#Knitting & Hosiery

2019-11-28

KARL MAYER successfully presents Smart Shirt at IDTechEx Show!

Drawing a crowd – Sophia Krinner and the functional warp-knitted textile innovation Smart Shirt at IDTechEx Show! 2019 (c) 2019 Karl Mayer

IDTechEx Show! is a red-letter day for anyone with an interest in new technology. The latest edition of the conference and exhibition even was held on 20 and 21 November 2019 in Santa Clara, USA, and attracted around 3,500 visitors from 60 different countries. Over 270 exhibitors and star speakers from industrial and research backgrounds competed for the guests’ attention on the programme, which included around 270 speeches. The presentations covered all the latest content and issues: energy storage, printed electronics, sensors, the Internet of Things, electro-mobility and wearables.

Pushing the envelope with TEXTILE-CIRCUIT

As an expert partner for the manufacturing of e-textiles, KARL MAYER exhibited at IDTechEx Show! 2019 and gave a presentation on its field of expertise. This was the innovative textile machine manufacturer’s second time at the event, and its staff were very pleased with their positive showing. “The upgrades we’ve made to our 2018 solution allowed us to establish ourselves as a trend-setter when it comes to the direct integration of wires into textiles. This technology just keeps unlocking more and more potential, and there’s a lot of interest in it for practical applications,” said Michael Kieren, Product Manager for New Textile Technologies. Mr Kieren went on to explain that this is a particular important moment to ensure that the company has a presence in the sector, as the textiles industry is providing stiff competition with procedures such as printed electronics.

Integrated conductivity

At IDTechEx Show! 2018, KARL MAYER presented a textile remote control under the name TEXTILE-CIRCUIT. At this year’s event, the renowned manufacturer of textile machines turned up with a smart shirt for measuring vital bodily functions in its suitcase – and much more besides. The sensor monitoring technology for the item of clothing is incorporated directly into the made-to-measure textile during production. The warp knitting machine’s string bar technology allow the manufacturer to adapt the expansion, shape and position of the sensitive areas to suit the requirements of the application at hand. As such, the TEXTILE-CIRCUIT technology offers unrivalled efficiency.

Michael Kieren, Product Developer for Textile Technology Sophia Krinner, and Tony Hooimeijer, President of KARL MAYER North America, enjoyed a thrilling discussion on the innovation, and were delighted to answer questions on the projects that can be jointly developed in the MAKER SPACE at KARL MAYER’s headquarters. Those who came to talk about TEXTILE-CIRCUIT included both big textile companies and customers from the knitwear sector, many of whom were looking to add another string to their bow by setting up an e-textiles segment. “We’ve thrown our hat in the ring and will keep working hard to evolve our TEXTILE-CIRCUIT developments even further,” Sophia Krinner explained. We can’t wait to see what KARL MAYER comes up with for IDTechEx Show! 2020 – or even before!

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles unveils Trends 2027 alongside new lifestyle zone and product expansion

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Autumn Edition 2026 will spotlight forward-looking design directions and evolving consumer demand, as the global home and lifestyle market continues to adapt to sustainability priorities, emotional well-being, and diversified living spaces. Taking place from 18 – 20 August 2026 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the fair will present its latest trend theme, ‘BREATHE UP!’, developed in collaboration with leading international trend forecaster NellyRodi™ Agency, alongside expanded product categories, and the debut of the Home Textiles Lifestyle Zone.

Itema to showcase weaving excellence at ITM 2026

From June 9 to 13, Itema will exhibit at ITM 2026 in Istanbul (Hall 8 – Stand 806D), unveiling a distinctive exhibition concept designed to highlight the Company’s expertise across the entire weaving value chain. For this year’s edition, Itema will introduce an innovative stand experience built around two core areas: advanced weaving and spare parts solutions and an immersive textile gallery featuring fabrics produced by Itema Customers worldwide.

ITM 2026: KARL MAYER presents new perspectives

KARL MAYER will once again showcase itself as a strong partner to the Turkish textile industry at ITM in Istanbul from June 9 to 13. At Booth 303 A in Hall 3 of the Tüyap Fair Convention and Congress Center, the industry leader will exhibit solutions for warp knitting, warp preparation, and technical textiles – tailored to a challenging economic environment.

Techtextil 2026: KARL MAYER impresses as an innovative sector partner

KARL MAYER looks back with satisfaction on its participation in Techtextil 2026. From April 21 to 24, the international industry leader used the trade show in Frankfurt to meet with numerous key customers at its booth and, at the same time, establish many new contacts. Most visitors came from Germany, followed by major markets such as Poland, the United Kingdom, Turkey, France, and Portugal.

“We Believe in the Value of Textiles”: Successful Opening of the KARL MAYER TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER

KARL MAYER inaugurated its new, state-of-the-art TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER (TIC) with a four-day opening week from April 21 to 24. The highlight of the week was the grand opening on Thursday, which drew a strong turnout from the international textile industry: around 220 customers, brands, and partners from across the textile value chain came to the company’s headquarters in Obertshausen for a first-hand look at the new high-tech development environment and lively exchange with industry peers.

Closing completed – Mayer & Cie. Global starts business operations

The future of the Mayer & Cie. brand has been secured: Following the successful completion of the purchase agreement for assets in the circular knitting machinery segment of the German traditional company Mayer & Cie., which was signed in February this year, the brand will continue to exist. The transfer of these assets to the new owner, Xu Hongjie, was formally completed yesterday afternoon. This clears the way for the resumption of business operations at the Albstadt site.

Last chance to apply: ITMA 2027 Start-Up Valley closes tomorrow

Applications for the Start-Up Valley at ITMA 2027 close tomorrow, offering young technology companies the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of several successful participants from the 2023 edition. The initiative, organised under the CEMATEX Start-Up Grant programme, has already helped a number of textile start-ups accelerate their transition from early-stage concepts to industrial partnerships, funding rounds and commercial deployment.

Jeanologia brings “Billy” to China, the AI transforming denim design

The denim industry is turning its attention to Hangzhou this week, where a new edition of Kingpins, the leading international trade show for the sector, takes place on May 21 and 22. There, the Spanish company Jeanologia, a global leader in sustainable technologies for the textile industry, is introducing its latest innovation to the Chinese market: “Billy”, the first artificial intelligence specifically developed for denim finishing design.

Sustainable embroidery materials and digital finishing attract attention at GUNOLD booth

More exhibition space, more visitors, and a high level of international participation: GUNOLD’s concept for this year’s Texprocess 2026, which took place in Frankfurt am Main from April 21 to 24, 2026, was a complete success. “Our decision to showcase our entire product range alongside application examples and expert tips was very well received,” says Marketing Director Stephan Gunold, delighted with the positive outcome of the trade show. The focus was particularly on the Stockstadt-based company’s sustainable products as well as its laser, engraving, and sublimation services.