ANDRITZ At INDEX26: Driving Sustainability With Next-Generation Nonwoven Technologies

GRAZ, Austria — April 14, 2026 — International technology Group ANDRITZ will be presenting its innovative nonwovens production and textile solutions at INDEX26 in Geneva, Switzerland, from May 19-22, 2026 (Hall 2, booth 2114). ANDRITZ will focus on technologies for sustainable and durable nonwovens, converting, sustainable fiber processes, textile recycling, and life-cycle services.

Redefining Hygiene Production Through Innovation And Circularity

ANDRITZ will showcase its full range of advanced absorbent hygiene products (AHP) converting and recycling solutions – from high‑quality converting processes for adult, feminine and baby care, to recycling systems that transform diaper production waste into valuable raw materials, to next‑generation adult care lines delivering high efficiency, superior super absorbent polymers (SAP) management, and operator‑friendly performance.

The diaper recycling system leverages the combined expertise of ANDRITZ Diatec in hygiene converting and ANDRITZ Laroche in recycling processes. This AHP recycling line ensures efficient separation of SAP, fluff pulp, and plastics, enabling closed‑loop reuse for more sustainable manufacturing.

Alongside these solutions, ANDRITZ will also highlight its high‑precision ultrasonic lamination technologies, featuring modular full‑servo systems designed for stability, low waste, and easy customization. These innovations underline ANDRITZ’s commitment to delivering sustainable, flexible, and high‑performance technologies for the hygiene industry.

Comprehensive Solutions For Sustainable Wipes Production

ANDRITZ neXline wetlace hybrid pro line for the production of wipes

ANDRITZ is advancing sustainable nonwoven solutions with economically viable solutions that meet the global demand for eco-friendly, high-performance wipes. The portfolio includes spunlace technologies using natural and renewable fibers, enabling high‑performance nonwovens for wipes and hygiene applications, as well as all varieties of Wetlace™ technologies designed for efficient production of pulp‑based and blended structures.

In addition, ANDRITZ will highlight its Wetlace™ solutions for flushable and dispersible wipes, addressing increasing regulatory and market expectations. The offering is complemented by fully integrated carded pulp and airlaid technologies, providing a flexible alternative to wetlaid processes, including upgrades of existing, conventional spunlace lines.

Complete MMCFProduction Solutions For Lyocell

ANDRITZ introduces its competences in production plants for MMCF, namely lyocell – a rapidly growing market driven by demand for sustainable materials. The solutions cover the full scope, from engineering to specialized equipment like flash dryers and pulp preparation systems. With decades of expertise in pulp and paper, ANDRITZ also provides audits and upgrades for existing plants. The lyocell process stands out for its environmental benefits and high-quality output, making it a key technology for the future of textiles and nonwovens.

High‑Speed Crosslapping: New Performance Benchmark With The Andritz X‑Pro™ Crosslapper

ANDRITZ X-ProTM crosslapper for high-speed production for needlepunch and spunlace lines

With the X‑Pro™ crosslapper, ANDRITZ sets new standards in high‑speed crosslapping for spunlace and needlepunch applications. Designed to combine higher productivity with great web uniformity, the X‑Pro™ crosslapper enables producers to push performance limits while maintaining consistent fabric quality. Its innovative design supports optimized batt formation at high inlet speeds and integrates seamlessly with the ANDRITZ ProWin™ web weight regulation system. Available both for new lines and as a retrofit solution, the X‑Pro™ crosslapper allows existing installations to be upgraded efficiently, backed by ANDRITZ service expertise.

Life‑Cycle Management: Andritz Synergy™ Service Agreements

ANDRITZ SYNERGY™ service agreements offer structured and cost‑effective life‑cycle management solutions designed to support reliable and uninterrupted production. Tailored to complement customers’ in‑house capabilities, the agreements cover the entire equipment life cycle, including regular expert visits, preventive maintenance, retrofits, and upgrades. With this approach, ANDRITZ helps ensure stable operations, long‑term performance, and sustained asset value.

