#ITM 2016

2016-04-14

Graf shows innovations in clothings, combs & service machines at ITM

The company Graf, located in Rapperswil near Zurich, is the leading manufacturer of clothings for flat cards and roller cards. Graf will introduce several innovative solutions at ITM in Istanbul.

Flexible flat clothings are one of the key components in a carding machine. To ensure an evenly high quality of the cardingsliver, they have to be replaced regularly. For this process the card needs to be stopped. To keep these down-times as short as possible, Graf now offers a new flat top system, which can reduce the stoppage time by up to 70 %. The so-called EasyTop is applied on flat bars designed for magnetic attachment. The flat tops, equipped with a metal carrier, are attached securely and precisely by means of a magnetic connection.

They resist even highest carding forces and guarantee for a high reliability in operation. The EasyTop system can be used for aluminium flat bars with magnetic attachment technology from all manufacturers. EasyTop are available for working widths of 40“, 51” and 60” in a selection of the well-known and proven types of flat clothings.

Pic: Graf X-Comb

Graf will also present new products for the combing process. The X-Comb segments can be used on comb-bodies requiring individual segments from other manufacturers and thus now make the leading Graf technology also accessible for these conventional combs. The combing segments made from metallic clothings that undergo a special surface treatment, which substantially reduces the running-in period.

The new circular comb series FlexComb, with height adjustable geometry, a detachable spoiler and a 130° combing surface has been developed for high-performance combers of the latest generation. A short running-in period thanks to the special surface treatment as well as efficient trash removal with optimal fibre selection guarantees cost effectiveness.

Pic: Graf DABM

In addition Graf will present the DABM flat striping machine for the first time in Istanbul. The DABM allows gentle and correct removal of worn flexible flat clothings from the flat bars. Quick clamping with pneumatic clamping device and the maintenance-free three-phase AC motor without toothed belt are merely two advantages of this service machine. Applicable for flat bars with working widths from 40” – 60”, the DABM allows a Straight-forward and efficient mechanical removal of the worn flat strips from the flat bars.

Pic: The new Graf circular comb series FlexComb

Nico Pedretti appointed as Managing Director Graf Group

As of June 1, 2026, Nico Pedretti has assumed the role of Managing Director Graf Group. With more than 20 years of international industrial experience and extensive expertise in Operations, Supply Chain Management, Finance and Controlling, he brings a broad range of leadership and business experience to support Graf’s continued success.

Heimtextil expands Bed, Bath & Living with new ‘Comfort & Connect’ area

Heimtextil is expanding its product range for Bed, Bath & Living in a targeted manner: ‘Comfort & Connect‘ is creating a new meeting place in the foyer of Hall 5.1 for high-quality bed, bath and lifestyle collections. Following on from ‘Sleep & Meet‘, this is now the second area where Heimtextil is further refining its offering for exhibitors and buyers. The new area brings together established brands, high-profile returning exhibitors and international buyers in a central location with easy access.

Business situation weakens slightly, but the industry stays cautiously optimistic

The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) has published the results of its 39th Global Textile Industry Survey (GTIS), conducted from 14 to 22 July 2026 among companies along the entire global textile value chain. Worldwide, 10% of participants rated their business situation as good, 53% as satisfactory and 37% as bad — a balance of -26pp, down from -17pp in May but still well above the 2023 lows. All regions are now in negative territory, from South Asia at -3pp to North & Central America at -58pp.

Ministry of Industry Delegation visits NatureWorks’ second global manufacturing site at Nakhon Sawan Biocomplex

NatureWorks Asia Pacific Limited welcomed a high-level delegation led by Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry, to its manufacturing site at the Nakhon Sawan Biocomplex (NBC). The visit follows the successful inauguration of the site on April 29, 2026, and highlights the role of public-private collaboration in advancing Thailand’s sustainable industrial development and bioeconomy ambitions.

Indorama Ventures advances circularity tthrough PETValue Philippines' “Zero Waste to Landfill Partnership” with Republic Cement

Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited, a global sustainable chemical company, is advancing the circular economy through a new Zero Waste to Landfill initiative at its recycling site PETValue Philippines, further demonstrating how collaboration across industries can maximize resource efficiency and reduce waste.