INDIA — October 10, 2024 — Better Cotton, a cotton sustainability initiative, has launched an ambitious research project in India aimed at defining best practices to empower women and boost their representation at the farm level in the cotton sector.
The project — funded by sustainability standards organization ISEAL — will not only identify real-success stories that can serve as inspiration for targeted interventions, but it will also generate learnings that will benefit cotton farming countries around the world.
Better Cotton Farmer Ujiben J Parmar during a Learning Group (LG) meeting. Photo — Better Cotton/Vibhor Yadav. Location: Kodinar, Gujarat, India. 2019.
Women play a vital role in India’s cotton farming regions, but they continuously face significant barriers to advance their positions. These challenges stem from cultural and societal barriers, including limited access to education, restrictions on independent travel and unpaid domestic and care work that disproportionately falls on them.
Jyoti Narain Kapoor, director of Better Cotton’s India Programme, said, “Women form the foundation of cotton farming communities across India, but too often are their contributions unrecognized and unrewarded. This research project will help underpin our women’s empowerment efforts in the country by studying what does and what does not work.”
Over the next year, Better Cotton will work closely with two in-country Programme Partners1, Cotton Connect India and WWF India, who together support more than 125,000 Better Cotton licensed farmers across Maharashtra and Telangana.
The aim is to gain insights into their recruitment strategies and retain more women into organizational leadership roles. As part of the process, community-facing roles — such as Producer Unit Managers and Field Facilitators — have been identified as an area for investment and strengthening.
The results will help Better Cotton develop and streamline mechanisms for supporting women in cotton as it works towards its 2030 Impact Target2 on women’s empowerment.
Nini Mehrotra, senior manager for Gender Equality at Better Cotton, said: “We want to strengthen the women in community facing organizational roles because that’s one of the best pathways to empower women in farming roles. It’s a unique supportive relationship – bringing technical knowledge, safe space, inspiration and modelling all together. Since they are from the same communities, women facilitators carry a deep understanding of the challenges women farmers and cultivators battle with. Because they are also the ones who are agronomic experts on the field, their presence speaks volumes about what is possible for women in farming communities.”
Vamshi Krishna, associate director of Sustainable Agriculture at WWF India, said: “Our experience shows that women have a natural affinity for learning and adopting nature-positive agricultural practices. With dedicated women learning groups, full-time training sessions, and seasonal workshops, we are laying the groundwork for continuous progress. This research project has the potential to guide us in refining these efforts, creating new innovations, and further empowering women in cotton cultivation. It will also open up opportunities for scaling these practices, making sustainable cotton farming a widespread reality in Telangana and beyond.”
Hardeep Desai, Global head of Farm Programmes at Cotton Connect, commented: “Female staff members contribute valuable skills especially indigenous knowledge and perspectives, enhancing the overall effectiveness of agricultural initiatives. Furthermore, their presence fosters a supportive network of female peers, which is instrumental in empowering women in the field. This gender balance promotes equitable decision-making processes and leads to more adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, thereby improving livelihoods within the sector.”
[1] Programme Partners work with cotton farming communities to help ensure they produce cotton in compliance with the Better Cotton Standard System (BCSS) and its Principles & Criteria (P&C).
[2] By 2030, Better Cotton has committed to reaching one million women in cotton with programmes and resources that promote equal farm decision-making, build climate resilience, or support improved livelihoods. This is in addition to ensuring that 25 percent of field staff are women with the power to influence sustainable cotton production.
MARL, Germany — October 10, 2024 — Evonik is now publishing life cycle assessment (LCA) information for its VESTAMID® polyamide and TROGAMID® transparent polyamide products in its High Performance Polymers Plastics Database. The strategic move further demonstrates the business line’s commitment to transparency and accountability to customers, regarding the circularity and sustainability of its products and services. At the moment, there is LCA data published for over 100 products, and data expected for more products in the future.
Carbon dioxide emission in industry net zero carbon concept.
“Transparency is key for making sustainable decisions, and we want to pass this data on to our current and prospective customers, who can use it to satisfy their own and their customers’ sustainability ambitions,” said Dominic Stoerkle, head of Evonik’s High Performance Polymers’ Long Chain Polyamides product line.
A life cycle assessment, or LCA, is a systemic method for evaluating the environmental impacts associated with all stages of a product’s life from raw materials through materials processing towards use and disposal.
Evonik’s VESTAMID line of polyamide products have customizable properties, partly due to its incorporation of materials such as glass fibers, impact modifiers or adhesion promoters. VESTAMID is widely known for its excellent resistance to heat, impact, water and solvents. The company’s TROGAMID line of transparent polyamides expands the range of possible applications to areas like optical equipment and food industry containers.
