LEIPZIG, Germany — April 25, 2024 — Coming for the first time to Pakistan, the emtec TSA Tactile Sensation Analyzer introduces an innovative measuring principle that simulates the sensory capacities of the human hand, providing objective data on the intricate nuances of touch. Beyond assessing softness, smoothness, and stretch and recovery parameters within a mere two minutes, the device evaluates additional components of touch such as thermo-haptic, friction, and crumple or drape behavior.
The results offer unparalleled accuracy in discerning the tactile qualities of textiles, ensuring manufacturers can uphold the highest standards of quality and comfort. Comparative studies against traditional hand panel testing methods utilizing “touch experts” reveal a correlation of up to 100 percent.
A further highlight of the updated TSA device is its seamless integration with the cloud-based Virtual Haptic Library, a collaborative effort with Black Swan Textiles. This online database digitizes and categorizes TSA sample data, enabling authorized personnel worldwide to access the data in real time. This facilitates efficient quality assurance and control irrespective of geographical location, virtually eliminating the need to ship samples globally to verify haptic conformity and thus yielding a significant return on investment.
“We’re thrilled to unveil our latest advancements at IGATEX Pakistan,” said Giselher Gruener, general manager at emtec. “The redesigned TSA device, combined with the Virtual Haptic Library, marks a significant leap forward in haptic measurement technology, empowering manufacturers to make informed decisions and elevate product quality.”
Attendees of IGATEX Pakistan are invited to visit the AHS Textile (AHS) booth D01-D06 in Hall 3. Emtec’s Giselher Gruener and Farhan Rasul from AHS will be on hand to demonstrate the TSA device and explain the advantages of leveraging objective data for haptic analysis.
HANNOVER, Germany — April 25, 2024 — The event, inaugurated by Dawood Al Hajri, director-general of Dubai Municipality, attracted industry leaders and enthusiasts from around the globe. It showcased a diverse range of products and designs that highlight the future of flooring. The success of DOMOTEX Middle East 2024 is a testament to Dubai’s strategic importance in the global trade landscape and its ability to drive innovation and growth within the flooring industry. The event saw over 100 exhibitors converging to present the latest trends and shape the future of the industry. The top five countries represented by exhibit space were Iran, UAE, Turkey, Egypt, and China.
Sonia Wedell-Castellano, global director of DOMOTEX at Deutsche Messe AG, expressed gratitude towards the UAE: “We are immensely grateful to the UAE for providing a platform that boosts the global flooring industry’s visibility and growth. The dynamic trade environment in Dubai has been crucial to the success of this year’s exhibition.”
This year’s event was particularly notable for its diverse and high-caliber exhibitions. Heritage Carpet by Ghanbarinia captured significant attention with its unveiling of 45 extraordinary antique handmade carpets. This unique exhibition aligned with UAE’s leadership initiatives for cultural advancement, featuring hundreds of magnificent rugs from Ghanbarinia’s collection — the largest of its kind in both quantity and quality globally. Additionally, a highlight of this showcase was the presentation of museum-quality antique rugs valued at $500 million, with some of the rugs dating back to the 17th through the 19th centuries, adding historical depth and cultural significance.
The Design Lounge was a focal point of innovation and style, transformed by True Design and Moooi Carpets into a creative hub. This space showcased the synergy between top-tier design and craftsmanship, with True Design’s furniture and Moooi Carpets’ textiles merging to elevate both the aesthetic and functional appeal of the lounge. Visitors were able to admire the exquisite lines and impeccable craftsmanship of True’s furniture pieces, each detail meticulously curated and every element precisely placed, creating a harmonious ensemble that transcends mere decor and exemplifies the art of living beautifully.
A remarkable highlight of the exhibition was the presentation of the largest carpet ever displayed at DOMOTEX, a 600m² masterpiece from the Tabriz Premium Silk Warp collection. This exceptional display showcased the unmatched craftsmanship and quality of Middle Eastern handmade carpets, dazzling attendees with its intricate design and superb artistry.
