WINTERTHUR, Switzerland — June 17, 2024 — Guangxi Baisheng Textile Co. Ltd. signed an agreement with Rieter to implement the world’s first complete spinning process using Rieter’s latest air-jet spinning technology J 70. This project will elevate automation levels and reduce conversion costs at Baisheng’s operations, setting a new benchmark in air-jet spinning in terms of quality and productivity.
From left to right: Sheng Du, Sales Engineer, Rieter, South China; Renguan Lian, Regional Sales Manager, Rieter, South China; Michael Hubensteiner, Country Managing Director Rieter China; Yiyu Zhan, Chairman of Guangxi Baisheng; Chanhong Feng, Manager of Guangxi Baisheng; Michael Wang, Senior Vice President, Rieter, Sales China.
Guangxi Baisheng Textile has decided to expand its air-jet spinning capacity with Rieter’s J 70 thanks to its outstanding productivity. This move will enable the vertically integrated textile company based in Guangxi, China, to further ensure a steady yarn supply for its knitting operations. Rieter’s air-jet spinning machine J 70 offers exceptional production efficiency and features 200 individually automated spinning units that independently manage quality cuts and natural ends down quickly and efficiently. The J 70 also boasts delivery speeds of up to 600 meters per minute and supports up to four lots simultaneously. In addition, Rieter’s latest generation yarn clearer identifies weak yarn during production, ensuring top quality.
The excellent performance of the existing Rieter cards, draw frames and winding machines installed at Baisheng Textile combined with the superior after-sales service have created a strong foundation for the successful collaboration with Guangxi Baisheng Textile.
Yiyu Zhan, chairman, Guangxi Baisheng Textile, said: “Together with Rieter, we will set an all-new benchmark in the industry, elevating the quality and productivity of air-jet spinning to unprecedented levels.”
Michael Hubensteiner, Country managing director, Rieter China, said: “We are proud to build the world’s first complete air-jet spinning system with our latest J 70 spinning technology in partnership with Baisheng Textile. This cutting-edge spinning system will enable Baisheng Textile to achieve a new level of competitiveness and expand their industry leadership.
Guangxi Baisheng Textile Co., Ltd.
Established in 2018 in Yulin City, Guangxi Province, China, Guangxi Baisheng Textile Co. Ltd. specializes in producing viscose ring-spun and air-jet spun yarn in yarn counts from Ne 16 to 40 in its manufacturing sites in China. In addition to its spinning capabilities, Baisheng excels in twisting, yarn dyeing on packages, flat knitting, and finishing processes. As a fully vertically integrated textile company, Baisheng manages the entire production chain, ensuring high-quality output at every stage.
CARY, N.C. — June 17, 2024 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced that absorbent hygiene professionals can register, sponsor, or reserve a tabletop exhibit for Hygienix™, November 18-21, Nashville, Tenn. Industry leaders from around the world will gather for four days of networking, presentations, and business opportunities.
The theme for this year’s Hygienix is “Driving Absorbent Hygiene Product Innovation: Consumer Desires, Market Dynamics & Sustainability Solutions.” The event’s focus is on price tiering, shipping and trade impacts, FemTech, period poverty, pet care, adult care innovations, the UN Plastic Treaty and PFAS regulations. Hygienix will offer three training opportunities on Monday, November 18. The full Hygienix program will be announced at a later date.
Prior to Hygienix, there will be a series of up to four complimentary pre-conference webinars. INDA is pleased to announce that Good360 has confirmed their participation in one of the webinars. Good360 is the global leader in product philanthropy and purposeful giving, a nonprofit that distributes goods to communities in need. More details and participating organizations will be announced in the coming weeks.
Hygienix will include a networking opportunity with two Lunch Around tables where table hosts connect with fellow participants to discuss industry hot topics. Seating is limited, so participants are encouraged to reserve their seat early.
Back by popular demand are the Lightning Talks. Tabletop exhibitors will have 5 minutes to highlight their products and services before the tabletop exhibits and reception opens Tues. and Wed. evenings.
