#Knitting & Hosiery

2024-10-24

Benefit from the growing trend for sun protection

KARL MAYER has developed sun protection textiles that strike a chord with the times like no other comparable product. The innovative articles are produced on an HKS 2-S in the new fineness E 44, guaranteeing an excellent Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) and offering unique wearing comfort. In addition, with a daily output of 200 kg of fabric the productivity of the HKS 2-S is just perfect. With this performance, the E 44 tricot machine is set to new trends, particularly in the outdoor fashion sector, and was a highlight at the KARL MAYER stand at the recently concluded ITMA ASIA + CITME 2024 in Shanghai.

The comfortable sun protection fabrics from an HKS 2-S, new in E 44, giving new drive to outdoor fashion © 2024 KARL MAYER

“Our E44 tricot machine and its products for the Outdoor sector underlined by its excellent UVA protection, to has peaked great interests among trade fair visitors,” says Xu Ying, Regional Product Owner Tricot machines at KARL MAYER (CHINA), during the trade fair.

This is not without reason. Temperatures are continuing to rise worldwide. In the summer of 2024, the Copernicus Climate Change Service registered the hottest June, August and day since records began. /1/

Effective sun protection during outdoor activities is therefore becoming increasingly important, especially for mountain sports. When hiking, climbing, or cycling, UV radiation increases by 2 to 3 % with every meter of altitude. At an altitude of 2,000 meters, there is already around 40 % more electromagnetic radiation. /2/

Sun protection products are therefore booming. In China, it is estimated that the market for UV protection products will grow from USD 10.3 billion in 2023 to USD 95.8 billion in 2026. Sun protection clothing in particular is extremely popular. On the e-commerce platform Taobao, sales of items from this segment for women amounted to a quarter of the total annual turnover for 2023 in May 2024. /3/ So it's no wonder that the HKS 2-S in E 44 with its extraordinary products was a top topic of the KARL MAYER presentation at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2024!

The smooth fabrics make outdoor fashion of a completely new quality possible. For outdoor activities in particular, the fine warp-knitted fabrics offer two decisive advantages compared to their circular knit counterparts with an almost identical fabric weight: their breathability is around 30% higher, making them significantly more comfortable to wear in terms of clothing physiology, and they absorb the sun's UV rays better. Due to the dense structure, the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) is more than twice as high. The lightweight textiles also show how a note of luxury, familiar from high-end clothing, can bring a touch of pep to the outdoor area. The soft fabrics are smooth, cool and silky against the skin, do not crease when worn and are highly resistant to pilling. And they ensure a carefree stay outdoors!

And they ensure a carefree stay outdoors!

Demonstration of sun protection fabrics at KARL MAYER booth at ITMA Asia + CITME 2024 © 2024 KARL MAYER

KARL MAYER is looking forward to lively discussions about the development of new product ranges with its customers, but also with international sportswear brands. “We, Global Business Development at KARL MAYER, can push communication and collaboration with the brands. We offer a comprehensive range of expertise and equipment to support the successful development and implementation of innovations within Textiles," says Rachael Higgins, Vice President Global Business Development at KARL MAYER.

/1/https://www.zdf.de/nachrichten/panorama/klimawandel-sommer-wetter-hitze-hoechstwert-copernikus-100.html

/2/https://www.wetter.de/cms/uv-index-wo-und-wann-ist-die-sonnenbrandgefahr-besonders-hoch-5091724.html

/3/https://www.shine.cn/biz/economy/2408152993/

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.

Huixing acquires insolvent Mayer & Cie.

Insolvency proceedings for the circular knitting and braiding machine manufacturer Mayer & Cie. were opened on December 1, 2025. Immediately following the opening of proceedings, the complete cessation of business operations was initiated. Most employees were subsequently given notice effective the end of February 2026. The production of the remaining orders in the circular knitting segment is expected to be completed by the end of the month. As early as December 2025, Mayer & Cie.’s braiding machine division was sold to an Italian investor.

SHIMA SEIKI to exhibit at GMMSA Expo India

Leading Japanese computerized flat knitting technologist SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Indian sales representative Universal MEP Projects & Engineering Services, Ltd., will participate in the upcoming Garments Machinery Manufacturers & Suppliers Association (GMMSA) Expo India 2026 exhibition to be held in Ludhiana, India next month. Through its lineup at GMMSA, SHIMA SEIKI aims to further strengthen its presence within the Indian market with an exhibit that caters to diverse needs, consisting of seam-free WHOLEGARMENT® knitting technology as well as a brand-new shaping machine with high productivity and excellent cost performance.

Terrot introduces T-Frame platform to redefine stability and flexibility in large-diameter circular knitting

Terrot Textilmaschinen GmbH has unveiled the new T-Frame, a universal machine frame platform for large-diameter circular knitting machines. Designed to meet growing demands for flexibility, stability, and operational safety, the T-Frame provides a next-generation foundation for both current and future industrial knitting machines, combining German engineering expertise with a modular, future-ready design approach.

VIATT 2026 to debut German Pavilion, strengthening European participation alongside key Asian textile hubs

Vietnam’s textile and garment sector continues to be a major contributor to the country’s economic growth, with export revenues expected to reach USD 46 billion in 2025, a 5.6% increase from 2024 . From 26 – 28 February, the Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) is set to contribute to economic growth opportunities by accelerating digital transformation and green transition across the entire textile value chain. The upcoming edition will respond to the rising demand for advanced technologies and sustainable materials with the introduction of the German Pavilion, alongside strong exhibitor participation from key Asian sectors, as well as several high-profile fringe events.

Sustainable, lightweight, and sound absorbing: Polyester-based front trunk solution for BEVs

As car manufacturers look to further reduce their carbon footprint, Autoneum has developed an innovative front trunk solution for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), made entirely from polyester-based textile. The Ultra-Silent Frunk offers significant weight reduction, improved acoustic and thermal insulation, and uses up to 70 percent recycled material, supporting sustainable and efficient vehicle design. Autoneum, global technology leader in acoustic and thermal management for vehicles, has already received orders for the new frunk from three major OEMs in Asia and Europe to be built in three BEV models. Series production for two BEVs has been underway in China and Germany since last year.

Modern testing methods for raw cotton

The 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen will take place from 25 to 27 March 2026 at the Bremen Parliament. This conference has traditionally stood for in-depth expertise and international exchange. The program will focus on technical innovations, market trends, and regulatory frameworks across the entire value chain – from agriculture to the circular economy. With high-profile speakers, the conference is regarded as the key meeting point for the global cotton industry. Today’s focus: Cotton quality and testing methods.