Digitalization And Smart Plant Solutions With Metris

Digitalization will again be a key highlight of ANDRITZ’s presence at INDEX26. Under the Metris brand, ANDRITZ presents its continuously expanding portfolio of digital products and services. A central element is the Metris digitalization platform, which supports nonwoven production plants throughout their entire life cycle. The platform integrates advanced functionalities for production management, process simulation and optimization based on state‑of‑the‑art AI, as well as Advanced Control Expert (ACETM) solutions and condition monitoring using smart sensors. At INDEX26, ANDRITZ will demonstrate live at its booth how these digital solutions help improve efficiency, transparency, and long-term operational reliability.

Spunlace & Wetlace™ Trials At Our Montbonnot Technical Center

Visitors to INDEX26 can take the next step beyond the show floor. From May 11 to May 29 ANDRITZ FRANCE offers the opportunity to book spunlace, Airlace™ and Wetlace™ trials at its technical center located in Montbonnot, France, two hours drive away from Geneva. In a dedicatsettings anding environment, customers can run their own raw materials, compare structures and softness, validate key process settings, and assess dispersibility/flushability concepts in the lab with ANDRITZ specialists – supporting faster decision-making and smoother project implementation.

The entire ANDRITZ Nonwoven & Textile team is looking forward to welcoming customers and partners at booth 2114 in hall 2.

Posted: May 12, 2026

Source: International technology Group ANDRITZ

Trützschler Nonwovens At INDEX™ 2026: Innovations For Today – Solutions For Tomorrow

DÜLMEN, Germany — April 13, 2026 — From 19 to 22 May, Trützschler Nonwovens will present itself at booth 1641 as a long-term partner to its customers.

The focus will be on new products for all nonwoven processes, further developments of the digital working environment T‑ONE, and an expanded service portfolio.

The new, compact AquaJet TWB‑AJ‑X: efficiency meets an anniversary

In the field of hydroentangling technology, Trützschler will introduce the new, compact AquaJet – a space-saving and energy-efficient machine for the production of nonwovens for dry and wet wipes. The market launch coincides with the 30th anniversary of AquaJet technology: since 1996, more than 200 AquaJet systems have been installed worldwide. The new jet is aimed at customers looking to efficiently produce proven product qualities.

ATB technology for super-soft hygiene nonwovens

With specially designed components and machines, Trützschler enables its customers to process extremely fine microfibers down to 0.4 dtex. These fibers allow the production of through‑air bonded, super‑soft hygiene nonwovens, for example for diaper backsheet applications. This technology has already proven itself in demanding Asian markets and underlines Trützschler’s expertise in the growing hygiene segment.

Carding technology as a driver of innovation

NC-X card in a T-SUPREMA customer installation

At the heart of fiber‑based processes lies Trützschler’s innovative carding technology. With more than 350 cards supplied in through‑air bonding, needle-punching and hydroentangling processes, Trützschler Nonwovens has extensive know‑how in meeting product requirements for hygiene, wipes and technical end uses. The card is also a key element of the T‑SUPREMA needle-punching concept, whose first installations are now successfully operating at customer sites. With the new compact NC‑Xe card, the company will present an economical solution for standard needle-punching and ATB processes at INDEX.

T‑ONE: digital intelligence for greater efficiency and performance

The digital working environment will be expanded by two key features. The new Energy Management function enables real‑time monitoring of electricity and gas consumption and calculates the CO₂ footprint per unit of time, nonwoven roll or order. Camera‑based anomaly detection identifies issues such as fiber migration and fiber build‑ups at an early stage and alerts the production team. This helps prevent production downtime and equipment damage while significantly reducing inspection effort, especially in hard‑to‑access or poorly visible areas of the line.

Rethinking Service

Trützschler Nonwovens is strategically expanding its service portfolio. In addition to classic services such as spare parts supply and maintenance, the company is increasingly offering strategic consulting, machine upgrades, refurbishments and retrofits.

Trützschler Nonwovens sees itself as a partner along the customer journey, supporting customers with tailored solutions in their current operations as well as in their future development.

