#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.

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI redefine textile processing

Making investment decisions in textile processing has become significantly more demanding. Increasing energy costs, a shortage of skilled labour and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties are compelling companies to focus on technologies that deliver clear gains in efficiency and process reliability. This applies equally to apparel manufacturing and to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. As a result, modernisation initiatives are assessed more carefully – even as the need to upgrade production systems continues to intensify.

Techtextil 2026: Between innovation pressure & market reality

From 21 to 24 April 2026, Techtextil in Frankfurt am Main will once again become the central meeting point for the international technical textiles and nonwovens industry. Running in parallel, Texprocess will focus on the industrial implementation of textile processing technologies as the leading platform in this field. Together, the two trade fairs form a closely integrated presentation and working platform along the entire textile value chain – from material development to finished applications.

Between geopolitical pressure and industrial resilience

In this interview, Dr. Janpeter Horn (VDMA) discusses the current challenges facing textile machinery manufacturers, shaped by geopolitical tensions, regulatory developments and subdued investment. He also outlines why innovation strength, integrated solutions and strategic positioning remain key to global competitiveness.

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.

Fifteen years of Autoneum – From spin off to global technology leader

What started as a strategic carve‑out has since become the success story of a global technology leader in acoustic and thermal management solutions for vehicles. Headquartered in Winterthur, Switzerland, Autoneum supplies leading automobile manufacturers worldwide with innovative, lightweight and increasingly sustainable solutions.

Kruger, Canada, orders first nonwovens line for sustainable wipes from ANDRITZ

International technology group ANDRITZ has received an order from newly established Kruger Nonwovens to deliver a complete WetlaceTM hybrid line for the Wayagamack mill in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Canada. With this investment, pulp and paper producer Kruger is preparing to enter the nonwovens market with a new generation of plastic-free, chemical-free materials for sustainable wipes. The line is the first of its kind in Canada and is scheduled to start production in 2028.

Picanol to present its leading weaving technology at ITM 2026

Picanol is pleased to announce it will be participating in ITM 2026 in Istanbul. This is a key event for industry professionals to engage with the Turkish textile industry as well as the extensive international audience attending the fair. During the event, Picanol will present its latest innovations to the visitors in Hall 8, booth 802.

The updated poster on biodegradable Polymers in various environments has been released

As part of the PerPlacsBio project, nova-Institute has updated its popular poster on the biodegradability of polymers in different environments. The updated version reflects current standards, certifications and the latest scientific findings. The poster can be used to assess biodegradable alternatives for use in agriculture and forestry, and it is now available in German for the first time.