Nominations are being accepted through September 16 for the Hygienix Innovation Award™. Three finalists will be selected to present their absorbent hygiene technologies on Tuesday, November 19. The winner of the award will be announced at the end of the event, Thursday, November 21.
Last year’s Hygienix Innovation Award was presented to Sequel for their Sequel Spiral™ Tampon. The Sequel Spiral Tampon features a proprietary spiral design that is engineered to be more fluid mechanically efficient, meaning it is designed to absorb more evenly and not leak before it’s full. In August 2023, the Sequel Spiral Tampon received clearance from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a medical device.
For more information, to register, sponsor, or reserve a tabletop exhibit, visit the Hygienix website: https://www.hygienix.org/index.html
Posted: June 17, 2024
Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry
ALBSTADT, Germany — June 17, 2024 — Mayer & Cie. presented an overview of its current portfolio in the circular knitting sector at the ITM in Istanbul. Two machine types — the SF4 3.2 III and the Relanit 3.2 HS II — and various smart solutions that make circular knitting more efficient were on display. knithawk, a tool for the optical detection of knitting defects, met with interest among the visitors. The same was true for knitlink, Mayer & Cie’s hub for digital solutions. Spare parts packages and conversion kits are also in demand for the long-term value retention of Mayer & Cie. machines. Overall, the industry continued to be restrained at the ITM, and a trend reversal has not yet been achieved.
Trade fair team from Mayer Mümessilik and Mayer & Cie. at ITM 2024.
“In line with the current market situation, we went to ITM with subdued expectations,” said Benjamin Mayer, managing partner of Mayer & Cie. “As expected, visitor numbers fell short of those of 2022. Nevertheless, we have received positive feedback on our new developments. Our smart solutions are of particular interest to large knitting mills and fully integrated companies.”
Making the tried and tested even better: Relanit 3.2 HS II
The Relanit 3.2 HS mechanical single jersey machine offers high productivity, especially in the context of elastic plating. It processes a wide range of yarns and qualities extremely reliably. It is particularly suitable for processing recycled yarns. Their energy consumption is up to a third lower than that of a circular knitting machine with conventional technology.
The Relanit 3.2 HS II could also be seen live at the ITM.
In Istanbul, Mayer & Cie. presented an updated version of its flagship, the Relanit 3.2 HS II. The new open-width take down is the single component that attracted the most interest. It ensures a uniform pull-off tension of the knitted fabric over its entire circumference. The knitted hose is only opened below the take-down rollers. Furthermore, the take-down is equipped with two drives: one for tensioning, one for rewinding. Both can be controlled separately.
Another innovation of the Relanit 3.2 HS is aimed at reducing downtimes: The needle with predetermined breaking point, which was developed together with Groz-Beckert, prevents it from breaking uncontrollably and, in the worst case, breaking needle butt. The new spring sinker is also a joint development with Groz-Beckert. This makes the Relanit 3.2 HS II run more smoothly, produce less noise as well as with less wear and tear.
“Overall, the demand for single jersey knitted fabrics is currently low, which was also evident again in Istanbul,” Mayer said. “However, this is no reason for us not to further develop popular machines. After all, experience shows how quickly trends can change.”
SF4-3.2 III for lightweight three-tread fleece knitted fabrics
Mayer & Cie. presented an SF4 3.2 III at the ITM.
With its SF4-3.2 III, Mayer & Cie. is addressing a trend in the clothing industry that is reflected beyond Turkey: lightweight, elastic three-thread knitted fabrics in both pure cotton and blends. The machine impressed at the ITM with its excellent plating ability, which saves time and costs when finishing the fabrics.
New Control 5.0 machine control system
Both ITM machine exhibits were on display with the new Control 5.0 machine control system. Control 5.0 is a prerequisite for using knitlink, the hub for Mayer & Cie’s digital applications. In this function, the machine control system attracted interest from various large customers.
