#INDIA ITME 2022

2023-01-19

Trade show success in growth market

INDIA ITME Booth - The KARL MAYER GROUP draws a positive conclusion after INDIA ITME 2022 © 2023 KARL MAYER

The KARL MAYER GROUP looks back on a successful participation in the INDIA ITME in December 2022. The global player went to the leading trade fair in one of its most important market regions with great expectations, and was not disappointed. Almost 1,100 discussions with existing customers and new interested parties were logged.

"We have met many of our customers so far. The first day was still quiet but on the second and third day of the fair many, many more customers came to our stand. We are actually very satisfied with the fair," said Kevin Socha, Managing Director of KARL MAYER (H.K.) Ltd. towards the end of the event. The verdict on the quality of the conversations was also positive. The many exchanges mainly concerned specific questions about machines, textiles and applications.

India is an important market for the KARL MAYER GROUP. The company's exhibition took this importance into account.

Visitors with focused interests

Most visitors were interested in a textile and fashion show where everything revolved around the topics of comfort, sustainability and new market potential. There was inspiration not only for knitters but also for weavers. Highlights included terry items that can be produced in a more environmentally friendly way than their woven counterparts using warp knitting technology, smart garments made from comfortable 4 -way stretch with a woven-fabric-like look that can also be produced in a more sustainable, cost-effective and efficient way, and innovative athletic outfits, including leggings made from power jersey with the excellent stretch characteristics provided by a twill stitch, shorts made from a lightweight and breathable mesh knit and plain jersey goods. Many of the warp knitted fabrics are created on high-performance digital generation tricot machines. The models work with cloud-based digital solutions from KM.ON to offer customers greater efficiency in management and designs, among other things.

The ISOWARP exhibited on the KARL MAYER stand was also closely surrounded. The sectional warping machine is manufactured with the high quality of the KARL MAYER GROUP at the company's own production site in Ahmedabad. Customers benefit from the advantages of on-site production and excellent value for money. The ISOWARP manufactures quality beams that enable maximum efficiency in the weaving mill and can be easily operated by personnel with only basic knowledge. At the same time this means low total cost for the investor.

The BMS 52 ki multi gauge E 3,5.2 on show was a magnet for visitors from the flat knitting sector. This attractively priced, high-performance model is predestined for entry into the STOLL world and primarily produces fully fashion and cut & sew articles for the mass market. However, many inquiries were also received about the second STOLL machine at the trade show: the CMS 503 ki multi gauge E 7.2. This representative of the proven CMS series expands STOLL's highly productive Economic range, takes into account the price sensitivity of Indian customers and impresses with its flexibility.

ISOWARP overall operator view © 2023 KARL MAYER

The KARL MAYER Group's Care Solutions offerings were also the subject of numerous discussions. In particular, the regional expansion of the tried-and-tested KARL MAYER WEBSHOP for the Warp Preparation Business Unit was very well received. Customers in India can now order spare parts for their warp preparation machines at the click of a mouse.

KARL MAYER opens a new TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTRE – a new era of textile innovation begins

KARL MAYER is opening its new TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTRE (TIC), sending a strong signal that it is driving textile innovation forward and opening up new perspectives for the textile industry. The TIC brings together the latest developments in Warp Knitting, Technical Textiles and Warp Preparation – KARL MAYER’s core areas of expertise.

Proven performance, optimised costs – the new RE 6 EL

Nowadays textile companies increasingly need to produce small production runs and respond to market changes with instantaneous pattern changes in order to operate profitably – meaning they require machines that offer maximum flexibility, reliability and cost efficiency. KARL MAYER understands the challenges of the market and is launching its new RE 6 EL. The Raschel machine offers the core strengths of the classic RSE 6 EL and essentially the same performance parameters, but has been further cost-optimised largely due to local production advantages. This makes the newcomer an efficiency champion in production, especially when it comes to frequent pattern changes.

“Action helps us change what we do!”

DAY 0 takes place deliberately before PERFORMANCE DAYS begins. It is conceived as a space for reflection, dialogue and active engagement — a moment to pause before the fair, rethink established systems and address sustainability not as a trend, but as a fundamental transformation challenge. Under the guiding metaphor “Turn the Tap Off”, DAY 0 focuses on root causes rather than symptoms, systemic change rather than isolated solutions, and collective responsibility rather than individual silos.

Pets in fashion: functional and sustainable textiles find new market at Intertextile Apparel

China’s pet economy is booming, especially amongst younger generations, and pet apparel – from designer outfits to functional garments – was a RMB 3.5 billion (over USD 500 million) market in 2024, growing more than 20% annually¹. To help exhibitors harness this trend, Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition 2026 will launch the Pet Boutique, presenting a range of innovative, sustainable materials that prioritise both functionality and comfort for pets.

VAUDE eliminates PFAS from all products

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are now detectable worldwide – in drinking water, soil and the human body. These so-called “forever chemicals” are considered hazardous to health and potentially carcinogenic, as they do not break down and remain in the environment permanently. Despite these risks, PFAS are still used in a wide range of products. More than 15 years ago, VAUDE made a strategic decision to gradually eliminate PFAS from all product categories.

Lenzing AG to become majority owner of TreeToTextile AB and accelerates industrialization of new fibers

The Lenzing Group is taking another strategic milestone by acquiring a controlling majority in the Swedish innovation company TreeToTextile AB. This step strengthens Lenzing’s position as a leading provider of sustainable, wood‑based specialty fibers and expands its innovation pipeline with a highly scalable, patent‑protected technology platform. The transaction is executed through the issuance of new shares.