Another highlight of the event was the introduction of ‘Bog Pearl’ by Ryser Böden. Manufactured in Switzerland, this stunning bog oak hardwood floor is crafted from trees aged between 3000 and 7000 years. Known as bog oak and even rarer than diamonds, these trees offer a rich history and unmatched beauty, making them a perfect choice for Dubai’s most discerning residents. The intricate parquet design, formed from ellipses, promises a unique and show-stopping addition to any luxurious space.
Adding to the list of notable exhibitions, Standard Carpet, UAE’s largest carpet manufacturer, showcased its commitment to sustainability with its latest solutions. This exhibit highlighted the company’s ongoing efforts to reduce environmental impact while maintaining high-quality and innovative designs.
Sonia Wedell-Castellano added: “The overwhelming success of DOMOTEX Middle East 2024 reflects the vibrant and resilient nature of the global flooring market. The innovations and collaborations displayed here highlight the latest trends and set the direction for future developments in the industry. We are proud to conclude another remarkable edition and look forward to continuing our tradition of excellence.” The event provided a stage for showcasing exceptional products and also facilitated invaluable networking opportunities for professionals from around the world.
DOMOTEX Worldwide
DOMOTEX HANNOVER (16 – 19 January 2025) is the world’s leading floor covering trade show. Deutsche Messe AG Hannover organizes the show.
DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR (28 – 30 May 2024 in Shanghai) is the largest international flooring show in the Asia-Pacific region. VNU Exhibitions Asia, Hannover Milano Fairs Shanghai (a subsidiary of Deutsche Messe and Fiera Milano) and Build Your Dream jointly organize the show.
FELLBACH, Germany — April 25, 2024 — Industrial process systems company IPCO will use Achema in Hall 4, Stand 24, to showcase its wide range of solutions for the chemical industry.
IPCO is a world-leading supplier of high productivity systems for chemical processing, with applications ranging from chemical pastillation and film casting to extrusion and cooling equipment. The company also supplies innovative press and scattering solutions for the production of composite materials.
An independent company owned by FAM AB, part of the Swedish Wallenberg Group, IPCO has 600 employees and more than 30 sales and service offices worldwide. This network of regional offices, provides local, on-the-ground expertise backed up by a global service organisation.
IPCO Rotoform HP | KDB1668
ROTOFORM – MARKET-LEADING PASTILLATION TECHNOLOGY
Rotoform is IPCO’s flagship chemical solidification system with more than 2 500 lines installed worldwide. Solutions are available for sulphur, hot melts, resins, waxes, fat chemicals, bitumen, tar pitch and many more, and the company IPCO will have a demonstration model on show at Achema.
Rotoform systems are available for applications such as abrasive and sedimenting materials (e.g. catalysts and suspensions); melts requiring a high feed temperature (e.g. bitumen, resins); subcooling melts (e.g. antioxidants for the tyre industry); and pharmaceuticals requiring GMP compliance.
FILM CASTING WITH VENTURI DRYING
IPCO has developed a continuous film casting system incorporating an innovative Venturi drying module for the production of very thin films to fine tolerances. A slot die applies the liquid product directly onto a polished stainless steel belt, which then passes through controlled drying segments where the solvent in the liquid is evaporated.
As well as dry film casting to 10-300 μm, the process can also be be used to produce high quality microporous membranes. Applications include the production of separator membranes and ceramic tapes used in Li-ion batteries, fuel cells and solid-state batteries.
IPCO Film casting system | KDB5745
EXTRUSION AND COOLING SYSTEMS FOR POWDER COATING
Another area of expertise is the manufacture of integrated powder paint production lines and IPCO will have a demo model on show at Achema. Product ranges include everything from feeding and extrusion equipment to cooling, flaking and downstream handling. This includes twin screw extruders from 1 to 2500kg/h capacity and a range of steel belt cooling systems and compact drum coolers.
IPCO Twin screw extrusion machine | 1729lpr
The company also offers spare parts, maintenance, refurbishment and servicing for all leading brands.