In the standard SmartControl version, as shown in Istanbul, a so-called Smart Knob is attached to each machine foot. From there, all the functions that the machine operator needs for his work are available. More in-depth settings, such as those made by the knitting manager, are only possible from a mobile device. Any number of Mayer & Cie. machines can be operated from this at the same time.
All machines built from 2001 onwards can be retrofitted, and selected new machines will be equipped with the new generation of machine control systems from 2024.
knithawk: Recognizing knitting mistakes at an early stage
knithawk, a tool for optical defect detection, inspects the knitted fabric as it is produced. It sits in the single jersey machine directly at the knitting point. If knithawk detects a serious or recurring error, the machine is stopped. The tool also creates an error log.
“knithawk helps us save resources such as water, natural fibers and polyester,” said Axel Brünner, senior product manager at Mayer & Cie. “Real-time defect detection prevents many meters of defective fabric from being creazed in the first place.”
Machine-specific upgrade and conversion kits
At the ITM booth, Mayer & Cie. presented its upgrade and conversion kits in a separate area.
With its upgrade kits, Mayer & Cie. brings technological innovations to existing machines. These range from machine-specific upgrades, such as the Performance Kit for existing Relanit 3.2 models to the Senso Blue RS lubrication system.
In addition to the upgrade kits, Mayer & Cie. offers conversion kits for popular machine types. Two are currently available: for the MV4 3.2 II/MBF 3.2 and the S4-3.2 II/ SF4-3.2 III.
“Thanks to our long-standing representative Mayer Mümessillik, our Turkish customers can rely on competent and fast support – whether it is support for the conversion of a machine, digital solutions or the installation of new machines,” Mayer concluded.
LENZING, Austria — June 17, 2024 — Lenzing Group has announced a global collaboration with iconic fashion brand Diane von Furstenberg (DVF) to bring to mainstream fashion TENCEL™ and LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded fibers made from sustainably managed wood sources 1. Through the collaboration, these resource-efficiently made 2 fibers significantly contribute to DVF’s flagship collection of everyday fashion items and selected accessories.
DVF x TENCEL Fibers
The current collections featuring the respective fiber brands are already available globally in DVF online store and global store locations. Upcoming collections made of both fiber brands will debut from Q3 2024. This partnership marks a significant milestone in both companies’ commitment to environmental responsibility while raising awareness of conscious fashion choices.
Recognized for its timeless designs and commitment to empowering women, DVF is now expanding its impact by incorporating Lenzing’s fibers into its collections, complemented by the adoption of these fibers’ resource- efficient production 2 that enables endless design possibilities. Given Lenzing’s TENCEL and LENZING ECOVERO branded fibers are certified with the EU Ecolabel for environmental excellence 3, by leveraging the low environmental impact of the fibers, the collaboration will help elevate DVF’s iconic design aesthetic by creating clothing items that blend style and comfort with preferable sustainability performance 1,2,3.
DVF x LENZING™ ECOVERO™
Recognized for their versatility in design and usage, TENCEL and LENZING ECOVERO branded fibers have been featured extensively in various garment items in DVF collections since January this year, especially with their support for rich colors in fabrics, breathability and softness. The 2024 Summer season collection of DVF, themed “The Festival of Color”, featured a celebration of color and culture, inspired by summer festivals around the world, from Mexico’s Cinco de Mayo to Sweden’s Midsummer Festival to La Vandange in France. The collection features a number of stylish garment pieces with vibrant colors and patterns made of LENZING ECOVERO branded fibers, silk, linen and cotton.
Jessie Chen, DVF Global Strategic partner and CEO of Greater China
“We are thrilled to partner with Lenzing to bring sustainable fashion to the forefront of the industry,” said Jessie Chen, DVF Global Strategic partner and CEO of Greater China. “At DVF, we are firm believers that fashion should not only make women feel confident and beautiful but also contribute positively to the world. The “Festival of Color” DVF 2024 Summer collection is just the beginning of a long-term commitment. By integrating Lenzing’s signature specialty fibers 2 into our designs, we are taking a significant step towards driving meaningful change and inspiring a shift towards conscious fashion choices.”
