Techtextil 2026 Recognition For The UK’s Fibre Extrusion Technology (FET)

MANCHESTER, UK — April 15, 2026 — Fibre Extrusion Technology (FET) will receive the Techtextil 2026 New Production Technology Innovation Award at next week’s Techtextil in Frankfurt (April 21-24).

UHMWPE produced in the new FET-500 to be introduced at Techtextil 2026.

The Leeds-based member of the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) has developed the FET-500, a new toxic solvent-free gel small scale system for the production of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE).

UHMWPE is regarded as one of the most high-performance fibre materials for technical textiles due to its extreme strength. Being up to 15 times stronger than steel, it is used to manufacture a variety of high performance products ranging from surgical sutures and cut-resistant gloves to body armour and high-strength offshore ropes.

Production, however, has so far had an environmental drawback – in the traditional gel spinning process, UHMWPE is mixed with oil to form a gel-like mass to be processed into fine strands. The oil is then washed out again with toxic solvents such as hexane or dichloromethane. The consumption is enormous – around 100 kilograms of these solvents are required per kilogram of yarn.

Supercritical CO2

FET’s system replaces these harmful solvents with supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) – a non-toxic medium that is often a by-product of industrial processes and is already used in the textile industry for waterless dyeing.

“The current systems for manufacturing UHMWPE filament yarns are on a huge scale, with very complex processing routes,” says FET Research and Development Manager Jonny Hunter. “This means the supply chain is currently very inflexible with minimal opportunity for new product development. These disadvantages have been fully addressed in the development of our new FET-500 series lab and small scale gel spinning system.”

“The FET-500 is in its first commercial phase and Techtextil 2026 is the first textile trade fair worldwide we are presenting it at,” adds FET Managing Director Richard Slack. “We have supplied many extrusion systems to the biomedical market, most notably for the production of both resorbable and non-absorbable sutures and in exploring what else we could do to assist these customers, it became clear that there was a need for smaller quantities of UHMWPE fibres in bespoke sizes. We are proud that the Techtextil Innovation Award has recognised our intensive work ahead of the exhibition. This shows that we are at the forefront of technological developments supporting the textiles of tomorrow.”

Vibrancy

BTMA CEO Jason Kent

“This award illusttrates the current vibrancy of the UK’s textile technology sector,” says BTMA CEO Jason Kent. “From the careful handling of ultra-high value yarns to the forensic inspection of finished fabrics, the BTMA members at Techtextil and Texprocess this year collectively represent a complete chain of innovation spanning processing, monitoring and quality assurance. Each company is contributing to a more resilient and resource-efficient technical textiles sector.”

Posted: April 17, 2026

Source: The British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA)

INDA 2026 Supply Report Highlights Resilient Growth And Sustainability Focus In North American Nonwovens Industry

CARY, N.C. — April 15, 2026 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, today released its 13th annual North American Nonwovens Supply Report, offering a comprehensive look at the industry’s performance, challenges, and strategic evolution.

The report reveals a complex landscape shaped by global trade uncertainty, including tariffs and geopolitical tensions, which are expected to influence industry growth and performance in the coming years. Production output slowed again in 2025, reflecting a cautious, “wait-and-see” environment across the sector.

Despite these headwinds, the industry demonstrates resilience. Key trends include moderated production levels paired with cautious optimism, as companies adapt to shifting market conditions. Sustainability and environmental stewardship remain central priorities, driving innovation and long-term strategic investments.

Report Based on Extensive Producer Input

Developed through extensive research, including producer surveys and in-depth interviews with industry leaders, the 2026 report offers a comprehensive view of the nonwovens landscape, spanning composites, roll goods, and finished products. This report provides an in-depth analysis of capacity, production, operating rates, and regional trade across North America, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

“As part of INDA’s role as the industry’s trusted data source, this report delivers valuable insights for benchmarking, strategic planning, and decision-making,” said Tony Fragnito, INDA President and CEO. “This year’s findings highlight a resilient industry that continues to expand capacity through ongoing investments across all regions and sectors. We are also seeing a clear shift toward sustainable, durable products, alongside continued innovation to meet evolving demand across North America.”

The full report is provided at no cost to participating producers. INDA members receive the report’s Executive Summary on a complimentary basis as part of their membership. Data from the Supply Report also informs INDA’s biennial Global Nonwoven Markets Demand Report, most recently published in November 2024.