HONG KONG — April 25, 2024 — Crystal International Group Ltd.’s denim division has taken shaping innovation for stretch denim to the next level. The division, Crystal Denim, just launched its revolutionary “Smart-Fit” denim jeans, the new collection of shaping jeans. Inspired and driven by a sense of purpose to create the “perfect jeans” for all, Crystal Denim partnered with industry pioneers including Advance Denim and LYCRA, to create a collection of nine jeans that seamlessly blend comfort, impeccable style, and body-enhancing features, with the adoption of LYCRA’s FitSense® denim technology.
Crystal Denim launches the “Smart-Fit Denim Collection”.
Leveraging the 3D virtual technology during the design and product development process, Crystal Denim has conducted extensive analysis on the pressure points exerted by jeans on different body parts, such as tummy, waist, and thighs. The analysis allowed designers to create curvy engineering details that contour and shape diverse body types, while strategically activating stretch control areas for optimal effects. The development of the “Smart-Fit” jeans involved hundreds of trials and tests to control stretchability across various fabrications, washes and finishes, achieving the ultimate precision. Crystal Denim’s team of experts fine-tuned every parameter which might influence stretchability to strike a perfect balance between comfort, durability and shaping functionality.
With the technology, Crystal Denim enhances the stretchability of different body parts to make the jeans “Smart-Fit”.
The latest collection brings customizable fit solution, that fit perfectly in the body. The “Smart-Fit” jeans not only provide exceptional functional features, but also exude various styles. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the new collection offers different cut-seam details, silhouette and a variety of washes and finishes that cater to a wide range of preferences beyond the realm of skinny jeans. Both unique fit solution and denim authenticity could be upheld.
“Smart-Fit” strives to bring customisable fit solution that fit perfectly in the body.
“We feel excited to introduce the “Smart-Fit” jeans collection. This new move is the embodiment of our dedication to continuously refining the definition of “perfect jeans”, which should be empowering the customers to embrace their unique shapes and radiate confidence, while wearing the jeans with ultra comfort throughout the day,” said Miles Lam, assistant general manager at Crystal Denim.
Following the launch, Crystal Denim is currently working closely with the peers to explore wearing experiences and further fine-tune stretch control ability on various body shapes. The collection will expand and add more ranges of finishes, washes, and silhouettes, giving a wider selection of assortment for customers. Crystal International will strive to develop advanced innovative and sustainable solutions that make fashion fit all.
SHANGHAI — April 25, 2024 — Envalior, the new engineering material powerhouse, emerged from the combination of two highly complementary industry leaders in engineering materials – DSM Engineering Materials (DEM) and LANXESS High Performance Materials (HPM), made its debut appearance at Chinaplas 2024 in Shanghai. The company revealed its latest innovations across various application fields, with a focus on the innovative trend of new mobility and sustainability. Envalior’s diverse range of advanced materials and innovative technological solutions will further enhance products and accelerate sustainability in many industries.
With increasing green and low-carbon initiatives, there are heightened demands from governments, investors, and consumers alike to reduce carbon footprints and enhance operational sustainability in the chemical industry. Simultaneously, driven by industries such as the electric vehicle (EV) sector, the transformation of manufacturing, the rapid development of technology, and the sustained growth in the demand for high-performance and special engineering materials continues.
Envalior showcased a wide range of automotive components and non-automotive applications during this event, including E&E, appliance components and more. Through a series of interactive demonstrations, Envalior aims to highlight its innovative solutions in high-performance and special engineering materials across a variety of industries. Additionally, Envalior is committed to driving a more sustainable and circular economy and to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in entire value chains.
Applications highlighted at the Envalior booth include:
Electric vehicle bearings engineered with Stanyl® PA46 material, whichprovides stiffness at high temperatures and offers unique advantages in mechanical performance and cost-effectiveness. Motors can run up to 30,000 rpm and more to offer the best driving experiences in NEVs. At such high rotation speeds, the performance of the bearings and the use of bearing cages becomes a challenge. Stanyl PA46 outperforms any PA66 or ceramic solutions in mechanical performance and any PEEK alternative in terms of cost.
Automotive cross-car beams engineered with Akulon®/Durethan®, which reduces carbon footprint, decreases weight, and enables precise tolerances. As automotive OEMs are lightening vehicles, traditional metal components, such as automotive cross car beams, are being replaced with plastic or hybrid alternatives. These innovative parts not only offer a host of benefits, they offer a multitude of integrated functions—all without compromising performance.
