#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

2017-08-07

Non-slip function, comfort compression and exciting structures

New knitted fabrics from eschler®, a schoeller® brand make an impact in function and unique design. Developed in Switzerland by the leading textile company in woven and knitted fabrics, and produced on high-tech machinery under strict ecological conditions, the collection features practical grip function, the new X4zol™-J fibres from Lubrizol, interesting structures and super-light elastic 2 ½ layer laminates.

GET A GRIP

For cyclists, the new e1 knitted textiles stay exactly where they want them. As cuffs on sleeves and legs, they provide a comfortable non-slip function thanks to silicon print on the interior. Available in a lighter and a heavier weight, the 3D-effect textiles have a pleasant next-to-skin feel and can be individually printed without impacting the grip effect. As outstanding Cool Fabrics, they provide very cooling comfort while the coldblack® finishing technology offers them reliable protection from UV rays and heat on warmer days.

COMFORTABLE COMPRESSION

Representing the next generation of textiles, the new X4zol™-J fibres from Lubrizol ensure an outstanding fit. The e1-Schoeller knitted fabrics for running, cycling and performance lifestyle categories offer balanced, 360° comfort stretch and a very high level of breathability, as well as sustainable benefits. Lubrizol X4zol™-J, a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) fibre, is a new elastomer monofilament, produced differently than spandex, creating unique qualities that offer unusual clothing comfort, compression and shape retention.

FUNCTION AND LIGHTNESS

Perfection in function is the mission statement of this e3 Cool Fabric in a highly-technical look. Finished with the water and dirt repelling NanoSphere® technology and coldblack®, this fine-meshed E40 gauge quality not only feels pleasantly cool, but also features antistatic carbon properties. The knitted fabric is suitable for printing and ideal for bodysuits, shirts or inserts. Outstanding wind and weather protection is offered via the super-light, elastic 2 ½ layer laminates from the e3+-product line. Ideal for packable cycling or outdoor rain jackets, the fabrics are water vapour permeable and suitable for taping. The polyester knitted fabrics are available in neon yellow or white (for printing) with a light membrane, or in black with a dark membrane. Permanent ceramic dots keep the fabric comfortably away from the skin and protect the membrane which, consequently, does not need to be lined.

OPTICS AND STRUCTURES

The group of printable, wind-tunnel tested e1 qualities has been expanded with the addition of a variety of new looks. Whether golf ball structure or various channel designs – they are all finished with coldblack® and allow for better aerodynamics. New designs such as chessboard or plaited carbon looks, as well as a 3D-effect which shimmers through from the reverse, augment the light shirt qualities and can be ideally combined with matching pants weights. Antibacterial active>silver and coldblack® finishes provide even more function. active>silver also refines the printable elastic meshes in various yarn counts which keep the wearer pleasantly cool and ensure outstanding moisture management.

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

Mario Jorge Machado re-elected President of EURATEX

The EURATEX General Assembly has re-elected Mario Jorge Machado as President of EURATEX, renewing its confidence in his leadership at a crucial moment for the European textile and clothing industry. The sector is facing rising costs, global competitive pressure and an increasingly challenging transition towards sustainability and digitalisation.

Next week’s focus: Intertextile Shenzhen & Yarn Expo Shenzhen fuse textile tradition with sustainable, digital trends

Fashion will not be left behind in one of the world’s undisputed tech and manufacturing capitals. Which is why next week, at Intertextile Shenzhen Apparel Fabrics and Yarn Expo Shenzhen 2026, the organisers have made special efforts to integrate textile topics such as materials innovation, holistic sustainability, digitalisation and AI. Yet, from 9 – 11 June at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center, the platform also includes timeless tradition and heritage-inspired evolution in equal measure. Across both shows, over 600 exhibitors from 11 countries and regions are set to showcase everything from Peruvian alpaca wool fabrics to tea-derived fibres, while their fringe programmes will explore diverse solutions along the entire value chain.

GenuTrace client advisory: Is your cotton supply chain UFLPA ready?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has released updated operational guidance (CBP Publication No. 5560-0526) expanding its forced labor enforcement framework. The guidance supersedes the original 2022 UFLPA Operational Guidance and now covers all forced labor enforcement authorities — UFLPA, CAATSA, and WROs/Findings — in a single unified document. For cotton importers, the enforcement posture has not softened. It has become more structured, more documented, and more demanding. Learn more about UFLPA.

STOLL: Agreement signed for the divestiture of selected assets

In early 2025, KARL MAYER announced its strategic decision to focus on its core business areas of WARP KNITTING, WARP PREPARATION, and TECHNICAL TEXTILES. As part of this move, the flat knitting machine business under the STOLL brand was discontinued and the production site in Reutlingen was closed in October 2025.

TERNAfil wins first place at PitchMiUp Night 2026 in Minden

The RWTH spin-off TERNAfil has developed MAXCarbon, a new high-performance hybrid fibre that combines the mechanical performance of carbon with the temperature and corrosion resistance of ceramic materials. For this development, TERNAfil was awarded first prize at the PitchMiUp Night in Minden on 21 May 2026.