“INDA remains committed to enhancing the quality and depth of our industry data and insights,” said Mark Snider, Chief Market and Industry Analyst. “Strong participation from suppliers is essential to that mission. As global supply chain pressures intensify, this report examines the key dynamics shaping the market and influencing future direction.”

For more information or to purchase the report, visit inda.org/market-intelligence/

Posted: April 17, 2026

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) Publishes Guide To Protect Workers From Heat Stress

WASHINGTON, D.C. — April 17, 2026 — Today, the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), published its AAFA Guide to Protecting Workers from  Heat  Stress.

The guidance is intended to provide practical and actionable recommendations that can be operationalized in supply chains to implement policies and procedures to both mitigate and prevent excessive heat days and to protect workers when excessive heat days do occur.

Protecting workers in the apparel, footwear, and travel goods industry from extreme heat is becoming increasingly important as global temperatures and the incidence of heat stress in the workplace continue to rise. The International Labor Organization estimates that 18,970 deaths and 22.87 million occupation injuries are linked to excessive heat in the workplace. The guidance details how to mitigate the effects of occupational heat stress on workers, based on international standards, government policies, and academic research. Key recommendations include that factories:

  • Set maximum thresholds for workplace heat;
  • Implement structural mitigation strategies to help prevent and/or lower the incidence of a heat stress environment;
  • Adjust workloads, water, and bathroom breaks in accordance with heat conditions;
  • Establish heat stress education and medical monitoring programs to help workers, supervisors, and health staff identify and prevent heat-related illnesses;
  • Implement a regular discussion mechanism between buyers and suppliers to work together not only to reduce the incidence of heat stress but share responsibility for the impact of heat stress and extreme heat days on the workers, suppliers, and buyers; and
  • Improve adherence to regional and national labor and public health codes regarding workplace temperature, ventilation, humidity, and room capacity.

The guidance was composed with representatives from the entire supply chain – retailers, brands, manufacturers, and material suppliers – and with consultation with key stakeholders representing both the industry, academia, MSIs, international organizations, NGOs, and more.

The AAFA Guide to Protecting Workers from Heat Stress will be regularly reviewed  to incorporate new or updated information regarding heat related illness, best practices, or global standards to reflect the most up to date and accurate guidance. The guidance is open to all industry stakeholders for widespread sharing of best practices and will be updated annually.

Today’s publication builds on AAFA’s long-standing efforts to support fair labor practices for garment workers worldwide and specifically its work since 2024 to develop protections against heat stress in the supply chain. AAFA encourages the global industry to adopt the publicly available AAFA Guide to Protecting Workers from Heat Stress as a key resource in keeping laborers safe across the globe.

Posted: April 17, 2026

Source: The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA)

U.S. Textile Industry Demonstrates Resilience Amid Global Disruptions, Secures Major Policy Wins, Delivers State Of The U.S. Textile Industry Address

WASHINGTON, D.C. — April 16, 2026 — National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) Chairman Chuck Hall delivered the trade association’s State of the Industry overview at NCTO’s 22nd Annual Meeting on April 16.

Mr. Hall’s speech outlined (I) the U.S. textile industry’s major challenges and policy achievements last year, (2) the strategic importance of the U.S. textile supply chain to the economy and national security, and (3) NCTO’s 2026 policy priorities for domestic textile manufacturers.

A link to the NCTO chairman’s remarks as prepared for delivery are included  here  along with a link to a data infographic prepared by NCTO illustrating the current economic status of the U.S. textile industry.

Mr. Hall is President and CEO of Barnet, a technical textile manufacturer headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

NCTO’s annual meeting was held April 14-16 at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C.

Posted: April 17, 2026

Source: National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

VDMA Members At Techtextil: Smart Technologies For Technical Textiles

FRANKFURT, Germany — April 16, 2026 — At Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt, the members of VDMA Textile Machinery underline their key role as global technology leaders for technical textiles and textile processing. With a strong presence of more than 50 members they will highlight how engineering excellence, innovation strength and sustainability expertise from Germany and Europe are shaping the future of the textile industry. Seven companies will be present at the VDMA group stand in the centre of hall 12.0.