Automotive air spring mounts engineered with Akulon/Durethan enhance driving pleasure and comfort. With the increasing demand for air springs, OEMs are looking for cost reduction and production efficiencies, so a shift towards replacing metal with plastics is evident. Envalior’s portfolio, featuring PA6, PA66, and TPC, offers the ideal materials to facilitate cost and weight reduction while promoting eco-friendly solutions for air springs.
Electric vehicle high-voltage connectors engineered with Pocan®/Arnite®PBT and Akulon/Durethan PA66, both materials are flame retardant with good electrical performance and processability, which provides a safer and more efficient performance balance. HV connectors are designed to ensure robust connections for those systems in all working conditions of the vehicle. Akulon SG-KGS5/HV & SG-KGS6/HV offer a balanced performance in terms of outdoor F1 requirements, flaming retardancy, electrical performance, easy processing, mechanical creep performance & insurance of sealing to IP67. With those features integrated into the Akulon SG series, an EV high voltage connection gets safer and better. In parallel, Envalior also tailor-made Pocan PBT BFN4232HR with CTI up to 600V, to overcome risk of ion/ silver migration during high voltage charging and it has intrinsic advantages in dimensional stability and color stability to ensure high voltage connection & recognition.
High-performance athletic shoe midsoles engineered with Arnitel®, a thermoplastic copolyester material adaptable to various foaming techniques. Also, Envalior’s Tepex® advanced composite materials is another engineering material that is expected to be utilized in new “TOP BRAND” models in 2025. Arnitel offers a unique product portfolio for various foaming technologies, which offer the possibility to achieve best in class rebounds and comfort in combination with longer life vs PEBA. Furthermore, Envalior offers low carbon footprint solutions to decrease the environmental footprint of shoes. Numerous midsoles made with Arnitel are in production right now and will enter the market in 2024 and 2025.
A Power Control Unit (PCU) for EVs engineered with Xytron™ PPSmaterial that meets key requirements, such as flame retardancy standards and insulation performance, ensuring driving safety and performance. At the core of an EV, the PCU assumes a pivotal role in managing power and ensuring safety while driving. In terms of material selection, a number ofcritical requirements should be met for optimal performance: flame retardancy rated UL94 V-0, exceptional insulation properties spanning from -40 to 160°C throughout its operational lifespan, reliable dimensional stability, resistance to creep, and resilience against thermal shock-induced cracking. Additionally, it should be e-Friendly to avoid corrosion. Xytron™ PPS meets all these requirements, establishing itself as a reliable material across various sub-applications, including inverters, converters, electric motors, insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBT), and capacitors.
Jason Zhang, managing director of Asia, said, “Our customer-centric mindset drives us to consistently introduce sustainable, high-performance material solutions that align with market trends and demands. We are dedicated to supporting industries in transitioning towards greener, more environmentally friendly, and more effective products and applications.”
The 36th International Exhibition on Plastics and Rubber Industries, which is known as CHINAPLAS 2024, takes place from April 23-26 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center, Hongqiao, Shanghai (NECC). You can find us in Hall 7.2, Booth A52.
*Envalior is a supplier of Engineering Materials with over 4,000 employees worldwide. It was established in 2023 through the merger of Lanxess Performance Materials and DSM Engineering Materials.
HOUSTON — April 24, 2024 — Orion S.A., a global specialty chemicals company, announced today its 2024 sustainability rating from EcoVadis has been raised from Gold to Platinum, the highest possible distinction.
Orion now ranks among the top 1 percent of the companies assessed by EcoVadis, one of the world’s largest providers of business sustainability ratings. The organization revised Orion’s score from 78 percent to 82 percent after reassessing the company’s 2023 performance.
“Achieving the Platinum rating is a huge milestone for Orion considering that just three years ago we were at the Silver level. I want to congratulate our global team for their commitment and dedication,” Orion CEO Corning Painter said. “The assessment methodology is complex and involves numerous factors. We appreciate the rigor and dedication to accuracy that EcoVadis brings to the assessment process.”
