NC State To Spearhead 10-Year, $480 Million Effort To Bolster Defense Textile Manufacturing

RALEIGH, N.C. — August 17, 2026 — North Carolina State University has been chosen to lead a 10-year Department of War initiative aimed at modernizing textile manufacturing in the United States to support the defense industry.

The FutureTEX award – which includes $36 million in its first year and has a ceiling of $480 million over a decade – brings together industry, government, university and nonprofit partners to advance manufacturing technologies of textiles for military and domestic applications.  FutureTEX will champion workforce development and modernization of facilities and equipment to increase U.S. competitiveness.

FutureTEX’s goal is to work with American manufacturing to capitalize on digital infrastructure and other emerging technologies making the domestic supply network more robust for the defense industrial base. Core partners in establishing FutureTEX include Drexel University, Gaston College, Georgia Tech, ISAIC and UMass Lowell.

FutureTEX will empower American textile manufacturing by adopting advanced technologies and techniques to enable manufacturing of new materials and improve capability industry-wide. The initiative is actively recruiting industry partners to be part of the project, and has already received more than 100 letters of support from industry organizations.

“North Carolina and NC State University have an enduring legacy with both the military and textiles industry, with NC State having the only college in North America dedicated to textiles,” says NC State Chancellor Kevin Howell. “We are honored to serve thousands of military affiliated students and participate in research partnerships that support our armed forces, like FutureTEX. I am proud our university will play a critical role in this national effort that will strengthen our economy and defense infrastructure.”

One of NC State’s first objectives under FutureTEX is to work with Gaston College to establish a nonprofit organization that will assume administrative oversight of the initiative. This new institute will be housed at the Gaston College’s Kimbrell Campus in Belmont, N.C., with hubs in Raleigh, N.C., Philadelphia, Pa., Lowell, Mass., Atlanta, Ga.

“FutureTEX is focused on creating a cutting-edge national ecosystem for defense textiles that simply doesn’t exist today,” says David Hinks, chief strategic partnerships officer of FutureTEX and the Prakash Chand Kochhar Dean of NC State’s Wilson College of Textiles. “This will involve commercializing applied research to help American textile manufacturing meet the needs of both the warfighter and the domestic textile industry.

“NC State is a leader in technology commercialization, and the Wilson College of Textiles is a leader in applied research and education, so we’re spearheading this project,” says Hinks. “Transferring administrative oversight to a new nonprofit organization will allow us to focus on our strengths – education, innovation, and commercialization.”

“North Carolina and Gaston County have deep roots in the textile industry dating back to the late 19th century, making it only natural that our state is anchoring an initiative aimed at strengthening advanced textile manufacturing and supporting warfighters,” says John Hauser, president of Gaston College.

“With Gaston College’s deep-rooted commitment to workforce development and the textile industry, we are uniquely positioned to propel this manufacturing innovation institute forward with all of our partners.”

“Drexel embraces new models of innovation that eliminate borders between traditional disciplines,” says Genevieve Dion, director of Drexel’s Center for Functional Fabrics. “FutureTEX brings together a collaborative group dedicated to securing the future of textiles across the US supply chain. We are excited to join this crucial effort.”

“NC State is a national leader in technology transfer and industry collaboration,” says Krista Walton, vice chancellor for research and innovation at NC State. “Our extensive expertise in applied research is evidenced by the many products and successful companies that started at NC State – and as a member of more Manufacturing USA institutes than almost any other university in the nation, our long track record of leadership brings unique advantages to this initiative to advance the future of manufacturing.”

Posted: August 17, 2026

Source: North Carolina State University

Europe Is Committed To Recycling End-Of-Life Wind Turbine Blades

DUISBURG, Germany — August 17, 2026 — Starting in 2026, Europe’s wind energy industry has committed itself to ensuring that wind turbine blades do not end up in landfills once they reach the end of their service life.

The EU-funded research project REWIND is exploring ways to reuse this composite waste. The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) are one of 13 project partners from seven countries.

