In 2026, Y.R.C. Textile invested in nine Mahlo Orthopac RXVMC-20 straightening systems, a clear vote of confidence in technology engineered for textiles with high distortion dynamics and the tightest quality demands.
The impact of the rising cost of energy on the textile industry has been well documented, with some European countries paying up to seven times more to run their manufacturing operations than in other regions of the world.
With rising energy costs, increasing environmental requirements, and growing competitive pressure, textile manufacturers worldwide are facing the challenge of making their production processes both more sustainable and more cost-effective. As one of the world's leading specialists in textile finishing machinery, Brückner will present innovative solutions and advanced production technologies at ITMA ASIA 2026 in Shanghai. These technologies can play a key role in significantly reducing both energy consumption and emissions.
Marks & Spencer (M&S) and Global Fashion Group (GFG) have announced a strategic partnership to expand the British retailer's fashion business across Asia Pacific. M&S has launched on Southeast Asian fashion platform ZALORA and plans to enter THE ICONIC in Australia and New Zealand in early 2027. The agreement also introduces regional fulfilment for Australian M&S.com orders, enabling faster deliveries and returns while supporting a capital-light international growth strategy.
A new consumer survey commissioned by Woolmark and conducted by Ipsos across five major markets reveals a strong preference for natural fibres over synthetic alternatives. On average, 82% of respondents in the United States, France, Germany, Italy and China said they would choose natural fibres when price, style and fit are equal. The findings coincide with the launch of Woolmark's new global brand platform, “Return to Real”, which highlights the natural performance properties of Merino wool and the growing importance of verified fibre quality.
KARL MAYER is expanding its composite machinery portfolio with the new MULTIPLY BX, a biaxial warp knitting machine specifically developed for the production of reinforcement textiles used in wind turbine rotor blades. Designed for high output and efficient material utilisation, the machine achieves production speeds of up to 500 m/h and offers a productivity increase of 20 to 25% compared with the established MAX GLASS ECO. The MULTIPLY BX will make its debut at the KARL MAYER (China) Product Show in Changzhou during ITMA ASIA 2026.
Åsa Strandberg, founder and CEO of Swedish textile recycling company ReSpin AB, has been named Innovation Champion of the Year 2026. The award recognises her development of RespinJenny, a patented technology designed to recycle textile waste into new, high-quality fibres without using water, chemicals or additional virgin raw materials. The distinction was presented by the Olle Oscarsson Foundation and Axera Inkubator at Guldgalan in Sweden.