Customers of VESTAMID and TROGAMID materials can benefit greatly from the fact-driven metrics generated by LCAs, including water and land use, and carbon emissions. These metrics are a boon for customers looking to build and document a value chain that meets their own sustainability goals.
“At Evonik, contributing to a more sustainable future is part of the way we operate. We have a goal to generate more than 50% of our sales by 2030 from our ‘Next Generation Solutions.’ These are products and solutions with a positive sustainability profile that is clearly above the market reference level,” says Florian Hermes, director of sustainable business solutions at Evonik’s High Performance Polymers business line.
“When it comes to sustainability, transparency and customer accountability are critical. For instance, LCA data shows our VESTAMID eCO LX9039 BBM100 has a carbon footprint of 2.7 kg CO2eq/kg product and blue water consumption of 27 kg. Designed for applications such as toothbrush filaments, manufacturers using our polyamide 12 in production now also have data to show their customers the benefits of using a material that is made with renewable energy, and 100% biobased carbon in a mass-balanced approach,” says Hermes.
In a move for additional transparency, the LCA methodology used by the High Performance Polymers business line has been certified by TÜV Rheinland Energy & Environment GmbH, a world leader in the technical testing of systems and products in accordance with international systems since 2021.
Customers can search technical and LCA data for VESTAMID and TROGAMID products here at the Evonik High Performance Polymers’ Plastics Database: https://www.plastics-database.com
LUDWIGSHAFEN AM RHEIN, Germany — October 10, 2024 — With Ultramid® LowPCF — reduced CO2 footprint/“Product Carbon Footprint”, PCF** — and Ultramid® ZeroPCF* (CO2 footprint of net zero greenhouse gas emissions), BASF launches two new product variants within its polyamide value chain in Europe. Greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced when compared to conventional products. BASF is offering its Ultramid B brand and the precursor caprolactam as ZeroPCF and LowPCF variants, as well as Ultramid C as LowPCF option.
Electricity from renewable sources is used to manufacture the LowPCF products, including from the Hollandse Kust Zuid offshore wind farm in the North Sea, in which BASF has a stake. Furthermore, low-emission steam is generated by using certified biomethane instead of natural gas. Compared to common industry benchmarks***, the PCF from raw material extraction to the factory gate (“cradle-to-gate”) is reduced by at least 30 percent. This PCF reduction enables the customer to reduce its Scope 3.1**** emissions in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.
In order to further reduce the PCF to net zero, BASF uses renewable raw materials according to the mass balance approach. At the beginning of the production process, fossil raw materials are replaced by the corresponding amount of certified biomethane and bio-naphtha and allocated to the sales products using the mass balance approach. ZeroPCF products are certified in accordance with the ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) PLUS Standard.
“We are the first company in the world to offer both LowPCF and ZeroPCF options in the polyamide 6 value chain. With this portfolio, we meet the increasing demand in the industry and are helping our customers to achieve their sustainability goals,” said Pedro Serra, Head of Sales PA6 Europe at BASF.
With the addition of the Ultramid LowPCF and Ultramid ZeroPCF variants to the polyamide product portfolio, BASF’s Monomers division offers a broad portfolio of sustainable solutions and continues to pursue the goals outlined in its ”Sustainability Roadmap”. The division’s sustainable offerings are an essential part of BASF’s path to climate neutrality and net zero CO2 emissions by 2050.
BASF will present its broad polyamide product portfolio to customers and partners in line with the ”Choose to reduce” approach at Fakuma, the international trade fair for plastics processing. This fair will take place from October 15 to 19, 2024 at Messe Friedrichshafen.
*Ultramid® ZeroPCF = taking into account the “biogenic uptake”, i.e. the amount of CO2 absorbed from the atmosphere during the growth of biomass and bound over the lifetime of the material. In addition to renewable electricity and low-emission steam, the biogenic uptake enables the product’s CO2 footprint to be reduced to net zero.
**PCF = The calculation of the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) for conventional products follows the requirements and guidelines according to ISO 14067:2018. TÜV Rheinland has determined in a method review that the PCF (SCOTT) methodology developed and used by BASF SE is scientifically sound, in line with ISO 14067:2018 and the Together for Sustainability PCF guideline and reflects the state of the art (ID no. 0000080389: BASF SE – Certipedia).
