NEUMÜNSTER Germany — July 4, 2025 — In an exclusive event with hand-picked customers from the nonwovens industry, Oerlikon Neumag and eight partner companies provided information on process innovations along the nonwovens value chain on July 2 and 3 of this year.
Open House with partners
Hands-on technology: During the event, visitors were able to experience various nonwovens processes in operation at the Oerlikon Neumag Technical Center.
Around 50 guests took advantage of the opportunity to attend numerous presentations and see various spunbond and meltblown technologies in action at the Neumünster Technology Center.
In addition to the patented and award-winning hydro-charging system hycuTEC for the manufacturing of charged meltblown media y means of water spraying in action while producing meltblown PLA filter media, the spunbond processes for manufacturing BiCo PET / CoPET and PP geotextile nonwovens were also demonstrated.
Presentations along the process chain
Together with its partners, Oerlikon Neumag presented the entire nonwovens value chain over two days.
Eight partner companies from all stages of the nonwovens manufacturing process made an indispensable contribution: Weko presented its solutions for spin finish applications. Dilo presented machine concepts and innovations in the field of needling technology. Brückner provided information on thermoprocessing lines for finishing nonwovens, while Mahlo focused on online measurement systems.
Oerlikon Barmag provided an insight into its diverse range of pumps, which are also indispensable in the nonwoven process. In addition to the presentation on the Oerlikon Nonwoven Meltblown system, TotalEnergies Corbion contributed to the topic of sustainable raw materials with a presentation on Luminy® PLA.
Somatec rounded off the event with a presentation on the world of winding, and Comerio Ercole showcased innovations in the field of calender solutions. “A successful event here in Neumünster at our nonwovens competence center,” agreed Andreas Frisch and Ingo Mählmann, who are responsible for the business unit. The overall approach and the various process demonstrations in the technical center were well received. “We don’t want to deliver isolated solutions, but rather solutions that are coordinated with our customers and the upstream and downstream process stages,” said Andreas Frisch, explaining the format. He added: “Experiencing the technology live and in color is extremely helpful for understanding our solutions.”
Albstadt, Germany — July 3, 2025 — On July 8, 2025, Mayer & Cie will celebrate its 120th anniversary. The company, now in its fourth generation of family ownership, specializes in the production and sales of circular knitting and braiding machines. Almost all its products are exported, and the green MCT logo on the machines is recognized by knitters around the world as a symbol of precision, durability, and reliability.
A circular knitting machine: Then …
Time and again, Mayer & Cie.’s inventive developers have delivered key technical milestones. Today, digital solutions are increasingly important: a circular knitting machine is expected not only to deliver production data to the cloud but also to be remotely maintained. In the field of braiding machines, Mayer & Cie. now offers 48-carrier models, enabling the production of even larger hose diameters.
“We are truly proud to be celebrating this anniversary,” says Benjamin Mayer, Managing Partner of Mayer & Cie. “120 years of a family business is far from a given: statistics show that only about 12 percent of family-owned companies make it past three generations – and we are already in our fourth,” he adds with a smile.
… and today: a new MV4-3.2 QCe waiting to get packed and shipped to the customer.
“This proves that we’ve consistently understood market demands and met them with technological innovation.” Mayer & Cie. has frequently set industry standards, such as the introduction of electronic pattern control or the pioneering Relanit technology.
Challenging times for textile machinery manufacturing
Despite the joy of the anniversary, current global conditions cast a shadow over the festive year. The order situation in Germany’s textile machinery industry remains difficult, and a turnaround is not yet in sight. “We’ve lived through many crises since 1905,” says Mayer. “But the one we’re facing today is by far the most challenging.”
As a result, the company expects significantly lower volumes through 2026 than at full capacity. It has cut running costs significantly, and the workforce has agreed to forego bonuses. Providing a reliable outlook remains difficult: “As a company, we are well positioned, with answers to market needs and modern production processes. This has also been confirmed by third parties. But how the global economy will develop is impossible to predict.”
Latest milestone: connecting circular knitting machines to the internet
Welcome to the modern world of circular knitting machines: The machines can now be controlled via tablet.