Posted: May 12, 2026

Source: Trützschler Nonwovens / The Trützschler Group SE

The Centre Of Excellence In Nonwovens At The Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitut e.V. (STFI) At INDEX™

CHEMNITZ, Germany — May 11, 2026 — From 19 to 22 May 2026, INDEX™ will invite visitors to Lake Geneva for the world’s leading nonwovens trade fair. The Centre of Excellence in Nonwovens at the Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitut e.V. (STFI) will be in attendance to present the latest developments in nonwovens research.

In the field of the textile circular economy, the STFI will present acoustically effective nonwovens made from chemical recycling residues. The range also includes innovations aimed at replacing conventional raw materials, such as the biobased and biodegradable polymer polybutylene succinate (PBS) and Kendyr as an alternative to cotton. One of the highlights will be the ring-spun yarn produced from the straw of the Kendyr plant. The advantage of Kendyr is that it thrives on soils that have become salinated due to long- term cotton cultivation. Meet our exhibition team at Stand 1369 in Geneva.

Textile circular economy: Acoustically effective non-woven fabrics from chemical recycling residues

Chemical recycling of mixed textile fractions produces textile residues that are currently mostly not reused as material, but instead thermally recovered or disposed of. To facilitate further recycling, the STFI, in cooperation with the company Refresh Global, is investigating efficient processing and treatment methods to enable these textile residues to be reused. They can be used in sound-absorbing design products, such as acoustic walls or furniture. Nonwoven formation processes are particularly suitable for processing these textile residues. At STFI, the recycled materials are mechanically processed on pilot-scale plants at laboratory or semi-industrial scale before being formed into a nonwoven fabric and consolidated. Through appropriate finishing, a visually suitable top layer can also be integrated directly onto the nonwoven fabric. Under

the use of samples on our booth, possible applications as acoustic pictures and a miniature sound box are shown.

Bulletproof: Ballistic composite textile

Shown here is a ballistic composite textile based on nonwoven fabrics, which, through shaping and design, can be used to equip structural elements, particularly the interior areas of buildings, especially shooting ranges. The research resulted in a three-dimensional, pressure-stable and rigid nonwoven composite that is not only able to catch shrapnels and meets fire class B1 according to DIN 4102-1, but is also extremely sound-absorbing and provides excellent damping in critical frequency ranges. The nonwoven composite was processed and tested in practical panels suitable for the refurbishment of bulletproof floors, walls and ceilings in enclosed shooting ranges.

Rubio: Central German alliance for bioplastics

The development of sustainable plastic solutions is rapidly gaining importance in the face of global environmental pressures, dwindling fossil resources and ambitious climate protection targets. As part of the regional RUBIO alliance, which brings together 18 partners from Central Germany and the Berlin-Brandenburg

Posted: May 12, 2026

Source The Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitut e.V. (STFI) 

Fiberpartner’s PolyPlant® Nominated For INDEX™26 Award

VEJLE, Denmark — May 8, 2026 — Fiberpartner has been nominated for the INDEX™26 Award in the category “Raw materials or components of special relevance to the nonwovens and related converted products industry” for its PLA-based fiber innovation, PolyPlant®.

The nomination, announced by EDANA, recognizes PolyPlant® as part of a select group of technologies representing the latest advancements in nonwoven material science and sustainable innovation.

PolyPlant® is an advanced PLA-based fiber engineered to overcome the well-known limitations of conventional polylactic acid materials, particularly in relation to thermal resistance, crystallization behavior, and long-term mechanical stability. Through proprietary material engineering, Fiberpartner has developed a formulation that enhances crystallization kinetics, molecular stability, and fiber morphology – without relying on synthetic additives or fossil-based modifiers.

This approach enables:

  • High and uniform crystallinity without traditional nucleating agents
  • Improved thermal stability and reduced shrinkage
  • Consistent mechanical performance over time
  • Faster and more stable processing behavior
  • Full retention of biogenic carbon content

By addressing the traditional performance gap between renewable and fossil-based fibers, PolyPlant® provides a viable pathway for manufacturers seeking to transition toward more sustainable materials without compromising process efficiency or product performance.