VDMA member companies are internationally recognised for their high‑performance production technologies, enabling advanced technical textiles for a wide range of applications – from mobility, construction and filtration to medical and protective textiles. At Techtextil 2026, they present solutions that combine maximum productivity, precise process control and resource efficiency, meeting the rising demands of global markets.

A key focus is digitalisation and automation. Smart machines, data-driven process optimisation and integrated system solutions enable textile producers worldwide to increase efficiency, ensure consistent quality and remain competitive in a challenging economic environment. These technologies are essential for transforming textile manufacturing into a more resilient and future-proof industry.

Sustainability is another central pillar of textile machinery innovation. Equipment and systems from VDMA members support energy-efficient production, lower emissions and the responsible use of raw materials. In addition, the machinery manufacturers are pioneers in textile recycling and circular economy solutions, providing the technological foundation for closing material loops and complying with increasingly strict environmental regulations worldwide.

The strong presence of VDMA member companies at Techtextil 2026 reflects the significance of Germany and Europe as a competence centre for textile machinery engineering. Acting as partners to textile producers around the globe, the machine manufacturers combine decades of mechanical engineering know-how with advanced digital solutions and application-specific expertise.

“We are looking forward to Techtextil 2026, as it serves as an important platform for international dialogue, business development and technological exchange.” says Dr. Harald Weber, Managing Director of VDMA Textile Machinery.

At its group stand (hall 12.0, C55/56), VDMA will be hosting several events for member companies and trade fair visitors:

Panel discussion: Technical textiles – quo vadis?

Moderated by Dr Harald Weber (VDMA), Lutz Walter (Textile ETP), Hagen Lotzmann (Karl Mayer) and Prof. Dr Holger Erth (Textilausrüstung Pfand) will discuss current trends, challenges and requirements for technical textiles, new fields of application, further developments, sustainability and recycling, as well as the implications for manufacturing technology. Date: Tuesday, 21 April, 3 pm. (Language: English).

Walter Reiners-Foundation Awards Ceremony

The 60th anniversary of VDMA’s Walter Reiners-Foundation marks sixty years of commitment to the next generation of engineers – and VDMA will celebrate this at Techtextil!

During the event, VDMA will look back on this history through the careers of Foundation award winners from different decades. Afterwards, visitors will have the chance to meet the 2026 award winners and learn about their work. A total of five graduates will be presented with awards for their bachelor and master theses by the foundation’s chairman, Peter D. Dornier. Date: Thursday, 23 April, 4 pm. (Language: German).

Delegations from India

At Techtextil, several delegations from the key market of India will be welcomed at the VDMA stand.

VDMA is looking forward to seeing numerous member companies and visitors at these events.

Posted: April 17, 2026

Source: VDMA

Material-Tech Startup BRCĒ From Michigan State Takes Home Grand Prize At Rice Business Plan Competition

HOUSTON — April 14, 2026 — BRCĒ is a material-tech startup replacing failure-prone textiles with polymer composites engineered for strength, fire resistance and intrinsic stability. Its patented Lattice-Grip technology enables directional grip and controlled tension at the yarn level, eliminating slippage and performance loss under extreme conditions. The recent “Shark Tank” participant won over judges during the Rice Business Plan Competition (RBPC) and walked away with 11 prizes totaling $611,500.

BRCĒ, a material-tech startup from Michigan State University, won 11 prizes at the annual Rice Business Plan Competition in Houston, Texas.

In his winning remarks, BRCĒ’s co-founder and CEO Madhav Aggarwal credited watching a fellow Michigan State University alum win the 2024 RBPC as the spark for his own entrepreneurial journey. After seeing that, the team began competing in smaller competitions to sharpen their pitch and build momentum with the goal of ultimately making it to the “Super Bowl of Student Entrepreneurship” at Rice.

This year’s RBPC saw 42 startups compete for more than $1.3 million in investment and nondilutive cash prizes and an additional $110,000 in in-kind value April 9-11 at Rice University and in Houston’s Ion District. The RBPC is the world’s largest and richest intercollegiate graduate student startup competition, hosted annually by the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship and presented by Rice Business. The event serves as a global stage for emerging ventures from leading universities — this year’s invited startups represented 39 universities from four countries.

The 26th annual competition brought together more than 300 angel investors, venture capitalists, corporate leaders and entrepreneurial ecosystem partners, creating an unmatched environment for investment, mentorship and connection. Teams pitched their cutting-edge solutions in categories, including energy, cleantech and sustainability; life sciences and health care; hard tech; digital enterprise; and consumer products. Read more about the competing startups.