A major recent development is a new machine control system that makes Mayer & Cie.’s circular knitting machines “IoT-ready.” This means they are technically equipped to connect with and be integrated into the Internet of Things. The new control system allows Mayer & Cie. customers around the world to access knitlink, a digital platform offering various apps for circular knitting machines.
A new visual monitoring tool has also been introduced – a practical solution, given that errors in fabric can quickly become costly: a circular knitting machine produces around 2.5 meters of fabric per minute.
Another focus lies on upgrade kits. These allow customers to keep their machine park up to date without having to invest in entirely new machines. “This supports machine longevity and sustainability,” explains Benjamin Mayer. “It also increases investment security for our customers.”
Braiding machine with 48 carriers
Just before Christmas 2024, Mayer & Cie. delivered its first braiding machine equipped with 48 carriers (bobbin holders). The second model with this configuration is currently under development. Customers benefit from a larger inner hose diameter, reduced setup times, and the same high bobbin capacity – whether processing yarn or wire.
Mayer & Cie. braiding machines are used to manufacture reinforcement braids, such as those found in high-pressure hoses used in industries like manufacturing and mining.
Since 2019, braiding machine production has been located at the company’s headquarters in Albstadt. One reason for relocating production – which had been handled by a U.S. subsidiary between 1977 and 2019 – was to improve research and development. “That strategy has paid off,” says Benjamin Mayer. “Our innovations now offer our customers greater productivity.”
Technological milestones
Innovation and technical advancement have long defined Mayer & Cie. Historically, milestones were purely mechanical: in 1938, the company launched its first proprietary circular knitting machine, based on its own patents. Prior to that, it had focused on manufacturing warp knitting machines, known as round frames. But as circular knitting machines proved faster and more efficient, production of warp knitting machines ceased entirely in 1958.
In the mid-1960s, Mayer & Cie. released a machine that became known as “every knitter’s favorite”: the OVJA 36, with innovative pattern control and suitable for especially fine fabrics. Customers were willing to wait up to three years for delivery, and order confirmations became objects of speculation. With around 7,000 units sold, it made the company world-famous in the industry.
In the late 1980s, Mayer & Cie.’s Relanit series continued this success story. With a new knitting technique, these machines delivered excellent fabric quality even when using substandard yarn.
Another technological revolution was the introduction of electronic pattern control, presented by Mayer & Cie. at a leading industry trade show in the 1970s. What used to take a full day of manual work could now be done with the press of a button.
Four generations of Mayer family leadership
First and second generation at the table together: Johannes Mayer (left) and his son Emil Mayer (right).
The Mayer & Cie. story is also the story of the people who have led the company. Johannes Mayer, co-founder of the United Mechanical Workshops Mayer & Cie., was a hands-on tinkerer with a passion for detail. He played a major role in developing the company’s first circular knitting machines starting in 1935. When he passed away in 1958, he was remembered as the “first servant of his work.”
His son, Emil Mayer, joined the company as an apprentice in 1921. As an engineer, he later drove the development of proprietary circular knitting machines and built up the company’s international business after World War II. He was posthumously named an honorary citizen of Tailfingen for founding a textile school.
Rainer and Peter Mayer in the 1970s: They represented the third generation of owners; Rainer Mayer joined the company in 1972 at the age of 24. His older brother Peter had been working at the company since 1961.
Emil’s son, Peter Mayer, joined the company in 1961 and took over leadership in 1971 alongside his brother Rainer. He further expanded internationalization, was an early advocate of electronics, and shaped the market with the Relanit machine starting in 1987. He retired in 2003.
Rainer Mayer joined Mayer & Cie. in 1972 and co-managed the company from 1973. He focused on diversification, expanded business with IBM, and successfully led the company through insolvency in 2009.
Fourth generation: Marcus, Sebastian und Benjamin Mayer (from left to right). Sebastian Mayer is part of the management team jointly led by Benjamin and Marcus Mayer.
Since Rainer Mayer’s passing in 2015, the fourth generation has taken the helm. Benjamin, Marcus, and Sebastian Mayer now share responsibility for the company’s various business areas.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — July 3, 2025 — The National Cotton Council (NCC) applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for its passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which includes provisions critical to the future of U.S. agriculture. The bill now heads to President Trump’s desk for his signature.