***Common industry benchmarks = relevant PCF values from critically reviewed LCA studies such as Plastics Europe
****Scope 3.1 = Emissions from purchased goods and services
A digital twin supply chain recently was established by Sweden-based start-up PaperTale for Sail Racing — a brand well known for its durable and long-lasting performance garments for the marine industry.
The collaboration is further highlighted as the primary case study in a just-released white paper prepared by Deloitte, as a guide to how companies could most effectively prepare for the European Commission’s upcoming Digital Product Passport (DPP) and other related legislation.
Complex Network
The PaperTale system for Sail Racing fully maps a complex network, beginning with farmers in Australia, moving to garment workers in Pakistan and finally reaching consumers in Scandinavia.
It incorporates data collection from the three countries using NFC tags and blockchain technology to provide detailed supply chain insights and ensure regulatory compliance for the brand.
“Our system captures the supply chain of a product from cradle to grave, in real-time,” said company Founder Bilal Bhatti. “By integrating it into existing planning and management systems, factories and brands can gather and verify the flow of material and their social and environmental data in real-time. Data is added to a public blockchain so it is extremely hard to tamper with, further increasing trust. When a product is finalized, consumers can scan an NFC tag or QR-code to view the entire journey a product has traveled, which craftsmen were involved in the production, and if they have been paid fairly.”
Personalization
Introducing the usually anonymous factory workers responsible for each individual garment to the person buying it is what really sets PaperTale apart from other tracking systems — a next level of personalization that will make a valuable contribution to raising the debate on the true cost of textiles.
“This technology is a game-changer in that we provide verified information about the social aspects of the manufacturing process and not just information about the components of the garment,” Bhatti said. “We need products and processes to be much more connected with people, especially in such a complex supply chain where a high percentage of the work is carried out by contract workers who are unregistered and often exploited.
“When the entire product journey is visible using real-time and verified data, higher trust is created all the way from factories to consumers. Our system makes it possible to start the dialogue on the cost of sustainability, paving the way to increase incentives that result in proper wages, contracts and workplace safety. In respect of environmental sustainability, real-time data makes real-time measurement possible, which will also stimulate brands and factories to reduce emissions, water usage and pollution.”
Benchmarks
The new Deloitte white paper, Adopting Blockchain-based E-Liability ESG reporting to comply with the upcoming CSRD regulation, confirms that PaperTale’s project with Sail Racing sets new benchmarks for sustainability and compliance. The paper can be accessed here: https://www2.deloitte.com/dk/da/pages/supply-chain-and-network-operations/adopting-blockchain-based-e-liability-esg-reporting.html
“Crucial data collected during the project enabled the development of a Digital Product Passport (DPP) and met various regulatory reporting needs,” noted lead author Henrik Knak, a supply chain specialist and director at Deloitte. “As the industry evolves, however, there is a risk of DPPs becoming mere compliance reports, but the project emphasizes the importance of focusing on extending product lifespans, improving decision-making based on impacts and promoting circularity.
“The Sail Racing case illustrates how a holistic approach can extend beyond DPPs to ensure robust traceability, accountability and social and governance responsibility across supply chains.”
While much is set still being finalized, the DPP — as well as the European Commission’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) — are fast approaching.
“This makes the insights from Deloitte’s white paper particularly timely and companies need to start preparing now, rather than risking non-compliance later,” Bhatti said. “We are extremely pleased that Deloitte has chosen our solution as its primary case study as we continue to refine our technology for advanced and well-balanced supply chain transparency and compliance.”
LENZING, Austria — October 10, 2024 — On Thursday, October 10, 2024, the Extraordinary General Meeting of Lenzing AG elected Marcelo Feriozzi Bacci (until the Annual General Meeting resolving upon the discharge of the members of the Supervisory Board with regard to the business year 2028), Carlos Aníbal de Almeida Junior (until the Annual General Meeting resolving upon the discharge of the members of the Supervisory Board with regard to the business year 2028) and Markus Fürst (until the Annual General Meeting resolving upon the discharge of the members of the Supervisory Board with regard to the business year 2028) as new members of the Supervisory Board.
Following the election at the Extraordinary General Meeting, the Supervisory Board of Lenzing AG is once again composed of ten members elected by the General Meeting: Carlos Aníbal de Almeida Junior, Cornelius Baur, Helmut Bernkopf, Marcelo Feriozzi Bacci, Stefan Fida, Markus Fürst, Franz Gasselsberger, Cord Prinzhorn, Gerhard Schwartz and Astrid Skala-Kuhmann. Stefan Ertl, Stephan Gruber, Bonita Haag, Helmut Kirchmair and Johann Schernberger were appointed to the Supervisory Board by the Works Council.