“The Rice Business Plan Competition has grown into far more than a competition — it’s a proving ground for founders and a catalyst for real company formation, as well as a catalyst for building the Houston entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Brad Burke, associate vice president of Rice Innovation and executive director of Rice Alliance. The 2026 competition marks Burke’s final RBPC, capping nearly 25 years of leadership and impact on the global startup ecosystem.

“The level of talent and ambition we see each year continues to raise the bar,” said Catherine Santamaria, director of the RBPC. “What makes RBPC truly special is the depth of engagement from our judges and partners, who provide meaningful feedback and connections that help founders move their companies forward.”

The student entrepreneurs gain real-world experience pitching their startups, enhancing their business strategy and learning what it takes to launch and scale successfully. The competition always includes an elevator pitch competition, practice round, semifinals and wildcard and final rounds. Between pitches, RBPC teams enjoyed networking and mentorship opportunities, gaining applicable knowledge for their startups. In addition to competing for investments, cash and in-kind prizes, these graduate students gain invaluable advice from investors on how to secure funding, raise awareness and launch a successful venture. To learn more about the 2026 RBPC, visit rbpc.rice.edu.

Based on the judges’ overall scores, the seven finalists were:

  • BRCĒ, Michigan State University — first place and the $200,000 Goose Capital Investment Grand Prize with a total of $611,500 in prizes.
  • Legion Platforms, Arizona State University — second place and the $100,000 Investment Prize sponsored by Jon Finger, Finger Interests; David Anderson, the Anderson Family Fund at the Greater Houston Community Foundation; and Nancy Chang, with a total of $535,500 in prizes.
    • Legion Platforms is building accessible 3D online games designed to run seamlessly on low-powered devices and slow internet connections. Powered by its proprietary game engine, users can instantly access games via browser or mobile without downloads.
  • Imagine Devices, University of Texas at Austin — third place and the $50,000 Investment Prize sponsored by Jon Finger, Finger Interests; David Anderson, the Anderson Family Fund at the Greater Houston Community Foundation; and Nancy Chang, with a total of $111,000 in prizes.
    • Imagine Devices is developing Trinity Tube, a multifunctional nasogastric feeding tube. By consolidating multiple devices into a single integrated solution, Trinity Tube enhances respiratory monitoring, reduces device burden and supports safer, more efficient care for premature infants in the NICU.
  • Altaris MedTech, University of Arkansas — fourth place and the $5,000 cash prize sponsored by Norton Rose Fulbright with a total of $16,000 in prizes.
    • Altaris MedTech is improving pediatric diagnostics. The first product, Strep-Detect, replaces traditional throat swabs with a spray-based method that causes infections to fluoresce under blue light.
  • Routora, University of Notre Dame and University of Texas at Austin — fifth place and the $5,000 cash prize sponsored by Chevron Technology Ventures with a total of $15,500 in prizes.
    • Routora is an AI-powered platform transforming how cities and small businesses manage inspection operations. Its software automates scheduling, assignment and route optimization, replacing inefficient manual planning tools.
  • DialySafe, Rice University — sixth place and the $5,000 cash prize sponsored by ExxonMobil with a total of $15,500 in prizes.
    • DialySafe is an AI-powered remote patient monitoring platform designed to detect peritonitis in home dialysis patients earlier and more accurately. Its proprietary magnetic induction spectroscopy sensor clips onto existing tubing to identify infection biomarkers without fluid contact.
  • Arrow Analytics, Texas A&M University — seventh place and the $5,000 cash prize sponsored by Shell Ventures with a total of $16,000 in prizes.
    • Arrow Analytics is improving air travel efficiency with an autonomous baggage tracking, counting and sizing platform. Using depth cameras and spatial AI at airport gates, the system helps airlines reduce boarding delays, optimize cabin storage and enhance the passenger experience.