“The National Cotton Council commends the House of Representatives for their diligent work and support in passing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” said NCC Chairman Patrick Johnson. “This legislation represents a significant step forward for cotton producers, the cotton supply chain, and the broader agricultural community providing vital support to help us continue to provide the world with the highest quality fiber while navigating ongoing challenges.”
“We look forward to working collaboratively with the USDA on implementation to help ensure that the benefits of the OBBBA are realized across the country,” Johnson stated.
LENZING, Austria — July 3, 2025 — The Lenzing Group, a leading global supplier of regenerated cellulose fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries, has successfully placed a new hybrid bond with a volume of EUR 500 mn. The bond, which has a non-call period of three years, was offered to both existing investors of the hybrid bond issued in December 2020 and new investors.
Initially marketed with a minimum nominal amount of EUR 300 mn and a coupon range of 9.0 to 9.5 percent, the offering was well received by the market, allowing Lenzing to increase the volume to EUR 500 mn and price the bond at the lower coupon range with 9.0 percent.
“The successful placement of the new hybrid bond marks another milestone in the professional and forward- looking management of our capital structure, following the EUR 545 mn syndicated loan secured in May this year,” said Nico Reiner, CFO of the Lenzing Group. “With this step, we have essentially secured our financing through 2027 and can continue to fully focus on executing our successful performance program aimed at improving margins and free cash flow.”
The new hybrid bond has a settlement date on July 9, 2025. BNP Paribas and UniCredit acted as Global Coordinators and Lead Dealer Managers. BNP Paribas, Commerzbank, Erste Group, J.P. Morgan, Raiffeisen Bank International, and UniCredit were Joint Bookrunners on the transaction.
MUMBAI, India — July 3, 2025 — India’s laundry and textile care segment is experiencing growth with the industry’s emphasis on eco-friendly chemicals, waterless cleaning systems, sustainable laundry operations, circularity, textile lifecycle management and maintenance standards. According to IMARC Group, the Indian dry-cleaning services market size reached USD 1.31 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 2.09 billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate of 5.40% during 2025-2033. Professional garment cleaning and textile care services have emerged as critical sectors in the textile value chain.
This move will further strengthen Gartex Texprocess India’s portfolio, drawing on the expertise of Messe Frankfurt Group’s flagship ‘Texcare’ brand – a global reference point for the laundry, cleaning and textile services industry. As the demand for professional sustainable and technologically advanced textile care solutions grows in India, the Texcare community is finding an increasingly fertile ground in this market.
The Drycleaners and Launderers Association of India has been instrumental in connecting over 3,000+ stakeholders from India’s cleaning and textile care fraternity ranging from traditional launderers and modern-day dry cleaners to commercial laundry chains and service providers. Their expertise will enhance the positioning of textile care and professional cleaning as an integral part of the garment and textile ecosystem of Gartex Texprocess India. For the upcoming New Delhi edition of Gartex Texprocess India 2025, the Drycleaners and Launderers Association of India will be associated as the Knowledge Partner for Textile Care Forum which will be organised on the second day of the show – 22nd August 2025. This will engage the members of DLAI, professional launderers, dry cleaners, wet cleaners and various textile care experts and industry stakeholders.
This will shed a spotlight on innovations in cleaning machinery, stain treatment solutions, biodegradable chemicals as well as automation and more, through the Textile Care Forum and encourage participation from the segment.
Mr Suresh D Bhatia, President, Drycleaners and Launderers Association of India, expressed: “At the Drycleaners and Launderers Association of India, we have always believed in the power of collaboration and innovation to uplift the textile care industry. The synergies between Gartex Texprocess India and DLAI are deeply aligned. While Gartex serves as a catalyst for technological evolution in textile and garment production, DLAI represents the critical last-mile link in the lifecycle of these textiles—ensuring longevity, hygiene and quality upkeep. Together, we form a complete circle of care, from creation to preservation. It is through such shared spaces that our industry moves forward—not just in commerce, but in craftsmanship, community, and credibility.”
