#ITMA 2015

2015-10-15

ITMA newcomer RSG revolutionizes textile process automation

RSG Automation Technics GmbH & Co. KG, located within the high-tech metropolitan region of Stuttgart, presents for the first time at the ITMA in Milano unique specialized machinery, which redefine the term "automation" in textile industry.

With many years of know-how, gained over 30 years of company tradition, RSG offers its customers today innovative textile machinery with which process costs are significantly reduced and thus product quality and production volume significantly increased. For this purpose RSG offers tailor-made solutions and provides customer support from basic concept preparation to assembly and start-up of the machine entirely assembled in Germany. Additionally, software is developed and optimized at RSG according to customer requests and ideas. World-wide service and lasting customer support top off the deal. RSG does not deliver standard facilities, but rather adaptations of all machines to customer processes and products, which can be both fully and semi-automated. Concepts extend from solutions for narrow fabrics of any kind, such as belts and straps, to technical textiles, such as filter, felts, and fleeces, as well as confectioning optimization in the domain of home textiles.

RSG also offers patented monitoring techniques for different sewing processes, which entirely secures sewing. All upstream and downstream processes (sewing, welding, ultrasound, laser applications, printing, winding, packaging, etc.) that are available on the market can be integrated into the overall process. With RSG, textile enterprises can safeguard their production location even in intensive labor cost countries in the long run, and can still position themselves successfully in the market. You can find RSG at the ITMA in Hall 7 – Stand B118.

“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.

Brazil sets new cotton export record and consolidates global leadership

Brazil ended the 2025/26 commercial year with a new record, consolidating its position as the world’s largest cotton exporter. Between August 2025 and July 2026, the country shipped 3,373,941 tonnes of the fiber, 19% more than in the previous cycle, and reached record revenue of US$5.3 billion. The result represents a milestone in Brazil’s expansion in the international market and reinforces the country’s role as a strategic supplier to the global textile industry.

The LYCRA Company expands its co-creation vision through an immersive Lifestyle District at Intertextile Shanghai.

The LYCRA Company, a global leader in fiber and technology solutions for the apparel industry, is reimagining the trade show experience at Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics Autumn Edition, which opened today in China. Building on the success of last year's ALL IN concept, the company has expanded its co-creation vision into a 356-square-meter Lifestyle District featuring partners Jingzili New Material, JYT Textile, Lianxingfa Knitting, and Trend Textile. The district is part of a larger 895-square-meter pavilion showcasing a total of 19 co-exhibitors. Together, they demonstrate how innovations in fiber, fabric, and garments can be combined to create compelling solutions for both work and play.

Plastic-free stretch technologies drive new direction for denim innovation

As the denim industry looks for ways to reduce its reliance on synthetic fibres, plastic-free stretch technologies are gaining momentum. Developments based on mechanical fabric construction and natural rubber are demonstrating that comfort and stretch can be achieved without conventional elastane, supporting both recyclability and circular product design.