OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — November 19, 2024 — The KARL MAYER Academy is delighted about the successful training of the important STOLL customer Accord Knits in its branch at KARL MAYER (CHINA).
Based in Madagascar, the company is one of the leading manufacturers and the largest in the southern hemisphere of fully-fashion knitwear for men, women and children. Founded in 2001, it now employs 6,000 people and collaborates with many well-known fashion brands and department stores worldwide. Its recipe for success includes a multifunctional machine park. In the modern factory buildings in the cities of Antsirabe and Antananarivo, the latest generation of digitalized flat knitting machines including STOLL’s CMS and ADF series produce knitwear with the maximum possible flexibility.
Lutz Vogel, STOLL Area Sales Manager
“We have been working together for more than fourteen years now and made a lot of progress together. We are very proud to be partner of Accord Knits”, says Lutz Vogel, STOLL Area Sales Manager of the KARL MAYER GROUP.
Support through know-how also promotes intensive cooperation, as the training from 21 October to 15 November 2024 at KARL MAYER (CHINA) showed. The course for M1plus® switchers was booked as part of an investments in new machines. Four Accord Knits programmers have been taught how to use CREATE PLUS professionally. The participants learnt about various knitting techniques – structure, jacquard, intarsia, STOLL-multi gauge® and 1×1 technique – based on the many possible applications of the new patterning software. They also have learnt more about the new options for creating fully fashioned patterns and how to work with the various knitting element types on which CREATE PLUS is founded. The pattern programs created during the course could be tested directly on the Academy’s STOLL machines.
The balanced mix of theory and practice quickly led to learning effects. The advantages of CREATE PLUS rapidly became clear. “We save a lot of time when developing knitting programs with CREATE PLUS”, summarized one of the participants.
KARL MAYER’s STOLL business unit and Accord Knits are prepared to master the future.
If you want to learn more about Accord Knits / Flexknit and its other fields of businesses, especially also about their social responsibility for the people of Madagascar, please check their website www.flexknit.com.
Pictured during her visit to ETV is Germany’s Economics and Climate Protection Minister Mona Neubaur (third from left), with members of the ETV and Monforts management teams, including Dirk Tunney (far left) and Gunnar Meyer (far right). (Image courtesy of ETV)
At a time when European commission finishers are finding it increasingly difficult to operate due to extremely high overheads, Germany-based ETV is going from strength-to-strength, alert to new opportunities going forward.
By Adrian Wilson
Founded in 1950, ETV Eing Textil-Veredlung GmbH & Co. KG —a privately held company based in Germany — is currently installing a third Monforts Montex 8500 finishing range with a working width of 3.2 meters, fully equipped with a Montex®Coat coating unit, an EcoBooster heat recovery unit, crash calender and computer-controlled winders and unwinders engineered by Germany-based A. Monforts Textilmaschinen GmbH & Co. KG.
Longevity
For ETV Managing Director Dirk Tunney, the company’s longevity is in part due to a timely move away from traditional textile applications such as clothing and home textiles 25 years ago, to focus on adding value and functionality to technical textiles, films and membranes.
“The large discounters now dominate the procurement markets, particularly in the home textiles sector,” Tunney said. “Stationary retail hardly exists anymore, and the market is characterized by the price structure of cheap imports from non-European countries.”
Since repositioning itself in 1999, ETV has grown into a powerhouse in its selected fields, dyeing and finishing around 1,500 tons of yarn and 1.6 million linear meters of fabric each year. In addition, the company annually prints around 4 million linear meters of fabrics, foils and membranes, along with coating up to 40 million linear meters of fabrics and nonwovens.
ETV also was early in addressing the need for sustainable processes with a thermal exhaust air aftertreatment unit, a printing paste recycling station and the use of 100-percent recycled industrial water as a result of its own in-house water and sewage treatment plant.
Energy Costs
Escalating energy costs in Germany, however, have understandably been a cause for concern for the company.
“Up to and including 2020, our energy expenditure was less than 10 percent of our total overheads which ensured we were competitive on the market, but at their peak in 2022, gas prices in Germany had increased tenfold and electricity prices increased fivefold,” Tunney noted. “Our industry today has to live with electricity prices that are approximately twice as high and gas prices that are approximately three-and-a-half times higher than before 2021. In the future, we are assuming a level of 12 to 13 percent so we are talking about additional expenditure of up to 400,000 euros depending on our future product production program, which as a contract processor we have only a limited influence on.
“Energy is certainly no longer cheap in Germany, and we have moved from being an exporter of electricity to an importer and will no longer be able to supply ourselves in the future if we don’t change anything. It’s worrying that without our European neighbors our lights would sometimes go out.”