“In India, we are seeing a clear demand for organised, efficient and sustainable laundry solutions ranging from hospitality and healthcare to industrial and domestic segments. The association with the Drycleaners and Launderers Association of India opens a great opportunity not only for our show but also to strongly align our global brand – Texcare’s vision and global expertise with a platform like Gartex Texprocess India. This will help us address this shift while facilitating deeper business engagements and open an all-new industry network,” expressed Mr Raj Manek, Executive Director & Board Member, Messe Frankfurt Asia Holdings Ltd.
Ms Himani Gulati, Director, MEX Exhibitions Pvt Ltd, stated: “Gartex Texprocess India has always been ahead of the curve in reflecting the real industry shifts. With Drycleaners and Launderers Association of India, we’re adding a new dimension to the show for textile care and professional laundry machinery and technologies. The Textile Care Forum backed by them will not only enhance the show offerings but also bring a sharper focus to sustainability and hygiene in textile maintenance.” Over the years, the show has seen participation from the laundry and dry-cleaning machinery segment, hinting at the industry’s growing interest in bridging the gap between fashion, functionality and care. With the formalised presence of the Drycleaners and Launderers Association of India, new collaborations and growth for the segment are set to accelerate.
Through its partnership with Gartex Texprocess India, Drycleaners and Launderers Association of India will now bring sector-specific insights, textile care experts, knowledge forums and workshops as well as curated pavilions aimed at industry upskilling, sustainability and future readiness.
From featuring fabrics to denim, textile manufacturing machinery to screen-printing machinery to accessories and trims – Gartex Texprocess India moves forward to become a 360-degree hub for India’s textile machinery manufacturing and technologies, denim, screen printing, fabrics, trims and accessories and textile care ecosystem. The New Delhi edition of the show will be held from 21 – 23 August 2025 at Bharat Mandapam (Pragati Maidan), New Delhi.
DURHAM, N.C., — July 3, 2025 — The AATCC Foundation Student Research Support Grant Program provides financial assistance for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing textile-related projects. Students may submit proposals now for funding to be awarded January 2026. Applications must be submitted by October 1, 2025, to be considered.
The application is a simple online form including a description of the proposed project and the student’s resume. Please note that the applicant’s major professor or advisor is encouraged to write a supporting cover letter that addresses the importance of the problem or implications of the research and the student’s ability to conduct the proposed research.
Priority is given to research related to test method development, evaluation of textile performance in actual use situations, and correlations between these two. Grants range from $500 to $4,000. Grant recipients may also request an additional reimbursement of up to $500 for travel and/or registration to present the research project at a technical conference. Additional guidelines, application, and submission details are available on the AATCC Foundation webpage.
AATCC Foundation requests the faculty advisor and student to complete the Student Research Support Project Report Form shortly after the project has been completed, but no later than December 31; this form should be sent to India Hansen.
Funding decisions are made by a panel of academic and industry professionals from across the textile industry. Previously selected projects have ranged from tissue engineering to digital printing. As AATCC’s mission states, the aim is to “empower an innovative, informed, and sustainable future.” AATCC Foundation grants can do this by supporting and sharing a broad spectrum of textile research.
OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — July 2, 2025 — KARL MAYER’s Warp Knitting Business Unit is working flat out to prepare for ITMA ASIA + CITME 2025 in Singapore. The most important division of the renowned industry player will be presenting itself at the key textile machinery trade fair under new leadership.
Axel Wintermeyer
The new man at the helm is Axel Wintermeyer, an experienced manager from KARL MAYER’s own ranks who has been with the company for 29 years.
From the very beginning, the qualified textile engineer with additional business training and an international background has helped to shape the company’s success.
At his first post, in machinery sales for the Asia-Pacific market, he successfully established entry into the new machinery business in India. In addition, in Korea he increased the market share of weft insertion warp knitting machines from KARL MAYER Malimo from 50% to 95% competing against the most important German competitor at that time.
Six years later, in 2002, he took over as Vice President Sales at the KARL MAYER Chemnitz subsidiary and left a big impression there too. The market share of composite machines rose from 10% to 50% by 2013, also comparing with KARL MAYER’s main German competitor at that time.
