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Yarn Expo autumn 2024 to sate industry’s sustainability demands in august

Shanghai, 20 June 2024. With eco-friendly products in the spotlight, this year’s spring show signaled a positive outlook for the global yarn and fiber market. Set to continue the momentum, Yarn Expo Autumn 2024 will open doors from 27 – 29 August at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), where exhibitors will showcase a wide spectrum of in-demand, innovative, and sustainable yarns and fibers. Held concurrently with the 30th edition of Intertextile Apparel, as well as CHIC and PH Value, the fair will see the entire value chain come together for active business and insight exchange, encouraging industry growth and connection.

Driven by a raft of societal development factors, such as the introduction of new fabrics and significant Asia-Pacific population growth, the global textile yarn market is projected to reach USD 17.87 billion by 2031[1]. Expressing her confidence in the market and Yarn Expo, Ms. Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, commented: “As daily essentials, yarns, and fibers are always needed – especially those reflecting sustainability efforts due to rising public awareness. With high visitor flow and positive feedback at recent editions, Asia’s leading yarn and fiber trade platform remains a hotspot for innovation and sustainability amongst global buyers, and we are eager for our exhibitors to benefit again this autumn.”

A well-known platform for sustainable upstream sourcing, the fair will align with the Texpertise Econogy initiative (the umbrella for Messe Frankfurt’s sustainability activities at its more than 50 textile trade shows worldwide). Set to focus strongly on eco-friendliness in response to market needs, the upcoming autumn show’s green initiatives will span the high-traffic Trend Forum, as well as multiple seminars and product showcases.

Exhibitors from a number of countries and regions have already confirmed their participation, including China, France, Indonesia, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Singapore, Türkiye, Vietnam, and more. Once again, business matching meetings will be organized to pair suppliers with relevant buyers.

Pleased with his sourcing options at last year’s autumn show, Mr Mani Kant, Director of Bishnu Texport Pvt. Ltd, India, commented: “I see more potential suppliers and many visitors. Sustainable and biodegradable products are my main concern this year because most of our clients are looking for these kinds of products, to supply to European and US apparel brands. Recycling yarns and fibers are especially plentiful here. I have visited many exhibitions, but I think Yarn Expo is one of the best platforms to source yarns, learn about new trends, and meet many suppliers in one place, which is a big time and money saver.”

Eclipsing the success of Yarn Expo Autumn 2023, the 2024 spring fair welcomed nearly 22,000 buyers from 107 countries and regions. At both editions, regenerated and cotton products were two of the most sought-after categories at the fairground, and are expected to be high on buyers’ lists this autumn.

Yarn Expo Autumn will be held concurrently with Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition, CHIC, and PH Value. The four fairs will bring the fiber and yarn, apparel fabrics and accessories, fashion, and knitted garments industries together under one roof, with the resultant synergy allowing exhibitors and buyers to maximize their business opportunities.

Yarn Expo Autumn is organized by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT. For more details, please visit www.yarn-expo-autumn.com.

Yarn Expo Autumn will be held from 27 – 29 August 2024.

 

re.solution wins ACHEMA Start-up Award 2024

The winner of the ACHEMA Start-up Award 2024 is re.solution. The start-up recycles textiles containing polyester using a chemical process with renewable energy and low water and chemical consumption. With their innovation and business plan, the Aachen-based founders prevailed against nine other finalists.

For the fourth time, DECHEMA, High-Tech Gründerfonds and Business Angels FrankfurtRheinMain were looking for entrepreneurial scientists and founders with an affinity for technology. The fact that start-ups are now an integral part of the process industry was demonstrated not only by the number and quality of the applications, but also by the range of innovations on which the start-ups are based. This clearly reflects the general industry trends of sustainability and digitalization.

This also applies to the winning start-up: re.solution was founded at RWTH Aachen University in 2023 and aims to tackle the growing mountains of used textiles with chemical recycling.

