#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”.

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI redefine textile processing

Making investment decisions in textile processing has become significantly more demanding. Increasing energy costs, a shortage of skilled labour and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties are compelling companies to focus on technologies that deliver clear gains in efficiency and process reliability. This applies equally to apparel manufacturing and to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. As a result, modernisation initiatives are assessed more carefully – even as the need to upgrade production systems continues to intensify.

Techtextil 2026: Between innovation pressure & market reality

From 21 to 24 April 2026, Techtextil in Frankfurt am Main will once again become the central meeting point for the international technical textiles and nonwovens industry. Running in parallel, Texprocess will focus on the industrial implementation of textile processing technologies as the leading platform in this field. Together, the two trade fairs form a closely integrated presentation and working platform along the entire textile value chain – from material development to finished applications.

Between geopolitical pressure and industrial resilience

In this interview, Dr. Janpeter Horn (VDMA) discusses the current challenges facing textile machinery manufacturers, shaped by geopolitical tensions, regulatory developments and subdued investment. He also outlines why innovation strength, integrated solutions and strategic positioning remain key to global competitiveness.

Eastman Naia™ debuts at Kingpins Amsterdam, transforming Denim from the inside out

At Kingpins Amsterdam (April 15–16, 2026), Naia™ by Eastman Chemical Company makes its debut, presenting its approach to circularity and comfort in denim at Stand 1, Ground Level (Blue Area). The brand also highlights its growing global ecosystem, connecting mill partners, designers and brands working to expand denim possibilities through fiber innovation.

ISKO introduces a new chapter of denim innovation at Kingpins Amsterdam with FW 27/28

At Kingpins Amsterdam, ISKO presents its latest FW27/28 collection, a forward-looking exploration of denim that merges advanced color technologies, innovative fabric engineering, and contemporary finishing techniques. Designed to meet the evolving demands of the industry, the collection reflects ISKO’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of authenticity, performance, and responsible innovation, while also embracing a strong lifestyle perspective.

TENCEL™ Lyocell - HV100 achieves global denim availability in six months; Vol. 2 debuts at Kingpins Amsterdam

When TENCEL™ Lyocell - HV100 debuted at last year’s Kingpins Amsterdam in October, 17 mill partners across five countries presented fabrics featuring the new fiber. Just six months on, participation has more than doubled, evolving into a global network that spans nine countries and four continents, signaling both strong industry momentum and growing demand.

Speed and connectivity: Techtextil and Texprocess provided market-ready solutions for industries under pressure

With more than 36,000 visitors and 1,700 exhibitors from a total of 112 countries, Techtextil and Texprocess 2026 demonstrated how innovation comes into industrial use. The convergence of research, industry and application proved to be a breeding ground for new material solutions, manufacturing and processing technologies. Natural fibres, performance apparel, connected systems and AI-driven processing technologies emerged as key growth and future markets.

Italian Textile Machinery heads to Geneva for Index 2026

An important delegation of Italian companies will exhibit at the upcoming INDEX 2026, the world’s leading event for the nonwovens sector, taking place from May 19 to 22 in Geneva (Switzerland). Numerous Italian exhibitors will be present within the Italy Pavilion, organized by the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) and ACIMIT, an exhibition area of over 140 square meters dedicated to the latest innovations proposed by the Italian industry.