Industry Standard
Monforts Montex tenters are now industry standard for the fabric finishing industry, providing many advantages in terms of production throughput and especially in energy efficiency and savings.
The Monforts Eco Booster, integrated into the chamber design of ETV’s Montex tenter, is a single heat recovery system with automatic cleaning that can further save up to 35 percent in energy costs. The Eco Booster consumes only minimal amounts of water during the cleaning cycle and the entire process is controlled and monitored automatically.
The Montex Coat serves a very diverse number of markets and enables full coatings, pigment dyeing or minimal application surface and low penetration treatments to be carried out. Knife coating, roller coating or screen printing can also all be accommodated with this system. In addition, the Montex Coat provides the ultimate in flexibility and the ability to switch quickly from one fabric run to the next, without com-promising on the economical use of energy or raw materials.
“We certainly anticipate energy savings in addition to increased productivity and process reliability with this latest line and in addition, we will be working with Monforts on alternative energy options,” Tunney said.
Green Hydrogen
Monforts currently is leading a consortium of industrial partners and universities in the three-year WasserSTOFF project, launched in November 2022, to explore all aspects of this fast-rising new industrial energy option.
The target of the government-funded project is to establish to what extent hydrogen can be used in the future as an alternative heating source for textile finishing processes. This will first involve tests on laboratory equipment together with associated partners and the results will then be transferred to a tenter frame at the Monforts Advanced Technology Center in Mönchengladbach, Germany.
“Green hydrogen’s potential as a clean fuel source is tremendous, but there is much we need to explore when considering its use in the textile finishing processes carried out globally on our tenter dryers and other machines,” said Monforts’ Managing Director Gunnar Meyer. “Everybody knows that textile finishing is a high energy consuming process and to make the processes more efficient, we already offer several solutions, but as a technology leader we are also rising to the challenge of exploring alternative heating options to be ready for the future.”
ETV’s relative proximity to the Monforts headquarters in Mönchen-gladbach makes it an ideal site for the WasserSTOFF project.
“The project for a hydrogen-powered coating tenter frame is very suit-able for our region,” Tunney said. “Germany’s textile industry has a long tradition and with more than 1,400 companies, is not unimportant to the country, but without support from politics, both ideologically and financially, something like this cannot be done.
“If we want decarbonization, paths must be identified and funds made available. We absolutely have to remain open to technology in order to position ourselves in the best possible way. Otherwise, it will result in deindustrialization, which none of us want. We look forward to a closer collaboration with Monforts and its project partners going forward.”
On September 6 this year, Germany’s Economics and Climate Protection Minister Mona Neubaur visited ETV to get a first-hand view of how the textile industry is rapidly adapting to a changing landscape.
“The future of German industry will be decided in North Rhine-Westphalia,” Neubaur said. “This requires courageous companies to move forward. Innovative ideas strengthen our competitiveness and make a significant contribution to becoming the first climate-neutral industrial region in Europe. Green hydrogen will play an important role in this, and I am very pleased that through companies like ETV and Monforts and their partners, we are now moving quickly from preparation to action.”
Editor’s Note: Adrian Wilson is an England-based analyst and writer specializing in the technical textiles, nonwovens and composites industries. He is the owner of AWOL Media.
VIENNA, Austria — November 19, 2024 — Austrian Starlinger & Co Gesellschaft m.b.H. takes over the woven packaging division from German machinery producer Windmöller & Hölscher (W&H), based in Lengerich/Germany, as well as its Viennese subsidiary company “W&H Machinery GmbH” which specialises in woven packaging.
With this acquisition, Starlinger further strengthens its position as world-leading supplier of machinery for woven plastic packaging. The integration of the related technologies holds significant potential for synergy effects in engineering, service, and sales.
Starlinger Factory Weissenbach
“The acquisition of W&H’s woven packaging division means that we can extend our portfolio and offer even more individual solutions to producers of sustainable woven plastic packaging,” said Angelika Huemer, CEO and Managing Partner of Starlinger. “We expect synergy effects and advantages for our customers not only with regard to technology, but also through our well-developed worldwide sales and service network.”
Starlinger woven bags
“The decision to part with our woven sack division allows us to focus our resources on growth in the paper and film packaging market,” explained Dr. Falco Paepenmüller, CEO of W&H Group. “Woven packaging products, on the other hand, fit perfectly into the existing portfolio and infrastructure of Starlinger. When we chose the buyer, it was especially important for us that our customers in the woven packaging market continue to receive excellent and reliable service and support,” he added.