The proprietary process runs on renewable energy and thus achieves a lower carbon footprint while consuming less chemicals and water in comparison with similar technologies. It is further designed to overcome textile-specific recycling challenges like the recycling of fibre blends and the removal of impurities. Due to its robustness and a high product quality, the process is economically competitive compared to polyester’s fossil route. The long-term ambition is to develop and operate plants at an industrial scale.

The jury was impressed by re.solution’s innovative idea, a scalable process and a solid business plan. However, the selection was not easy, as the finalists were very close to each other in the evaluation. They offer an interesting portfolio for investors and potential industrial partners:

  • Biosimo AG wants to drive the transformation of the chemical industry towards greater sustainability with basic chemicals made from renewable raw materials.
  • ChemInnovation has developed the AI model METIS. It enables the automated structural elucidation of unknown molecules based on mass spectra.
  • co2ol catalyst uses a robust catalyst to produce methanol from CO2 – even from sources that could previously only be used with additional purification stages.
  • eco:fibr has developed an extraction process with which pulp for the paper and cardboard industry can be obtained from pineapple plant residues.
  • Graph-Co offers the digitization and migration of technical flow charts for the process industry under the brand name Graph-ID.
  • Inline Process Solutions GmbH analyzes particle flows in plants inline with the help of image-optical AI-based sensor technology.
  • LABMaiTE GmbH fully automatically optimizes the culture media for fermentative bioprocesses and thus accelerates their development.
  • Nanolope offers versatile heat storage solutions based on a phase change material.
  • PHABIOC develops innovative tools, microplates and analyzers for screening on a small scale and with a high throughput rate in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.

Since 2015, the ACHEMA Start-up Award is sponsored every three years by DECHEMA Gesellschaft für Chemische Technik und Biotechnologie e.V., DECHEMA Ausstellungs-GmbH, Business Angels FrankfurtRheinMain e.V. and High-Tech Gründerfonds. The ACHEMA Start-up Award is also supported by the German Chemical Society (GDCh), the Association of German Engineers (VDI), the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI), the AiF InnovatorsNet, BCNP Consultants, the Business Angels Network Germany and the Forum Startup Chemie.

If you want to get to know the ten start-ups in person, you have the opportunity to do so in the Start-up Area (Hall 6.0) at ACHEMA until June 14, 2024.

Bluesign and SCTI Donate SCI Methodology to ZDHC for Textile Sustainability

The textile industry is taking a great step forward in sustainable practices as bluesign and SCTI donate the pioneering Sustainable Chemistry Index (SCI) Methodology to ZDHC. This collaboration aims to revolutionize chemical management in the textile, leather and fashion industries, while addressing environmental impact in a holistic manner.

The Challenge of Harmful Chemicals in Fashion:

For decades, the use of hazardous chemicals in clothing has been a major challenge. Despite industry efforts with numerous overlapping standards and voluntary schemes – the textile, leather and fashion industries struggle with varying regulations, inconsistent data and a lack of common action. Inconsistent regulations, limited transparency, and little coordinated action hinder progress, while consumers do not receive information about the overall environmental impact of these industries.

A Unified Effort for Sustainable Solutions:

Leading organizations in the textile sector are elevating the conversation to tackle these issues head-on with converging assessment tools.

SCTI, a group of innovative and pioneering chemical manufacturers, aims to bring positive change to the textile industry and make sustainable chemistry the norm. bluesign, a renowned sustainability solutions provider, has extensive experience in ensuring safe and responsible chemical management, environmental and worker safety as well as resource efficiency in the production of textiles. The ZDHC Foundation, driven by major fashion brands, is on a mission to detox the fashion industry by providing tools and guidelines for sustainable chemical management.

The Start of the Sustainable Chemistry Index (SCI):

In 2022, SCTI and bluesign announced the development of the first comprehensive Sustainable Chemistry Index (SCI) for the textile industry. The pioneering work leverages best available technologies, while transcending existing chemical assessments, and introduces a one-stop-shopping tool for a broader assessment of environmental impact. Such an approach was missing. Now, the SCI introduces a standard common language for convergence and alignment throughout global textile.

