#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

2020-05-14

Sustainable, protective masks from Forster Rohner with Schoeller fabrics

Switzerland is pulling together: Swiss textile companies forming a consortium with research and test institutes to collaborate on the development of a washable, protective mask for community members. These high-quality masks are both sustainable and economical with recycled functional fabric that can also be recycled at the end of its lifespan.

Sustainable, protective masks from Forster Rohner with Schoeller fabrics

The Covid-19 crisis has shattered the status quo and created new priorities, with protection as a top focus. Switzerland has come up with its own practical textile solution for Swiss citizens that does not require long transport routes or reliance on international supply chains. Two textile companies from Eastern Switzerland, Schoeller Textil AG and Forster Rohner AG, are launching a washable mask for community members that complies with the recommendations of the Swiss National COVID-19 Science Task Force.

Recyclable fabric made of 60 percent recycled fibers

The high-quality fabric components of the mask have been developed by the innovative Rhine Valley company Schoeller Textil AG. Schoeller has brought its expertise in fabric development, as well as its experience in textile finishing technologies for increased comfort and protection to the project. The two-layer polyester weave is hydrophilic (water-receptive) on the inside and hydrophobic (water-repellent) on the outside. Thanks to outstanding air permeability and the use of special yarns that feel like cotton, the resulting textile is extremely comfortable to wear. For many years Schoeller has also been focused on sustainable solutions – the basic fabric was developed within the framework of the wear2wear recycling collaboration (www.wear2wear.org), consists of more than 60 percent recycled fibres, and can be recycled again at the end of its lifespan.

Forster Rohner AG is manufacturing the reusable masks in St. Gallen and has been perfecting the industrial manufacturing process with embroidery machines and sophisticated sewing technology. The wearing comfort of the mask was fine-tuned by employees conducting extensive wear testing in their daily work routine. The result is a washable mask for community members with an optimum fit, it can be worn daily for up to 7 days without washing.

With this practice, the mask score highly in terms of its ecological credentials and is also far more economical than a disposable product. Forster Rohner is also adding a fashionable element to the technically highly innovative mask. Its subsidiary, Jakob Schlaepfer AG, well-known for its Haute Couture and Prêt-à-Porter establishments around the world, is creating its own prints for the masks. Alongside white and plain colors, the masks will also be available in a Limited Edition series of beautiful print designs consumers can choose from.

In accordance with Swiss National COVID-19 Science Task Force Guidelines

The Swiss masks have been tested by the EMPA in St. Gallen. They have passed the spray and filter tests, as well as the breathing activity test. The masks are available immediately and can be procured by Swiss enterprises, transport companies, etc., for their staffs. It is also possible to order customer-specific colors or prints. Swiss end consumers can also obtain the masks from various online shops of the partners involved.

YKK launches “YZiP® Light” aluminum alloy zipper for cotton pants

YKK Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Koichi Matsushima; hereafter, YKK) has launched YZiP® Light, a lightweight aluminum alloy zipper for cotton pants, with sales beginning in late March. The introduction of YZiP® Light expands YKK’s zipper portfolio—led by the flagship YZiP® copper alloy zipper—providing customers with greater flexibility to meet diverse garment needs.

Coats to showcase innovative reinforcement and filler materials for leather goods and accessories at APLF 2026

Coats, a world-class Tier 2 manufacturer and trusted partner for the apparel and footwear industries, will be promoting four advanced materials from its ‘Lifestyle Solutions’ portfolio at APLF 2026 in Hong Kong in March. Each innovation has been specifically engineered to help luxury and premium brands elevate the craft, durability, sustainability and creative expression required in the manufacturing of handbags, purses, and other high-end designer accessories.

Design, innovation and sustainability propel VIATT 2026’s expanding role in ASEAN textile sourcing

At its third edition, the Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles, and Textile Technologies (VIATT) further reinforced its role as a key sourcing and business platform for ASEAN’s textile industry. The three-day fair welcomed over 17,000 visits from 54 countries and regions, and featured over 460 exhibitors from 21 countries and regions across 18,000 sqm. The 2026 edition was marked by the introduction of new international pavilions and zones, broadening the fair’s sourcing scope across new geographies and product categories. The fringe programme, headlined by the debut Trend Forum, further distinguished VIATT as the region’s most integrated textile trade platform – uniquely spanning the entire value chain.

Modernizing Needling – DiloGroup at Techtextil & INDEX 2026

With the theme “Modernizing Needling”, the DiloGroup presents a comprehensively enhanced portfolio for needling technology. The objective is to further increase the performance and application range of needlefelt production lines in terms of productivity, flexibility, and the development of new products, thereby meeting the growing demands of modern technical textiles.

New Gravimax MMX-R X-ray sensor platform opens up new application fields

The demands placed on quality control in web-based production processes are increasing: materials are becoming more complex, basis weights are varying more widely, and at the same time, pressure is growing to make processes more efficient and transparent. Precise measurement data across the entire web width has therefore become a key factor in ensuring stable production processes. With its new Gravimax MMX-R sensor platform, Mahlo introduces a radiometric measurement solution designed to set new standards in determining basis weight and material composition. The platform combines advanced X-ray technology with newly developed signal processing, enabling measurement tasks that previously often required multiple sensor technologies.

Carbios confirms Longlaville plant in France following financing progress

Carbios has reaffirmed its plans to build its Longlaville plant in France within a project financing framework, targeting the start of production in the first half of 2028. The company also reports a solid cash position of around €60 million at the end of 2025 and has appointed Benoît Grenot as Deputy Chief Executive Officer to support the execution of its strategic projects.

KARL MAYER strengthens partnerships in the composites industry at JEC World 2026

KARL MAYER further strengthened its role as a reliable and competent partner to the composites industry at JEC World 2026. The global market leader in textile machinery manufacturing used the trade show to meet key customers, establish numerous new contacts, and engage in in-depth technical discussions.