#Spinning

2023-05-25

Energy-efficient and ecological production processes

The threat of an energy crisis in Europe has given further impetus to Rieter’s existing strategy of optimizing energy consumption. All European locations were instructed to take rapid and comprehensive measures to increase energy efficiency and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, especially gas. The company plans to switch entirely to renewable energy sources for heating and cooling by 2030.

Under the slogan “Reduce energy consumption – minimize energy losses – substitute fossil fuels”, Rieter is pressing ahead with its strategy of reducing energy consumption and substituting fossil fuels. In cooperation with external consulting firms, further savings potential is being identified. In 2022, Rieter conducted energy audits at all production sites. The results of these audits are expected during the course of 2023. Recommendations for action will be derived from them. The initial recommendations have already been implemented at individual sites. In Winterthur, energy saving measures such as reducing the heating temperature resulted in a 23% reduction in total energy consumption in the last quarter of 2022 compared to the same quarter of the previous year. Wherever possible, energy specialists at Rieter exploit further potential for savings, such as heat recovery in machines and the elimination of leaks in the compressed air network.

Innovative approaches for greater efficiency

In Hammelburg (Germany), Temco manufactures components for the production of filament yarns and man-made fibers. The production site has been redesigned for improved energy efficiency and increased flexibility. Since the beginning of 2023, the company has replaced an outdated, centralized filtration system and the associated cooling system with new, decentralized systems. Various machine groups are now supplied with oil from multiple systems, and three lathes are equipped with individual supply units. This lowers the energy requirements of the entire site by almost 5%, the plant requires less chemicals and cooling water, and maintenance work is also reduced.

Expansion of solar capacity

Rieter further expanded its solar power capacity in 2022. Four new photovoltaic systems (PVS) in three countries deliver an additional 4 200 MWh of capacity. The company now has ten PVS in four countries with an annual capacity of 7 500 MWh, and worldwide can cover approximately 13% of its own electricity requirements with renewable energies. The largest PVS is in Changzhou (China). With a capacity of 3 350 MWh, it has provided between 25% and 30% of the electricity demand since May 2022. In November, the Group commissioned a new PVS in Ústí nad Orlicí (Czech Republic). This supplies 20% of the site’s electricity needs.

In Switzerland, following the commissioning of two further plants, the company now has more than seven PVS. Since May 2022, the Rapperswil-Jona site has been covering 5% of its electricity requirements with its own solar power. A new plant with an annual capacity of 100 MWh complements the existing PVS at the headquarters in Winterthur (Switzerland). Together with the small hydropower plant, which has a capacity of 1 000 MWh, the Winterthur site can now cover 25% of its electricity requirements with its own renewable energy. In India, the company has already been sourcing around 20% of its electricity needs from solar power since 2019.

Rieter appoints Daniel Lippuner as new CEO as Thomas Oetterli steps down

Thomas Oetterli has decided to step down from his function as CEO, effective October 31, 2026, and hand over the Chairmanship of the Board of Directors. “After the successful implementation of the Next Level performance program, the structural measures initiated to consolidate the sites and the acquisition of Barmag, the time has come to hand over responsibility to new hands,” explains Thomas Oetterli.

Rieter and partners launch Recycling Powerhouse for industrial-scale textile recycling

Recycling Powerhouse Ltd. was established in July 2026 to industrialize, standardize and scale textile recycling. Based in Switzerland, the venture will operate a franchise-driven business model that enables the production of high-quality, certified recycled yarns. The project is supported by the following partners: Rieter Group, the world’s leading system supplier for natural and man-made fibers, Säntis Textiles, a Swiss textile engineering company, and Valvan, a Belgian sorting technology company. The first blueprint franchise operation is scheduled to launch early 2027 in partnership with Suhail Industrial Holding Group in Qatar.

Rieter sees Barmag integration on track as orders and sales rise

The first half of 2026 was shaped by the successful completion of the largest acquisition in Rieter’s history. The Man-Made Fiber Division enables entry into the growth segment of man-made fibers and sustainably strengthens Rieter’s market position in the Asia region. The expanded Group is now the world’s leading system supplier for the processing of natural and man-made fibers. In the first half of the year, initial cost savings in material costs and operating expenses have already been realized. The targeted synergies are expected to amount to at least CHF 20 million by the end of the 2028 financial year. Due to the completion of the acquisition on February 2, 2026, the first half of the year for the Man-Made Fiber Division only amounts to five months.

Trützschler to showcase innovations in spinning preparation and nonwovens at ITMA Asia 2026

From November 20 to 24, 2026, the Trützschler Group will present its latest fiber processing technologies at ITMA Asia in Shanghai, China. At Hall 5.1, Booth D20, the company will showcase solutions designed to increase productivity, simplify operations and improve efficiency across spinning preparation and nonwoven production. Key highlights include the automated can transport system T-CAN, the next-generation card TC 30, innovative card clothing solutions such as STEELTOP and SUPERFLOW, as well as advanced nonwoven technologies for hygiene, wipes and filtration applications.

FET highlights advances in fibre spinning technology at Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress

Fibre Extrusion Technology Limited (FET) presented its latest developments in fibre spinning technology at the Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress in Austria in September 2026. In a presentation entitled “Spinning a good yarn”, Dr Jonny Hunter examined recent technological developments and challenges facing the fibre industry, highlighting the company's expanding range of specialised fibre extrusion and spinning systems.