Innovative Parameters for a Sustainable Future:

The SCI brings new parameters to assess how chemical products improve resource utilization in the processes they are used along the life cycle of a garment. Key building blocks include supply chain transparency, responsible sourcing, feedstock reducing fossil dependency, product carbon footprint, resource consumption,  efficiency in use during textile production, end use impact and end-of-life of consumer applications. This transparent framework makes it easier for the industry to evaluate the sustainability impact of chemicals present in a garment and promote circularity.

A Collaborative Donation to Advance the Industry:

To advance and foster industry-wide collaboration, SCTI and bluesign are donating, the SCI to ZDHC as the cornerstone of its Chemicals to Zero (CTZ-A) program. CTZ-A represents the highest level of sustainable chemistry within ZDHC. In 2024, the SCI content will undergo ZDHC’s stakeholder engagement and consultation processes, aiming to enhance the Roadmap to Zero Program by addressing sustainability and circularity.  ZDHC will make the SCI content freely available to the public, enabling widespread adoption and impact.

Wolfgang Schumann, Managing Director of RUDOLF, Chairman of SCTI and ZDHC board member, stated, “We have been partnering with all stakeholders involved for some time and recognized that our market has been operating with multiple isolated approaches. Within SCI content, we are converging several approaches, while raising sustainable chemistry to the benefit of our community’

Daniel Rüfenacht, CEO of bluesign, said “As a contributor in the development of Sustainable Chemistry Index, we are glad to continue the journey we have started in 2022 with this initiative, and look forward to working with our partners to further move sustainability forward in our industry.”

Isabella Tonaco, SCTI Executive Director, added “Our initiative elevates collective action to new heights and enables the textile and fashion industries to make sustainable choices by taking full advantage of what solidarity can do to power change.”

Frank Michel, ZDHC CEO, continued. “At ZDHC, our mission is to build a dynamic platform that highlights the transformative journey of sustainable chemistry in the fashion industry. By integrating the SCI as the cornerstone of Chemicals to Zero Aspirational Level and releasing it into our publicly available ZDHC Framework, we’re showcasing true thought leadership essential for driving positive change and engage our wider community of stakeholders on our way forward.”

The ZDHC program is well-positioned to complement the expertise of bluesign and SCTI and to scale its impact within a multistakeholder structure. This collaboration empowers manufacturers and brands to make informed, responsible choices in terms of chemicals and processes, committing to sustainable chemistry and benefiting society.

Intertextile Apparel to ‘capture opportunities of digital revolution’ with launch of Digital Solutions Zone

In the midst of the business world’s rapid adoption of new technology and the evolving environmental landscape, players across the wider textile industry are actively seeking innovative solutions for various sourcing, manufacturing, and retailing demands. Bidding to further cater to this need, the organizers have announced the debut of the Digital Solutions Zone at Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition 2024, taking place from 27 – 29 August at the National Exhibition and Convention Center. Coinciding with the fair’s 30th anniversary, the zone will give a dedicated platform to exhibitors specializing in solutions such as additive manufacturing, big data analytics, digital product passports, digital sustainability solutions, generative AI, personalized production, production technologies, virtual reality, wearable technologies, and more.

Ms Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, commented: “We are only beginning to understand the changes new technology will bring to the textile sector, but it’s clear there is huge potential in design, personalization, production, sustainability, traceability, and more. Intertextile Apparel prides itself on providing the right platforms within the fair to meet the market’s needs, and the Digital Solutions Zone will allow our exhibitors and visitors to capture the opportunities of the digital revolution. We have consistently provided education of this topic through our fringe program, and given a platform to several such exhibitors, but to expand and concentrate this offering into a dedicated zone is something we’ve been eager to realize.”

Innovations such as eco-design, product passports, and sustainable solutions for production are in high demand in China as EU regulations target the entire supply chain. Set to provide a unique opportunity for start-ups and emerging technology companies with potential textile industry applications, at the upcoming Autumn Edition the new zone will put these companies in front of thousands of international and domestic manufacturers looking to gain a technological edge in a competitive market. A unique, open booth design will help to facilitate discussions, while exhibitors will also be able to deliver seminars or product presentations for added engagement.

