#Denim

2019-10-24

Responsible, collaborative innovation in fashion and quality

RUDOLF HUB 1922 - Fashion Division of the RUDOLF GROUP - presents itself to its 3rd KINGPINS SHOW in Amsterdam with the awareness of being a consolidated, global reality. Collaborations, consolidated partnerships, technical developments and exciting projects with international brands and retailers have elevated RUDOLF HUB 1992 to the status of partner of choice when it comes to the R&D and marketing of innovative and sustainable solutions for garment finishing and beyond.

"R&D initiatives gravitating around the flavor of the season are definitely decreasing” says Wolfgang Anton Schumann, Managing Director of the RUDOLF GROUP. What’s increasing instead, are strategic partnerships based on the logic of true responsible science, whose purpose is creating win-wins in the arena of ethical fashion and in the name of a renewed love for product quality”.

Three are the strategic pillars that drive HUB 1922's approach to international markets:

Functional Chemistry For Product Quality - Throw-away fashion in heavily questioned. Shoppers reclaim more refined, long-lasting products. Rudolf injects functionality that enhances and extends the lifecycle of the garments we love and that supports the making of better and durable products.

Responsible Fashion Is Driven By Science - At Rudolf, new conscious developments come from a different thinking. Visionary, sophisticated, responsible innovation unlocks new possibilities and helps preserving valuable resources.

Collaborative Fashion For Business Disruption - The need or innovation, speed and flexibility calls for partnership that brings dream to market. At Rudolf, partnership is seen a shared journey rather than colorless collaboration.

RUDOLF HUB 1922 – BREAKTHROUGH INNOVATION – LASER PRIMER on denim fabrics

Local abrasion on denim provides character and personality. Over the years, many techniques have been used to create that abrasion (brushing, sandblasting, chemical spray, scraping, laser burning etc). Some of this techniques have been either banned (sandblasting), or are highly questioned (PP spray). In this manufacturing environment, laser burning has taken a very central role and it’s being increasingly adopted world-wide.

HUB1922 uses Amsterdam Kingpin’s stage to unveil the advancement that propels the denim industry to a 2.0 level: laser-ready denim fabrics. Through the application of RUDOLF LASER PRIMER, technology on continuous processing (fabric finishing), manufacturers can now make the most of laser machines’ magic. That is either through the creation of significantly enhanced aesthetics on indigo and sulphur dyes, or the achievement of important energy savings. The industrial process that returns laser- ready fabrics has been studied and perfected in terms of laser advancing effect, minimization of fiber damage and pH value of the fabric.

The sophisticated industrial recipe is designed for minimal applications and continuous foam deposition is the recommended technology. Four are the well-balanced and highly conscious components:

1. RUCO®-SPECIAL LPR – main actor for laser-enhanced effect

2. RUCO®-SPECIAL LPC – laser primer catalyst

3. RUCO®-SPECIAL DPR – denim protector in laser priming

4. RUCO®-COAT FO 4010 – foam creator

"This breakthrough innovation is a first and required 8 months of very intensive and multi-disciplinary work, with key customers in 2 continents” concludes Alberto De Conti, Head of RUDOLF FASHION DIVISION. “It was mainly about applying science through a beginner eye and encouraging teams to learn from each other”.

“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.

Jeanologia brings “Billy” to China, the AI transforming denim design

The denim industry is turning its attention to Hangzhou this week, where a new edition of Kingpins, the leading international trade show for the sector, takes place on May 21 and 22. There, the Spanish company Jeanologia, a global leader in sustainable technologies for the textile industry, is introducing its latest innovation to the Chinese market: “Billy”, the first artificial intelligence specifically developed for denim finishing design.

ISKO unveils a new circular vision of color, texture and tactile innovation at Denim Première Vision Milan

At Denim Première Vision Milan (booth G3), ISKO introduces its FW27-28 Collection, built around three defining elements: color, texture and touch. This season, ISKO presents a vision where emotion and advanced textile innovation converge, rooted in a steadfast commitment to responsible material development by utilizing patented technologies and high-quality raw materials, powered by RE&UP.

Uster FiberQ excels for recycled raw materials too

Uster FiberQ is a complete solution for raw material utilization, supporting spinners to achieve consistent quality and profitability every day, building further growth for the future. The Turkish company ORTA relies on FiberQ with recycled yarn for its denim production. Data-driven knowledge puts the producer in control of raw material utilization – ready to make the correct decisions for process efficiency, quality and productivity.

2026 general meeting of the Friends and Supporters of RWTH Aachen at ITA

The Friends and Supporters of RWTH Aachen e. V. (proRWTH) looked back on a successful year of support at their 2026 general meeting. The meeting took place at Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen and was combined with a joint session of the Executive Board and the Administrative Board. Before the general meeting began, participants were given a guided tour of ITA, providing them with fascinating insights into current research and development topics in textile engineering.

Cotton ConneXions Insight to Impact brings supply chain leaders together around cotton innovation

Cotton Incorporated’s Cotton ConneXions Insight to Impact brought together more than 300 industry leaders from 140 companies across 10 countries, including more than 45 top global brands and sourcing organizations, underscoring strong global interest in cotton-rich product development, sourcing and supply chain collaboration.

Footwear innovation enabled by warp knitting technology– insights from New Balance

The future of the athletic shoe is increasingly being shaped on warp knitting machines. For KARL MAYER, the footwear industry is one of the most important growth markets – and one of the sectors where innovative textiles can realize their full potential. In his keynote address at the opening of KARL MAYER’s TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER in Obertshausen in April, Vishnu Prakash Muthusamy, Senior Textile and Materials Engineer at New Balance, explained the opportunities that warp knitting technology opens up for performance, sustainability, and faster development processes, and why textile manufacturers are transitioning from suppliers to development partners.