Additional significant prizes and the winning teams are:

  • $200,000 Goose Capital Investment Prize — Legion Platforms, Arizona State University
  • $100,000 The OWL Investment Prize — BRCĒ, Michigan State University
  • $100,000 The OWL Investment Prize — Legion Platforms, Arizona State University
  • $100,000 Houston Angel Network Investment Prize — BRCĒ, Michigan State University
  • $100,000 The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) Texas Angels Investment Prize — Legion Platforms, Arizona State University
  • $75,000 The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) Texas Angels Investment Prize — BRCĒ, Michigan State University
  • $50,000 nCourage Investment Network’s Courageous Women Entrepreneur Investment Prize — BRCĒ, Michigan State University
  • $25,000 New Climate Ventures Sustainable Investment Prize — BRCĒ, Michigan State University
  • $25,000 Pearland EDC Spirit of Entrepreneurship Cash Prize — Imagine Devices, University of Texas at Austin
  • $25,000 Pearland EDC Spirit of Entrepreneurship Cash Prize — Legion Platforms, Arizona State University
  • $25,000 Southwest National Pediatric Device Consortium Pediatric Device Cash Prize — BiliRoo, University of Michigan
  • $25,000 Amentum and WRX Companies Rising Stars Space Technology and Commercial Aerospace Cash Prize — BeamFeed, City University of New York
  • $25,000 The Eagle Investors Investment Prize — Imagine Devices, University of Texas at Austin
  • $20,000 Aramco Innovator Cash Prize — BRCĒ, Michigan State University
  • $20,000 Aramco Innovator Cash Prize — Grapheon, University of Pittsburgh
  • TMC Innovation Healthcare Accelerator Bootcamp Invitation Prize — NerView Surgical, McMaster University

A total of $75,000 in in-kind legal services were awarded to all finalists with the Baker Botts Prize. The grand prize winner receives a chief financial officer consulting prize worth $40,000. The full list of winners and prizes can be found at rbpc.rice.edu.

Posted: April 14, 2026

Source: Rice University

Techtextil Frankfurt: NILIT Introduces Breakthrough Performance Fabrics Specially Engineered For Workwear

FRANKFURT, Germany— April 14, 2026 — Workwear today must be expertly crafted not only to last a long time but also to enhance the wearer’s comfort, performance, appearance, and well-being. With deep roots in athleticwear, outerwear, and fashion apparel, NILIT brings all these aspects together in a full range of technical fabrics and garment concepts designed specifically for the workwear market. These remarkable fabrics, created by the best mills, will be on display at Techtextil Frankfurt.

SENSIL’s high-performance fabrics for workwear enhance worker productivity, mental and physical comfort, and overall well-being.

“The workwear market requires well-designed, multi-functional apparel that not only handles the demands of the workplace but supports the wearer with technical features that contribute to productivity, mental and physical comfort, and overall wellness,” says Sagee Aran, NILIT’s Chief Commercial Officer.

Marketed under NILIT’s SENSIL® brand, the new fabric collection features innovative technologies that provide thermal and moisture management, odor control, muscle support, and abrasion and tear resistance. In addition, SENSIL® products are all responsibly manufactured and offer sustainability benefits to improve circularity in compliance with emerging regulations in countries around the world.

“While NILIT has always served the workwear market, we are now leveraging our proven expertise in athleticwear and fashion apparel into new workwear concepts that truly stand out for excellent performance, aesthetics, and durability,” continues Aran.

The new workwear fabrics and garment concepts will be on display in NILIT’s booth as well as presented by mill partners at Techtextil including Concordia, Getzner, Edelweiss, Alto Milanese, FOV, IBQ, and Sofileta. The new fabrics are ideal for workwear designed for applications such as corporate uniforming, hospitality, food service, construction, manufacturing, agriculture, first responders, and military.

Posted: April 14, 2026

Source: NILIT

LYCRA® VintageFX Fiber Officially Launches At Kingpins Amsterdam

WILMINGTON, Del. — April 14, 2026 — The LYCRA Company, a global supplier of fiber and technology solutions for the apparel industry, today announced the global launch of LYCRA® VintageFX fiber at Kingpins Amsterdam, April 15-16. This next-generation fiber delivers the authentic look of vintage denim in modern silhouettes while providing the comfort, fit and shape retention that consumers expect from stretch denim.

LYCRA® VintageFX fiber officially launches at Kingpins Amsterdam, April 15–16. The LYCRA Company’s latest innovation delivers the authentic look of heritage denim in modern silhouettes while providing the comfort, fit, and shape retention that consumers expect from stretch denim.