Textile-applicable digital highlights from previous Autumn Edition

Last year in August, various technology and solutions seminars featured in the Textile Industry Digital Application Forum and as standalone fringe events, while a number of companies made a technological impact, both as exhibitors and collaborators:

One key example was Shima Seiki, whose innovative fashion industry machinery and software solutions include knitting machines, design software, printing, CAD/CAM, and PLM. At the fair, they showcased their 3D fabric design solutions, said to greatly improve efficiency: from research and development to production.

Exhibiting at the same edition was Avery Dennison. Aiming to optimize labor and supply chain efficiency, reduce waste, advance sustainability, and connect brands and consumers, the multinational showcased its range of products and solutions, including labeling and functional materials, radio frequency identification (RFID) inlays and tags, software applications, branded packaging enhancements, and information display.

Providing a platform to nearly 4,000 exhibitors last autumn, the global apparel flagship welcomed 95,000 visitors from 117 countries and regions. Situated in the world’s textile manufacturing hub, regular buyers include garment manufacturers, global fashion brands, fashion designers, trading companies, retail chain stores, and many more.

Key zones at Intertextile Apparel this autumn

Located in the International Hall, the Digital Solutions Zone will be the latest addition to a number of product zones at the show, with others including:

  • Accessories Vision: for all garment and fashion accessories, including zippers, buttons, ribbons, lining, and much more.
  • Beyond Denim: fashionable, traditional, and innovational denim products, ranging from indigo-dyed cotton to bio-dyed viscose fabrics.
  • Digital Printing Zone: up-to-date digital printing solutions and an array of on-trend printed fabrics.
  • Econogy Hub (new): the new featured zone for sustainable textile products and services, taking the place of All About Sustainability.
  • Functional Lab: the go-to platform to cater to global demand for athleisure, sportswear, protective apparel, and more.
  • Premium Wool Zone: exclusive zone for high-end wool fabric suppliers of bespoke garments and suiting.
  • SalonEurope: featuring a variety of textile products, showcasing the best of European brands for the Asian market.
  • Verve for Design: dedicated zone for original pattern designs, with end-uses ranging from fashion to home furnishing.

Companies interested in contacting the organisers, to find out more about the new or existing zones, can click here.

The fair is co-organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Textile Information Centre. It will take place alongside Yarn Expo Autumn, CHIC and PH Value at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), with the venue playing host to the entire apparel textile value chain. For more details on this fair, please visit: www.intertextileapparel.com.

Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition will be held from 27 – 29 August 2024.

Dilo Temafa successfully sells line extension to Eco-Technilin

Dilo Temafa, a leading specialist in machinery and equipment for fibre preparation and natural fibre processing, is pleased to announce the successful sale of a line extension to Eco-Technilin. The machines will complement an existing flax fibre preparation plant in France to enable higher fibre quality.

Eco-Technilin, a renowned producer of sustainable materials, has chosen our machines to expand its production capacity and increase its efficiency. The plant expansion is specifically designed to efficiently clean flax scutcher tow and meet the high demands of modern manufacturing while increasing process stability and plant availability.

Dilo Temafa has been active in the field of natural fibre extraction for more than thirty years and has supplied numerous systems for the processing of bast fibres, e.g. flax and industrial hemp. The fibres obtained are used in various industries, including the construction, automotive, nonwovens and textile industries, and make a major contribution to minimising the ecological footprint.

RAI retail business survey indicates a growth of 3% in May

The 51st edition of the Retail Business Survey by the Retailers Association of India (RAI) indicates that sales in May 2024 showed a growth of 3% as compared to the sales levels in May 2023.

Speaking about the findings, Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO, Retailers Association of India (RAI), said, Retailers saw a 3% growth in May 2024 compared to the same period last year. While consumer spending on non-essential items remains cautious, categories such as food, grocery, and consumer durables have shown positive growth trajectory. Retailers are looking forward to business post-election season.  Budget in July will hopefully provide much-needed incentives to bolster consumer confidence and support further growth in the retail sector.”

