effectiveness of their product stewardship systems and conducting a rigorous assessment of their chemical products to ensure they are non-hazardous and produced sustainably. Huntsman is a trusted bluesign SYSTEM PARTNER – with an excellent track record, and we are delighted to certify its IROGRAN TPU products.”

Huntsman is now continuing its bluesign journey and is working to qualify other systems for textile and apparel applications.

Huntsman Polyurethanes became an approved bluesign SYSTEM PARTNER in 2022 following rigorous checks of its facilities and production processes. Achieving bluesign SYSTEM PARTNER status means a company uses resources responsibly, is continuously committed to improving environmental performance, and operates with the highest level of safety for both people and the environment. To achieve bluesign SYSTEM PARTNER status, the Huntsman Polyurethanes team had to undergo a series of extensive audits to prove that product stewardship is at the core of its business practices and that processes are in place to help ensure product safety measures are followed.

CHT Group Sustainability Report 2023 now available online

The Sustainability Report 2023, which is now digitally available, provides important insights into the past financial year and clearly summarizes the main ecological, economic and social developments. Sustainability is an integral part of the corporate strategy of the CHT Group.

– The CHT Group uses the terms PEOPLE, PLANET and PERFORMANCE to emphasize its commitment to the 3 dimensions of sustainability worldwide and sets itself further goals. The CHT Group consistently aligns its sustainability strategy with all three ESG dimensions.

– Responsibility for sustainability lies with the Chief Sustainability Officer

– Climate protection plays a central role worldwide – the corporate carbon footprint (Scope 1-3) 2023 adds up to 456 kt CO2(e)

– The Group is pursuing the goal of becoming climate-neutral by 2045

– At the end of 2021, the CHT Group signed up to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to meet the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement and committed to the 1.5 °C target

– SBTi has validated the CHT Group’s reduction targets – by 2030, Scope 1+2 emissions will be reduced by – 42 % and Scope 3 emissions by -25 %. 82 % of sales were achieved with sustainably classified products

– In 2024 EcoVadis awards the CHT Group’s sustainability management with the Gold level for the first time

Sustainability as part of the CHT DNA

The issue of sustainability has been anchored in the DNA of the internationally active, foundation-owned group of companies for over 70 years. This has resulted in no less an ambition than to support all customers with the most innovative and most sustainable products and solutions and thus become the leading provider of sustainable chemical products and solutions in all target markets. A communication concept has been developed to make this clear. The aim of the concept is to review all decisions and measures based on their contribution to People, Planet and Performance.

Transparent communication

Open and transparent communication with all stakeholders, especially customers and suppliers, is of crucial importance. This is illustrated first and foremost by the company’s now updated and comprehensive sustainability reporting.

The current edition of the annual CHT Sustainability Report for the year 2023 is now available in website format. The report is based on the GRI standards of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).

Since 2015, the CHT Group has been using comprehensive sustainability reporting to document its ongoing successful transformation into a sustainably operating group of companies that is well prepared for the challenges of the EU Green Deal and mandatory ESG reporting.

The focus of the report is once again on climate reporting and the company’s social responsibility within and along the supply and value chains.

“Climate neutrality” as a central field of action

“Climate neutrality” plays a central role in the implementation of the CHT Group’s sustainability strategy. The CHT Group has set itself the goal of being climate-neutral both in its own production and in the supply chain from 2045. The path to climate neutrality by 2045 is illustrated within the report as part of the strategic goals.

Comprehensive social responsibility as part of sustainability

In addition to climate protection, social responsibility is also a top priority for the CHT Group. The continuous improvement of health protection and occupational health and safety is a top priority for the company.

From CHT’s point of view, qualified and committed employees contribute significantly to the future success of the company. For this reason, the CHT Group promotes the professional and personal development of its workforce to a high degree and invests in future-oriented and targeted training and further education for its staff.

Respect for human rights in our own plants, but above all in the supply chain, was brought to the fore in 2023 through the use of new tools. Not only was comprehensive compliance training made mandatory for all employees in the Group, but an international whistleblower tool, SpeakUp, was also introduced.

The supply chain is evaluated using a multi-stage process starting with a risk assessment, via a questionnaire up to sustainability audits.

The implementation of sustainability targets and the transformation to climate neutrality must be financed. To achieve this, CHT Group need to market sustainable chemical solutions profitably worldwide.