The products of W&H’s woven packaging portfolio will be marketed by Starlinger in future. The rest of W&H’s product portfolio remains unaffected by this. With regard to service and spare parts, Starlinger takes over the worldwide support of the customers.
The financial details of the transaction are subject to contractual confidentiality.
CEO Randy Carr talks to Textile World about the use of AI at embroidered patch maker World Emblem and how it has helped his company.
TW Special Report
World Emblem, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., was founded in 1993 by Jerold Carr. Led today by Carr’s two sons — Randy and Jamie — this family-owned business has blossomed into one of the largest patch and emblem producers in the world. World Emblem manufactures and ships some 250 million products each year that are produced on its 4,250 embroidery heads located in 1 million square feet of manufacturing space in the United States, Mexico, Canada and Europe. The company employs 1,200 associates, and its embroidered patches are used for sports headwear, footwear, sports garments and uniforms, among other applications.
Randy Carr became World Emblem’s president in 1998. As the current CEO, he said: “I try to embody passion, insight, and a forward-thinking approach that I believe has helped transform the industry and positions World Emblem at the forefront of innovation. I strive to be more than just a CEO, but also a driver of motivation— a testament to what one can achieve with hard work, a supportive family, and the will to always aim higher.”
Part of Carr’s forward-thinking approach includes the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in his business. More and more textile companies are beginning to embrace the use of AI to give them a competitive edge, and industry organizations such as the Atlanta-based Americas Apparel Producers’ Network are encouraging their members to jump in and get started using AI sooner, rather than later (See “Generative AI: Understanding Fears & Embracing The Innovations,” TW, this issue).
Carr recently spoke with TW about World Emblem’s use of AI and the ways it helps the company.
World Emblem operates some 4,250 embroidery heads to produce embroidered patches.
TW: You’ve stated that AI will make the manufacturing apparel industry unrecognizable in the next three to five years. Can you share specific examples of how you foresee AI transforming key processes within the industry?
Carr: Absolutely. AI will indeed dramatically transform the manufacturing apparel industry. Firstly, AI-powered predictive maintenance tools will analyze machine data in real time to predict equipment failures before they occur. AI also will revolutionize supply chain management by optimizing inventory levels, predicting demand, and identifying potential disruptions. The industry also will be able to make use of robotic process automation (RPA) and cobots to take over repetitive, manual tasks. AI-driven computer vision systems will enhance quality control processes by automatically detecting defects in products on production lines. In addition, AI will enable hyper-personalized and on-demand manufacturing by analyzing customer preferences, market trends, and product feedback in real time.
TW: What areas of apparel manufacturing have you already integrated AI into, and what measurable impacts have you observed so far?
Carr: For starters, all of this is still very new. However, we have selected four areas of the business we are enhancing using AI:
Customer experience— AI chatbots and virtual assistants are used to handle customer inquiries, provide real time access, assist in ordering processes and offer personalized product recommendations based on past orders.
Production efficiency and automation —AI will be crucial in connecting production machines, sensors, and systems to analyze performance data in real time. This can help optimize production lines, reduce defects and adjust for bottlenecks.
Quality control — AI-based computer vision systems can inspect emblems and labels for imperfections in real time. These systems are capable of detecting misprints, alignment issues, and color mismatches at a faster rate than human inspection, leading to fewer rejected batches and higher product consistency.
Customization —AI is already enabling our designers to use intelligent software for creating custom emblems and labels.
TW: Can you talk about backend processes that AI can optimize, and how that translates into cost savings or operational efficiencies?
Carr: AI is revolutionizing backend processes in numerous ways, from demand forecasting to personalized customer interactions. By predicting inventory needs and optimizing pricing through data analysis, AI enhances inventory and supplier management. Production schedules are now generated automatically based on order priorities, machine availability, and workforce capacity, streamlining operations. Predictive maintenance enables machinery performance monitoring, addressing issues before they result in downtime. Financial tasks such as bookkeeping, cash flow forecasting, and man-aging accounts payable and receivable are automated, reducing errors and ensuring timely payments. Customer communication is more personalized, with automated follow-ups and tailored recommendations. In human resources, AI scans resumés, shortlists candidates, and even assesses interview responses, expediting the hiring process. Real-time data analysis and reporting offer decision-makers valuable insights, while business intelligence tools identify trends and inefficiencies. Through predictive analytics, companies can anticipate future production, sales, and market conditions. Order processing, fulfillment, and tracking are fully automated, minimizing errors and providing real-time updates to both customers and teams, ensuring a smoother, more efficient operation overall.