“PolyPlant® has been developed to meet the real demands of industrial nonwoven production,” says Selahattin Onur, Head of Innovation at Fiberpartner. “It enables converters to integrate renewable fibers into existing production setups while maintaining stability, consistency, and throughput.”

The fiber is designed as a drop-in solution compatible with standard nonwoven processing technologies, supporting reliable bonding behavior and reduced defect risk during thermal processing. This makes PolyPlant® relevant across a wide range of applications where both performance and sustainability are critical.

The INDEX™ Awards are among the most recognized distinctions in the nonwovens industry, highlighting innovations that contribute to technical progress and sustainability across the value chain. Winners will be announced during INDEX™26 in Geneva, taking place from 19–22 May 2026.

Fiberpartner will be present at INDEX™26 and welcomes industry professionals to engage in discussions on how PolyPlant® can support the transition toward high-performance, bio-based nonwoven solutions.

Posted: May 12, 2026

Source Fiberpartner ApS

ACIMIT: Textile Machinery Orders Index, Q1 2026

MILAN — May 8, 2026 — In the first quarter of 2026, order intake for Italian textile machinery manufacturers recorded a decrease of 5% compared to the same period in 2025, reflecting a still challenging start to the year. The decline affected foreign markets (-7%), while the domestic market showed growth (+21%).

Compared with the previous quarter (October–December 2025), total order intake increased by 18%. The orders index for the January–March 2026 period stood at 37.3 points (base year 2021=100). In Italy, the index reached 35.3 points, while in foreign markets it stood at 37.6 points.

In the first quarter of 2026, the order backlog guaranteed a workload of approximately 4.5 months.

From a sector perspective, weaving and other manufacturing segments showed relatively more dynamic signals.

Forecasts for the second quarter of 2026 (compared with the previous quarter) indicate pessimism for the domestic market and stability for the foreign one.

Marco Salvadè, President of ACIMIT, commented:

Marco Salvadè ACIMIT President

“It is encouraging to see the first positive sign in the domestic market, but forecasts still reveal a degree of pessimism. The difficult international context and the slow actions of government institutional representatives do not allow companies to plan investments.

“As an Association, we are working in close synergy with the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) to strengthen promotional activities across several strategic markets. We also look with confidence to the upcoming ITMA 2027 in Hannover, which will represent an important opportunity to relaunch the sector, stimulate new investments, and strengthen the international presence of Italian manufacturers.”

Posted: May 11, 2026

Source: The Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers (ACIMIT)

NRF: Import Cargo Volume Expected To Remain Below 2025 Levels Despite May-June Bump

WASHINGTON — May 8, 2026 — Import volume at major U.S. container ports is expected to remain below last year’s levels into early fall despite a skewed year-over-year bump in May and June, according to the Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“The numbers show a year-over-year increase for the next two months, but that’s only because of the sharp fall-off in imports after ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs were announced in April 2025,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “With inflation rising and consumer confidence falling among global economic uncertainty driven by the conflict in Iran, the overall trend of lower imports is expected to continue after that.”

Amid ongoing economic uncertainty, Hackett Associates Founder Ben Hackett said retailers have been cautious about building up inventories.

“Containerized imports in the first quarter were down year over year, and forward demand is weakening,” Hackett said. “Stalling re-stocking efforts and rising geopolitical tensions are increasingly clouding the outlook.”

U.S. ports covered by Global Port Tracker handled 2.16 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units — one 20-foot container or its equivalent — in March, the latest month for which final data is available. That was up 0.6% year over year and up 13.6% from February, when many Asian factories were closed for Lunar New Year celebrations and bad weather delayed the arrival of cargo at some U.S. ports.