Harold Weghorst, Senior Director of Marketing and Branding, Global Textiles Business, Lenzing AG
“We are delighted to collaborate with DVF to bring resource-efficient 2 materials made from sustainably managed wood sources1 to mainstream fashion,” said Harold Weghorst, senior director of marketing and branding, Global Textiles Business, Lenzing AG. “TENCEL Lyocell fibers and LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers are made with at least 50-percent less carbon emissions and water consumption2. As a leading producer of responsibly produced 1,2 specialty fibers made from natural raw material wood, Lenzing is committed to driving product innovation and promoting environmental sustainability 1,2,3 throughout the textile industry. By partnering with DVF, we are showcasing the potential for fashion to be both stylish and environmentally compatible 1,2,3.”
Lenzing’s commitment to revolutionizing the textile industry with pioneering fiber solutions and collaboration with like-minded partners aligns perfectly with DVF’s vision for a more sustainable fashion industry.
New flagship collections made of TENCEL and LENZING ECOVERO fibers are set to launch starting from Q3 2024. More information will be made available closer to the release date.
1 TENCEL™ Lyocell and LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers are derived from controlled or certified wood sources.
2 TENCEL™ Lyocell and LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers are made with at least 50% less carbon emissions and water consumption compared to generic (unbranded) lyocell and viscose. The results were calculated according to LCA standards (ISO 14040/44) and are made available via the Higg Materials Sustainability Index (MSI) v3.7 by Cascale (formerly Sustainable Apparel Coalition). 3 EU Ecolabel for textile products (license no. AT/016/001).
WICHITA FALLS, Texas — June 13, 2024 — On Wednesday, June 12, Panda Biotech, along with Panda Hemp Gin equity partner, The Southern Ute Indian Tribe, celebrated the grand opening of its Wichita Falls, Texas industrial hemp facility. Friends and colleagues from around the world gathered for an official hemp denim ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebratory barbeque lunch inside of the 500,000 square foot Panda Hemp Gin facility in the heart of Wichita Falls. Ceremony speakers included Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce CEO Ron Kitchens, Panda Biotech President Dixie Carter, Panda Biotech Chief Operating Officer Scott Evans, Southern Ute Indian Tribe Chairman Melvin J. Baker, and Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller.
(L to R) Panda Biotech Chief Operating Officer Scott Evans; Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce CEO Ron Kitchens; Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller; Southern Ute Tribe Chairman Melvin J. Baker; Panda Biotech President Dixie Carter; Chairman and CEO Robert W. Carter; Janice Carter; Executive Director of Southern Ute Growth Fund Shain Seibel. Photo — Shana B.
Panda Biotech President Dixie Carter opened the ceremony noting Chairman and CEO Robert W. Carter’s astounding vision to build a large-scale, top-tier processing facility here in the United States for domestic industrial hemp decortication. Bob Carter’s signature “no excuses” leadership style inspired the Panda Biotech team to persevere through a number of challenges including a global pandemic to arrive at this momentous day.
Noteworthy guests included Paul Guez, long-considered the “father of denim” who launched the first brand of designer jeans with his brand Sasson, as well senior executives from the world’s largest textile spinning mills, textile importers and exporters; regional agriculture leaders and producers; members of the esteemed Southern Ute Tribal Council; Mayor Tim Short and other city officials.
“We will lead the nation in industrial hemp!” proclaimed Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller with Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce CEO Ron Kitchens adding, “Today, we celebrate the courage of entrepreneurs who said over and over again, we believe in you, Wichita Falls.”
With the ability to process 22,000 pounds of hemp fiber per hour, the Panda Hemp Gin is the largest industrial hemp processing facility in the Western Hemisphere and second largest in the world.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — June 13, 2024 — TRSA is thrilled to announce that Phil Hart, president and CEO of Kannegiesser ETECH, Minneapolis, has been honored with the 2024 Maglin-Biggie Supplier Partner Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is a testament to Hart’s exceptional leadership, his significant contributions to the linen, uniform and facility services industry, and his steadfast dedication to excellence.