TW: How do you think AI will impact the speed-to-market in the apparel industry?
Carr: Logo design to completion is already get-ting disrupted. However, we believe that rather than taking anywhere from one to two weeks, sometimes even longer, for a client to complete their logo project, this will be done in real time.
TW: What key advantages do you think companies leveraging AI will have over those that don’t, and how soon do you expect this divide to become apparent?
Carr: Companies that leverage AI will reap several advantages over those that do not. Operational efficiency advantages include streamlined repetitive tasks, reduced human error and improved speed of processes across the board using AI-driven automation. Companies using AI can reduce costs and improve productivity by optimizing resource allocation and minimizing downtime.
There also is a data advantage that improves decision making. AI enables companies to process and analyze large amounts of data in real-time, offering insights that lead to better decision making.
AI provides a personalization and customer experience advantage since it allows businesses to offer personalized experiences at scale.There also is a cost reduction and scalability advantage because AI can reduce labor costs by automating manual tasks and enabling scalability.
The impact of these advantages is immediate.
AI can be used to greatly enhance the customer service experience.
TW: In terms of customer satisfaction, on what specific AI-driven innovations are you focusing?
Carr: At World Emblem, we are implementing several AI-driven initiatives to greatly enhance the customer experience. We can offer automated order tracking and notifications using AI. Real-time order tracking and status updates can be powered using
AI giving customers more transparency throughout production and shipping.
AI also can analyze past customer interactions to predict when customers might need help and preemptively offer solutions. Chatbots or virtual assistants can answer common questions, resolve simple issues and escalate more complex problems to human agents efficiently.
In addition, AI tools can assist customers in the design and customization process, offering suggestions for colors, layouts, and patterns based on current trends or customer preferences. AI can also generate previews in real-time to show what the finished product will look like.
TW: Why have you chosen to invest heavily in AI technology?
Carr: World Emblem has always been about investing in the best technologies to improve the customer experience and drive our business forward. We believe our investment in AI will reap benefits in operational efficiency and automation, an enhanced customer experience, data-driven decision making, and in product innovation and customization.
AI-powered design tools allow for greater customization giving our clients more control over the final product.
World Emblem’s associates help create patches that are used in garment, headgear and footwear applications among other end-uses.
TW: What challenges have you faced in adopting AI and how have you overcome these hurdles?
Carr: World Emblem, like most forward-looking companies, has experienced some minor challenges with the adoption of AI. We have experienced some issues with technical implementation. Challenges integrating AI systems with existing infrastructure and processes is complex. Data quality and availability is also a hurdle as AI models need vast amounts of high-quality data to be effective. However, we are overcoming it with phased rollouts, improved data management, and partnering with experts.
Employees also resist AI adoption due to fears of job loss or a lack of understanding of how AI will impact their roles. However, we are overcoming the same with education and training, clear communication, and involvement in the process.
AI adoption often requires a cultural shift in how decisions are made, and this cultural change has been challenging.
Additionally, there are cost and return on investment (ROI) concerns. These upfront costs of AI technology and the uncertainty around the ROI were overcome through pilot projects with measurable outcomes, focusing on high-impact areas.
TW: Looking ahead, what new technologies or AI-driven solutions are you excited about that have the potential to reshape the industry?
Carr: We are very excited about the potential of AI and see great promise for its utilization in areas such as AI-powered sustainable manufacturing, AI-driven customization and on-demand production, 3D design, smart supply chains with AI and blockchain, and generative design and AI creativity tools. AI can optimize the use of materials and energy leading to more sustainable manufacturing practices. It also can enable hyper-personalized products and on-demand manufacturing allowing customers to design and order customized labels and emblems in real time. AI-powered 3D design tools are already making an impact by enabling designers to create virtual prototypes and run simulations. In addition, AI tools that use generative design algorithms can assist in creating new designs by exploring all possible combinations of shapes, materials, and patterns based on certain design constraints. AI can also learn from historical design data and customer feedback to suggest new trends.
TW: For companies that are hesitant or slow to adopt AI, what do you think are the most significant risks they face over the next few years?
Carr: Companies must continually adapt to the times, including changing customer preferences and technical innovations. They must always be for-ward-looking, otherwise they will fall behind. Those that don’t change could face the following issues: loss of competitive advantage; decreased operational efficiency; missed opportunities for data-driven decision making; inefficiency in customer experience and personalization; and an inability to scale effectively. Companies not embracing AI also may have to find themselves competing with a company like World Emblem that is embracing the technology.