Yarns manufactured from recycled glass fibers. Photo: DITF

REWIND stands for Efficient Decommissioning, Repurposing and Recycling to increase the Circularity of End-of-Life Wind Energy Systems. The project partners are developing basic technologies and processes for the dismantling, recycling, and reuse of composite materials. The goal is to make wind turbine blades recyclable instead of sending them to landfills or incinerating them.

The consortium has validated a model that can predict the mechanical behavior of recovered materials with an accuracy of over 90%. This makes them suitable for demanding applications, such as in electric vehicles or as insulation material.

At the DITF, yarns and fabrics are developed from both glass and carbon fibers recycled by the project partners for use in new components or repair kits for wind turbines. In an initial step, the recycled fibers were examined, primarily to determine which processing methods they are suitable for.

The research team is pursuing two different approaches. In the first process route, the recycled glass fibers are processed into high-value textile reinforcements. To do this, the fibers are pre-opened, carded, spun into yarns, and then processed into fabrics that are reinforced in both one or two directions. A first milestone has been the development of a recycled glass fiber yarn (rGF/polyamide-6 yarn) with a fiber volume content of around 40%, which is suitable for thermoplastic composite applications, such as structural components in automotive engineering.

Furthermore, the researchers succeeded in producing a yarn consisting of as much as 98% recycled glass fibers (rGF). The yarn was then used to manufacture a woven fabric with parallel fiber orientation (UD fabric). This demonstrated for the first time that specifically oriented textile reinforcement structures made from recycled glass fibers can be produced, which are optimally adapted to mechanical loads.

The second process route investigates the processing of long-fiber delamination (LFD) tapes – which are planed directly from wind turbine blades – into UD fabrics. These LFD tapes represent a novel class of semi-finished textile products manufactured from fully cured recycled glass-fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP). Currently, research is conducted to determine the extent to which these intermediate products are suitable as high-performance reinforcement structures for fiber-reinforced composites.

Posted: August 17, 2026

Source: Deutsche Institute für Textil- und Faserforschung (DITF)

KROHNE Showcases Advanced Magmeter Diagnostics And Field Verification Tools For Enhanced Process Operations

DUISBURG, Germany — August 17, 2026 —  KROHNE, a global supplier of measurement solutions for the process industries, is highlighting its latest advancements in electromagnetic flowmeter (magmeter) diagnostics and field verification tools. Building on more than sixty years of magmeter technology, KROHNE’s innovative magmeter diagnostics are setting a new standard in flow measurement with features designed to help customers maximize process reliability, safety, and efficiency.

Electromagnetic flowmeters, or magmeters, have earned a reputation for accuracy and durability in the most challenging flow applications. The integration of advanced microprocessors and sophisticated software has transformed these instruments. Modern magmeters from KROHNE offer comprehensive on-board diagnostics and verification capabilities, enabling users to continuously monitor device and process conditions. This proactive approach ensures that flowmeters operate within specified performance parameters and provides early warning of potential risks such as sensor erosion or material build-up-issues that could otherwise go undetected and impact measurement accuracy.

KROHNE’s magmeter diagnostics provide users with a clear understanding of device health and process status through intuitive reporting and real-time monitoring. Unique diagnostic features include self-check routines for both electronics and sensor hardware, as well as continuous assessment of electrode circuit resistance and process conductivity. These capabilities allow operators to identify and address anomalies before they escalate, supporting predictive maintenance strategies and reducing the likelihood of unplanned downtime.

Field verification tools further enhance operational efficiency by allowing performance checks without the need to remove the instrument from service. This not only minimizes process disruption but also helps maintain compliance with quality and safety standards. By leveraging these advanced tools, process operators can make informed decisions, optimize maintenance schedules, and ensure consistent, high-quality measurement results.

KROHNE’s ongoing commitment to innovation ensures that customers benefit from the latest developments in process instrumentation. With enhanced diagnostics and field verification tools, KROHNE magmeters remain at the forefront of reliable and efficient process measurement, supporting customers in meeting the demands of today’s complex industrial environments.

Posted: August 17, 2026

Source: KROHNE Messtechnik GmbH

Global Sourcing Re-Imagined As Intertextile Apparel Champions Sustainability, Craftsmanship, And Digitalization

SHANGHAI — August 10, 2026 — As global apparel sourcing adapts to shifting regulatory landscapes, rapid digital transformation, and rising sustainability mandates, Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition 2026 is set to showcase the industry’s proactive response.