PARIS — April 25, 2024 — Otego, supplier of technical textiles and flexible composites, is expanding its footprint in the world of protection with the launch of Fireguard, an ultra-innovative metallized protective cover for works of art and valuable objects. Fireguard stands out for its exceptional ability to protect against fire, heat, water, smoke and soot, thanks to its design. Ultra-lightweight, Fireguard covers take up very little space and are quick and easy to install, weighing in at approximately 0.22 lbs per square meter.
Made from innovative textiles of non-combustible and mineral fibers, Fireguard offers unrivaled protection for cultural and artistic treasures. Otego’s metallized blanket is 80 percent heat-reflective, allowing temperatures to be reduced by up to 752°F. This versatile solution is perfectly suited to museums, cathedrals, auction rooms, private collectors and art galleries. Resulting from years of research and collaboration with fire departments and renowned cultural establishments, Fireguard has already been adopted by some of the biggest names in art and culture.
Numerous prestigious institutions have already put their trust in Fireguard to preserve their cultural treasures: the Louvre, the Musée Jacquemart-André, the Musée des Arts et Métiers in Paris, the Muséum national de l’histoire naturelle, the city of Geneva, and the Swiss National Museum all rely on Fireguard to preserve their cultural treasures. Essential for cultural establishments, the Cultural Heritage Safeguarding Plan (CHSP) is being adopted by more and more heritage sites, 18 percent of which had one in 2018, they are now close to 40 percent. The Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF) has chosen Fireguard as part of its CHSP.
Céline Allain, coordinator of the BnF’s Collections Safeguarding Plan, commented: “As part of its Cultural Heritage Safeguarding Plan, the BnF has equipped itself with Otego’s Fireguard to protect works on display in the event of fire. This highly flexible solution is quick and easy to use, enabling emergency responders to save precious time in protecting works of art and minimizing potential damage.
Thierry Mosa, president of Otego, explains: “We intend to meet the growing needs of museums worldwide, while making Fireguard accessible to private collectors, auction houses and all art professionals concerned about protecting their precious treasures. Our covers are the perfect answer for our customers, whether they are major cultural institutions, art galleries or individual collectors. Their maneuverability, lightness and versatility guarantee fast, effective protection in an emergency. What’s more, thanks to their low weight, they are easy to deploy by rescue teams. Firefighters and cultural institutions also meet regularly with Otego to familiarize themselves with the use of Fireguard.”
Fireguard adapts easily to a variety of object and artwork formats. Its rapid deployment, in just a few minutes in the event of a fire, makes it an invaluable ally for rescue teams. Fireguard covers are also waterproof, offering extra protection against the water used during fire-fighting operations.
Otego, world leader in technical textiles, revolutionizes the protection of works of art and valuable objects with Fireguard, offering an unrivaled solution for preserving cultural and artistic heritage worldwide.
Otego will be present at the Salt Lake City AIC Show from May 20-24, 2024, at booth 407.
CHICAGO, IL — April 23, 2024 — At this year’s drupa trade fair (May 28 – June 7 in Düsseldorf, Germany) ), Messe Düsseldorf will present the drupa Imaging Summit for the first time as part of the special forum “drupa next age” (dna): Top-class speakers from renowned companies will give 20-minute keynote speeches and panels on the most important topics at the interface between imaging technologies and printing. This includes, in particular, the potential offered by the use of AI.
The imaging industry has come a long way in the last few decades. First the transition to digital photography and workflows, and now the new big challenge of AI, are transforming the value creation of creators, companies and the industry. Along with many challenges, the new AI tools also create new opportunities and business areas.
At the drupa Imaging Summit, the major trend topic of Imaging Artificial Intelligence will be one of the central themes to provide information on the current status and tools, discuss new product ideas and demonstrate ways in which images can be optimized for better prints.
Picture This: How Artificial Intelligence (AI) is Revolutionizing Image Creation
(presented by Dennis Oberfeld, Google Cloud/Customer Engineer) will show how AI is revolutionizing the image creation process. The participants will gain insights into Google’s powerful AI solutions, demonstrating how they streamline workflows and produce stunning results. Learn about upscaling, watermarking, and more – practical tools (not only) for print businesses and creatives alike. Dennis Oberfeld is passionate about enabling digital transformation and he works closely with clients to understand their unique needs and implement customized cloud strategies for optimal business results. Prior to Google Cloud, he spent nearly a decade at SAP, driving cloud adoption for company customers.