AMSTERDAM— November 19, 2024 — Innovation through collaboration is a mantra for Mimaki. By partnering with industry and creative professionals, Mimaki leverages diverse expertise and perspectives, fostering a culture of creativity, customization and responsiveness to market demands. When applying this approach to the fashion industry, the result couldn’t be anything but exciting!
At the prestigious Icona d’Or 2024 awards ceremony in Paris, Julia Nojac, President of FESPA France, wore a one-of-a-kind, eye-catching dress. In fact, this dress was the result of a successful collaboration, featuring an all-female team that combined the creativity of artists, the expertise and accuracy of technology experts and the ingenuity of Mimaki’s advanced digital printing.
Julia Nojac, President of FESPA France, wearing a beautiful, custom dress made from a combination of fashion design, artistic creativity, and ingenuity in technology.
Under the creative and technical direction of FESPA France and Mimaki, a team of artists and professionals helped turn an idea into a unique evening dress. The iconic print design was created by Madrid-based visual artist Kinda Youssef and, with the expertise of Rosanne Kooijman, Mimaki’s youngest female application specialist, the print was turned into a vibrant, detailed fabric. The elegant tailoring, done by French couturier Cécile Derouin, brought the dress to life.
Mimaki pushes the boundaries of creativity and technology in this collaboration.
Current trends, that see self-expression, high levels of personalisation and the desire to stand out of the crowd more important than ever, mean that advanced printing technology plays an increasingly more important role in this industry. Leveraging Mimaki’s inkjet printing, designers and creators are now able to explore new application opportunities that were not accessible before. Not only can they achieve high levels of customisation, but also, they can start from an idea on paper and get their final unique item through a process that is accessible, easy-to-handle and yet top-level in terms of quality.
Talking technology, the Mimaki TS330-1600 dye sublimation inkjet printer served as the backbone of this creative project. The machine delivers on-demand printing with high-quality results, enabling the efficient production of the unique, one-off dress with minimal waste compared to conventional printing methods. Once again, with this successful partnership with FESPA France, Mimaki demonstrates how technology can be applied towards excellence in creativity.
Arguably, this dress marks an outstanding example of what young professionals coming from various sectors and areas of expertise are capable of doing to push the boundaries of creativity using print. It also is a fantastic achievement in the application of personalisation in digital printing, furthering Mimaki’s vision of high-quality capabilities for universal application.
S. Mohamed Suhil, managing director, MKAS Textile Pvt. Ltd., reports he is highly satisfied with the Autoconer X6 Multilink installation.
MKAS Textile selected the Autoconer X6 Multilink from Rieter for an economical boost to production.
TW Special Report
India-based MKAS Textile Pvt. Ltd. entered the country’s fine yarn spinning business in 2021 and now achieves a production capacity of 4.5 tons per day. The company sells 100-percent cotton yarns made from high-quality cotton fibers in the yarn count range between Ne 80 to 100 for weaving applications. As part of its strategy to establish itself in this market, MKAS Textile chose Switzerland-based Rieter’s winding machine Autoconer X6, type V Multilink as a highly economical, energy-saving automation solution.
Given limited resources like skilled operators and high-quality raw materials, it is a major challenge to ensure a consistently high level of quality. Rising energy costs further make it difficult to achieve acceptable production costs when meeting the demanding requirements of the market.
Optimal Space Utilization
MKAS Textile opted for a high degree of automation with the Autoconer X6 Multilink system. To plan the most effective and optimal spinning mill layout, Rieter experts discussed the requirements with the company’s management and technicians. Due to the attractive benefit on investment and operating costs, MKAS chose eight winding machines Autoconer X6, type V with automatic material flow as 2:1 Multilink for 52 winding units each. This means that two ring spinning machines are linked to one Autoconer. To respond to MKAS Textile’s individual needs for maximum space utilization one winding machine was added as 1:1 direct single-link — 26 winding units. On specification, the company chose the underfloor link where the cops and spinning tubes move underground between the ring spinning machine and the winding machine. This creates a passageway for operators between the two machines and makes the machine handling easily manageable.
Lower Energy And Investment Costs
The spinning mill now runs at full production. Mohamed Suhil, MKAS Textile’s managing director, stated that he is highly satisfied with the Autoconer X6 Multilink installation. “The lower investment costs and, above all, up to 25 percent lower energy costs in operation, are extremely important aspects for us, for a profitable business,” Suhil added. “This allows us to establish ourselves as a new spinning company with high-quality products in a difficult and demanding market.”