The Sustainability Report 2023 can be downloaded from the following link: https://sustainability-report.cht.com/

The new RE 4-1 Elastomeric Raschel machine from KARL MAYER for greater competitiveness in the commodity market

KARL MAYER launches its RE 4-1, a new Raschel machine for the extremely efficient production of highly elastic textiles. With this newcomer, the global player is expanding its successful Elastomeric series and supplementing the established RE 4-1 as part of its two-product line strategy. With an excellent price-performance ratio, the machine fulfils the requirements of the volume business in particular. It is also in no way inferior to its counterpart for the premium sector in terms of speed and quality.

“The RE 4-1 is particularly interesting for our customers in price-sensitive markets such as China and Türkiye. It offers highly efficient production of standard Power net articles at an extremely competitive price,” explains Sascha Müller, Product Owner Global Lace & Raschel at KARL MAYER.

A 170″ version of the machine has already been on sale in China for several months. The pre-release got off to an extremely successful start. Encouraged by the feedback from the market, KARL MAYER has developed an RE 4-1 with a working width of 190″ and will be offering both models to its global customers from middle of July 2024.

Technical equipment: perfect for basic Power net

The RE 4-1 can be ordered with E 28 and E 32 gauges. The 170″ version is also available with E 36. The standard equipment includes KAMCOS 2, batching device 18 E, Carbon fibre technology and N-pattern drive for controlling the guide bars: stitch-forming GB 1 to GB 3 and inlayGB 4. There are also optional features, including sensors for measuring the yarn tension, laser stop, batching device 34 A, LED lighting and an installation kit.

Product portfolio: everything for the lingerie volume market

With its technical configuration, the RE4-1 is optimized for the production of elastic and non-elastic standard fabrics, especially for the underwear sector. One of the top products of the Raschel machine with its high productivity and short amortization time is elastic Power net. This open-meshed, airy fabric has become an indispensable part of the lingerie and clothing sector. It is often used in the wings of bras as well as for inserts in sports leggings, shirts, jackets and swimwear, where it provides delicate control and comfort. Power net can also be found in semi-technical applications, for example as outer and inner pockets for rucksacks and clothing.

In addition to Power net, Raschel Locknit, Sleek net, and Satin Net are also part of the production repertoire of RE 4-1. The fabrics with a decreasing density from Raschel Locknit to Satin net also play a role in underwear and clothing production. For their production, filament yarn is threaded in the front two guide bars and elastane in the back ones.

Launch according to plan

The new Elastomeric machine was presented to a number of exclusive customers, particularly from Türkiye, at ITM 2024 in Istanbul and was very well received. There were numerous discussions during the exhibition, some of which were in-depth and advanced. The exchange at the ITM showed that KARL MAYER is on the right track with the RE 4-1.

A RE 4-1 has been available for performance demonstrations in the KARL MAYER (CHINA) showroom in Changzhou since June of this year. You can register informally for an appointment for viewing the machine by sending an e-mail to Xia Peng at peng.xia@karlmayer.com. The Product Owner Local Lace &Raschel at KARL MAYER is looking forward to welcoming his guests and to many interesting conversations.

Hailin Xu appointed new CEO of the Saurer Group

Hailin Xu joined the Saurer Group in 2018 as Senior Vice President and Managing Director of the Global Open End Product Line. Born in China and now a Swiss citizen, he brings extensive management experience and high intercultural expertise. Hailin Xu holds a degree from the Faculty of Chemical Engineering at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China. He also has a Master’s degree from the China Institute of Atomic Energy and a Master’s in Business Administration from Lancaster University in the UK and the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland.

Before joining Saurer, Hailin Xu worked for the ABB Group in Switzerland from 2008 to 2018, serving as Vice President of Global Supply Chain for the Transformer Division.

“Given the drastic changes in the world and the many challenges and opportunities Saurer is facing, we are very pleased that with Hailin Xu we have been able to attract an internationally experienced manager with extensive knowledge in the strategic direction of the product and service business,” says Xueping Pan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saurer Group. “He also deeply understands Eastern and Western cultures, enabling him to promote synergies even better.”

For personal reasons, Dr Uwe Rondé has resigned from his positions as Group CEO, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, and other related positions. The Supervisory Board would like to thank Dr. Uwe Rondé for his great contribution to the company’s development during his tenure.