Retail businesses across regions have indicated growth in sales compared to May 2023, with South India showing the highest increase at 4%, followed by East and West India at 3% each, and North India at 2%.

Among categories, food & grocery and CDIT products (consumer durables/electronics) reported a growth of 6% each, followed by QSR, which showed a growth of 5% compared to May 2023 sales levels.

Kraig Labs successfully completes cocooning in first commercial production run of BAM-1 Spider Silk Hybrids

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, announces today that it has successfully completed cocoon production for the first commercial production run of its BAM-1 hybrids. The Company launched the BAM-1 hybrids 30 days ahead of schedule based on the overwhelming success of its spring production trials.

During the spring trials, Kraig labs raised the two separate BAM-1 parental lines with overwhelming success. At the end of those trials, the BAM-1 parent lines were cross-mated to create this first batch of commercial production BAM-1 hybrids.

This rearing of the BAM-1 hybrids represents a 10X increase in production volume when compared to the spring trials. This cycle has generated more than 325 pounds of recombinant spider silk cocoons that will be processed into finished recombinant spider silk. This is the largest batch of recombinant spider silk cocoons ever produced.

The BAM-1 hybrids are the latest development in the Company’s commercialization of recombinant spider silk. They were specifically designed to address the identified need for improved robustness to meet large-scale spider silk manufacturing needs.

Having proven its production efficiency, the Company is now preparing for further commercial expansion of the BAM-1 parental lines and significant scale-up in BAM-1 hybrids. Based on the results of production operations, the Company remains confident that it will achieve its metric-ton-level spider silk production goal.

“This first commercial production rearing of BAM-1 hybrids was a great success, representing the largest single batch we have ever produced to date. This production batch is just the beginning of what we believe will be a very exciting and rapid scale-up of spider silk production in 2024,” said Company Founder and CEO, Kim Thompson. “We will continue to move forward, taking smart risks, as we lead the commercialization of cost-effective and eco-responsible spider silk.”

Lenzing and DVF join forces to bring responsible fashion into the mainstream

Lenzing Group, a leading global producer of wood-based specialty fibers, announced global collaboration with iconic fashion brand Diane von Furstenberg (DVF) to bring to mainstream fashion TENCEL and LENZING ECOVERO branded fibers made from sustainably managed wood sources[1]. Through the collaboration, these resource-efficiently made[2] fibers significantly contribute to DVF’s flagship collection of everyday fashion items and selected accessories. The current collections featuring the respective fiber brands are already available globally in DVF online store and global store locations. Upcoming collections made of both fiber brands will debut from Q3 2024. This partnership marks a significant milestone in both companies’ commitment to environmental responsibility while raising awareness of conscious fashion choices.

Recognized for its timeless designs and commitment to empowering women, DVF is now expanding its impact by incorporating Lenzing’s fibers into its collections, complemented by the adoption of these fibers’ resource-efficient production2 that enables endless design possibilities. Given Lenzing’s TENCEL and LENZING ECOVERO branded fibers are certified with the EU Ecolabel for environmental excellence[3], by leveraging the low environmental impact of the fibers, the collaboration will help elevate DVF’s iconic design aesthetic by creating clothing items that blend style and comfort with preferable sustainability performance1,2,3.

Recognized for their versatility in design and usage, TENCEL and LENZING ECOVERO branded fibers have been featured extensively in various garment items in DVF collections since January this year, especially with their support for rich colors in fabrics, breathability and softness. The 2024 Summer season collection of DVF, themed “The Festival of Color”, featured a celebration of color and culture, inspired by summer festivals around the world, from Mexico’s Cinco de Mayo to Sweden’s Midsummer Festival to La Vandange in France. The collection features a number of stylish garment pieces with vibrant colors and patterns made of LENZING ECOVERO branded fibers, silk, linen and cotton.