Ports have not yet reported April numbers, but Global Port Tracker projected the month at 2.13 million TEU, down 3.6% year over year. May is forecast at 2.17 million TEU, up 11.1% year over year; June at 2.13 million TEU, up 8.2%; July at 2.2 million TEU, down 7.8%; August at 2.19 million TEU, down 5.5%, and September at 2.08 million TEU, down 1.3%.

Those numbers would bring the first half of 2026 to 12.59 million TEU, up 0.5% from the same period in 2025 thanks, in part, to the May-June increases.

Imports totaled 25.4 million TEU in 2025, down 0.3% from 25.5 million TEU in 2024.

Global Port Tracker, which is produced for NRF by Hackett Associates, provides historical data and forecasts for the U.S. ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle and Tacoma on the West Coast; New York/New Jersey, Port of Virginia, Charleston, Savannah, Port Everglades, Miami and Jacksonville on the East Coast, and Houston on the Gulf Coast. The report is free to NRF retail members, and subscription information is available at NRF.com/PortTracker

Posted: May 11, 2026

Source: National Retail Federation (NRF)

Penn Emblem Company Receives 2026 NAUMD Innovation Award For Glow-In-The-Dark Silicone Emblem

TREVOSE, PA — May 8, 2026 — Penn Emblem Company is proud to announce that it has received the prestigious 2026 The Network Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors (NAUMD) Innovation Award for its groundbreaking Glow-in-the-Dark Silicone emblem technology.

The award-winning design, the Centurion FR Silicone on Glow-in-the-Dark, was recognized for pushing the boundaries of emblem manufacturing through a combination of advanced silicone molding, intricate detail, and functional low-light visibility.

According to NAUMD, Penn Emblem’s innovation “pushes the frontier of emblem design” by combining “detailed FR logo artistry with a functional glow-in-the-dark silicone backing.” The organization also highlighted the emblem’s exceptional micro-detail, raised elements, and precision lettering, calling it “a compelling identification solution that performs beautifully in all conditions, day or night.”

Silicone emblems have become one of the fastest-growing decoration solutions in the industry, known for their dimensional appearance, flexibility, durability, and modern aesthetic. Penn Emblem’s award-winning innovation takes the technology even further by integrating glow-in-the-dark functionality without sacrificing the high-definition detail and premium finish that today’s brands demand.

“We’re truly grateful to be recognized with the Innovation Award,” said Rich Hirsh while accepting the award on behalf of Penn Emblem Company. “Silicone has been dominating the emblem market for the past few years, so our goal was to take it to the next level. Seeing it go from concept to a finished product, and now to this stage, is incredibly rewarding for our whole team.”

The company emphasized that the achievement was the result of collaboration across departments, from design and development to production and manufacturing.

“Innovation like this doesn’t happen alone,” Hirsh shared. “It’s the result of collaboration across design, production, and everyone behind the scenes who helped push the idea forward and refine it every step of the way.”

Penn Emblem’s silicone emblems and transfers are designed to deliver a modern, elevated look while maintaining exceptional durability in harsh conditions. Featuring embossed 3D dimension, intricate raised details, waterproof flexibility, and long-lasting wear resistance, silicone has become an increasingly popular solution across uniforms, promotional products, bags, footwear, and branded apparel.

The Glow-in-the-Dark Silicone emblem represents the latest evolution in that technology—blending brand impact, innovation, and functionality into a single decoration solution.

“We’re proud of what this represents for our company, and even more excited about where it can go from here as we continue to explore new ways to elevate decorated apparel,” the team added.

Penn Emblem Company is honored to receive this recognition from NAUMD and looks forward to continuing to develop innovative decoration solutions for the uniform and promotional products industries.

Posted: May 8, 2026

Source: Penn Emblem Company

NCTO Elects Amy Bircher Bruyn, Chair; Jay Todd, As Vice Chair

WASHINGTON, DC — May 5, 2026 — The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), representing the full spectrum of U.S. textiles from fiber through finished sewn products, held its officer elections for fiscal year 2026 at its annual meeting April 14-16.

NCTO has elected Amy Bircher Bruyn, CEO and Founder of MMI Textiles as Chair, and Jay Todd, CEO and Managing Partner of Service Thread, as Vice Chair.