Christian Bruch resigned as a member of the Supervisory Board after the last Annual General Meeting. In addition, Nicole van der Elst Desai and Melody Harris-Jensbach resigned from the Supervisory Board prematurely as of the end of the next Annual General Meeting of Lenzing AG. Lenzing AG would like to thank Christian Bruch, Nicole van der Elst Desai and Melody Harris-Jensbach for their trustful and constructive cooperation.
At the constituent meeting of the Supervisory Board following the Extraordinary General Meeting, Cord Prinzhorn was elected Chairman, Marcelo Feriozzi Bacci was elected 1st Vice Chairman and Stefan Fida was elected 2nd Vice Chairman of the Supervisory Board.
WASHINGTON — October 8, 2024 — In response to the recent and pending natural disasters devastating communities across the American South and Southeast, the American Medical Manufacturers Association (AMMA) is mobilizing its network of domestic PPE manufacturers to offer vital support to those in need.
As rapid response occurs and recovery efforts begin, AMMA stands ready to assist state and local governments, healthcare systems, and first responders in identifying a steady supply of personal protective equipment (PPE). Leaders of organizations and communities in need can contact Eric Axel, executive director of AMMA, at director@medicalmanufacturers.org.
“The tragic weather events have left and will leave thousands needing assistance. AMMA is stepping up to ensure that essential workers, first responders, and residents have the necessary protective gear. We are in awe of their courage and bravery in serving their communities in the face of these disasters. We’ll do everything we can to help,” Axel said.
AMMA’s response includes making essential connections to help affected area leaders access PPE, such as masks, gloves, and other necessary protective materials. This initiative echoes AMMA’s ongoing commitment to supporting local communities, especially during crises, while continuing to advance its mission of sustaining domestic PPE production.
Axel added: “We urge states, counties, and hospital systems to contact us for assistance, and we’ll work quickly with our partners to access the necessary equipment to protect workers and residents alike.”
AMMA’s member companies have inventory made in the United States. They are well-positioned to meet the growing demands across the disaster-impacted states, including Florida, Georgia, Virginia, and the Carolinas. By leveraging flexible, local, and domestic manufacturing capabilities, AMMA ensures that PPE can be available rapidly and effectively, helping mitigate further risks as recovery and rebuilding efforts unfold.
Axel concluded: “Our member companies are committed to providing rapid support in the aftermath of these disasters, and we encourage other sectors of the U.S. manufacturing industry to join us in these efforts.”
Posted: October 9, 2024
Source American Medical Manufacturers Association (AMMA)
GREEN BAY, Wis. — October 9, 2024 — Building on its groundbreaking partnership with Monforts and Archroma, Baldwin Technology, a brand of BW Converting, will empower textile manufacturers to take the lead in sustainable finishing with its TexCoat™ G4 precision spray system at ITMA Asia 2024, Stand H5A29, October 14-18, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, China.
Given the current global economy’s cost sensitivity and the rising emphasis on sustainability from brands, consumers and regulatory bodies, there is a growing demand for eco-friendly textile production methods. Baldwin’s team will be on hand at ITMA Asia to discuss how its technology aligns with the sustainability and carbon footprint objectives of the textile supply chain, all while enhancing performance and reducing costs.
Baldwin’s TexCoat G4 non-contact spray technology presents multiple advantages over traditional finishing methods. It revolutionizes the traditional water- and energy-intensive pad-dry-cure finishing process by precisely applying chemistry including softeners, antimicrobials, durable water repellents, flame retardants, resins and most other water-based chemicals across the textile surface only where it is required, on one or both sides of the fabric. The system can therefore reduce water, chemistry and energy consumption by up to 50 percent compared to traditional pad application processes. It utilizes the same chemicals as conventional pad baths without needing special additives.
At ITMA Asia, visitors will have the opportunity to see the technology up-close and experience a diverse selection of fabric samples with finishes that were applied with TexCoat G4, sourced from textile mills worldwide.
“In 2024, Baldwin has enjoyed amazing success in Asia with the adoption of TexCoat G4 with multiple new installations in Bangladesh, China, India and Pakistan just to name a few,” said Rick Stanford, Vice President of Global Business Development, Textiles, BW Converting. “Factory owners are investing in TexCoat G4 because it is the right thing to do for the planet and it pays for itself in short order through water, chemical and energy savings. Everybody wins with TexCoat G4.”