Phil Hart, president and CEO of Kannegiesser ETECH
“It is a truly unexpected surprise to be nominated for this award,” Hart said. “Many of the names of the prior recipients are people that I have a great deal of respect for and have learned much from. To be associated with those leaders in our industry is truly an honor.”
Revered by his colleagues for creating an outstanding workplace environment and fostering a culture of success and contentment among customers and staff, Hart’s philosophy is that the team should get the credit. This exemplifies his modest approach and belief in shared success. His core principle, “We Do What’s Right,” has garnered him respect from customers and has cultivated a high level of accountability and trust within the Kannegiesser ETECH team. Renowned for his patience and eagerness to educate, Hart engages meaningfully with individuals, remembering personal details and showing sincere interest in their lives. His actions, such as personally ensuring the safe return of ill team members from job sites, demonstrate his faith in his team’s potential and his role as a true leader.
Since joining Kannegiesser USA in 2004, Hart’s visionary leadership has played a crucial role in evolving the company from a European supplier to a formidable U.S. corporation. His pivotal role in the acquisition of ETECH stands as a tribute to his strategic foresight and the acknowledgment of American technological excellence by Kannegiesser. As CEO for the past seven years, Kannegiesser ETECH has become a byword for responsiveness and innovation, always seeking ways to make challenging ideas feasible while maintaining sharp business acumen.
Hart’s TRSA leadership positions and accomplishments include:
Founding chair and ongoing member of the Supplier Partner Council Board of Directors
Member of the TRSA Board of Directors
Contributor to the Strategic Planning Committee
Instructor at the Production Management Institute (PMI) and Maintenance Management Institute (MMI)
Steadfast supporter of TRSA programs through advertising and sponsorship
Host of international plant tours, promoting global industry insights
Proponent for team engagement in TRSA events, both in-person and virtual
Participant in DEI Committee meetings at the TRSA Legislative Conference
Kannegiesser ETECH considers it a great privilege that Hart receives this award. Michael Harre, chief sales and service officer, said that, “His loyalty, continuous striving for improvement, and dedication to the industry, have set a high standard within our organization. Moreover, Phil’s valuable contributions have helped advance our industry, making him a deserving recipient of this award. Kannegiesser, as a supplier, is deeply committed to the same principles and values. Over the past two decades, Phil has exemplified dedication and excellence, and this award reflects our shared commitment to advancing the industry and setting new standards. We extend our sincere congratulations to Phil Hart and celebrate this well-deserved honor.”
Hart will receive the award at TRSA’s 111th Annual Conference & Exchange, this Sept. 24-25 at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, CO. Registration and details can be found at www.trsa.org/annual conference.
BURLINGTON, N.C. — June 14, 2024 — Trivantage, a one-stop shop for fabrics, hardware, and accessories, announced today newly expanded product offerings specially for designers and workroom customers that includes not only high-quality fabrics but also thread, hand tools, notions, and other supplies needed to save time and get the job done right.
“At Trivantage, we aim to have everything our customers’ need to keep their shops going strong and their clients happy,” said Lindsay Shakarjian, marketing director for Trivantage. “They can also count on us for responsive service from a dedicated care team, hassle-free ordering, and fast shipping for a best-in-class experience that is second to none.
“We’ve always been known for our fabric selection, but now we have so much more, allowing customers to get everything they need, all in one place,” she added.
Trivantage is a turnkey solution for customers who want to spend less time ordering supplies and more time on their craft. Shopping for the essentials just got easier with Trivantage’s expanded selection now including:
Sewing machine accessories;
Hand tools;
Cutting tools;
Threads;
Invisible zippers;
Clasps, needles, and pins;
Tapes; and
High-quality fabrics.