In addition to the appointment of a new chair and vice chair, NCTO elected chairs for each of its five councils. NCTO is comprised of five councils to ensure a broad representation of the industry supply chain. Each council has an allotted number of members who are elected to the association’s Board of Directors, in addition to the Executive Committee.

NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas

“I am pleased to announce NCTO’s 2026 officers, council chairs, and board and executive committee members,” said NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas.

“I thank Chair Amy Bircher Bruyn and Vice Chair Jay Todd for stepping into these critical roles. As we navigate a challenging environment, their leadership will be key as we advance policies to preserve preferential treatment under USMCA and CAFTA-DR, strengthen customs enforcement against import fraud, refine tariff policies with carve-outs for inputs and machinery not made in the U.S., expand the Berry Amendment and America-made procurement, and grow our Western Hemisphere co-production chain—while opposing measures that undermine a domestic supply chain supporting more than 450,000 jobs.”

Elected as NCTO Chair and Vice Chair for 2026:

  • Chair – Amy Bircher Bruyn, MMI Textiles

Ms. Bircher Bruyn is CEO and Founder of MMI Textiles, a global industrial and custom textile supplier based in Brooklyn, Ohio.

  • Vice Chair – Jay Todd, CEO and Managing Director of Service Thread, an industrial yarn and sewing thread manufacturer based in Laurinburg, N.C.

Elected to the NCTO Board of Directors during the various Council meetings were the following:

  • Fiber Council –
    • David Adkins of Lenzing Fibers;
    • Geoffrey Hietpas of The LYCRA Company; and
    • David Poston of Palmetto Synthetics
  • Yarn Council –
    • Justin Ferdinand of Kentwool;
    • Chris Alt of American & Efird;
    • Marc Doyon of Gildan;
    • Charles Heilig of Parkdale;
    • Eddie Ingle of Unifi; and
    • Tim Manson of Meridian Specialty Yarn Group
  • Fabric and Home Products Council –
    • Allen Jacoby of Milliken & Company;
    • Leib Oehmig of Glen Raven Inc.;
    • Bill Rogers of Mount Vernon Mills;
    • Brian Rosenstein of TSG Finishing;
    • Dan Russian of Sage Automotive Interiors; and
    • Walter Spiegel of Standard Textile
  • Finished Textiles and Apparel Products Council –
    • Gabrielle Ferrara of Ferrara
    • (Alternate: Marisa Fumei-South of Two-One-Two New York)
  • Industry Support Council –
    • Todd Bassett of Fi-Tech;
    • Greg Duncan of American Truetzschler; and
    • Jim Reed of YKK Corp.

Elected by their respective Councils to serve on the Executive Committee were:

  • Justin Ferdinand of Kentwool;
  • Tim Manson of Meridian Specialty Yarn Group;
  • Bill Rogers of Mount Vernon Mills;
  • Allen Jacoby of Milliken & Company;
  • David Adkins of Lenzing Fibers;
  • Gabrielle Ferrara of Ferrara; and
  • Todd Basset of Fi-Tech.

NCTO Chair Amy Bircher Bruyn has appointed additional executives to serve on the Executive Committee:

  • Chuck Hall, Barnet and NCTO immediate past chairman;
  • Anderson Warlick, Parkdale Mills;
  • Jay Self, Greenwood Mills;
  • Marisa Fumei-South, Two One Two New York; and
  • Jackie Ferrari, American Fashion Network.

Elected to chair the Councils:

  • Fiber Council: David Adkins of Lenzing Fibers
  • Yarn Council: Tim Manson of Meridian Specialty Yarn Group
  • Fabric and Home Products Council: Allen Jacoby of Milliken & Company
  • Finished Textiles and Apparel Products Council: Gabrielle Ferrara of Ferrara
  • Industry Support Council: Todd Bassett of Fi-Tech

In addition to the chair and vice chair, NCTO also elected the following officers for the upcoming fiscal year:

  • President & CEO – Kim Glas, NCTO
  • Treasurer – Robin Haynes, NCTO
  • Secretary – Katherine White, NCTO

Posted: May 8, 2026

Source: The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) Is Launching The UK-India Textile Machinery Coalition

MANCHESTER, UK — May 1, 2026 — As one of a number of new initiatives launched this year, the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) is launching the UK-India Textile Machinery Coalition.