Baldwin’s recently announced collaboration with Monforts and Archroma further amplifies its commitment to sustainable textile finishing. This partnership merges Monforts’ state-of-the-art finishing equipment, Archroma’s leading-edge chemistries, and Baldwin’s TexCoat G4 spray technology to deliver next-generation sustainable solutions. Together, the three companies will support dyeing and finishing manufacturers, a critical part of the textile supply chain, in their development projects, boosting the quality and performance of their finished products, while at the same time maximizing the productivity and resource utilization of the finishing application process.
FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany — October 9, 2024 — Resilient into to the new business year: From 14 to 17 January, already 2,900 exhibitors from 60 countries will present current trends, the latest collections, innovative materials and textile solutions at Heimtextil. High-caliber highlights await visitors: For the first time, the Milan-based design platform Alcova will curate the Heimtextil Trends 25/26. In addition, the worldwide renowned designer and architect Patricia Urquiola brings textile design to life in the exclusive installation ‘among-us’. The DecoTeam and the adjacent Design Lounge provide attractive offers and top brands for interior design. Carpets & Rugs, the home of the international carpet industry, grows by further hall levels. With its strong range and new formats, Heimtextil is once again proving itself to be a constant and reliable partner for the global textile industry.
Connected by textiles: under this motto, Heimtextil will unite the global textile industry at the exhibition grounds in Frankfurt from 14 to 17 January. The world’s largest and most international trade fair for home and contract textiles and textile design provides a bundled market overview on 16 hall levels: from fibers and yarns, to unassembled materials, to the finished end product.
“Despite the challenging market situation, Heimtextil is a strong and reliable platform for the global sector and offers retailers, industry and the contract business solutions for sustainable business success,” said Olaf Schmidt, vice president, Textiles & Textile Technologies. “For 2025, we expand our product range for specific target groups, create important synergies and look forward to welcoming numerous new exhibitors and returnees. We also launch two partnerships: for the first time, the Milan-based design platform Alcova will curate the Heimtextil Trends 25/26, and star designer and architect Patricia Urquiola will create a unique installation. Heimtextil 2025 makes textile interior design more visible than ever before.”
Back to the future: the Heimtextil Trends 25/26
They are the most important source of inspiration and the must-see of the trade fair: The Heimtextil Trends 25/26. At the upcoming event, the design platform Alcova from Milan will curate the Trend Arena in Hall 3.0 for the first time. Under the motto ‘Future Continuous’, they put textiles in a different light and combine past trends with forward-looking influences – unusual, original, innovative. The platform for independent design rethinks the past and uses this as inspiration for the future. The Heimtextil Trends 25/26 provide an overview of sustainable, visionary and progressive developments. This makes them a decisive signpost for the industry and retail to keep their finger on the pulse of the times and strengthen their business success.
Design hotspot with Patricia Urquiola
Textile design redefined: Patricia Urquiola, the renowned designer and architect from Milan, creates a sustainable, textile design experience for Heimtextil 2025. The installation ‘among-us’ will combine interior design with hospitality, placing people and the immersive experience at the centre of attention. ‘among-us’ is embedded in the high-quality presentations of Bed, Bath & Living in Hall 12.0. Here as well as in Hall 12.1, well-known brands and private label suppliers will showcase exclusive bed linen and bathroom textiles, decorative cushions and bedspreads as well as home accessories. Exhibitors such as Beddinghouse (Netherlands), Lameirinho (Portugal), Marzotto Lab (Italy), Veritas (Turkey), Hellatex Textil (Austria) and Klaus Herding (Germany) as well as returnees such as Hermann Biederlack (Germany) and Formesse (Germany) will be there. Hall 12 thus is the hotspot for top international buyers and textile design.
Heimtextil: Hotspot for textile Interior Design. Photo: Messe Frankfurt/Pietro Sutera.
Mega trend healthy sleep
In addition, the latest trends, developments and products relating to sleep await visitors in the immediate vicinity in Hall 11.0. The Smart Bedding area is the central platform for innovative sleep systems, bedding and duvets, pillows, mattresses and machines for textile processing. Returning exhibitors such as Billerbeck (Switzerland), KBT Bettwaren (Germany), Setex Textil (Germany) and Grasim Industries – Aditya Birla (India) as well as exhibitors such as Hefel Textil (Austria), John Cotton Europe (Poland), Lenzing AG (Austria), OBB (Germany), Standard Fiber (USA) and Traumina (Germany) will present their wide range of products here.