Customers of the largest supplier for awning, marine, upholstery, and related industries also have access to online resources where they can browse fabric by color, pattern, or collection while stocking their shops with the essentials they need. They can shop the Sunbrella x David Rockwell Currents Collection, new collaborative concepts inspired by nature; find the perfect curated upholstery thread and bobbins with the performance features they need; and shop the latest Sunbrella patterns and colors that are on trend and in demand.
Additionally, Trivantage is offering designers and workroom customers 50 percent off the first year of premium membership of Trivantage Plus, the industry’s first customer membership program.
“Trivantage Plus marries our core customer benefits with membership advantages designed for customers to level up their businesses,” Shakarjian said. “Designers and workroom customers can now enjoy half off their first year’s membership and unlock exclusive benefits, including product discounts they can’t get anywhere else.”
The annual Trivantage Plus membership program offers several key benefits to help customers gain a competitive edge plus peace of mind:
Flat-rate, same-day shipping on parcel package orders;
Complimentary memo samples;
Special offers on machines, software, and more from industry partners like Consew;
Year-round discounts on select Trivantage products and brands; and
Virtual seminars.
“We are dedicated to providing exceptional service through responsive support, deep inventory, efficient shipping, and access to resources tailored to customer needs,” Shakarjian said.
“Trivantage is also committed to helping customers save time and money with one-stop shopping,” she added. “We make it quick and easy for customers to get what they need when they need it, so they can focus on what matters: their business.”
BRUSSELS — June 14, 2024 — Portuguese textile entrepreneur, Mario Jorge Machado, has been elected president of EURATEX during its General Assembly on 14 June. The assembly also nominated Alberto Paccanelli as honorary president.
Alberto Paccanelli (left) and Mario Jorge Machado (right)
Machado has an extensive career in textiles. He is currently a shareholder and director of Adalberto Textile Solutions, S.A., where he applies advanced management practices to boost competitiveness and innovation.
He has been president of the Textile and Clothing Association of Portugal (ATP) since 2019, and he stands out for his strategic leadership in the textile and clothing sector, promoting innovation and sustainability. He represents ATP on the Board of CIP – Confederação Empresarial de Portugal and chairs CIP’s strategic council for the environment and sustainability.
With a degree in Production Polymer Engineering from the University of Minho, his expertise ranges from continuous process improvement to the development of B2B commercial teams and B2C business models. His vision encompasses operational excellence and the implementation of sustainable practices, contributing to the evolution of the textile industry.
On the day of his election, Machado was asked about his vision for EURATEX. “The latest indicators show that European industry has lower growth rates than its competitors; this is something we have to reverse,” Machado said. “Policy makers have to realise that the textile industry can not be a bargaining chip in global negotiations. We see what the United States is doing to support its industry, and we see what China is doing to support its industry. Europe has fallen behind in supporting its industry. My mandate at EURATEX will be to push for an effective and smart industrial strategy.
During the past term, the EU has issued many legislations on sustainability and circularity targeting the manufacturing industry. However, if we want this strategy to be successful, we need more focus on the consumers’ dimension. That’s why EURATEX has a very important role to play in lobbying for the legislative process to be carried out in accordance with the sector’s ability to adapt.”
From the left: Ismail Kolunsag, Barbara Cimmino, Mario Jorge Machado and Grégory Marchant.
The Assembly also nominated Alberto Paccanelli as Honorary President, recognising over a decade of commitment to EURATEX and the European textile industry.
“In those 13 years of engagement, I have witnessed a dramatic change to our industry, which requires a strong and united voice in Brussels. In the past year we have been asking the European institutions to consider different demands:
Sustainability and competitiveness have to go hand in hand, with a realistic path of implementation.
Imported products must comply with the same rules applied to European made products. Reciprocity in market access is essential and has to be granted; tangible and non-tangible barriers in many interesting foreign markets, such as India, Mercosur and the US, should be dismantled.
Companies need funding to transform themselves towards drivers of sustainability and innovation.
Consumers must be honestly informed of product characteristics and traceability, to avoid green washing. Public authorities are also “consumers” of textile products (think of military uniforms); they should apply green public procurement, and not just look for the cheapest product on the market.