Taking place from August 25 – 27 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the fair will give a valuable platform to international exhibitors organised around four key pillars: Fashion Forward, Sustainability, Performance Textiles, and Textile Future.

Serving as a strategic nexus for the Asian and global supply chains, the Autumn Edition will bring together leading textile manufacturers, heritage mills, emerging design studios, and digital technology providers. Together, they will offer buyers a vast assortment of responsible production methods, material innovations, and technology-driven solutions.

International pavilions underline persistent industry strength

Reinforcing the fair’s role as a vital hub for global textile trade, the 2026 edition will host a diverse array of country and region pavilions, including Hong Kong, India, Italy (Milano Unica), Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Türkiye. Highlights include the return of the Malaysia Pavilion, organised by the Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation (Kraftangan Malaysia), which will blend artisanal craftsmanship with contemporary applications through handloomed fabrics and kasturi textile heritage products.

Organised by The Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL), the India Pavilion will spotlight the convergence of vertically integrated production with sustainable material development. Standout exhibitors include:

  • Deiveegam Dyers: a prominent South India-based manufacturer and exporter, set to showcase its expertise in premium dyed yarns, woven fabrics, and sewing threads.
  • Paramount Textile Mills: a specialised producer of premium apparel textiles crafted from GOTS-certified organic cotton, Belgian linen, Lenzing fibres, bamboo, silk, cashmere, and other luxury materials.

Meanwhile, the Italy (Milano Unica) Pavilion will return with a novel, blue aesthetic, representing the pinnacle of Italian textile manufacturing through industry leaders such as the Marzotto Group, which will present its collection of fine wool, cotton, linen, and silk fabrics, supplying the world’s top fashion houses with exceptional luxury fabrics.

European premium expertise and everyday essentials

Continental excellence will feature prominently across SalonEurope and the Premium Wool Zone, catering to the sustained demand for high-end tailoring fabrics and advanced wool innovations. Key participants underscoring this superior positioning include:

  • Alumo (Switzerland): exhibiting ultra-fine cotton shirting fabrics, including Supraluxe and Cashmerello, both renowned for their unmatched softness, drape and tailoring performance.
  • Gruppo Piacenza (Italy): showcasing brands including Piacenza 1733, Lanificio Fratelli Cerruti 1881, Lanificio Piemontese and Filati Naturali – synonymous with Italian textile heritage and eco-conscious luxury yarns.
  • Holland & Sherry (the UK): displaying highly premium cloth collections long associated with Savile Row tailoring and bespoke craftsmanship.
  • Trabaldo Togna (Italy): presenting 100% natural-fibre stretch fabrics engineered from fine wool, cashmere, and mohair without synthetic elastane. These elegant, crease-resistant textiles maintain superior breathability for global luxury tailoring.

Complementing these upmarket offerings, the Essential Suits & Shirts zone will be on hand to provide a comprehensive sourcing platform for accessible, everyday ready-to-wear fabrics from suppliers across Asia, reflecting growing market demand for these solutions.

Sustainable innovations and circular-driven solutions
Sustainability remains a non-negotiable focus across all product categories. Central to this pillar is the Econogy Hub, a dedicated platform for sustainable textiles and solutions. Serving as an interactive focal point for green sourcing, the zone will connect buyers with eco-aligned suppliers, certifiers, material innovators, and industry experts, driving critical dialogues on circularity, traceability, and sustainable supply chain management.

This eco-conscious drive continues in the Beyond Denim zone, where Kipaş Denim (Türkiye) will present cutting-edge circular economy solutions, waterless finishing processes, and low-impact indigo dyeing. Azgard Nine (Pakistan) will also demonstrate vertically integrated denim production, featuring eco-efficient yarn blends, low-resource washing technologies, and its own circular initiatives.

Digitalisation, AI solutions, and next-generation design

Addressing the Textile Future pillar, the fair will spotlight digital solutions and advanced accessory technologies designed to streamline manufacturing and elevate product functionality. Within Accessories Vision, innovators such as NOTAPE™ will introduce a revolutionary tape-free zipper system for lightweight garment construction, while FIDLOCK will present its magnetic-mechanical fastening systems, highly sought after in performance apparel.