From 2014 to 2020, Axel Wintermeyer headed the spare parts business of the Warp Knitting Business Unit, which he developed from a marginal business into an important cornerstone of the company’s success. He also introduced a spare parts web shop with an SAP connection, thereby increasing the benefits for customers.
Most recently, Axel Wintermeyer had the establishment of the CARE SOLUTIONS division as the next level of after-sales support on the agenda by 2026. This initiative is intended to further improve customer loyalty and strengthen KARL MAYER’s competitive position.
The track record of the new President of KARL MAYER’s Warp Knitting Business Unit is therefore impressive and makes us look forward to the activities with which he will advance his current area of responsibility.
Axel Wintermeyer is looking forward to ITMA ASIA + CITME 2025 to engage in intensive dialogue with visitors at the KARL MAYER stand A 301 in Hall 5 of the Singapore EXPO.
ATLANTA — June 12, 2025 — Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC) is proud to announce the continued expansion of The Design Studios at ADAC, with 12 premier design firms securing leases in a newly redeveloped 12,500-square-foot wing on the building’s second floor. This milestone increases ADAC’s dedicated studio footprint to over 50,000 square feet—now home to more than 40 thoughtfully curated workspaces designed exclusively for architects and interior designers throughout the footprint.
Originally announced in July 2024, the expansion reflects strong demand for high-quality, customizable office environments within ADAC’s design-driven campus. Tenants began moving into the newly delivered shell spaces in early Q1 2025, with bespoke buildouts currently underway and a Grand Opening to follow early this fall.
Located near The Hungry Peach café, the new “242 Design Studios” offer an abundance of natural light, shared conference rooms, unisex bathrooms, a break room with a kitchenette, and thoughtfully designed common areas—creating a collaborative, elevated environment for design firms of all sizes.
“We are beyond thrilled to welcome these talented designers and expand our community at ADAC,” said Katie Miner, General Manager of ADAC. “This expansion is not just about space – it’s about investing in creativity and connection while curating some of the best designers and architects in the region to call ADAC home base. The enthusiasm we’ve seen from the design community reinforces ADAC’s role as the region’s design epicenter.”
The newest additions and relocations within the ADAC campus include:
Brittany Cason Interior Design
C. Weaks Interiors (temporary short-term lease)
Claudia Stimmel Interiors
Forbes Masters
Joy Street Design
Liza Bryan Interiors
Mandy Culpepper Interior Design
McKenzie Design
Reiner Design Group
Sande Beck Design
The House at 396 Interiors
Tish Mills Interiors
This expansion reflects more than just added square footage—it signals a deepening investment in ADAC’s role as a hub for the Southeast’s most influential design talent. By offering custom-tailored studios in a setting that blends convenience, inspiration, and community, ADAC continues to meet the evolving needs of today’s design professionals.
With its expanded footprint, ADAC now offers even more opportunities for connection and collaboration among interior designers, architects, and builders working at the highest level. The curated nature of The Design Studios fosters daily interaction, idea exchange, and creative synergy that few environments can replicate.
Looking ahead, ADAC remains committed to cultivating a vibrant, forward-thinking campus that supports the business of design— helping firms grow their presence, elevate their brand, and deliver exceptional work to clients across the region and beyond.
ORLANDO, Fla. — July 2, 2025 — PureCycle Technologies, Inc., a U.S.-based company revolutionizing plastic recycling, today, announced a partnership with Emerald Carpets, a leader in trade show carpets. This collaboration aims to transform the trade show carpet industry by creating closed-loop circularity in carpet production.
As part of the partnership, Emerald Carpets signed a commercial supply agreement with PureCycle for approximately 5 million pounds annually of PureFive™ resin. PureFive Choice™ resin will be blended into Emerald Carpets’ existing fiber production, enabling them to immediately exceed the current policy-mandated recycled content requirement in California. PureCycle and Emerald Carpets qualified the resin for numerous applications and are currently testing additional applications to expand the portfolio offering.
The partnership includes PureCycle recycling used trade show carpets from Emerald Carpets, designed to transform the material into purified fiber-grade recycled polypropylene (rPP) pellets. Successful recycling of the materials would allow Emerald Carpets to then manufacture new carpets out of the rPP, creating a sustainable carpet-to-carpet solution. This should allow Emerald Carpets to meet California’s carpet-to-carpet (closed loop) recycled content requirements that go into effect in 2028.