The investment costs of 2:1 Multilink mill installation of 442 winding units, tailored to their layout specification, were significantly lower than as 1:1 direct single-link of 442 winding units, due to optimum quantities of machines, components and aggregates.
Twenty-Five Percent Lower Energy Consumption
Recently, MKAS Textile conducted an energy study comparing its 1:1 single-link machine and 2:1 Multi-link system. Around 25 percent lower energy consumption in favor of the Multilink machines was measured. This means savings of 238,750 kilo-Watt hours (kWh) per year, which corresponds to an annual energy cost saving of 1,910,000 Indian rupees ($22,630) based on the company’s daily production of 4.5 tons, 362 working days per year, and 8 rupees per kWh.
Bigger Working Area For Operators
Furthermore, the Multilink system achieves major benefits in terms of labor saving thanks to the longer winding machines and optimized mill layout. Instead of four operators, it now only takes two operators to man-age the tasks for the eight Multilink winding machines. This means one operator can handle four Autoconers — seven 296 ring spinning spindle production — which translates into a doubling of the working area.
Sunbrella® Horizon used on boat seating. (Images courtesy of Sunbrella)
Marine fabrics, combining durability with aesthetics, influence and are influenced by partner and peer industries.
By Anne Bushell
Marine fabrics play a specialized yet defining role within the textile industry. First and foremost, they’re designed for resiliency and durability, so some of the most cutting-edge performance innovations show up in this space first. And when it comes to aesthetics, marine textiles serve a wide range of style needs, from sporty power boats to recreational pontoon boats to high-end yachts needing the most elevated designs.
The trends and positioning within the marine textile space can signal larger evolutions on the horizon for all fabrics. From trending colors and textures to technological advancements, there’s no shortage of exciting developments for 2025 and beyond.
When predicting how marine textile design will evolve in both the near and long term, there are a few key indicators that inform a forecast. Developers look to partners, peer industries and evolving cultural behaviors and preferences to understand the larger-scale influences that may affect the look, feel and style of the marine industry. The Sunbrella design team keeps a close eye on the industry through trade shows, consumer feedback and marine influences seen while traveling. Perhaps the most valuable resource is the relationships with partners and customers. Sunbrella keeps an ongoing dialogue to understand what they’re hearing from their customers, where their needs are and how it can provide even better, more beneficial products to them. The global design and research team that develops fabrics for a wide range of applications at Sunbrella has a multifaceted understanding of the textile industry and the nuances of specific fields.
Peer Industry Influences
One industry with a broad influence on marine design is automotive design. Some specific automotive trends influencing the marine sector include the rise of mid-tone neutrals such as shades of putty and mid-tone blues. When it comes to hardline elements, trends show movement toward flatter paints in place of pearlescent finishes. Ultra-matte paints are in growing demand, especially for high-end cars and boats.
Beyond automotive, other industries — big and small — can have a meaningful impact on marine design. Even in an area as niche as wrist-watch design, the ways the hardware, leather band and watch face details are intricately paired together for a big impact can spark inspiration for new material pairings on a boat.
Take sports apparel, from shoes to activewear, as another example. The color palettes in this industry are meant to paint a picture of functionality, with softer colors used for everyday life but added pops of color through trim or labeling that are meant to communicate the product is meant for a sportier purpose.
While these exact textures or pops of lime greens and sporty reds may not make it directly onto most boats, this principle influences how all boats are designed. At boat shows in the past, there were more solid, plain approaches to seating, but boat shows are now filled with intricate seating details, from quilted finishes to pops of color.
Interior design and its tenets can lend inspiration to the marine market as well, particularly when it comes to a cohesive palette for the full boat design. Interior designers take a holistic approach to a room, considering how the drapery, rugs, seating and throw pillows all relate to one another. Even in a more industrial application, Sunbrella can think like its peers in the décor area to create a more impactful product. Holding frequent one-on-one consultations with OEMs and fabricators can help lend a new perspective to the design processes. It seems like this interiors-infused approach is on the rise and will continue in the years ahead.
Textiles are used across a wide variety of marine applications.
The Rise Of Texture
Technological advances have allowed for significant movement in what’s possible in performance upholstery fabrics, including bouclé and chenille yarns that maintain performance attributes. This texture-forward approach extends to more industrial design as well, and while the marine fabric industry doesn’t have these decorative yarns to work with, it has other creative ways to imbue texture into these palettes, including embossing patterns or new weaving structures. More and more, textures layered throughout the boat with complementary colors and finishes are observed. Rather than a full helm chair in a bold texture, fabricators are bringing in strong texture through piping details to add even more depth. Texture can convey a story in boaters’ minds, even if they don’t realize it, such as a perforated look signaling a high-tech breathability or a leatherlike finish reading as a more luxurious fabric.
