#Techtextil 2022

2022-06-09

Circular knitting machine manufacturer Mayer & Cie. presents itself at trade fair in Frankfurt

The industry events that the Albstadt-based circular knitting machine manufacturer attends throughout the year are usually further away than 200 kilometres. Techtextil, which starts on 21 June in Frankfurt/Main, is the only “home game” for Mayer & Cie. At its booth C63 in hall 11.1, the textile machine professional relies on fabric samples and advice instead of machines despite its geographical proximity.

Jürgen Müller, head of product development knitted fabrics at Mayer & Cie., explains: “Our machine portfolio is very broad; we offer the right circular knitting machine to produce the entire range of modern textiles. Experience has shown that small, fine solutions are at stake, especially in the technical field. Thus, listening and consulting is the central building block at Techtextil.”

Focus on home textiles

Nevertheless, Mayer & Cie. has several focal points: One is in the field of home textiles, especially in the production of high-quality mattress cover fabrics. Until the end of the nineties, they were exclusively woven. When Mayer & Cie. developed the first electronic machine with a diameter of 38 inches and a fineness of E 20 in 1997, the conquest of the mattress market with circular knitted upholstery fabrics began. In just twenty years, the proportion of circular knitted fabrics in this segment has risen from zero to over fifty percent, and Mayer & Cie. has become the leading manufacturer here. The most productive machine in this segment is the OVJA 2.4 EM from Mayer & Cie.: it produces up to 30 kilograms of fabric per hour. Other machines that are suitable for producing elastic, pattern-diverse knitted fabrics are, for example, the OVJA 1.6 E, the OVJA 1.6 EM as well as the OVJA 1.6 EE.

Focus on sportswear

Fashionable, breathable sportswear is in vogue. To set yourself apart from the competition, structures and patterns are a popular means. “Mesh and body mapping are particularly in demand,” says pattern specialist Jürgen Müller. The machine of choice is the MJ 3.2 E. Other possibilities are the MV4-3.2 II and S4-3.2. Both process different synthetic fibres into knitted fabrics in fine gauges. Double Jersey machines for the sports sector are the D4 2.2 II as well as the D4 3.2 II.

Focus on shoe uppers

Circular knitted material as an upper material for leisure and sports shoes is becoming more popular. In particular, it is the high productivity that makes this type of production interesting for shoe production. Mayer & Cie. already has several machines in its extensive portfolio that are suitable for knitting shoe uppers. Established machines from the Mayer & Cie. portfolio that are suitable for this are the OVJA 1.6 ET 3 WT and the OVJA 1.6 E. The latter also knits spacer, which finds a place of use in both shoe upper and sportswear. A relative new addition to the portfolio is the OVJA 1.6 EE – 3WT/2WT.

Mattress cover fabrics are an important field of application of circular knitted fabrics (c) 2022 Mayer&Cie.

Shoe uppers can be produced on circular knitting machines (c) Mayer & Cie.

Focus on consulting and individual solution

Because of this variety of possibilities, Mayer & Cie.’s Jürgen Müller relies on fabric samples instead of machine exhibits – and on the extensive experience in the field of circular knitting.

Mayer & Cie. to shut down after failed search for investor – 270 jobs affected

Mayer & Cie., the long-established German manufacturer of circular knitting and braiding machines, will cease operations after its international search for an investor ended without success. The company, based in Albstadt-Tailfingen, had been undergoing insolvency proceedings in self-administration since its filing on 23 September 2025. As Schwarzwälder Bote reports, the insolvency court has now formally opened the proceedings, triggering the decision to wind down the business in an orderly process.

Mayer & Cie. at ITMA Asia

Mayer & Cie. will participate in ITMA Asia from October 28 to 31, 2025, which takes place in Singapore. Visitors will find the manufacturer of circular knitting machines and braiding machines in Hall 5, Stand D 301. At its booth, the company will be showing a new circular knitting for jacquard fabrics - the OVJA 2.4 EC II - and will provide an overview of its digital and smart solutions. Another focus is on the machines of Mayer & Cie's "Performance Line": circular knitting machines, which are the most efficient solution in their respective classes.

Mayer & Cie. expands its braiding portfolio again

At the end of July 2025, the Albstadt-based braiding machine manufacturer Mayer & Cie. delivered its first MR-15 braiding machine with 48 carriers. An MR-11 system, also equipped with 48 coil carriers, left the plant before Christmas 2024 and has since reached the customer. The business unit has been part of the headquarters in Albstadt since 2019. Ongoing development has enabled Mayer & Cie. braiding to solidify its market position while evolving from a “little brother” into a key pillar of the company.

“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.