Within the Innovation & Digital Solutions Zone, the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) and Coats Digital will showcase software and technologies that support digital product development, planning, and manufacturing optimisation, driving transparency and data-driven decision-making across the supply chain.
Complementing these technical advancements, Verve for Design will offer trend-focused surface designs certain to appeal to domestic manufacturers. UK-based Circleline Design Studio, co-exhibiting with Yellow Minnow, will present inspirational fabric patterns, embroidery designs, and knit swatch collections that explore new technical possibilities alongside traditional craftsmanship – a key combination in today’s market.

The fair is co-organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Textile Information Center. It will take place alongside Yarn Expo Autumn, CHIC and PH Value at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), with the venue playing host to the entire apparel textile value chain. For more details on this fair, please visit: www.intertextileapparel.com.

Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition will be held from August 25 – 27, 2026.

Posted: August 16, 2026

Source: Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd

Automotive Nonwoven Manufacturer MENANG Rapidly Resumes Production With New ANDRITZ Airlay Line After Major Fire

Mr. William Wong, Group Director of MENANG, at the restarted airlay production line
© Andritz

GRAZ, Austria — August 12, 2026 — MENANG, a Malaysian manufacturer of nonwoven automotive components, has resumed production after a major fire severely damaged its airlay line in mid-March 2026. A new airlay line supplied by ANDRITZ enabled production to restart within only four months.

Following the fire, MENANG immediately launched a recovery program and ordered a new airlay line from ANDRITZ at the end of March. Working closely with MENANG, ANDRITZ completed installation and commissioning of the line by mid-July through a compressed project schedule. By carrying out site reconstruction and equipment installation in parallel, MENANG accelerated the return to production and minimized the impact on its operations.

William Wong, Group Director of MENANG, states: “Following the fire, our focus was on rebuilding quickly and ensuring continuity for our customers and partners. The strong collaboration between the MENANG and ANDRITZ teams played a key role in making this possible. We sincerely appreciate the commitment and responsiveness shown throughout the project and are pleased to be back in operation with our new airlay line.”

The newly installed ANDRITZ airlay line provides MENANG with modern and reliable nonwoven web- forming technology, supporting the company’s future growth and operational objectives in the automotive industry.

Posted: August 16, 2026

Source: ANDRITZ GROUP

Novonesis Launches DeniBrite™ Platform To Help Future-Proof Denim Bleaching

COPENHAGEN, Denmark — August 12, 2026 — Novonesis today launched DeniBrite™, a consolidated biobleaching platform for denim, bringing together its established enzymatic bleaching solutions designed to help formulators and laundries create distinctive denim looks while balancing creativity, process performance and compliance.

Denim formulators and laundries face growing pressure to reduce reliance on traditional bleaching chemistries while continuing to deliver the bright contrasts, vintage fades and authentic finishes that brands and consumers expect.

According to the latest Environmental Impact Measurement (EIM) in the Denim Laundry Industry Progress & Insights 2025 report, chemical management remains one of the denim industry’s biggest opportunities for improvement, with 27% of finishing processes still classified as having high chemical impact. This highlights the continued need for lower-impact alternatives that support better chemical management, worker safety and reduced environmental performance. DeniBrite™ is designed to help customers address these challenges.

Helping formulators and laundries balance performance and sustainability

The platform combines DeniBrite™ Cold T for bright, contemporary looks through low-temperature bleaching and DeniBrite™ Vintage for authentic vintage finishes and grey-cast effects.
Together, the solutions give customers greater flexibility to meet different brand, fashion and consumer preferences while reducing reliance on traditional bleaching approaches.

“For decades, denim bleaching was about achieving the right look. Today, it is also about proving how that look was made,” said Hans Ole Klingenberg, Vice President, Planetary Health Biosolutions, Novonesis.

“Brands, formulators and laundries increasingly need confidence that their bleaching systems can meet evolving expectations around chemical compliance and sustainability. With DeniBrite™, we’re combining proven enzyme technology with verified sustainability documentation to help customers create authentic denim finishes while preparing for what’s next.”