Designed for denim and woven fabrics, LYCRA® VintageFX fiber sets a new performance benchmark, enabling brands and mills to recreate rigid, heritage-inspired looks without sacrificing recovery, durability, or wearer comfort. This innovation responds to the industry’s shift toward away-from-the-body silhouettes and looser fits—including wide-leg, flares, boyfriend, and mom jeans—where maintaining fit and stability remains a challenge, particularly in the waist, hips and crotch.

“After previewing LYCRA® VintageFX fiber at Kingpins Amsterdam last year, we’re excited to officially introduce it to the global denim community,” said Ebru Ozaydin, product category director – denim and ready-to-wear at The LYCRA Company. “For brands and garment makers, its dual-core yarn construction, low growth, and high recovery open new design possibilities. These features enable compact, less bulky fabrics with an authentic vintage appearance, but without the instability of traditional low-stretch constructions.”

A New Standard in Comfort Stretch Denim

Engineered with a proprietary and patent-pending fabric application, LYCRA® VintageFX fiber works in tandem with LYCRA® fiber in a dual-core structure. During finishing, this fiber shrinks under heat, controlling elastic extension, protecting the fiber core, and delivering enhanced shape retention to reduce bagging and sagging. Additional technical benefits include:

  • Low growth and good recovery, even after industrial wash and bleach processes
  • Compact fabric construction for better drape and less bulk
  • Authentic vintage denim aesthetics with soft compression and a gentle-to-the-skin feel
  • Reduced seam slippage for improved garment quality and longer wear life

The result is a fabric solution that supports modern comfort stretch denim, balancing heritage-inspired looks with the needs of contemporary lifestyles. Apparel made with this fiber also qualifies for LYCRA XTRA LIFE® fiber branding at the point of sale, reinforcing garment durability.

Value for Brands and Retailers

“LYCRA® VintageFX fiber enables brands and retailers to deliver a strong consumer value proposition, filling a critical market gap while elevating collections,” said Arnaud Ruffin, vice president, brands and retail at The LYCRA Company. “This product shows how our commitment to textile innovation supports the value chain with unique, performance-driven solutions.”

LYCRA® VintageFX fiber has passed The LYCRA Company’s rigorous testing protocols, ensuring consistent performance, durability, and quality. Brands and mills can also access co-creation opportunities at LYCRA® Labs, where they can tap into deep technical expertise and collaborative innovation to bring distinctive stretch solutions to market.

Show visitors can also experience sample fabrics and garments made with Renewable LYCRA® fiber, which is made from 70 percent plant-based resources. This spandex supports efforts to reduce the environmental impact of apparel, offering a more sustainable option for denim. LYCRA® ADAPTIV fiber, which offers a second-skin fit and enables size-inclusive denim, will also be on display.

Kingpins’ guests are invited to visit The LYCRA Company’s representatives at stand B10 at the SugarFactory in Amsterdam. To schedule a meeting at the show or learn more about LYCRA® VintageFX fiber, visit: https://www.lycra.com/en/business/events/kingpins-amsterdam

Posted: April 14, 2026

Source: The LYCRA Company

iNTERSPARE Presents Latest Developments And Upgrade Solutions For Technical Textile Finishing At Techtextil

REINBEK, Germany — April 14, 2026 — iNTERSPARE Textilmaschinen GmbH will present its latest solutions for technical textile finishing at Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt (VDMA joint stand, Hall 12 / Stand C55A). The focus will be on further developments within the Krantz, Artos and Babcock (BTM) product lines, in particular the Krantz K30 stenter as well as the reintroduction of the Artos Vari-Flex foulard. The presentation will be complemented by modular solutions for upgrading existing installations and new approaches in automation and digitalization.

iNTERSPARE Managing Director Dirk Polchow in front of a Krantz Syncro shrink dryer ready for delivery

A key focus lies on adapting existing machinery to current requirements in terms of efficiency, process stability and regulatory compliance.

“The modernization of existing machinery is one of our central topics at Techtextil 2026,” says Managing Director Dirk Polchow. “This includes all forms of EMU – expansion, modernization and upgrading – with a particular emphasis on automation, control and drive technology. Increasing digitalization is creating new requirements, for example through the EU’s Cyber Resilience Act. Techtextil provides an ideal platform to discuss these topics together with our customers.”

