#Techtextil 2022

2022-05-16

Sustainability is the new functionality

Processing of flax fibres on a multiaxial warp-knitting machine © 2022 KARL MAYER

The KARL MAYER Group will be presenting solutions for a better future at Techtextil.

The KARL MAYER Group ( Hall 12.0, C93) will be presenting itself at Techtextil from June 21 to 24 2022 in Frankfurt am Main as an innovative partner in the production of high-performance textiles. The global player can be found in Hall 12.0 on Stand C93. Innovative patterns and application examples of warp knitting and flat knitting will be shown.

More sustainability through solutions from the warp knitting industry

The KARL MAYER Group manufactures biaxial and multiaxial warp-knitting machines, as well as warp-knitting machines with and without weft insertion, on which functional articles for a wide range of applications are produced.

With its exhibition, the manufacturer joins the key theme of Techtextil: sustainability. For the composites industry, it presents solutions for the production of fiber-reinforced plastics made from natural fibers. The renewable resources are processed on weft and multiaxial warp knitting machines into reinforcement structures that open up completely new perspectives in terms of their environmental performance.

The textile innovation 4D-KNIT offers new possibilities for a better life cycle assessment of fashion articles and outdoorwear. The fabric for midlayer and softshell performance solutions scores with a sophisticated textile construction that leads to significantly lower fiber release during washing than when using double-sided raised fleece fabrics. Besides, a positive effect for the environment is a reduction in microplastic pollution.

Another focal point on the KARL MAYER stand is the topic of "Smart Textiles and Wearables". With the possibilities of jacquard and multibar patterning of warp knitting machines, electrically conductive yarns can be integrated directly and tailor-made into knitted fabrics in order to implement functional elements such as sensors, conductors and coils in an uncomplicated way. The textile properties remain unaffected. The potential arising from the seamless combination of electronics and textiles is being researched in the company's own TEXTILE-CIRCUIT unit. The latest results of this work will be on show at the KARL MAYER stand at Techetxtil.

As an innovative pioneer, the Group is also working on forward-looking solutions in the field of additive manufacturing. The work under the heading RAPID TEXTILE focuses in particular on the combination of 3D printing with textile technology. In principle, the combination of the versatile printing process with traditional fabric formation technology offers new possibilities for production on demand. If only what the consumer needs is manufactured, this is also a contribution to greater sustainability. Techtextil will show how the 3D printing process can be integrated into series production.

Shoe fabric solution from STOLL, using technologies such as inverse plating, STOLL-ikat plating® and STOLL-weave-in® Technology, it can incorporate a wide range of knitwear looks and all the components of the upper directly into the fabric, thus speeding up the making up process. (shoe created in a project with DESMA) © 2022 KARL MAYER

For the first time, the KARL MAYER Group also has flat knitting innovations from STOLL in its trade fair baggage. The presentation will include solutions for waste-free production, the implementation of multifunctionality in a single process step, 3D shaping without additional work steps, and efficient knitting-on-demand production.

Minimize the ecological footprint with flat knits

For the first time, the KARL MAYER Group will also have flat knitting innovations from STOLL in its trade fair baggage. This business unit of the KARL MAYER Group will also be exhibiting samples on the themes of sustainability and recyclability. Both are basic requirements which the flat knitting technology meets excellently from the outset, for example with solutions for waste-free production, the implementation of multifunctionality in a single process step, 3D shaping without additional work steps, and efficient knitting-on-demand production.

For this purpose, STOLL will be showing current and innovative application topics from the currently important areas of bandage technology as well as shoe uppers and cover fabrics, which correspond 100% to the required expectations of sustainability.

Warp-knitted footwear fabric with 3D-printed reinforcement structure © 2022 KARL MAYER

In addition, special industrial and transport topics will be the focus of the exhibition. A wide range of synergies are expected from the first trade fair appearance under the umbrella of the KARL MAYER Group. For example, the STOLL team would also like to get to know the customers of other KARL MAYER business units and open up the wide product world of the entire group to its customers.

warp-knitted sensors with optimised skin contact © 2022 KARL MAYER

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.