Documented environmental performance

Developed by Novonesis, a bluesign System Partner, DeniBrite™ products are bluepass certified, meaning they are produced through processes that meet bluesign Criteria. The portfolio is also available in ZDHC Level 3-compliant formulations.

In addition, a screening-level Life Cycle Assessment of DeniBrite™ Cold T demonstrated approximately 40% lower global warming potential and 28% lower water consumption compared with conventional sodium hypochlorite bleaching under the assessed conditions, providing formulators with documented environmental performance to support customer and brand discussions.*

Available globally through Novonesis and its channel partners, DeniBrite™ is designed to help formulators and laundries create the denim looks brands want today while preparing for tomorrow’s expectations around compliance and sustainability.

*These results are specific to the modeled comparison and should not be interpreted as representative of all formulations, processes or production settings.

Posted: August 16, 2026

Source: Novonesis Group

INDA Announces Hygienix™ 2026 Conference Program

CARY, N.C. — August 11, 2026 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced that the conference program is now available for Hygienix™ 2026, the premier global event for the absorbent hygiene and personal care markets. Hygienix will take place Nov. 16–19 at the Hyatt Regency Houston in Houston, Texas. The full conference program is available at hygienix.org.

Hygienix 2026 will bring together industry leaders, technical experts, researchers, and innovators to explore the absorbent hygiene industry, including sustainability advancements, regulatory developments, evolving consumer needs, and next-generation product technologies.

Conference Program

The conference program will feature the future of absorbent hygiene products, materials, manufacturing, and consumer care. Key topics include:

  • Global energy, economic, and market trends influencing raw material costs, supply chains, product affordability, and business strategy
  • Emerging consumer expectations, adult incontinence solutions, product insecurity, and opportunities to improve comfort, dignity, and access
  • Advances in absorbent cores, superabsorbent materials, polymers, nonwovens, adhesives, fluid management, skin health, and next-generation product design
  • Sustainability, biodegradability, manufacturing efficiency, and end-of-life considerations driving material and product innovation
  • Evolving regulatory, legislative, reimbursement, and industry standards affecting absorbent hygiene manufacturers and suppliers

Event Highlights

Pre-Conference Workshops – Monday, Nov. 16

Hygienix will offer three interactive pre-conference workshops:

  • “Inside the Absorbent Core: A Hands-On Systems Approach to Fluid Control” – Jim Robinson, Principal, Absorbent Hygiene Insights, LLC
  • “Inside Sustainable Hygiene: A Hands-On Reality Check for Materials, Claims, End-of-Life, and U.S. Compliance” – Heidi Beatty, Chief Executive Officer, Crown Abbey, LLC
  • “Inside the Diaper Market: Hands-On Benchmarking, Performance, and Trends” – Natalia Richer, Director of Business Development, and Irene Richer, Director of Laboratory Operations, Diaper Testing International

Networking Opportunities

Attendees will have multiple opportunities to build relationships, exchange ideas, and connect with absorbent hygiene industry leaders and solution providers, including:

  • Lunch Around – An extended networking lunch designed to encourage meaningful conversations with industry leaders; seating is limited
  • Lightning Talks – Five-minute exhibitor presentations highlighting new technologies, products, and capabilities
  • Evening Receptions and Exhibits – Opportunities to meet leading suppliers serving the absorbent hygiene and personal care markets
  • Welcome Reception – A lively opening-night event bringing attendees together to kick off Hygienix

Lifetime Service Awards

Carl Cucuzza and Pricie Hanna, the 2025 and 2026 Lifetime Service Award recipients, respectively, will be recognized during a presentation on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 4:15 p.m.

The Lifetime Service Award recognizes individuals who have provided longstanding service to the absorbent hygiene and personal care industry and contributed to its growth and advancement.

Hygienix Innovation Award™

The Hygienix Innovation Award™ will recognize an innovative technology that is advancing the absorbent hygiene and personal care industry. Finalists will present their technologies on Tuesday, Nov. 17, and the winner will be announced during the closing session on Thursday, Nov. 19. Nominations for the 2026 Hygienix Innovation Award close Sept. 14.