Technical textile finishing: increasing demands on processes and materials

Technical textiles are evolving dynamically, driven by new material concepts, rising functional requirements and increasing pressure for sustainability. One current trend is the growing use of natural fibers. At the same time, functional finishes based on chemical treatments are gaining importance, for example to provide UV protection, thermal insulation or insect protection in workwear and protective clothing. These developments increase the demands on drying processes, which must be both gentle and highly precise while maintaining energy efficiency. This is where the Krantz K30 stenter comes into play.

Krantz K30 stenter: efficiency and process stability by design

The K30 stenter is designed to meet the complex requirements of technical textile finishing, particularly with regard to fabric handle, abrasion resistance and durability. Key features include high throughput with reduced energy consumption, consistent product quality, minimized downtime and low maintenance requirements.

The Econ-Air airflow system (Babcock patent), in combination with Star-Jet or Convey-Air nozzles, ensures uniform distribution of air and temperature across the entire fabric width. This enables reproducible drying processes and stable results in subsequent processing steps. Another advantage is the proven Krantz chain system with its robust cast design, ensuring low wear and smooth operation. This reduces downtime and enables low-tension fabric transport even at high production speeds.

“Our engineering solutions show their strengths particularly with demanding materials,” says Polchow. “Techtextil offers the opportunity to discuss specific requirements with partners along the entire textile value chain and to develop solutions together.”

EMU: focus on upgrading existing installations

iNTERSPARE offers modular solutions to ensure the long-term, economical operation of existing installations by adapting them to new requirements. The focus is on measures for expansion, modernization and upgrading (EMU), particularly in control and automation systems. Typical retrofit measures include replacing existing Siemens S5 systems with globally available VIPA controllers, which remain programmable in Step 7 and compatible with Siemens tools. At the same time, “Masterdrive” frequency converters are replaced with durable Lenze modules, and industrial PCs are substituted with robust Siemens Comfort Panels using SD card technology. Adjustments are also possible in heating systems, for example switching between thermal oil and gas heating based on existing design data.

“EMU measures are economically viable in many cases,” Polchow emphasizes. “Rising energy costs and improved machine availability significantly reduce payback periods.”

Artos Vari-Flex: flexible solution for dyeing and finishing

With the Vari-Flex, iNTERSPARE is reintroducing a proven dyeing foulard from the Artos product line. The machine is designed for a wide range of applications in the dyeing and finishing of woven and knitted fabrics and offers high flexibility and process stability.

A precisely engineered pneumatic system allows a wide range of settings for liquor application and ensures uniform dyeing results. At the same time, deviations from upstream processes can be compensated. The compact design and stainless-steel construction ensure long service life. The Vari-Flex is low-maintenance, easy to operate and can be seamlessly integrated into existing stenter lines.

“Many of our customers value the performance of Artos technology,” says Polchow. “With the Artos Vari-Flex, we are responding directly to this demand.”

International demand for Krantz technology

In recent years, iNTERSPARE has further strengthened its position as a manufacturer of textile finishing machinery. Recent projects include a major order from India for four 8-field Krantz K30 stenters and three Krantz Syncro shrink dryers, followed by additional orders from Asia.

iNTERSPARE Textilmaschinen will exhibit at the VDMA joint stand in Hall 12 / Stand C55A and looks forward to welcoming visitors.

Posted: April 14, 2026

Source: iNTERSPARE Textilmaschinen GmbH

Archroma Showcases Innovations Delivering Performance Without Compromise At Techtextil 2026

PRATTELN, Switzerland — April 14, 2026 — Archroma, a supplier of specialty chemicals, is bringing a full suite of advanced solutions to Techtextil 2026 to help technical textile manufacturers achieve cutting-edge functionality with optimized productivity and enhanced sustainability.

The leading international trade fair for technical textiles and nonwovens, Techtextil 2026 is being held in Frankfurt, Germany from April 21 to 24. Underscoring the important contribution of chemicals and dyes to the sector, these will be presented in Hall 9.0, where Archroma will showcase breakthrough product innovations for every major technical textile segment.

“Mills and brands across the fast-growing technical textiles market are being squeezed between rising performance requirements, stringent sustainability commitments and tightening regulations. Archroma’s innovations tackle multiple challenges at the same time, so you can achieve premium functionality without compromise,” Dhirendra Gautam, Vice President Commercial, Archroma, said.

