#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 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.

The future of textiles, the power of trade, and the summit of technology come together at ITM 2026

ITM 2026 International Textile Machinery Exhibition, one of the most prestigious organizations in the textile technologies sector, opens its doors to visitors between June 9-13. Expected to break records in terms of both exhibitor and visitor numbers, as well as the technological vision it presents, ITM 2026 will transform into a global trade hub with machine sales, and new business collaborations.

ATCO Hygienics, Uzbekistan, orders baby diaper production line from ANDRITZ

International technology group ANDRITZ has received an order from ATCO Hygienics to supply a new baby diaper production line for its plant in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The order is included in ANDRITZ’s order intake for the first quarter of 2026. Commissioning of the production line is scheduled for the end of 2026.

Nico Pedretti appointed as Managing Director Graf Group

As of June 1, 2026, Nico Pedretti has assumed the role of Managing Director Graf Group. With more than 20 years of international industrial experience and extensive expertise in Operations, Supply Chain Management, Finance and Controlling, he brings a broad range of leadership and business experience to support Graf’s continued success.