The 2025 award recipient, Confitex Technology Ltd., was recognized for its Washable Nonwoven Sanitary Pad, designed to provide a sustainable and scalable solution without the use of superabsorbent polymers.

For additional information about the conference program, registration, sponsorship opportunities, and exhibit space, visit https://www.hygienix.org/.

Posted: August 16, 2026

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Premium Weaver Rohleder Is Boosting Efficiency And Redefining Creative Boundaries With KARL MAYER’s Warp Sampling Machine

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany  — August 13, 2026 — Rohleder is one of Europe’s most modern weaving mills. For over 80 years, the family-owned company has been developing and manufacturing premium fabrics for brands, retailers and private customers – 100% Made in Germany.

L to R: Peter Rödter, Technical Manager, Jan Eimuth Product Developer at KARL MAYER, Peter Raich, Technical Manager of Research + Development, Leni Rohleder, Head of Sustainability and Marketing, and Manuel Hirte, Warp Preparation Manager

This success is made possible by a consistent focus on design, quality, and functionality, as well as by continuous investment in state-of-the-art production facilities.

Rohleder also relies on innovative technologies in warp preparation and has been collaborating with KARL MAYER for many years. As recently as 2023, a MULTI-MATIC® was delivered to the company’s headquarters in Konradsreuth.

Since then, the high-performance warp sampling machine has proven its worth in practice through its high efficiency while also opening up entirely new possibilities in product development.

Rohleder: tradition meets high tech

Rohleder was founded in Konradsreuth in 1946 and has grown from a family-run textile business in Upper Franconia into one of Europe’s leading upholstery fabric weavers. Key milestones in the company’s history include its entry into the U.S. market in the late 1970s under Klaus Rohleder, the shift to functional synthetic fibers in the 1980s, and the building of a new production facility at its headquarters in the early 1990s.

Today, the family-owned company employs around 165 people and exports its high-quality upholstery and decorative fabrics worldwide. Nearly half of its production is sold internationally, particularly in Europe, the U.S., and Asia.

Rohleder owes its success above all to a combination of creativity, versatility, and premium quality.

Leni Rohleder

“We stand for service, quality, and design excellence. Together with our textile retailers and wholesalers, we develop exclusive collections that are available only to these partners. In addition, we supply renowned furniture manufacturers such as Rolf Benz, Steelcase, and Sedda with unique products,“ says Leni Rohleder, granddaughter of the company’s founder. As Head of Sustainability and Marketing, she shapes the company’s future alongside two other managing directors with foresight, innovative spirit, and entrepreneurial acumen.

About 9 designers provide the creative power needed for frequent, rapid product changes and a wide variety of items, even in small quantities. In addition, since 2018 they have been creating their own home collection that showcases the benefits of all Rohleder products. Particularly durable, easy-care, and high-quality upholstery fabrics are awarded the company’s Q2 quality label.

These creative concepts are brought to life through a highly flexible, vertically integrated production. From warp preparation through weaving to finishing, all manufacturing steps are handled in-house. In the weaving mill alone, around 70 machines are in operation, covering nearly the entire spectrum of weaving technology. Many of the machines have been specially adapted to the company’s requirements.

“We have one of the most diversified weaving mills in the world,” says Leni Rohleder.

This extraordinary versatility places high demands on warp preparation. Whether very coarse or particularly fine yarns: At Rohleder, premium warps are produced for a wide variety of fabrics and complex patterns in small and medium production runs.

Partnership with KARL MAYER: reliability on equal terms

At Rohleder, warping machines from KARL MAYER are at the heart of warp preparation. The partnership between the two companies has been in place since 1998 and is based on mutual trust, technical expertise, and shared values.

“We know that things run smoothly with KARL MAYER,“ says Peter Raich, Technical Manager of Research + Development at Rohleder.

He particularly appreciates the reliable supply of spare parts and the expert support provided by the service teams. Thanks to their geographical proximity and long-standing partnership, technical challenges are resolved quickly and easily.