Image generation via Artificial Intelligence: Tools & Workflows
(presented by Andreas Jürgensen, Founder AI Imagelab | ai-imagelab.de) will give an overview of the current status of AI-generated images. Andreas Jürgensen will offer a brief insight about which programs are currently relevant – and which ones you should keep an eye on, in which processes AI-generated images are currently being used and in which fields of application they will become relevant. The presentation will be illustrated with application and image examples. Andreas Jürgensen is a photo engineer and has been working in the photo industry since 1993. His company juergensen.net operates Germany’s largest network of photo communities. At the end of 2022, he started to work with artificial intelligence and its use for image production. Together with Adrian Rohnfelder he started the AI Imagelab, a news blog about AI generated images and videos.
AI Unveiled: Navigating Past, Present, and Future in Photo Print Innovation
(presented by Sarah Lefebvre, Director of Marketing at EyeQ Imaging Inc). The Creators of the leading Imaging Software, Perfectly Clear, will show the remarkable advances AI has made in recent years as Sarah Lefebvre will connect today’s applications of AI to real-world use cases and their impact on the printing industry. Visitors will learn about the exciting possibilities of the future as she demonstrates the transformative impact of AI on photo printing – it will be about the intersection of innovation and practice at the forefront of AI technology. Sarah Lefebvre has made it her mission to help businesses achieve optimal photo quality. As Director of Marketing at EyeQ, she focuses on the company’s core message: the ROI that companies can achieve with Perfectly Clear, its automated photo and video editing technology.
The influence of Artificial Intelligence on future print products
(presented by Adrian Rohnfelder, Founder AI Imagelab, ai-imagelab.de). In this highly illustrated and entertaining short presentation, Adrian Rohnfelder will outline possible print products of the future as a result of the new generative AI capabilities:
Changes through AI support of existing products
Key social media drivers such as pets and selfies for an abundance of AI-generated images
Potential consumer needs for 2D, 3D and 4D printing
Adrian Rohnfelder studied business administration, worked for a long time as a freelance management consultant and made photography his profession in 2017. He has already won several awards, published in renowned publishing houses and appeared as a speaker at well-known events. At the end of 2022, he discovered artificial intelligence as a fantastic creative tool. He has published on the subject in magazines and has been working as a trainer since the beginning of 2023. Together with Andreas Jürgensen, he founded the AI Imagelab in mid-2023 as a platform for AI-generated images and videos.
Viesus™: Prints enhanced in the blink of an AI (presented by Servi Pieters, CEO of Viesus™)
Thousands or even millions of images are processed for printing every day, and the quality or pixel count of the images is often too low. This leads to lost time, complaints and missed opportunities. Visitors can learn about the behind-the-scenes algorithms used by leading companies in the photo printing industry to minimize suboptimal prints. This presentation will show how AI algorithms improve image print production, delivering quality without the need for manual intervention. As CEO, Servi Pieters leads Viesus™ in further developing AI and making it available on various platforms. In October 2022, he founded MyPrint.ai AG, driven by innovation with the application of generative AI technology in a webapp to print personalized and unique AI generated artworks.
All these drupa Imaging Summitt presentations and several others will take place on the drupa next age stage on May 30 and 31 in Hall 7. https://www.drupa.com/en/Program/Forums/drupa_next_age
For the entire drupa next age program (May 28 – June 6 in Hall 7): https://www.drupa.com/en/Program/Programoverview?filter=true&forums=DrupaNextAge
Participation in the drupa Imaging Summitt and the dna program is included in the drupa ticket.
For further information on visiting or exhibiting at drupa 2024, contact Messe Düsseldorf North America; E-mail: info@mdna.com; Visit www.drupa.com and www.mdna.com. Follow us on https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/drupa-tradefair/
FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany — April 23, 2024 — With 1,700 exhibitors from 53 countries, Techtextil and Texprocess 2024 are underscoring their pioneering significance for the global industry. At the opening event, the leading international trade fairs focused on the highly relevant subject of AI and thus generated future-oriented impulses. AI offers new opportunities along the entire value chain – from production and processing to recycling. In the panel talk, experts explained how AI is energising the textile industry.