“We are thrilled to partner with Lenzing to bring sustainable fashion to the forefront of the industry,” said Jessie Chen, DVF Global Strategic partner and CEO of Greater China. “At DVF, we are firm believers that fashion should not only make women feel confident and beautiful but also contribute positively to the world. The “Festival of Color” DVF 2024 Summer collection is just the beginning of a long-term commitment. By integrating Lenzing’s signature specialty fibers2 into our designs, we are taking a significant step towards driving meaningful change and inspiring a shift towards conscious fashion choices.”

“We are delighted to collaborate with DVF to bring resource-efficient2 materials made from sustainably managed wood sources1 to mainstream fashion,” said Harold Weghorst, Senior Director of Marketing and Branding, Global Textiles Business, Lenzing AG. “TENCEL Lyocell fibers and LENZING ECOVERO fibers are made with at least 50% less carbon emissions and water consumption2. As a leading producer of responsibly produced1,2 specialty fibers made from natural raw material wood, Lenzing is committed to driving product innovation and promoting environmental sustainability1,2,3 throughout the textile industry. By partnering with DVF, we are showcasing the potential for fashion to be both stylish and environmentally compatible1,2,3.”

Lenzing’s commitment to revolutionizing the textile industry with pioneering fiber solutions and collaboration with like-minded partners aligns perfectly with DVF’s vision for a more sustainable fashion industry.

New flagship collections made of TENCEL and LENZING ECOVERO fibers are set to launch starting from Q3 2024.

[1] TENCEL™ Lyocell and LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers are derived from controlled or certified wood sources.

[2] TENCEL™ Lyocell and LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers are made with at least 50% less carbon emissions and water consumption compared to generic (unbranded) lyocell and viscose. The results were calculated according to LCA standards (ISO 14040/44) and are made available via the Higg Materials Sustainability Index (MSI) v3.7 by Cascale (formerly Sustainable Apparel Coalition).

[3] EU Ecolabel for textile products (license no. AT/016/001).

Mayer & Cie. at the ITM: “A reflection of the difficult market situation”

Mayer & Cie. presented an overview of its current portfolio in the circular knitting sector at the ITM in Istanbul. Two machine types – the SF4 3.2 III and the Relanit 3.2 HS II – and various smart solutions that make circular knitting more efficient were on display. knithawk, a tool for the optical detection of knitting defects, met with interest among the visitors. The same was true for knitlink, Mayer & Cie’s hub for digital solutions. Spare parts packages and conversion kits are also in demand for the long-term value retention of Mayer & Cie. machines. Overall, the industry continued to be restrained at the ITM, and a trend reversal has not yet been achieved.   

“In line with the current market situation, we went to ITM with subdued expectations,” says Benjamin Mayer, Managing Partner of Mayer & Cie. “As expected, visitor numbers fell short of those of 2022. Nevertheless, we have received positive feedback on our new developments. Our smart solutions are of particular interest to large knitting mills and fully integrated companies.”

Making the tried and tested even better: Relanit 3.2 HS II

The Relanit 3.2 HS mechanical single jersey machine offers high productivity, especially in the context of elastic plating. It processes a wide range of yarns and qualities extremely reliably. It is therefore particularly suitable for processing recycled yarns. Their energy consumption is up to a third lower than that of a circular knitting machine with conventional technology.

In Istanbul, Mayer & Cie. presented an updated version of its flagship, the Relanit 3.2 HS II. The new open width take-down is the single component that attracted the most interest. It ensures a uniform pull-off tension of the knitted fabric over its entire circumference. The knitted hose is only opened below the take-down rollers. Furthermore, the take-down is equipped with two drives: one for tensioning, one for rewinding. Both can be controlled separately.

Another innovation of the Relanit 3.2 HS is aimed at reducing downtimes: The needle with predetermined breaking point, which was developed together with Groz-Beckert, prevents it from breaking uncontrollably and, in the worst case, from breaking needle feet. The new spring sinker is also a joint development with Groz-Beckert. This makes the Relanit 3.2 HS II work more smoothly, with lower noise and less wear and tear.

“Overall, the demand for single jersey knitted fabrics is currently low, which was also evident again in Istanbul,” says Benjamin Mayer. “However, this is no reason for us not to further develop popular machines. After all, experience shows how quickly trends can change.”