As marine design trends move toward these neutral, less lustrous palettes, expect an even heavier reliance on textile elements to add depth and dimension, especially as a way to subtly elevate the boat design.
Next-Level Performance And Comfort
Marine textile performance elements are non-negotiable due to the harsh conditions on the water. Marine textiles must retain their color through ultraviolet (UV) exposure and be resistant to water, mildew and microbial pinking, and that performance should be backed by a comprehensive warranty. How-ever, superior performance shouldn’t compromise the importance of comfortable fabrics that help make a boat look and feel luxurious.
Ultimately, comfortable fabrics lead to a more pleasant boating experience that allows boat owners to stay out on the water longer. That means a continued interest in pop-up shade structures and a focus on fabrics that create a more comfortable ride even when bracing for impact over choppy waters. As the aesthetic elements of marine textiles evolve, designers and product development teams are working hand-in-hand to make sure they not only maintain their performance attributes but also improve them to make for an even better experience on the water.
An Increased Emphasis On Sustainability
Now also is the time to reinforce the importance of sustainability in marine design. When looking to other elements of the boat, electric motors are beginning to enter this industry in full force, and other sustainable elements are beginning to be incorporated in boat design, including biodegradable boat wraps.
When it comes to marine textiles, recycled content continues to be introduced into fabrics. It’s become much more common in décor fabrics and even in some of the canvas fabrics seen on boats, but reclaimed fibers are starting to be included in more industrial fabrics as well. Even the sheer quality of marine textiles is inherently a question of sustainability, as the more durable, long-lasting, warranty-backed options will require less frequent replacement and con-tribute less waste over time.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals are also a hot topic when it comes to performance fabrics and their impact on the environment, especially as state and federal bodies begin regulating these chemicals more and more. Some brands, such as Sunbrella, have been shifting to non-PFAS production backed by years of research to ensure minimal impact on the performance capabilities of the fabric.
Powered By Innovation
Anchored in innovation, marine textiles are an essential part of the broader textile industry, with technology and design changes set to reverberate across industrial fabrics and beyond. As recreational boating grows and as the marine market continues to influence and be influenced by partners and peer industries, the innovations and design trends in marine textiles will keep making waves.
Editor’s Note: Anne Bushell is design director of product development, Sunbrella, Burlington, N.C.
The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC), Research Triangle Park, N.C., has announced Gregg Woodcock as its new executive director. In addition, Christina Rapa was named president-elect. Her term begins January 1, 2025, and lasts for two years.
Dario Aguilar was appointed managing director, Latin America, for San Francisco-based Levi Strauss & Co.
Helsinki-based Suominen has named Minna Rouru chief people and communications officer.
Williamson
Dr. David Williamson has transitioned from president and COO to CEO of sustainable materials company Modern Meadow, Nutley, N.J.
Natalia Scherbakoff has joined Houston-based Orion S.A. as chief technology officer. She succeeds David Deters who is retiring.
Beaulieu International Group (B.I.G.), Belgium, named Jean-Baptiste De Ruyck CEO.
Natureworks, Plymouth, Mass., has appointed Roger Tambay chief growth officer, and Roger Kempa CFO.
Jacoby
Milliken & Company, Spartanburg, S.C., recently named Allen Jacoby president of the Textile Business and company executive vice president. He replaces David Smith who is retiring after 45 years of service to Milliken. In other Milliken appointments, Marcio Manique has joined the textile business as senior vice president, Protective Fabrics. Manique will oversee the fire service, workwear and napery businesses, as well as manage Westex: A Milliken Brand.
Wolverine World Wide Inc., Rockford, Mich., named Susie Kuhn president of the company’s Active Group. She is responsible for the Merrell, Saucony and Chaco Brands.
Lux
Stefan Lux is the new managing director of Germany-based KM.ON GmbH as well as the KM.ON business unit of the Germany-based Karl Mayer Group. He succeeds interim director Carla Janz.
Raul Thomas recently retired after a 37-year career with Switzerland-based UsterTechnologies AG. He was honored at a celebration held at the Gaston College Textile Technology Center in Belmont, N.C. In honor of his legacy, Uster has awarded a transfer scholarship at the Technology Center and NC State University’s Wilson College of Textiles.
Nike Inc., Beaverton, Ore., announced that Elliott Hill has returned to the company as president and CEO. He replaces John Donahoe who is retiring. In addition, Tom Peddie was named vice president and general manager of the North America Geography at Nike.