Throughout 2025-2026, Emerald Carpets and PureCycle plan to work together at their respective production facilities in Dalton, Georgia, and Ironton, Ohio, to develop, test and ultimately scale the process, anticipating the use of more than 5 million pounds annually, with the goal of delivering circular trade show carpets to the marketplace.
Emerald Carpets President Tom Boykin expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with PureCycle. Our commitment to circularity in our material procurement and use aligns perfectly with PureCycle’s mission, as well as our customers’ expectations. We believe using recycled polypropylene will help us create carpets that not only perform exceptionally well on the conference circuit but also contribute positively to resource efficiency and waste reduction.”
The partnership has experienced successful trials by Emerald Carpets using purpose-formulated PureFive Choice™ resin, including Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) material. The trial demonstrated the potential of high-performance carpets made with PCR rPP content to meet the demands of trade show environments. Traditionally, sourcing drop-in PCR rPP for carpet production has been a challenge due to the complex nature of carpet fiber manufacturing and the limitations of mechanically recycled rPP material.
Dustin Olson, CEO of PureCycle, added, “Partnering with Emerald Carpets marks an important step toward advancing circularity in the carpet sector. They are a trusted partner for many of the largest general contractors and special event producers in the trade show industry, and we see this as a great growth opportunity for PureCycle.” Olson added, “As the carpet industry faces pressing sustainability challenges, our PureFive Choice™ resin offers a drop-in solution to create durable and environmentally friendly flooring options.”
Currently, polypropylene represents a significant part of carpet fibers, as alternatives have been scarce. PureCycle’s innovative, dissolution recycling technology enables carpet manufacturers to reduce their reliance on virgin materials in the production of high-quality carpets, paving the way for a more sustainable carpet and events industry.
BRIXEN, Italy — July 2, 2025 — Digital printing and production systems provider, Durst Group, has appointed Johann Strozzega as Director Global Sales Graphics. Strozzega succeeds Christian Harder, who has served as Chief Sales Officer (CSO) with overall sales responsibility for all business units of Durst Group since 2021 and who also headed the Business Unit Graphics. With the official handover to Johann Strozzega, an important step has been taken in the strategic development of the global sales organization.
Johann Strozzega flanked by Christian Harder (left) and Christoph Gamper at the Durst HQ in Brixen.
“In recent months, I had the privilege of mentoring Johann. Our long-standing and successful collaboration in the Ceramic Printing segment has shown me early on that he has the strategic instinct and leadership skills to further expand our market share in Graphics,” explains Christian Harder, Chief Sales Officer of Durst Group. “This move allows me to focus even more strongly on group-wide strategic topics in the future – and to prepare the next growth steps together with our business units.”
Continuity in Collaboration – Clear Perspective for the Future
Christian Harder and Johann Strozzega share a long and successful history of collaboration, particularly in the Ceramic Printing market segment of the Durst Group. This shared history creates a foundation of trust for a seamless transition and consistent strategic development.
“It is a great honor for me to take on this responsible leadership role. I thank Christian for his support and trust – and Christoph Gamper for the opportunity to shape this role in such an important market segment. Together with my team, I will do everything to further expand our strong market position and actively contribute to the global growth of Durst Group,” says Johann Strozzega, new Director Global Sales Graphics.
Strong Leadership – Strategic Focus
With this new appointment, Durst Group is strengthening its leadership structure in a key business area and laying the foundation for sustainable international growth. The company’s management sees this as a clear signal of continuity, customer focus, and future security:
“With Johann Strozzega, we are bringing an experienced manager with a strategic compass to the top. My thanks go to Christian Harder – for his strong commitment and for actively shaping this transition. We do not fill leadership roles based on status but on substance and future viability – for our customers and the sustainable success of Durst Group,” says Christoph Gamper, CEO and co-owner of Durst Group.
NEUMÜNSTER Germany — July 4, 2025 — In an exclusive event with hand-picked customers from the nonwovens industry, Oerlikon Neumag and eight partner companies provided information on process innovations along the nonwovens value chain on July 2 and 3 of this year.