DecoTeam with exklusive Design Lounge
Centre for international textile design: In the design environment of Wall Decoration and Textile Design in Hall 3.0, visitors can discover creative design studios as well as a wide range of wallcoverings and wallpapers, paints, digital prints and CAD/CAM systems. Participating companies include Artcottage (UK), Decoprint (Belgium), Marburger Tapetenfabrik (Germany), Masureel (Belgium), Verbeek Design (Netherlands), Wallfashion House (Belgium) and York Wallcovering (USA). At Window & Interior Decoration, exhibitors such as Aerolux (Germany), Forest Group (Netherlands), Hohmann (Germany) and Lindner (France) will showcase products for sun protection. The DecoTeam and its members will provide fresh inspiration and surprising colour combinations for textile interiors in Hall 3.1, where exhibitor Englisch Dekor (Austria) and German companies Alfred Apelt, Erfal, Höpke Möbelstoff-Handels, Indes Fuggerhaus, Infloor Girloon, Kaiser Karl F. Buchheister, MHZ Hachtel, Paulig Teppichweberei and Unland will show modern concepts for interior decorators, interior designers and the contract business. The focus is on curtains, deodorant and upholstery fabrics and sun protection. In the adjacent Design Lounge powered by DecoTeam, companies such as Fine Textilverlag, Kadeco, Golze 1873, Haro Teppiche and Theko will come together for an inspiring joint presentation
Home for the global carpet industry: Carpets & Rugs
Place-to-be in Frankfurt: Heimtextil brings together all global market leaders from the international carpet industry. Carpets & Rugs already has twice as many exhibitors as last year and grows by additional hall levels. In Hall 5.0, hand-woven carpets, designer and unique pieces as well as international country pavilions can be discovered. Hall 5.1 is home to the growing range of machine-woven carpets, fibres & yarns and technologies for the carpet industry. In addition, Carpets & Rugs occupies the hall level 3.0, complementing the product groups Wall Decoration and Textile Design as well as the Heimtextil Trends 25/26 in the adjacent Trend Arena. Floor mats, clean-off systems, textiles for outdoor and contract furnishings round off the unique range.
New exhibitors such as ABC Italia (Italy), Bhadohi Carpets (India), Balta Home (Belgium) and Javi Home (India) as well as strong returnees such as Heritage Overseas (India), Kaleen Lifestyle (India), Lalee OHG (Germany), Merinos Group with Özerdem (Turkey), Oriental Weavers Group (Oriental Weavers Carpets, EFCO, MAC Carpet, Egypt), Jaipur Rugs (India), Ragolle Rugs (Belgium) and The Rug Republic (India) are registered. Members of the associations Fedustria (Belgium), Office National de L’Artisanat (Tunisia) and Unifam (Spain) will also take part. Together with Fedustria and the exhibitor Ragolle Rugs, a new area will be created: At ‘Belgium Textiles’, around 15 well-known Belgian carpet companies will stage a unique joint presentation. Other carpet suppliers will be located in Halls 3.1 within the DecoTeam and the Design Lounge powered by DecoTeam as well as in Halls 6.0 and 6.1 as part of the exhibitors’ overall collections.
Extended range of Fibres & Yarns
Heimtextil offers an extended range of fibres, yarns, woven and knitted fabrics, finishes and equipment. The suppliers and producers are positioned in the various product segments, in line with their respective areas of application. The extensive Fibres & Yarns area thus creates valuable synergies between the product ranges on the fairgrounds and an important added value for numerous target groups such as weavers, manufacturers and product designers. Big names such as Interima (UK), Georg & Otto Friedrich (Germany), Korteks (Turkey), Sasa Polyester (Turkey) and Trevira (Indorama Ventures Fibers Germany) will be there.
The world’s largest platform for upholstery fabrics
Decorative & Furniture Fabrics present the world’s largest range of upholstery fabrics on three compact levels in Hall 4. The wide selection of products from manufacturers and wholesalers ranges from decorative, upholstery and contract fabrics, artificial and furniture leather to outdoor fabrics. With over 200 suppliers, the largest concentration of high-quality weavers, especially from Europe, can be found here. Hall 4 is the ideal meeting point for the entire textile and upholstery industry, interior decorators, (interior) architects and interior designers. Participating companies include Atenzza Outdoor (Spain), Elastron (Portugal), Francisco Jover (Spain), Gebrüder Munzert (Germany), Libeco (Belgium), Manuel Revert (Spain), Martinelli Ginetto (Italy), Parà (Italy), Rohleder (Germany) and Vanelli (Turkey).
