#Textile processing

2022-05-25

Coloreel receives financing from Nefco – Swedish innovation furthers circularity in the textile industry

On-demand thread colouring and fully recycled materials reduce the environmental impact of embroidery and make Coloreel a unique partner for sustainable clothing companies.

Nefco, the Nordic Green Bank, has signed a loan agreement with Coloreel Group AB to support its growth and expansion on global markets. The technology developed by Coloreel will lead to positive environmental effects within the textile industry by minimising thread waste, use of chemicals and wastewater.

All known embroidery machines on the market today rely on individual pre-coloured reels of thread for each colour used in the embroidery process. The Swedish company Coloreel’s unique, patented technology addresses this issue by using a single recycled polyester thread as input, thereby eliminating the need for pre-coloured threads, which are a significant cause of wastewater pollution. Coloreel’s on demand solution will also reduce the amount of wasted thread in the embroidery process.

“We are excited to provide this financing for Coloreel because the company has the potential to make embroidery and clothing production far more sustainable than it is today and enable a major step towards circularity in the textile industry,” said Fredrik Larsson, Investment Adviser, Nefco.

Coloreel’s innovation was driven by the significant environmental impact of the textile industry and the challenges posed by traditional methods of handling threads, which require many hundreds of thread reels to be stocked while still not ensuring the right colours are available to complete subsequent production orders. Based in Jönköping, southern Sweden, Coloreel is primarily looking to grow on global markets.

“The Nefco financing will go a long way in supporting our international expansion. It is also a strong acknowledgement of the sustainability benefits we can offer the textile industry,” said Torbjörn Bäck, CEO, Coloreel.

Using 100% recycled polyester threads, Coloreel offers the design freedom of digital print, including unlimited colours and effects, while delivering quality embroidery.

Coloreel Group AB files for bankruptcy

Coloreel Group AB, a pioneering Swedish technology company known for its instant thread dyeing technology, today announced that it has filed for bankruptcy. The decision comes after the company's inability to develop its business volume quickly enough and, related to this, secure the necessary financing.

YKK invests USD 150 million in new manufacturing facility in India

YKK Corporation has announced plans to construct a new manufacturing facility in India, reinforcing its long-term commitment to one of the world's fastest-growing textile and apparel production hubs. The new factory will be built at Origins by Mahindra in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and will become the third manufacturing site of YKK India Private Limited. The facility is expected to be completed by February 2028 and represents an investment of approximately USD 150 million, covering land, buildings, machinery and equipment.

Sustainable embroidery materials and digital finishing attract attention at GUNOLD booth

More exhibition space, more visitors, and a high level of international participation: GUNOLD’s concept for this year’s Texprocess 2026, which took place in Frankfurt am Main from April 21 to 24, 2026, was a complete success. “Our decision to showcase our entire product range alongside application examples and expert tips was very well received,” says Marketing Director Stephan Gunold, delighted with the positive outcome of the trade show. The focus was particularly on the Stockstadt-based company’s sustainable products as well as its laser, engraving, and sublimation services.

“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.