BTMA CEO Jason Kent

The UK-India Free Trade Agreement, signed in July 2025, has implications that extend across sourcing, competitiveness and long-term trade dynamics, believes BTMA CEO Jason Kent.

“At its core, this deal removes or reduces tariffs on the vast majority of clothing and home textiles, with duties of around 8-12% on Indian exports to the UK effectively eliminated,” he explains. “This gives Indian manufacturers significantly improved price competitiveness in one of the world’s most valuable consumer markets.”

For the BTMA’s manufacturers of textile machinery it also has strategically important benefits, he adds.

“India is one of the world’s largest textile producers and continues to invest heavily in modernising its mills – from spinning and weaving through to finishing. Improved trade terms, including reduced tariffs and clearer market access conditions, make it easier for UK machinery suppliers to compete in this expanding market.”

The official launch of the UK-India Textile Machinery Coalition will take place on May 8th at the India ITME Centre in Mumbai, and businesses and media interested in attending should contact the BTMA’s Janette Hunter via info@ btma.org.uk.

Home opportunities

India is one of the world’s largest textile producers and continues to invest heavily in modernising its mills.

Back in the UK, the BTMA has launched the Future Leaders Committee (FLC) aimed at high-potential, mid-career professionals within its member companies.

The FLC programme is being structured to develop leadership, governance and strategic capability through formal training and enable its members to gain exposure to industry-wide challenges and opportunities, while acting as an advisory committee providing fresh perspectives and future-focused insight to the organisation.

In further support to companies, the BTMA Industry Placement Bursary Scheme is designed to support member companies in taking on student placement graduates and apprentices, while strengthening the future skills pipeline of the textile machinery and services sector.

The new Curious about Textiles short course has meanwhile been developed to support new BTMA member company entrants as well as a refresher to others in this vibrant sector of the industry.

“We need to ensure we are doing enough to support the future of the industry, not just commercially, but in terms of people, skills and leadership,” Jason Kent concludes. “The course is now fully developed and has been curated directly from the expertise of our members. We’ll be running a two-day pilot in early June at the BTMA offices in Manchester and then rolling it out more broadly to our membership in the autumn. It’s heavily subsidised by BTMA, so participation for our member organisations is very affordable. Please contact us directly for further information and let’s work together to support the exciting future for UK-made textile technologies.”

Posted: May 8, 2026

Source: The British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA)

Picanol To Present Its Leading Weaving Technology At ITM 2026

IEPER, Belgium — May 8, 2026 — Picanol is pleased to announce it will be participating in ITM 2026 in Istanbul. This is a key event for industry professionals to engage with the Turkish textile industry as well as the extensive international audience attending the fair. During the event, Picanol will present its latest innovations to the visitors in Hall 8, booth 802.

Experience top‑level weaving performance with the Ultimax

The Ultimax rapier weaving machine excels in terms of both performance and fabric quality. Designed with sustainability as a core principle and equipped with a high degree of digitalization, the Ultimax offers an unprecedented level of ease of use. It is a highly focused and razor‑sharp machine that is ready to run at audacious speeds and delivering top‑quality output.

At ITM 2026, two of our Ultimax weaving machines will be on display, each featuring a wide range of options. One of the machines will be weaving denim fabric, while the other one will be weaving voile fabric.

Picanol’s next generation of OmniPlus‑i Connect

At the end of 2025, Picanol launched the next-generation OmniPlus-i Connect, which set a new benchmark in airjet weaving technology. This latest evolution of the trusted platform demonstrates how Picanol continues to deliver innovative, performance-driven solutions to meet the evolving challenges faced by modern weaving mills.

