#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.

Messe Frankfurt commits further to East Africa: three textiles trade fairs during Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week from 2027

Messe Frankfurt and its Texpertise Network continue their steady, successful trajectory in the region. As Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week (ASFW) opened today, Member of the Executive Board Detlef Braun announced that Messe Frankfurt is licencing its three leading international trade fair brands Texworld, Apparel Sourcing and Texprocess to Nairobi, Kenya for the first time in 2027. From now on, they will take place annually as part of the Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week (ASFW) Nairobi.

“We Believe in the Value of Textiles”: Successful Opening of the KARL MAYER TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER

KARL MAYER inaugurated its new, state-of-the-art TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER (TIC) with a four-day opening week from April 21 to 24. The highlight of the week was the grand opening on Thursday, which drew a strong turnout from the international textile industry: around 220 customers, brands, and partners from across the textile value chain came to the company’s headquarters in Obertshausen for a first-hand look at the new high-tech development environment and lively exchange with industry peers.

Texhibition Istanbul signals stability and global connectivity

From 4 to 6 March 2026, Texhibition Istanbul once again brought together the international textile industry at the Istanbul Expo Center. Organized by İTKİB Fuarcılık A.Ş. in cooperation with the Istanbul Textile Exporters Association (İTHİB), the fair confirmed its role as one of the most important international sourcing platforms for fabrics and textile innovation. With 500+ exhibitors across 5 halls on 42,850 sqm, the trade fair attracted 19,325 visitors. Among them, 5.565 international visitors represented Europe, Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, North America, and other regions, underlining the show’s expanding global reach.

Val:ue Milan unveiled – a curated boutique business hub for high-end apparel textiles

Messe Frankfurt continues to expand its international textile network with the announcement of Val:ue Milan. Moving beyond the traditional trade fair model, Val:ue Milan debuts as a prestigious, boutique-style business hub exclusively dedicated to elected fabrics and accessories for apparel. Taking place from February 3 to 5, 2027, at The Mall in Porta Nuova, the event breaks away from conventional formats through a strictly curated environment designed for strategic networking. By bridging the gap between high-end international manufacturers and top-tier segment buyers, Val:ue Milan further strengthens the Group’s global portfolio with a unique, high-impact concept built around a refined and carefully selected offering.

Techtextil 2026: KARL MAYER impresses as an innovative sector partner

KARL MAYER looks back with satisfaction on its participation in Techtextil 2026. From April 21 to 24, the international industry leader used the trade show in Frankfurt to meet with numerous key customers at its booth and, at the same time, establish many new contacts. Most visitors came from Germany, followed by major markets such as Poland, the United Kingdom, Turkey, France, and Portugal.

BTMA backs global growth while investing in future UK leaders

As one of a number of new initiatives launched this year, the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) is launching the UK-India Textile Machinery Coalition. The UK-India Free Trade Agreement, signed in July 2025, has implications that extend across sourcing, competitiveness and long-term trade dynamics, believes BTMA CEO Jason Kent.

China projected to increase cotton production, yields, and imports in 2026/27

World cotton production in the 2026/27 season is projected at 25.9 million tonnes, exceeding global consumption of 25.2 million tonnes, according to the May 2026 issue of Cotton This Month. That means both production and consumption are expected to remain close to current season levels, while global cotton trade is projected to decline by 2.7% to approximately 9.6-9.7 million tonnes.