Visitors to Techtextil will be able to explore a range of Archroma technologies for technical textile segments including:

  • Outdoor and Active Wear: The outdoor and active wear market demands that sustainability, durability and comfort coexist – and, increasingly, that these attributes are verifiable. Archroma’s portfolio for this segment covers every requirement. At Techtextil 2026, it will present: PHOBOTEX® NTR-50 LIQ for non-PFAS durable water repellency with a partially bio-based profile; water-based LANASET® XKS acid inks and NOVACRON® ADVANCE reactive inks for outstanding coloristic performance on natural fibers, polyamide and blends; and TERASIL® XKS disperse inks for high-speed printing on polyester fabrics.
  • Workwear and Uniforms: Protective workwear must stay comfortable and perform well under the toughest conditions, while maintaining its integrity through multiple washes. NYLOFIXAN® PA LIQ C delivers outstanding fastness without phenolic compounds for polyamide fabrics and blends. SILIGEN® D2W LIQ C is the industry’s first truly durable hydrophilic silicone softener for cellulosic and cotton-lycra blended knits, that helps in extending the fabrics’ elasticity during its use. AVITERA® GENERATION NEXT and PHOBOTEX® R-ACE bring resource-saving dyeing and robust non-PFAS water repellency respectively. For military  camouflage applications, Archroma’s updated TOUGH CAMO concept is a water-based, Oeko-Tex (Class II) compliant* pigment printing system that meets exacting requirements for infrared reflectivity combined with high rubbing and light fastness at wash durability levels comparable to traditional vat-printed fiber blends. It includes ready-to-use HELIZARIN® ULTRA-FAST PLUS PA paste for high-speed pigment printing.
  • Nonwovens: For many nonwovens applications (filtration, building, automotive, apparel and furniture), mechanical properties, durability and regulatory compliance must be achieved together. Archroma’s APPRETAN® family of formaldehyde-free* binders eliminates the long-standing compromise of achieving superior performance levels without formaldehyde release during processing and use-life. APPRETAN® FFX6750 LIQ delivers high-performance bonding, APPRETAN® FFX6270 LIQ is designed for applications where soft handfeel is a priority, and APPRETAN® FFX1540 LIQ & APPRETAN® FFX1670 LIQ provide maximum hydrophobicity and durability in severe environments.
  • Automotive and Transportation: Automotive buyers demand interiors that provide comfort, durability and aesthetic appeal, but safety and compliance can never be compromised. An example is Archroma’s FADEX® HLF-S which features high sublimation-fast UV absorber that meets these demands and supports the move to sustainable manufacturing.

Sustainable performance finishes

Brands and mills navigating PFAS restrictions, tightening sustainability standards and growing consumer scrutiny need solutions they can prove, not just claim. Archroma’s High IQ® lastingrepel program provides independent assurance that qualifying treatments meet common performance standards while delivering robust, durable water repellency. Archroma’s licensed brand assurance program allows enrolled mill and brand partners to utilize hangtags that differentiate defined platforms designed for optimum durability from platforms that can be washed without the need of a tumbler drying.

Archroma is expanding its range of sustainable solutions further. In a new partnership with HeiQ, Archroma is combining its global reach and application expertise with HeiQ’s innovative antimicrobial and non-biocidal odor-control technologies – including silver-based HeiQ Pure™, metal-free silane-quat based HeiQ Life™ AD/AE and plant-based HeiQ Fresh™ platforms. These solutions deliver evidence-backed protection against malodors and finished fabrics retain their breathability and softness through repeated washing.

A complete system from sizing to finishing

Underpinning every segment at Techtextil is Archroma’s SUPER SYSTEMS+ platform — powerful end-to-end systems combining fiber-specific processing solutions and intelligent effects. Drawing on the industry’s broadest product portfolio, SUPER SYSTEMS+ guides mills and brands from sizing to finishing, delivering measurable resource savings, cleaner chemistries that eliminate harmful or regulated substances, and durable functional effects.

Meet the Archroma team at Techtextil 2026

The leading international trade fair for technical textiles and nonwovens, Techtextil is held biannually in Frankfurt. Attracting more than 35,000 visitors from 94 countries in 2024, the event is expanding in key future sectors this year and celebrating the synchronicities that happen when the entire cross-industry value chain comes together.

Visit Archroma at Booth D41 in Hall 9.0 at Messe Frankfurt for Techtextil from April 21 to 24, 2026.

Posted: April 14, 2026

Source: Archroma

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