With 1,700 exhibitors from 53 countries, Techtextil and Texprocess 2024 are the centre for future-oriented innovations by the international textile industry – from progressive technologies to revolutionary materials. Moreover, for its 20th edition, Techtextil presents itself in a new dimension. Texprocess is also strongly positioned across all product groups. The materials, products, machines and processes presented at the two trade fairs, as well as the newly forged business alliances, are paving the way for the future of the industry. “Frankfurt is once again the centre for textile and technological innovations, which are often presented to the public for the first time at Techtextil and Texprocess. These are an important indicator and driving force for the future of many other branches of industry. On its 20th anniversary, Techtextil has become larger than ever before and, together with Texprocess, is in great shape,” said Detlef Braun, Member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt GmbH, in his speech.
At the opening event, Techtextil and Texprocess generated forward-looking impulses in a panel talk entitled: From textile recycling to garment processing – the role of AI. Discussing about the opportunities of using AI in the fields of textile production and processing were Chloé Salmon Legagneur, Director, CETIA, Prof. Dr. Ingo Rollwagen, AMD Akademie Mode & Design / Hochschule Fresenius, Senior Advisor IMP Consulting, Elgar Straub, Managing Director, VDMA Textile Care, Fabrics and Leather Technologies, and Olaf Schmidt, Vice President Textiles & Textile Technologies, Messe Frankfurt.
Photo — Messe Frankfurt / Thomas Fedra
Artificial intelligence in the textile industry
Identifying new approaches, utilising potential and improving existing processes – AI represents a great opportunity for progress in the textile industry. Those who engage with the new developments today are well positioned for the future. The advantages of AI solutions are evident: greater efficiency, competitiveness, transparency and sustainability. However, making the most of AI calls for expertise, investment and the suitable technologies. The panel talk looked at how AI can be used to best effect in the textile industry from a variety of perspectives.
New opportunities with AI
Artificial Intelligence offers new opportunities for innovation. On the one hand, developments are emerging that use AI to improve traditional textile manufacturing and processing operations and to make them more efficient, e.g., intelligent fault detection during production or optimised material calculations make production and processing faster, better and more sustainable. On the other hand, AI can be used to create completely new products. “AI expands the scope for innovations. In addition to accelerating and increasing the efficiency of existing processes, it creates added value by improving products. For example, in the form of circular, regenerative textile solutions with longer life cycles. In the future, AI will make it possible to not just do the same thing faster but also to create completely new, better, more individual and more sustainable textile solutions that are better tailored to the customer and also better for the environment,” explained Prof. Dr. Ingo Rollwagen in his keynote speech.
Textile recycling reimagined with AI
Most textile waste is either returned to the retail trade as second-hand fashion, ends up in landfill sites or is incinerated. Hence, demand for recycling solutions, e.g., for old clothes, remains high. Moreover, the EU Green Deal also calls for scalable recycling solutions. New developments with AI integration promise to provide a remedy for this in the future, for example, by differentiating between textile and non-textile materials, such as zips, and separating them automatically. The French innovation platform CETIA is developing industrial solutions that prepare textiles for the recycling process. “Efficient, innovative technologies are needed to enable textile recycling on a large scale. Automation, robotics and AI increase profitability and competitiveness. Interdisciplinary cooperation between research and industry is essential for this,” explains Chloé Salmon Legagneur in the panel talk.
Techtextil and Texprocess driving new technologies
Artificial Intelligence is no longer a buzzword for companies. Indeed, it is rapidly changing the industry and finding its way into more and more applications. This also means that the industry has to get involved with AI to remain competitive and utilise the many advantages that it offers. As international meeting places for the industry, Techtextil and Texprocess are the first ports of call for gathering information and exchanging ideas. “The industry is facing major changes. Although AI creates many new opportunities, it also confronts companies with a variety of transformational challenges. We look forward to accompanying the international industry through this process and highlighting potential solutions at Techtextil and Texprocess. Together, we can leverage the unique potential for the future,” said Olaf Schmidt.
