#Textile processing

2023-03-09

e-con: A big step towards a more sustainable future

Dürkopp Adler, as a leading manufacturer of trendsetting, innovative sewing technology, is taking a groundbreaking step towards a more sustainable future. Considering the fact that the textile industry is responsible for a significant portion of global CO2 emissions today, sustainable action and long-term thinking along the value chain are essential to minimize the negative impact on our environment.

Under the new brand "e-con", Dürkopp Adler launches a pioneering initiative that combines state-of-the-art industrial sewing technology with environmentally friendly solutions. With the introduction of the M-TYPE DELTA e-con, the company is now taking the first fundamental milestone towards sustainability. The latest model of the advanced and digitized DELTA series impressively proves that, to archive this, there is no need to compromise on performance:

The M-TYPE DELTA e-con offers a 25 % energy saving compared to other digital sewing machines* with the same performance output and with improved sewing results. Thus, innovation pays off, not only for the environment, but also for one’s own economic interest.

"We are proud to present the M-TYPE DELTA e-con", says Dietrich Eickhoff, CEO of Dürkopp Adler Group. "As an innovative leader in the industry, we take our responsibility to provide modern and future-oriented technologies. We have therefore set ourselves the goal to prove that sustainability is compatible with high performance and economic efficiency. e-con and DELTA are a first step towards this necessary transformation and to a sustainable future in the sewing industry.”

With the introduction of the M-TYPE DELTA e-con Dürkopp Adler is sending a strong message for a more sustainable textile industry. And this is only the beginning: further sustainable e-con solutions have already been announced.

“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.

YKK develops concept EXCELLA® zipper tape using nonwoven fabric partially derived from used clothing

YKK Corporation has developed a concept version of its premium EXCELLA® zipper series made from nonwoven fabric sheets created by fiberizing used clothing and other textile materials. Based on a proposal by fashion designer Yuima Nakazato, this item was created as a result of collaboration between Nakazato, Seiko Epson Corporation and YKK. The concept zipper was incorporated as a material component for pieces in the newest YUIMA NAKAZATO Couture Collection, “INFERNO,” which was unveiled in Paris, France on July 8, 2026.

Dedicated car seat model of SHIMA SEIKI’s P-CAM® R Cutting Machine unveiled

Leading Japanese textile solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, showed a special version of its P-CAM® R multi-ply computerized cutting machine dedicated to the production of car seats for the first time, at a private exhibition held over two days on Thursday, July 2nd and Friday, July 3rd at the Kariya City Industrial Promotion Center in Aichi Prefecture.

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.

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.