Whether abrasion-resistant, antimicrobial or fire-resistant – Heimtextil covers the global range of functional contract textiles and brings manufacturers and suppliers together with (interior) architects, planners and interior designers. This is where the international hospitality industry finds exactly what it needs for contract furnishing: Inspiration, information and valuable dialogue. The wide range of products and services covers the entire exhibition centre. All exhibitors with offers for the contract business are labelled online and at the trade fair stand with a special signet and can be found quickly by visitors. The Interiour.Architecture.Hospitality LIBRARY in Hall 4.0, curated by an external jury of experts, will present an exciting selection of functional textiles.
Order volumes in every size: Global Home Excellence & Global Home Select
Heimtextil is Europe’s largest platform for international, high-quality suppliers with order volumes of all sizes. Halls 6.0, 6.2, 8.0 and 9.1 are the new home of the renamed Global Home Excellence product area. Buyers can expect a diverse selection of home and household textiles as well as individual presentations from international producers such as Atlas Export Enterprises (India), D’Decor Export (India), Gohar Textile Mills (Pakistan), Kanodia Global (India), Mittal International (India), Towellers Limited (Pakistan) and Union Fabrics (Pakistan). Numerous country pavilions invite visitors to experience traditional craftsmanship and techniques from all over the world. In Halls 6.1 and 9.0, the Global Home Select area will feature juried manufacturers with top-quality home and household textile products, including exhibitors such as Al-Karam Textile Mills (Pakistan), Bismillah Textiles Private Company (India), Gul Ahmed Textile Mills (Pakistan), Indo Count Industries (India), Trident Limited (India) and Yunus Textile Mills (Pakistan).
Knowledge transfer on two stages
Heimtextil is the right place to go for all trade visitors who want to constantly expand their knowledge of textiles. As a networking and knowledge platform, it helps companies to develop further and prepare for the future. To this end, the Texpertise Stage (Hall 4.0) addresses current topics, developments and challenges affecting the global textile industry – from flexible hospitality concepts and legislation to sustainable solutions. As a valuable source of business-boosting expertise, the Retail Stage in Hall 12.1 opens up a tailor-made content programme specifically for the retail sector. With interactive presentations, panel discussions and guided tours, Heimtextil provides space for knowledge exchange and personal contacts.
Econogy – for a more sustainable textile industry
The title Econogy includes all sustainability activities of the more than 50 textile trade fairs in Messe Frankfurt’s worldwide Texpertise Network. The term links sustainability directly with economic success. Exhibitors can have themselves audited according to ESG/SDG-compliant standards and qualify for a special signet on their stand and online. The curated companies are listed in the Econogy FINDER: The tool offers visitors orientation and guides them to relevant exhibitors. In addition, interactive Econogy Talks and Tours provide knowledge transfer and innovative best practices. The Econogy Hub is a meeting point for seal providers and certifiers.
Heimtextil 2025 takes place from January 14 to 17, 2025.
OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — October 9, 2024 — The technical textiles sector offers lucrative opportunities for specialized manufacturers, but also for conventional textile companies that want to diversify. The KARL MAYER GROUP will be demonstrating how this promising potential can be exploited with its presence at the upcoming ITMA ASIA + CITME.
Technical textiles non crimp carbon fabric
Carbon fabrics for lucrative applications
The innovative global player’s exhibition in Shanghai clearly focuses on developments in the carbon market. In hall 4, at stand C27 of the Shanghai National Exhibition and Convention Center, tailor-made reinforcement textiles will be presented, which can be used in a wide range of lightweight construction applications. “The demand for carbon composites has increased significantly in recent years, particularly in Asia. We are looking forward to talking to traditional warp knitting customers who want to expand their offering, as well as new customers who want to gather information on applications with these high-performance composite materials,” says Jan Stahr, sales manager for China at KARL MAYER’s Technical Textiles business unit.
At KARL MAYER, they will not only find the right multiaxial warp knitting machine to produce high-performance reinforcement fabrics for composite materials but will also receive useful know-how gained from years of experience.
WEFT GRID ECO weft insertion
Warp knitting machines with weft insertion and a convincing price-performance ratio
In addition to the textile and application show in Shanghai, there will be a machine presentation during an in-house show accompanying the trade fair at KARL MAYER (CHINA) in Changzhou. The event begins on October 13. Two innovative warp knitting machines with weft insertion aimed at the volume market will be on show: a second generation TM WEFT for the production of lightweight fabrics with weft insertion for outerwear fabrics and interlinings and the newly developed WEFT GRID ECO machine.
The TM WEFT was included in the exhibition program due to the high demand and positive feedback during the last in-house show. On display will be a model with a 247” working width, carbon bar equipment and functional optimization. Thanks to the advanced development of the crank box system, a 20-percent increase in performance has been achieved with the new release. The TM WEFT will be producing an outerwear article during the in-house show.