Doug McBurney is the new Global Procurement executive at MMI Textiles, Brooklyn, Ohio.
Jay Hertwig has joined Atlanta-based industrial yarn and fabric solution provider HamiltonInternational as vice president of Sales and Marketing.
Jonathan Horton has joined the direct sales team as Western Regional manager for Herculite Products, Emigsville, Pa.
Ren
Charlotte, N.C.-based Elevate Textiles has named Elizabeth K. “Liz” Ren head of Corporate Development and Strategy.
The Board of Directors at Albany International, Rochester, N.H., has appointed Christopher Stone president of Albany Engineered Composites Inc. In addition, MerleStein was named president of the Machine Clothing business segment.
Dan Bugaj was named head of Business Development for American Cord and Webbing (ACW), Woonsocket, R.I.
Liedtke
Eric Liedtke has joined Baltimore-based Under Armour as executive vice president of brand strategy.
Dr. Raoul Farer recently joined The Nonwovens Institute, Raleigh, N.C., as executive director. He also serves as a professor in the Wilson College of Textiles’ Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science (TECS) at NC State University.
Israel-based Delta GalilIndustries has appointed Yaniv Benedek CFO.
ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico — November 18, 2024 — Green Theme Technologies (GTT), creators of the waterless and PFAS-free EMPEL® textile finishing platform, has teamed up with Golden Long John to promote the next generation of cleaner and more efficient fabric dye and finishing processes.
The textile manufacturing industry generates trillions of gallons of wastewater each year. Traditional textile dyeing and finishing rinses chemical dyes and water repellency onto fabrics. Post-production toxic water is then dumped into rivers and oceans.
Last year, Golden Long John, a major textile supplier of the global footwear industry, introduced GTT’s EMPEL® finishing platform in their Vietnam factories. Their partnership has led to the combination of their two industry leading technologies, the EMPEL® high performance water repellent finish and Golden Long John’s direct dye process.
“We believe, Cleaner IS Better and this is a big step forward for the fashion and textile industries,” said Martin Flora, President of GTT Business Development. “Similar to GTT’s EMPEL® application, Golden Long John applies dye chemistry directly onto fabrics. Better performance with much less pollution is our vision for the future.”
GTT and Golden Long John will showcase their innovations at the Functional Fabric Fair in Portland Or., on November 20th and 21st. Both companies are now enjoying steady growth from brands like Nike that need consistent and better performance while achieving their environmental goals.
EMIGSVILLE, PA— November 18, 2024 — Herculite Products Inc., an innovator and manufacturer of high-performance and custom fabrics, proudly announces a significant safety milestone: two consecutive years with zero loss-time incidents (LTI). This achievement underscores our associates’ unwavering commitment to safety, operational excellence, and the well-being of their teammates.
Safety is a core value at Herculite, and this milestone reflects the dedication and diligence of every associate in upholding the company’s high safety standards. Reaching two years without a single LTI is an excellent accomplishment, demonstrating Herculite associates’ commitment to following safety protocols, participating in regular training, and maintaining constant vigilance while on the job.
Herculite President and CEO Peter McKernan said: “At Herculite, our goal to be world-class starts with Safety. Our Associate-driven culture is empowered to work safely and ensure our fellow associates share the same level of commitment to safety. I am extremely proud of all our Associates for reaching this milestone.”
Herculite Vice President of Operations Gary Harrelson said: “We are all excited about the positive results we are seeing with our Safety Culture. All associates take ownership in our Safety Journey and remain vigilant in ensuring that we foster a work environment that is safe for everyone.”
Over the past two years, Herculite has invested in various safety initiatives, including:
Enhanced Training Programs: Regular, comprehensive safety training for employees and management.
Upgraded Safety Equipment: State-of-the-art tools and personal protective equipment to ensure maximum on-site safety.
Robust Safety Protocols: Continuous review and improvement of standard operating procedures to prevent incidents before they happen.
Employee Wellness Programs: Support programs that ensure all employees’ mental and physical health.
Herculite associates recognize that maintaining a safe workplace is an ongoing process, and they remain committed to upholding and exceeding industry safety standards. As Herculite celebrates this milestone, we seek ways to continue this track record of safety excellence. Our associate-led safety team, Safe-Pack, will continue to foster a proactive safety culture by empowering fellow teammates to prioritize health and safety to achieve our goal of setting new benchmarks in the industry and contributing positively to the communities in which Herculite operates.
OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — November 19, 2024 — The KARL MAYER Academy is delighted about the successful training of the important STOLL customer Accord Knits in its branch at KARL MAYER (CHINA).