Thanks to a complete redesign and optimization of key machine components, Picanol achieved an impressive energy saving of up to 1.5 kW per machine. This breakthrough innovation, which is called

EcoBoost, has drastically reduced the energy consumption of weaving machines, making it a real game-changer for customers who focus on realizing sustainability and cost control. At ITM 2026, the OmniPlus-i Connect will be demonstrated while weaving poplin fabrics.

Unlock the full potential of your weaving machines with PicConnect

With PicConnect, Picanol brings all its digital tools and services together in one centralized platform. At ITM, visitors will be able to discover all the benefits and latest features of PicConnect – which is now also AI‑powered. This will enable them to fully leverage the many possibilities offered by Picanol weaving machines.

The Picanol team will demonstrate how PicConnect visualizes data from across your weaving mill – such as production rates, machine performance, weaver efficiency, and energy consumption – in a

clear and intuitive way. This empowers managers to quickly obtain high-level insights. PicConnect offers several pre-defined dashboards, each of which can be customized to the user’s preferences and scheduled to be sent directly to your inbox.

Details of the Picanol weaving machines that will be on display at ITM 2026:

  1. OmniPlus-i Connect-2-P 190 Poplin
  • Warp:
    • Cv Ne 30/1
    • Density: 24.4 ends/cm
    • Drawing in width: 170 cm
  • Weft:
    • Cv Ne 30/1Density: 22 picks/cm

Highlighted features: • EcoBoost • AirStream • EcoWeft• WeavePilot • o-Leno • Blue22 EasySetprewinders

Standard: • BlueBox electronic platform • BlueTouch display • SUMO drive concept •AirStream • Climate monitoring • Shed calculation • PicConnect-enabled

Monitor package: • Access control • OptiStyle • Raw material use

Smart savings package: • Power monitoring • AirMaster with integrated air consumption meter •Adaptive Relay Valve Drive (ARVD II Plus)

Automation package: • Pick Repair Automation (PRA II Plus) • Prewinder Switch-Off (PSO) • AutoSpeed Harness frame stroke measurement & Shed simulation

  1. Ultimax-4-R 220 Denim
  • Warp:
    • Co Ne 10/1
    • Density: 19 ends/cm
    • Drawing in width: 210 cm
  • Weft:
    • PBT Ne 13/1
  • Density:
    • 18.5 picks/cm

Highlighted features: Recycled yarn ready • EcoFill 4c • Electronic Right Gripper Opener (ERGO) • Gripper stroke measurement • Gripper tape monitoring • Guided Gripper GC • Quick Style Change (QSC)

Standard: BlueBox electronic platform • BlueTouch display • SUMO drive concept• Gripper stroke measurement • Climate monitoring • Shed calculation• PicConnect-enabled

Monitor package: Access control • OptiStyle • Raw material use • AutoSens filling detector• Gripper tape monitoring

Optimization package: Power monitoring • Harness frame stroke measurement & Shed simulation• On-loom Picascope

  1. Ultimax-8-R 360 Fancy voile
  • Warp:
    • Pes 68f24/800 den
    • Density: 30 ends/cm
    • Drawing in width: 336 cm
  • Weft:
    • Pes 68 den + Pes 20 den + Pes 150 den + Pes 300 den + fancy Ne 1.8
  • Density:
    • 18 – 28 picks/cm

Highlighted features: OptiForce take-up • QuickStep weft presenter • On-loom Picascope • Tension Display (TED) • Electronic Filling Tensioner (EFT) • SmartCut • e-Leno

Standard: BlueBox electronic platform • BlueTouch display • SUMO drive concept • Gripper stroke measurement • Climate monitoring • Shed calculation • PicConnect-enabled

Monitor package: Access control • OptiStyle • Raw material use • AutoSens filling detector • Gripper tape monitoring

Optimization package: Power monitoring • Harness frame stroke measurement & Shed simulation • On-loom Picascope

Posted: May 8, 2026

Source: Picanol, part of Tessenderlo Group

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