Jan Stahr
The new WEFT GRID ECO is specified for the efficient production of “light” glass grid structures from materials with gauges of up to 400 tex in the weft inlay and warp inlay thread area. These textiles are mainly used in the construction industry, for example as plaster grids or crack tape. When developing the machine, the focus was more than ever on the price-performance ratio.
“The working width is 245“, and the speed is 1,800 rpm, making the WEFT GRID ECO up to 12-percent faster and 20-percent cheaper than our all-purpose machine WEFTTRONIC II G,” explained Jan Stahr.
Thes sales manager is looking forward to the first participation in a major international trade fair in Asia since the coronavirus pandemic. In addition to Chinese customers, he is expecting a large international audience.
AMSTERDAM — October 9, 2024 — For decades, polyester has been the cornerstone of the textile printing industry. Its compatibility with the digital sublimation process — a cost-effective, simple technology — has driven exponential growth in polyester printing. However, the very characteristics that make polyester well suited for sublimation printing render this printing technique unsuitable for other materials, such as cotton and some blended fibers, leaving a significant gap in the market.
This gap was, until recently, partially filled by direct-to-textile printing. However, this method requires substantial initial investments in equipment and heavily relies on the time- and resource-consuming pre- and post-processing of fabrics to ensure colourfastness, color accuracy, and compatibility with different substrates. Consequently, a need arose for a more sustainable and cost-effective solution that could cater to a wider range of textiles.
Bridging the Gap: The Birth of TRAPIS
Mimaki’s innovative TRAPIS solution eliminates the need for complex fabric treatment, offering a simple two-step process for vibrant, sustainable printing on diverse textiles.
In response to this demand, Mimaki spent six years developing a breakthrough technology, TRAPIS, a simple two-step textile transfer printing solution, consisting of only an inkjet printer and a high-pressure calender. The design of choice is printed by the inkjet printer onto the company’s groundbreaking Texcol® pigment ink transfer paper. This is then transferred to the application via the calender.
Entirely removing the treatment stages means that printing on non-polyester materials has gone from an expensive and time-consuming task to one that is simple, cost-efficient and more sustainable.
Ideal for home textiles and soft signage which often require vibrant colors but varied materials, this technology gives printers the ability to print on a wide variety of materials, including natural fibers like cotton and silk without losing stretchability or colourfastness. All this can be done with just one type of ink, making the process flexible and adaptable to customer demands.
A Bright Future: The Environmental Benefits of TRAPIS
Eco-Friendly Printing Revolution: TRAPIS slashes water consumption by 90%, paving the way for a greener future in textile printing with minimal environmental impact.
The pre-treatment and washing of the fabric is often needed in digital dye printing, producing a significant amount of wastewater in the process. TRAPIS eliminates those stages altogether and is almost entirely waterless, saving around 14.5 liters per square meter of water, an almost 90-percent decrease in comparison to digital dye printing.
Additionally, this eliminates the need for wastewater treatment facilities, which can be both expensive and constrictive when it comes to where the solution is installed.
When you consider that traditional dyeing processes generate a staggering approximately 2 billion tonnes of wastewater every day from pre- and post-dyeing processes worldwide. The reductions TRAPIS can offer will make a significant contribution to reducing a print provider’s environmental impact. Furthermore, with its simplified printing workflow, the complex and CO2 emission-heavy overseas transportation of textile products is eliminated.
Mimaki’s bespoke Textile Pigment Ink that accompanies the solution has achieved the ZDHC MRSL Lv.3* certification and is bluesign® APPROVED, verifying not only its environmental friendliness but ensuring that it is safe for both workers and consumers
Offering a Simple Solution
Effortless Customization Across Materials: With TRAPIS, printing on natural fibres like cotton and silk is now faster and more cost-effective, making it ideal for vibrant, custom home textiles and soft signage.
TRAPIS’s simplicity and affordability also make it ideal for localized, short-run textile production. As the process only involves printing and transferring, it does not require specialized skills to operate when compared to the more complex seven- or eight-step system needed by most digital and analogue conventional printing. The lack of a fabric conveyor belt in the system further minimizes the need for time-intensive maintenance.
By simplifying the digital textile printing process and making it accessible to a wider range of textiles, the TRAPIS solution is an innovation helps to set the pace for a more sustainable practices in the textile industry, while offering an unmatched range of creative possibilities.
INDIA — October 10, 2024 — Better Cotton, a cotton sustainability initiative, has launched an ambitious research project in India aimed at defining best practices to empower women and boost their representation at the farm level in the cotton sector.