We have made good progress but there is more work to be done. I have full confidence in Mario Jorge to continue on this path.”
EURATEX General Assembly also elected 4 other members of the Presidency Team: Michael Kamm (ZWILLING Gruppe, Germany), Barbara Cimmino (Yamamay, Italy), Grégory Marchant (UTT, France) and Ismail Kolunsag (Cross Tekstil, Turkey). During the Assembly, EURATEX also welcomed new memberships from CEMATEX and Forschungskuratorium Textil e. V., and a partnership with Reju. (France).
OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — June 13, 2024 — As an innovative pioneer in textile machinery and plant engineering, the KARL MAYER GROUP is committed to ecological and social responsibility. The global player is now delighted to receive special recognition for its commitment. On June 11, 2024, the global player received the German Award for Sustainability Projects 2024 in the “Production” category at the Bertelsmann Representative Office in Berlin, where it also took first place out of a total of four award winners.
The prestigious prize is awarded by the German Institute for Service Quality, the DUP Entrepreneur Magazine and the news channel ntv. The patron is the former Minister of Justice and Economics Brigitte Zypris, who is also a member of the jury team. The high-caliber decision-making committee examines projects from all sectors of the economy that implement sustainability in an exemplary manner – this year 70 companies from a total of 342 nominations.
The KARL MAYER GROUP impressed the jury with the development of BLUEDYE, a pioneering, high-impact solution for environmentally friendly denim production. The jury praised the project as a good solution that can serve all production improvement goals, including optimizing quality and environmental protection as well as reducing costs. The project is considered to be highly relevant for the sustainable production of jeans.
Arno Gärtner, CEO of the KARL MAYER GROUP, accepted the award and appreciates the recognition.
“As a global company, we are very aware that sustainable products and solutions must never come at the expense of profitability for our customers. Our project has developed a technology for dyeing denim fabrics that reduces consumption of water and chemicals — usually very high — by at least 50 percent respectively, while at the same time reducing operating costs by up to 20 percent and meeting the exacting demands that buyers place on the color quality of denim fabrics and yarns. A more sustainable, trendy pair of jeans that meets the fashion demands of consumers — this is exactly how we aim to exploit new technology to make a significant contribution to sustainable jeans production,” said Arno Gärtner.
Less chemicals, water and costs, same product quality
Dyeing Box of BLUEDYE
Blue jeans are one of the most popular but at the same time most environmentally problematic items of clothing. Conventional denim dyeing in particular uses vast amounts of water and chemicals. BLUEDYE is a pioneering alternative to the environmentally harmful processes used in today’s denim production. It contributes to no less than four of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for companies.
BLUEDYE’s nitrogen-based dyeing technology minimizes the significant amounts of water and chemicals traditionally used in the denim dyeing process. The need for the main pollutants hydrosulphite and caustic soda can be reduced by more than 60 percent and the amount of water required by at least 50 percent. In addition, there is less yarn waste. BLUEDYE thus contributes to sustainable production (goal 12).
Fewer chemicals used also means less water pollution — an advantage that, in combination with the considerable water savings, ensures clean water and thus the fulfillment of goal 6. Fewer pollutants in the production process also result in a healthier, more humane working environment, as called for in Goal 8.
And, as defined in Goal 9, BLUEDYE promotes innovation by introducing state-of-the-art technologies. In 2018, KARL MAYER was granted patents for an advanced denim dyeing technology and developed a marketable system with maximum customer benefit based on its extensive textile machinery expertise.
With BLUEDYE, companies in the denim industry can make their production processes more efficient and environmentally friendly and improve their competitiveness, and this has been proven: The positive effects of BLUEDYE were evaluated by comparative measurements on a pilot plant at a field test customer. Consumption data from a production plant that has been already in operation for some time was used as reference values for comparison
In addition to the environmental performance, the economic efficiency and product quality strike the right note. BLUEDYE can reduce operating costs by up to 20 percent, while at the same time meeting the high customer requirements for the color quality of the fabrics and the color saturation of the yarns in jeans.
