#Textile chemistry

2020-12-17

Dr. Ralf Brückmann leaves CHT Germany GmbH - Levi Cottington in succession

Levi Cottington (right) in succession of Dr. Ralf Brueckmann (left) as Head of BF General Industries at CHT GmbH (Photo: Business Wire)

The management of CHT Germany GmbH thanks Dr. Ralf Brückmann for the long-lasting successful cooperation in the business field of General Industries. Dr. Ralf Brückmann will end his active role as Head of BF General Industries on December 31, 2020 after 21 years with the company. Since joining the company on October 1, 1999, Dr. Brückmann has held major roles throughout the company.

The success of the business field General Industries is largely due to his work and expertise. Dr. Frank Naumann: "We thank Dr. Brückmann for his commitment during more than two decades and wish him the best for the upcoming stage of his life."

Dr. Ralf Brückmann is handing over an extremely future-proof and multi-faceted business field to his successor. Dr. Ralf Brückmann: "I am delighted that Levi Cottington has been found for the position and I wish that he will lead the division through the current challenging times with hands that are as prudent as they are fortunate, as I have done. I am convinced that he will continue to successfully develop the division both professionally and personally." Levi Cottington gladly accepts the challenge: "I wish Ralf all the best in this new phase of his life and that he will enjoy it to the fullest. I am proud to succeed him and to continue his work in his spirit."

Levi Cottington, Managing Director of CHT USA Inc. takes over the management of the global business field General Industries of the CHT Group as of October 1, 2020. In his new function, Mr. Cottington combines both tasks. He reports directly to CHT Group management.

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

SOKO presents low-impact denim finishing innovations at Denim PV Milan

SOKO will present a range of sustainable denim finishing technologies and collaborative projects at the upcoming Denim Première Vision Milan on 20–21 May in Milan. At booth G27 in Superstudio Più, the company will showcase new chemical solutions designed to combine fashionable denim effects with reduced environmental impact.

Cotton made in Africa partners receive top marks in independent verifications

Cotton made in Africa® (CmiA) and CmiA Organic are two internationally recognised standards that aim to promote sustainable development in the African cotton sector south of the Sahara. To ensure the standards’ credibility among brands, retailers, and consumers, independent verifiers evaluate compliance on the ground. The verification results for 2025, now published in the Aggregated Verification & Implementation Report, were very strong: The verifiers awarded consistently very good remarks regarding management, people, prosperity, and the environment.

Bangladesh: Italian textile machinery mission stops in Dhaka and Chittagong

Technological upgrading and the transition toward higher value-added production are driving the new Italian industrial mission to Bangladesh. This year, the mission will split between the country’s two main manufacturing hubs, where Italian manufacturers will meet the leaders of the local textile supply chain in two strategic stages: July 7th in Dhaka and July 9th in Chittagong.

Yarn Expo Shenzhen 2026 closes doors, advancing sustainable and innovative sourcing in South China

Yarn Expo Shenzhen 2026 served as a strategically positioned mid-year sourcing platform for the Greater Bay Area, highlighting Shenzhen’s role in connecting regional demand, supply and innovation exchange across the textile value chain. During the three-day fair, over 20,000 visits were drawn from 74 countries and regions[1], as exhibitors and buyers engaged with new developments in greener, performance-led, and value-added yarn and fibre solutions. Held in conjunction with Intertextile Shenzhen Apparel Fabrics and PH Value, the fair underscored the benefits of closer synergy and new materials across yarn, fabric and apparel platforms for the South China market.