#Knitting & Hosiery

2017-06-13

Smart production for industry transformation

Delegation at YiwuTex 2017: Support from Associations and Industry Enterprises

Unveiled 13th of June at Yiwu International Expo Centre, Zhejiang Province, PR China, the 18th China Yiwu International Exhibition on Textile Machinery (YiwuTex 2017) covers an exhibition area of over 13,200 sqm and attracted more than 160 textile machinery exhibitors to showcase their latest machinery and technology on knitting, hosiery, sewing, garment and digital printing.

The 3-day show (until 15 Jun) received enthusiastic responses from industry buyers and attracted about 20 associations and over 50 corporate delegations to visit.

New Technologies Lead Way to High-End Smart Production

With special focus on intelligent production, smart management and high-end technology, YiwuTex 2017 features 3 theme zones: "Functional Knitting Machinery Zone", "Smart Apparel Machinery Zone" and "Digital Printing Machinery Zone". Advanced technologies and equipment are showcased with the aim to help industry players with their transition from traditional production to high-end smart production.

Participating famous knitting and hosiery machinery exhibitors include: Lonati (Italy), Santoni (Italy), Chemtex (Hong Kong), Best Yield (Hong Kong), BTSR (Italy), Groz-Beckert (Germany), Busi Giovanni (Italy), Merz (Germany), Kern Liebers, L.G.L. (Italy), Memmingger-Iro, Jilong and Wuyang, etc.

Star exhibitors of automatic sewing and garment machinery include: Topcut Bullmer (Germany), JACK, Brother, Yamato (Japan), KANSAI (Japan), MEGASEW (Taiwan), Kingtex (Taiwan), Auri-tech, Euratex, OSHIMA, SHING RAY, Baoyu, Shing Ling, PEGASUS, SIRUBR, HORSE, MAQI, CHINKI and BRUCE, etc.

Concurrent Events Explore Trends and Opportunities

The latest development trends of the knitting industry are covered in a series of on-site symposiums, in which solutions are shared to bring industry players more insights. Seminar topics include: “The Commonly-used Compression Stockings in China and the Newest Pressure Testing Standard”, "High-end Customized Single Needle Socks Machine Made in Italy", "DRYARN®, the Unique Fibre for Every Sport" and "Running of the Smart Production Line" (which will be held on 14 Jun). The well praised Knitwear Display Zone will also continue to showcase the latest knitting techniques, fabric technologies and printing patterns, offering buyers a rewarding experience to understand the applications of the above-mentioned items.

Enthusiastic Responses from Industry Buyers

As always, YiwuTex 2017 has gained wide support from professional buyers in the textile industry. About 20 industry associations have confirmed to attend, including Zhejiang Seamless Weaving Industry Association, China Textile Commerce Association Undergarment Committee, Dongyang Knitting Industry Association, Dongyang Garment Industry Association, and Haining Socks Association, etc. Over 50 leading knitting, hosiery and garment enterprises have also formed groups to visit YiwuTex 2017, visiting companies include: Zhejiang Mengna Socks & Hosiery Corp., Zhejiang Bonas Hoses Industry Co., Ltd, Naining Nai'er Sock Industry Co., Ltd., Heng Yuan Xiang Socks Co., Ltd, and Zhejiang Manzi Knitting Co., Ltd., etc.

There are two days to go before the event ends, buyers could grasp the last chance to register on-site for show visit and sourcing opportunities. Find more information on official website www.YiwuTex.com

The new RJ 4/2 EL revolutionizes body mapping and expands creative possibilities – from smart lingerie to sporty athleisure designs

With the addition of another member to its successful RASCHELTRONIC® family, KARL MAYER is opening up new possibilities for creative product development for warp knitting mills and brands. The RJ 4/2 EL offers with two stitch-forming Jacquard bars entirely new design options for functional sportswear and bi-elastic lingerie. Available in gauges E 28 and E 32, this new model helps manufacturers set their collections apart from the competition. The fine E-32 gauges, in particular, impress with their clean surface, a pleasantly soft feel, and an exceptionally elegant look.

SHIMA SEIKI brings new flat knitting technologies to FEBRATEX 2026

Leading flat knitting solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Brazilian representative BRASTEMA TECNOLOGIA TEXTIL LTDA., will exhibit at the Brazilian Textile Industry Fair (FEBRATEX 2026) this month. On display will be a roundup of SHIMA SEIKI computerized flat knitting technology, represented by WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machines, computerized flat knitting machines featuring a brand-new model with high productivity and excellent cost performance, a glove knitting machine and the latest digital solutions.

The new RDJ 7/3 defines the design footprint of modern athletic shoes

Stylish, functional, and efficient to produce – spacer fabrics are the all-arounders among textile materials. These versatile fabrics are particularly in demand in the sports and casual footwear sector, as they combine comfort, breathability, and design freedom. At the same time, this industry is trend-driven, dynamic, and price-sensitive like few others. Innovations are therefore a decisive factor for success. With the RDJ 7/3, KARL MAYER offers a solution specifically tailored to these requirements. The particular strength of the new double raschel machine: its exceptional flexibility, thanks to its three jacquard bars.

Naia™ from Eastman strengthens western hemisphere textile connections at Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala

As brands and retailers explore more diversified and responsive sourcing networks, the Naia™ brand from Eastman is strengthening its engagement with the textile and apparel value chain across the western hemisphere. From August 18–20, the company will participate for the first time in Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala, a regional meeting point for apparel sourcing, manufacturing and nearshoring.

Dornbirn GFC 2026 expands conference program with new thematic sessions

For 65 years, Dornbirn GFC has stood for innovation and is one of the world’s leading conferences in the fiber industry. From September 16 to 18, 2026, the international fiber community will meet in Dornbirn, Austria, to discuss current trends, technological developments, and forward-looking solutions. More than 600 experts from industry and academia from over 30 countries are expected to attend. With around 100 presentations by renowned speakers, a 2,5-day conference program, and three parallel presentation rooms with moderated sessions, Dornbirn GFC provides a first-class platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and international collaboration. Together, participants will generate ideas and impulses that will sustainably shape the future of the global fiber industry.

Europe is committed to recycling end-of-life wind turbine blades

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.

PERFORMANCE DAYS announces new focus topic & forums for October 2026

With its upcoming October 13–14, 2026 edition, PERFORMANCE DAYS is placing the spotlight on one of the textile industry’s most important transformations: “Bio-Based Materials – From Fiber to Fabric”, a two-part Focus Topic exploring the future of bio-based innovation across the textile value chain. Part 1, presented in October 2026, will focus on fibers and next-generation material developments, while Part 2 at the March 2027 edition will shift the perspective toward dyeing, finishing, additives, and processing technologies.