To get a closer look at the product’s qualities, register for processing tests at the denim center of excellence at KARL MAYER ROTAL.
TOKYO — June 6, 2024 — Teijin Frontier Co. Ltd., the Teijin Group’s fibers and products converting company, today announced the development of Octa®sf, a polyester spun yarn that provides a soft, gentle feel; fluffiness, light weight; moisture absorption; and heat retention for textiles used in sportswear and outerwear. To create this novel spun yarn, Teijin Frontier developed an ultra-fine staple fiber with a hollow, 8-fin modified cross-section, which the company processes using special spinning and drawing technologies. Octa sf overcomes softness limitations of existing staple fiber made of filament yarn modified, and addresses demands for new materials that combine high performance with desirable tactile feel.
Cross-section of “Octa®sf” blended yarn
The gaps created by the fiber’s 8-fin modified cross-section, combined with the softness of the extremely fine-spun yarn, provide a gentle feel a natural fullness and warmth. Octa sf yarn also delivers practical functionality such as water absorption and diffusion, thanks to its eight hollow fins; bulkiness and lightness due to the gaps between the fibers; and heat retention resulting from the presence of dead air. Furthermore, the modified cross-sectional shape of the staple fibers and large gaps between them make it easy to blend them with other natural fibers, such as wool, as well as with synthetic fibers, such as lyocell. It can also be combined with polyester functional materials made by Teijin Frontier, allowing customers to develop a wide variety of textiles.
Cross-section of ultra-fine modified (hollow 8-fin) raw cotton
Teijin Frontier is currently developing special structure fabrics that utilize Octa yarn, primarily for outerwear and mid-layer applications. In addition, the company is developing related materials for base layers and innerwear, which require a softer, more comfortable texture compared to outerwear.
With existing filament yarn with modified cross-section yarns, there are limitations to the soft texture that can be achieved due to the thickness of each single yarn and the cross-sectional shape of the raw yarn. Therefore, Teijin Frontier began developing an ultra-fine staple fiber with a hollow 8-fin cross-section and a spun yarn using this. Until now, it has been difficult to develop ultra-fine staple fiber that maintains a hollow 8-fin cross-sectional shape, but Teijin Frontier has succeeded in developing ultra-fine staple fiber with a hollow 8-fin cross-section by using its own special spinning and drawing technology. Furthermore, by applying our unique spinning technology to this staple fiber, we have been able to develop Octa sf, an extremely fine hollow 8-fin modified cross-section spun yarn that combines a fluffy, soft texture, comfort to wear, and functionality.
Technology overview
Textiles using Octa®SF
The Octa sf yarn leverages advanced technologies and processes. In staple fiber production, the company uses a special spinneret design to achieve ultra-fine fibers with modified cross-sections. Also, Teijin Frontier’s production process optimizes the crimp characteristics, oils and cut length of staple fiber. In the spinning stage, special technology improves the blend of polyester staple fiber and other fibers, as well as the carding conditions, to enhance the quality of the yarn.
Knitting structure and density settings for textiles using Octa sf yarn are adjusted based on the application requirements. Optimizing dyeing and processing technology to achieve high-quality color and functionality.
Teijin Frontier will begin selling textiles made from Octa sf yarn for outdoor wear and sportswear in the fall/winter of 2025. Subsequently, the company will expand the use of the material into other applications such as fashion apparel, aiming for sales of 100,000 meter in fiscal 2025 and 500,000 meter by fiscal 2028.
WINTERTHUR, Switzerland — June 17, 2024 — Guangxi Baisheng Textile Co. Ltd. signed an agreement with Rieter to implement the world’s first complete spinning process using Rieter’s latest air-jet spinning technology J 70. This project will elevate automation levels and reduce conversion costs at Baisheng’s operations, setting a new benchmark in air-jet spinning in terms of quality and productivity.