MULTI-MATIC® system

Peter Rödter also confirms the value of the partnership. What matters most to him is that this reliable support remains guaranteed in the long term, even after the PROWARP® and MULTI-MATIC® systems installed in 2018 have been in operation for many years.

Warp Preparation Manager Manuel Hirte particularly emphasizes the high quality of the machines and KARL MAYER’s technical expertise. To identify further opportunities for optimizing production, he plans to visit the TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER at KARL MAYER’s headquarters in Obertshausen together with his technical team and Leni Rohleder.

The MULTI-MATIC®: the key to greater efficiency and design Freedom

With the installation of the MULTI-MATIC®, Rohleder is replacing three older warping machines.

To be able to produce not only sample warps but also production warps with lengths of up to 400 m, the company decided on a MULTI-MATIC® 128.

What made the modern warp sampling machine the right choice? The company’s wide range of designs. Short warp lengths, high thread counts and complex warping sequences with up to 400 ends per repeat had previously resulted in a high manual labor burden through creeling, time loss, and waste from bobbins that were not fully used. The MULTI-MATIC® has put an end to that.

“We save 50 to 60% in warping time per month with the MULTI-MATIC® compared to our previous solution,“ explains Peter Rödter following a comprehensive analysis of production data.

The analysis revealed that the higher the proportion of pattern warps in the mix with production warps and the more complex the patterns, the greater the efficiency gain – to the point of sheer feasibility, as impressively demonstrated by a trade show development from the Rohleder designers: An exceptionally color-intensive fabric with 2,900 threads and twelve colors in a complex distribution could only be produced thanks to the MULTI-MATIC® and became a highlight of the exhibition.

“Design versatility is a true USP of the MULTI-MATIC®. We can now realize warping sequences that were previously prohibitively expensive, thereby opening up new market segments for us,“ emphasizes Leni Rohled

In addition, sources of error are reduced, as time-consuming manual steps – such as frequent creeling and knotting – are largely eliminated.

Rohleder‘s design team is also excited about the new possibilities. Color variations and pattern complexities can now be designed with significantly greater freedom than before.

Technology for maximum performance

The MULTI-MATIC®’s high performance is based on a series of innovative technical solutions designed to deliver maximum flexibility, efficiency, and quality:

  • Flexibility in patterning: With up to 128 individually controlled yarn guides, short warps lwith a maximum working width of 3,600 mm, as well as short and medium-length production warps with large patterns without the need of dividing of packages by re-winding can be produced
  • Efficiency: A state-of-the-art drive control technology, fully automated controlled stop free leasing/sizing separation, automated color change with precise yarn laying at production speeds of up to 800 m/min and a minimum amount of yarn needed enable a fully automated, cost-effective, and highly efficient warping process.
  • Quality: High precision during the whole warping process and an interactive determination of the ideal setup of the creel ensure the production of premium-quality beams.

Curious about the possibilities of the MULTI-MATIC®? At the TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER at KARL MAYER’s headquarters in Obertshausen, the innovative warp sampling machine is available for demonstrations and processing trials, and Jan Eimuth looks forward to your questions.

Posted: August 16, 2026

Source: KARL MAYER Verwaltungsgesellschaft SE

New Release Of 4D Additive 3D Printing Software: New Workflow For Industrial Additive Manufacturing

MÖMBRIS, Germany  — August 14, 2026 — Franco-German software manufacturer CoreTechnologie (CT) has released version 1.8 of its 4D_Additive 3D printing software. With the new Build History, powerful automatic repair of triangulated data, and enhanced lattice functions, the preparation of parts for a wide range of additive manufacturing processes is now significantly faster and more convenient.

Build History for Maximum Control

The 4D_Additive software can be used to create complex lattice structures and specialised SLM supports
Photo: CoreTechnologie GmbH

A key highlight of the new 4D_Additive 1.8 release is the new Build History Tree. Following the concept of the design history tree used in modern CAD systems, all steps involved in build job preparation are clearly and transparently displayed in a structured list. Every processing step is documented and can be accessed directly or step by step at any time.

Users can review and modify all parameters of every processing step whenever required. This provides complete workflow transparency, enables changes to be implemented more quickly, and significantly reduces overall preparation time, particularly when modifications are required.

