#Knitting & Hosiery

2023-07-27

The KARL MAYER GROUP receives a business delegation from Jinjiang

China is an important market for the KARL MAYER GROUP. The global player has maintained close business relations with this high-consumption country in East Asia for a long time. Only on July 24, a delegation from Jinjiang, the brand capital of China, visited the group's headquarters in Obertshausen.

Representatives of the regional authorities and successful companies in the textile and apparel industry were received. This industry, rich in tradition, makes the largest contribution to the city's budget. The companies represented in the tour group alone generate around 50% of Jinjiang's gross domestic product. Among the guests from the business world were warp knitting, knitting and weaving companies, but also leather goods and shoe manufacturers as well as brands from the sports sector such as 361° or Anta and from the clothing sector, for example LILANZ or Septwolves for menswear.

There was a correspondingly high level of interest in the program of visits: immediately after the reception, there was a small but excellent insight into the world of applications for the products of KARL MAYER GROUP machines. The innovative solutions for sports shoes were a particular highlight. In addition, the hosts, headed by CEO Arno Gärtner, exchanged ideas with the visitors about cooperation opportunities. The KARL MAYER GROUP has always been committed to being close to its customers. If the market demands it, the company is looking forward to being able to build on Jinjiang's locational advantages, says Arno Gärtner.

This is not an unrealistic scenario. In the Chinese textile industry, warp knitting is a comparatively young technology, having been established about 30 years ago, but it has great potential, explained Wenxin Ke, Chairman of Huayu Weaving Co., Ltd. Especially in terms of sustainability, warp knitting offers advantages over weaving in many applications, as became clear during the discussion. Furthermore, technological pioneering solutions have made China great. Their promotion has always been on the agenda of the Chinese government. A look at the KARL MAYER GROUP's development center showed the delegation what best-in-class technology can look like.

The informative and cordial get-together ended with a return invitation to Jinjiang and many new impressions and impulses on both sides.

EU ban on destroying unsold clothing and footwear now in force

The European Union's ban on the destruction of unsold clothing, clothing accessories and footwear has entered into force. Since July 19, 2026, large companies across the EU have been prohibited from destroying unsold textile products, while medium-sized companies will be required to comply with the same rules from 2030.

Eastman Naia™ brings its inside-out denim vision to Kingpins New York

Following its debut at Kingpins Amsterdam, Eastman Naia™ brings the next chapter of its denim story to Kingpins New York, taking place July 22–23. At Booth Green 7, Naia™ presents its denim proposition built around three complementary design directions: Performance Denim, Fashion Denim and Authentic Denim.

More Jacquard. More functionality. More fashion.

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.

KARL MAYER's HKS 2-SE Expands Possibilities for Premium Stretch WARP KNITS

Warp knitted fabrics with a woven look are more in demand than ever in the fashion and apparel industries. Stretch WARP KNITS, in particular, impress with their freedom of movement, breathability, and virtually wrinkle-free wear – thereby opening up new style worlds such as smart casual or business casual. When it comes to the highly efficient production of premium-quality stretch WARP KNITS, the HKS 2-SE has long been the machine of choice. KARL MAYER’s best-selling tricot machine produces standard elastic fabrics characterized by high gauges, smooth, delicate surfaces, and a soft hand feel.

Circ launches first denim collection with H&M featuring TENCEL™ | Circ® with REFIBRA™ technology

Circ today announced that the first men's denim collection featuring TENCEL™ | Circ® with REFIBRA™ technology is now available at H&M, marking the commercial delivery of this unique pilot project first announced in October 2025. Featuring two styles available across the UK, Scandinavia, Central Europe, Eastern Europe, South Europe, Turkey, North America, Mexico, Canada, and the Middle East, the launch brings TENCEL™ | Circ® with REFIBRA™ technology into H&M's standard men's denim assortment for the first time.