#ITMA 2023

2023-05-11

Mastering the future with sustainability

Sustainability – a central theme of the KARL MAYER GROUP at ITMA, 08 - 14.06.2023, Fiera Milano, Hall 4 B119 © 2023 KARL MAYER

The KARL MAYER GROUP is a family business with a long tradition and a strong sense of social responsibility. In its corporate strategy, it commits to act in line with social and ecological goals and to orienting itself towards the "Environmental Social Governance (ESG)" standards. With a focus on a future worth living in, the KARL MAYER GROUP ensures sustainable processes with its products and services.

Sustainability will be the overarching theme shaping the KARL MAYER GROUP’s presentation at the world’s most important textile machinery exhibition. A compact sustainability gallery will feature elements including an example of the circular economy of material from the warp knitting sector, a 3D-knitted garment with extremely low-waste production, and a technical warp knitted grid fabric that offers two environmental benefits in one: not only is it made from natural fibres, but it is also used as a carrier material for CO2-effective vertical urban greening. Another feature of the sustainable innovations collection revolves around production technology: For the denim industry, a solution for indigo dyeing that has an extremely low carbon footprint will be shown.

In addition to the focused performance show, ITMA visitors will see the theme of sustainability reflected at almost every turn around the rest of the KARL MAYER GROUP’s stand. Under the motto “Master the Change – profitable, flexible, sustainable”, solutions and innovations are provided to answer our customers’ key questions, including: “How can I deal with the increasing pressure to be more sustainable?”

One potential way forward for warp knitting is shown by a new fall plate raschel machine, which – thanks to specific modifications – is suitable for processing staple fibres. The resulting warp knitted textiles are not only chic but also sustainable, meeting the growing demand for clothing with a low ecological impact.

A high-performance tricot machine operates using an energy-efficient direct drive. The energy consumption can be checked through newly developed monitoring. In addition, the machine uses pattern data from the cloud rather than pattern discs, thereby reducing its material and transport intensity. A warp knitting machine with weft insertion demonstrates how an optimised weft carrier can save waste in the weft yarn, and STOLL’s ADF model requires less energy thanks to a range of targeted design changes.

Digital solutions also contribute effectively to increased sustainability and economic efficiency at the same time. As an example, the latest innovative design software for flat knitted textiles – k.innovation CREATE DESIGN – can interact with any 3D software. Thanks to this connection, realistic 3D renders can be created, thereby enormously reducing the need for physical patterns and by extension, lowering material consumption.

In addition to the exhibits, the ambience in which they are presented will also reflect an air of sustainability. The focused stand concept relies on minimal material consumption for the wall and floor structures through the use of many modular and reusable components, without compromising on hospitality and clarity. Transport routes will be minimised by working together with an Italian stand builder, while attention is also being paid to reducing catering-related waste, such as by using reusable crockery and avoiding packaging where possible.

More patterns, less effort: the MULTI-MATIC® at Rohleder

Rohleder is one of Europe’s most modern weaving mills. For over 80 years, the family-owned company has been developing and manufacturing premium fabrics for brands, retailers and private customers – 100% Made in Germany. This success is made possible by a consistent focus on design, quality, and functionality, as well as by continuous investment in state-of-the-art production facilities. Rohleder also relies on innovative technologies in warp preparation and has been collaborating with KARL MAYER for many years. As recently as 2023, a MULTI-MATIC® was delivered to the company’s headquarters in Konradsreuth.

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.

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.

Expansive innovations converge in Shanghai as Yarn Expo Autumn 2026 opens doors next week

With just days to go, industry enthusiasm is building for the opening of Yarn Expo Autumn, Asia’s premier yarn and fibre trade fair, running from 25 – 27 August at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). Across 27,000 sqm in Hall 8.2, buyers will find nearly 600 exhibitors from 14 countries and regions, spread across seven specialised zones that range from cutting-edge man-made and regenerated fibres to time-honoured cashmere and silk. Beyond the extensive sourcing options, a fringe programme of trend showcases, presentations and product launches rounds out the three¬day event with design, innovation and market intelligence.

DOMOTEX Southeast Asia 2026 - Building the Gateway to ASEAN's fast-growing flooring market

From 11–13 November 2026, the inaugural DOMOTEX Southeast Asia will take place at BITEC (Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre) in Bangkok, Thailand. Jointly organized by GLOBUS Events Limited and Hannover Milano Fairs Shanghai Ltd., with Worldex G.E.C. Co., Ltd. as the local partner, the exhibition marks the expansion of the internationally recognized DOMOTEX brand into Southeast Asia. As the newest addition to the global DOMOTEX portfolio, the exhibition has been developed specifically to serve the rapidly evolving ASEAN market, creating a dedicated business event for the flooring and interior finishing industry.

Execs help steer Cascale’s consumer goods agenda in Athens

The 2026 Cascale Annual Meeting, taking place September 15–17 in Athens, Greece, will convene leaders from across the global consumer goods value chain to tackle one of the industry’s defining questions: how to accelerate meaningful, system-wide transformation. Guiding those conversations as this year’s co-chairs are Sean Cady, vice president, global sustainability, responsibility, trade, and government affairs at VF Corporation, and Dr. Delman Lee, vice chair at TAL Apparel Limited.