Flexible Processing of CAD Geometries and Triangulated Data

Users can import and process models either as exact CAD geometry or as triangulated data. For particularly fast data preparation, exact CAD geometry can be selectively converted into triangulated models and subsequently optimized using the new automatic repair functionality. This enables 4D_Additive to combine the precision of native CAD data with the high processing speed of triangulated model repair.

Automatic Repair of Problematic 3D Models

The automatic correction of triangulated models has been significantly enhanced. The new “Advanced Automatic Mode” of the healing tool automates a sequence of repair operations that previously had to be performed manually. With just one click, models containing severe errors or poor-quality source data can be largely corrected automatically and optimized for subsequent build job preparation. This reduces the need for manual intervention and significantly accelerates the processing of external or problematic 3D data.

New Stiffener Function and Lattice Structures

The latest version also introduces new stiffener structures. These reinforcement structures stabilize thin-walled and large-surface parts during the manufacturing process and help prevent unwanted deformation.

Also, Lattice designs can be specifically adapted to the part geometry and functional requirements. This provides additional opportunities for reducing material consumption and developing functionally optimized lightweight components.

With 4D_Additive1.8, CoreTechnologie has taken another important step forward in the development of its additive manufacturing solution. The combination of a fully traceable Build History, flexible processing of exact and triangulated geometries, and new lattice functions is designed to further simplify and streamline the use of the software in industrial additive manufacturing.

Further information on the 4D_Additive software is available at:

https://coretechnologie.com/products/4d-additive/.

Posted: August 16, 2026

Source: CT CoreTechnologie GmbH

Auto Interior Fabrics: Avery Dennison Introduces Sustainable Tapes Portfolio

PAINESVILLE, Ohio  — August 12, 2026 — Avery Dennison Performance Tapes North America today introduced its Sustainable ADvantage portfolio. This comprehensive range of pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) tape solutions is designed to help manufacturers improve the environmental impact of tapes used in manufactured parts and end-use products.

Developed as part of the Avery Dennison commitment to building toward regeneration and advancing the circular economy, the Sustainable ADvantage tapes portfolio enables manufacturers to make more sustainable material choices without compromising on bonding performance, durability or production efficiency.

The portfolio, designed to evolve with future additions, features products that enable one or more of the following:

  • Reduced material usage through efficient product design
  • Responsibly sourced materials, including Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified paper liners
  • Improved recyclability, reuse or compostability where applicable
  • Increased use of recycled and renewable content
  • Additional methods that improve environmental performance across the product lifecycle

“Our Sustainable ADvantage portfolio reflects the Avery Dennison commitment to helping manufacturers achieve their sustainability goals while continuing to deliver the performance they expect from our industrial tape solutions,” said Deanne Lewis, product manager, Avery Dennison Performance Tapes North America. “By combining innovative adhesive technologies with responsible material choices, we’re enabling manufacturers to make meaningful progress toward reducing environmental impact throughout their supply chains.”

Current portfolio and its focus 

The first edition of the Sustainable ADvantage tapes portfolio features transfer tapes and double-coated constructions that provide methods improving environmental performance across the product lifecycle. The products are built on three cost-effective, solvent-free acrylic adhesive technologies:

  • Emulsion acrylic
  • Pure emulsion acrylic
  • UV acrylic adhesives

Each technology is engineered to meet specific manufacturing and application requirements while offering lower volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions than comparable products using alternative adhesive technologies.

Advancing toward a circular economy

The Sustainable ADvantage portfolio represents a key milestone in the broader Avery Dennison sustainability strategy. By developing products with sustainability considerations built into material selection, construction, and end-of-life potential, the company continues to advance its goal of making 100% of its products recyclable by 2030

As manufacturers increasingly seek solutions that support operational performance and environmental responsibility, the Avery Dennison Sustainable ADvantage portfolio demonstrates how innovative adhesive technologies can contribute to a more circular, transparent and sustainable supply chain.

For more information about the Sustainable ADvantage portfolio and Avery Dennison Performance Tapes, visit www.tapes.averydennison.com.

Posted: August 16, 2026

Source: Avery Dennison Performance Tapes / Avery Dennison Corporation

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