#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.

Mario Jorge Machado re-elected President of EURATEX

The EURATEX General Assembly has re-elected Mario Jorge Machado as President of EURATEX, renewing its confidence in his leadership at a crucial moment for the European textile and clothing industry. The sector is facing rising costs, global competitive pressure and an increasingly challenging transition towards sustainability and digitalisation.

Next week’s focus: Intertextile Shenzhen & Yarn Expo Shenzhen fuse textile tradition with sustainable, digital trends

Fashion will not be left behind in one of the world’s undisputed tech and manufacturing capitals. Which is why next week, at Intertextile Shenzhen Apparel Fabrics and Yarn Expo Shenzhen 2026, the organisers have made special efforts to integrate textile topics such as materials innovation, holistic sustainability, digitalisation and AI. Yet, from 9 – 11 June at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center, the platform also includes timeless tradition and heritage-inspired evolution in equal measure. Across both shows, over 600 exhibitors from 11 countries and regions are set to showcase everything from Peruvian alpaca wool fabrics to tea-derived fibres, while their fringe programmes will explore diverse solutions along the entire value chain.

Reju opens its first R&D Center in the U.S. in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania

Reju, the company specializing in textile regeneration, today announced the opening of a Research and Development (R&D) Center in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, the company's first proprietary research center in North America. Located within Technip Energies' existing Advanced Materials and Catalysts research center, the lab will allow Reju to accelerate the rollout of its recycling technologies and develop its next-generation circular solutions.

Itema reaffirms its commitment to the Syrian textile industry at NasTex 2026

From July 18th to 21st, Itema will exhibit at NasTex at the Damascus Fairground (Hall 11 – Stand C02), marking its return to one of the Middle East’s historically significant textile markets. Itema will showcase advanced weaving technology designed to support the competitiveness and technological evolution of Syrian manufacturers and announces a new partnership with Growfast Agency as the sole agent of Itema in Syria.

KARL MAYER's HKS 2-SE Expands Possibilities for Premium Stretch WARP KNITS

Warp knitted fabrics with a woven look are more in demand than ever in the fashion and apparel industries. Stretch WARP KNITS, in particular, impress with their freedom of movement, breathability, and virtually wrinkle-free wear – thereby opening up new style worlds such as smart casual or business casual. When it comes to the highly efficient production of premium-quality stretch WARP KNITS, the HKS 2-SE has long been the machine of choice. KARL MAYER’s best-selling tricot machine produces standard elastic fabrics characterized by high gauges, smooth, delicate surfaces, and a soft hand feel.