SF4-3.2 III for lightweight three-thread fleece fabrics

With its SF4-3.2 III, Mayer & Cie. is addressing a trend in the clothing industry that is reflected beyond Turkey: lightweight, elastic three-thread fleece fabrics in both pure cotton and blends. The machine impressed at the ITM with its excellent plating ability, which saves time and costs when finishing the fabrics.

New Control 5.0 machine control system

Both ITM exhibits were on display with the new Control 5.0 machine control system. Control 5.0 is a prerequisite for using knitlink, the hub for Mayer & Cie’s digital applications. In this function, the machine control system attracted interest from various large customers.

In the standard SmartControl version, as shown in Istanbul, a so-called Smart Knob is attached to each machine foot. From there, all the functions that the machine operator needs for his work are available. More in-depth settings, such as those made by the knitting manager, are only possible from a mobile device. Any number of Mayer & Cie. machines can be operated from this at the same time.

All machines built from 2001 onwards can be retrofitted, and selected new machines will be equipped with the new generation of machine control systems from 2024.

knithawk: Recognizing knitting mistakes at an early stage

knithawk, a tool for optical defect detection, inspects the knitted fabric as it is created. It sits in the single jersey machine directly at the knitting point. If knithawk detects a serious or recurring error, the machine is stopped. The tool also creates an error log.

“knithawk helps us save resources such as water, natural fibers and polyester,” says Axel Brünner, Senior Product Manager at Mayer & Cie. “Real-time defect detection prevents many meters of defective fabric from forming in the first place.”

Machine-specific upgrade and conversion kits

With its upgrade kits, Mayer & Cie. brings technological innovations to existing machines. These range from machine-specific upgrades, such as the Performance Kit for existing Relanit 3.2 models to the Senso Blue RS lubrication system.

In addition to the upgrade kits, Mayer & Cie. offers conversion kits for popular machine types. Two are currently available: for the MV4 3.2 II/MBF 3.2 and the S4-3.2 IISF4-3.2 III.

“Thanks to our long-standing representative Mayer Mümessillik, our Turkish customers can rely on competent and fast support – whether it is support for the conversion of a machine, digital solutions or the installation of new machines,” concludes Benjamin Mayer.

Westex: A Milliken Brand hosts live flash fire event for safety professionals

Westex: A Milliken Brand hosted safety professionals from many US-based oil and gas companies for a one-day educational event featuring a live flash fire demonstration.

Taking place at Industrial Rescue Instruction Systems in Beaumont, TX, the event featured three speaker presentations, including:

  • The Science of Fire and Fabric presented by Scott Francis, senior technical sales manager at Westex. This in-depth presentation reviewed the fundamentals of how fire is formed, the way it reacts to certain fiber types and what to look for when sourcing flame-resistant (FR) fabrics for personal protective equipment (PPE) programs.
  • An Inside Look at a Burn Unit presented by Jamie Heffernan, burn program manager at William Randolph Hearst Burn Center. An informative review of the realities of treating and rehabilitating burn victims. Jamie reviewed the principles of first aid for burn incidents and provided first-hand accounts of treating and caring for trade workers who have experienced life-threatening burns.
  • Just a Second Ago: The Brad Livingston Story presented by Brad Livingston, flash fire survivor and speaker. In this powerful testimony, Brad shared his personal recount of the flash fire that put him in a coma for two months and took the life of his coworker and friend. His motivational speech gave participants an unparalleled view on the dangers and resulting consequences of ignoring safety requirements in favor of shortcuts.

Additionally, participants had the opportunity to watch eight live flash fire demonstrations. Each demonstration featured different garments made with Westex FR fabrics, as well as non-FR examples, and it included a post-burn review from Westex experts.

“This event was an incredible opportunity to connect with safety professionals. There’s so much that goes into choosing the best FR garments for your workforce and having a chance to provide these professionals with context and insight that will make their jobs easier in the future is unparalleled,” said Josh Moody, vice president of protective apparel at Milliken & Company.