At the two trade fairs, participants find innovative solutions and partners that will propel their companies forward and make them ready for the future – whether progressive start-ups or top-class research institutes. Expert knowledge is available at first hand from the Techtextil and Texprocess forums, e.g., on the subject of ‘Textile value chain digitalisation and data driven AI business models’ or ‘AI-Based Real-Time Energy Optimization in the Textile Industry’, as well as a guided tour of Texprocess exhibitors focusing on digitalisation and AI. Additionally, two Texprocess Innovation Award winners were honoured in the ‘Digitalisation + AI’ category.
Examples of AI integration can also be found in the portfolios of ever more exhibitors. Visitors can look forward to intelligent systems that analyse fashion trends using AI, for example, use image analysis to identify faults or sort old clothes, as well as to network different production steps intelligently with one another. “Advances in the field of AI have come at exactly the right time for the textile processing industry. New technologies offer genuine opportunities to tackle challenges such as labour shortages, the demand for greater sustainability and resource scarcity,” says Elgar Straub.
Techtextil and Texprocess 2024: Innovations and networking on subjects of major significance for the future of the industry
Innovative materials and disruptive technologies – Techtextil and Texprocess present the most comprehensive spectrum of technical textiles, functional apparel textiles, nonwovens, production and processing technologies at the same time and place. In twelve areas of application, the unique innovative strength offered by textile solutions for a wide range of sectors is reflected – from construction to medicine. As an international meeting place for the industry, the programme of events at Techtextil and Texprocess generates a host of important impulses.
Visitors will find a list of expert lectures, guided tours, special shows and events in the event calendar. The thematic spectrum covered ranges from denim processing, via recycling to functional apparel textiles. Areas focusing on functional natural fibres, start-ups and campus & research combine subject-specific presentations for visitors. Products, processes, solutions and information relating to sustainability can be found under the Econogy label. The Techtextil and Texprocess Innovation Awards represent another highlight for visitors. The pioneering research, new products, materials, processes and technologies selected by a jury of experts represent the future of the industry. The exhibits selected for the Techtextil Innovation Award can be seen in Hall 9.1 up to and including 26 April 2024. Additionally, the jury is offering guided tours to the stands of the winners of the Texprocess Innovation Award on 23 and 24 April.
The events Techtextil and Texprocess will be held from 23 to 26 April 2024.
WASHINGTON — April 23, 2024 — National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) President and CEO Kim Glas issued a statement welcoming the appointment of Katherine White as Chief Textiles and Apparel Negotiator for the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office (USTR).
“Katherine White is an excellent choice for the critical position of Chief Textiles and Apparel Negotiator. We are also grateful to U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai for elevating this position back to a political appointee role, which is historically how it has been designated.
Katherine comes to this position with an outstanding resume, including a strong knowledge base and expertise in manufacturing policy and on textile-related trade issues, having worked most recently as an International Trade Policy Advisor on the House Ways and Means Committee, and prior to that, at the U.S. Department of Commerce and the White House.
Given the prominence of both the agency and her political appointment, we know she will play a highly instrumental role in shaping policy impacting our industry. She is a fantastic choice. We thank Ambassador Tai for the redesignation of this critical office and her support for our textile industry and its workforce. We also sincerely thank Dr. Laurie-Ann Agama for her service in the role through this transition.
We could not be more delighted to work with Katherine in her new capacity and look forward to coordinating with her on manufacturing and worker-centered trade policy that will help bolster the vital domestic textile sector.”
Posted: April 23, 2024
Source: National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)
LEIPZIG, Germany — April 25, 2024 — Coming for the first time to Pakistan, the emtec TSA Tactile Sensation Analyzer introduces an innovative measuring principle that simulates the sensory capacities of the human hand, providing objective data on the intricate nuances of touch. Beyond assessing softness, smoothness, and stretch and recovery parameters within a mere two minutes, the device evaluates additional components of touch such as thermo-haptic, friction, and crumple or drape behavior.
