#Yarn & Fiber

2019-09-26

The LYCRA Company to showcase latest innovations at Intertextile Shanghai

The LYCRA Company, a global leader in developing innovative fiber and technology solutions for the apparel industry, will exhibit its latest products designed to meet consumer needs at Intertextile Shanghai, which takes place September 25-27. Visitors will have an opportunity to learn about new LYCRA® FitSense™ technology, LYCRA® MyFit™ fiber, and LYCRA® EcoMade fiber.

“Our legacy of innovation stretches back to 1958 and the invention of LYCRA® fiber, the original spandex/elastane fiber,” said Julien Born, president, apparel, The LYCRA Company. “Today, as The LYCRA Company, we are building on that legacy as we continue to invest in new product development and innovation. Our goal is to develop breakthrough solutions, like the ones we are showcasing at Intertextile, that add tangible value to our customer’s products.”

LYCRA® FitSense™ technology is a patented water-based dispersion that features the same molecule as LYCRA® fiber, but in liquid form. This revolutionary innovation is screen printed onto fabric containing LYCRA® fiber to provide lightweight, targeted support across a range of garment types. This solution also helps streamline garment manufacturing through the elimination of sewn-in panels or extra seams and offers unlimited design possibilities for brands and retailers.

LYCRA® MyFit™ fiber is a patent-pending fiber technology engineered with a new polymer designed to deliver improved comfort and fit. The result is greater shape tolerance and a customized fit experience for a range of body shapes within a size. This exciting innovation is launching at Intertextile by invitation only. Select mills, brands and retailers will have the first look at this new technology.

As part of its long-term commitment to sustainability and focus on the company’s Planet Agenda platform, The LYCRA Company is also unveiling LYCRA® EcoMade fiber at Intertextile. This is the company’s first branded spandex/elastane product that is made with pre-consumer recycled materials.

To learn more about The LYCRA Company’s newest innovations and its commitment to a more sustainable future with Planet Agenda, visit Intertextile Booth E56 in Hall 4.1, and E55 in Hall 7.2 (Denim). For show information, visit Intertextile.com.

“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.

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.

From advanced fibres to eco‑focused yarns: Yarn Expo Autumn 2026 set to welcome global industry to Shanghai

From 25 – 27 August, Yarn Expo Autumn 2026 will return to the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) to reinforce its role as a key meeting point for the global yarn and fibre industry. With over 22,000 visitors, the previous edition gathered nearly 580 leading exhibitors from 16 countries and regions, showcasing advanced developments and creative applications that support innovative, sustainable textile design. The upcoming edition will not only present an extensive range of fibre and yarn products, but will also feature a comprehensive fringe programme, including industry forums and trend display areas, providing innovative upstream enterprises with a stage to introduce next‑generation materials and sustainable concepts.

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.