#Yarn & Fiber

2020-10-01

Ulrich Scherbel new Chief Operating Officer of AMSilk

AMSilk GmbH, the world's first industrial supplier of synthetic silk biopolymers, has appointed Ulrich Scherbel as its new COO as of October 1, 2020. In the newly created position, he will support the expansion of the company’s value chain from the production of the fibers to distribution to internationalbrands.

Ulrich Scherbel has more than 25 years of expertise in innovative textiles. After his studies of textile chemistry and finishing, he worked in various functions in business development, production and sales in the textile industry, for "Freudenberg Performance Materials" as General Manager Global Apparel Division. Freudenberg is one of the world's leading manufacturers of high-quality technical fabrics for a wide range of markets and applications such as automotive, construction, clothing, energy, filter media, healthcare, interior design, shoes and leather goods, and special applications.

Regarding his new position at AMSilk Ulrich Scherbel says: "AMSilk's innovative and world-leading biotechnological production method, from plant-based raw materials, creates fascinating silk biopolymers, which not only have unique properties, but are also biodegradable and recyclable. The implementation of the company's growth goals regarding the production of silk biopolymers on an industrial scale enables our customers for the first time to make broad use of sustainable silk biopolymers instead of conventional, often unsustainable materials. This is an extremely exciting task for me".

Jens Klein, CEO of AMSilk, adds: "We are very pleased to have Ulrich Scherbel on board as COO. With his many years of experience in the field of innovative textiles, he will drive the large scale production of our high-quality performance products even further. He is a great enhancer for our sales expansion strategy over the coming years“.

The Chairman of the Board, Dr. Wolfgang Colberg, explains: “AMSilk is now on the move to large scale production for global customers and we have found an excellent addition to the management board. Ulrich Scherbelwill use his expertise and experience to help shape the processesand will drive the development and optimization of the value chain from production to the customer”.

“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.

Expansive innovations converge in Shanghai as Yarn Expo Autumn 2026 opens doors next week

With just days to go, industry enthusiasm is building for the opening of Yarn Expo Autumn, Asia’s premier yarn and fibre trade fair, running from 25 – 27 August at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). Across 27,000 sqm in Hall 8.2, buyers will find nearly 600 exhibitors from 14 countries and regions, spread across seven specialised zones that range from cutting-edge man-made and regenerated fibres to time-honoured cashmere and silk. Beyond the extensive sourcing options, a fringe programme of trend showcases, presentations and product launches rounds out the three¬day event with design, innovation and market intelligence.

Dornbirn GFC 2026 expands conference program with new thematic sessions

For 65 years, Dornbirn GFC has stood for innovation and is one of the world’s leading conferences in the fiber industry. From September 16 to 18, 2026, the international fiber community will meet in Dornbirn, Austria, to discuss current trends, technological developments, and forward-looking solutions. More than 600 experts from industry and academia from over 30 countries are expected to attend. With around 100 presentations by renowned speakers, a 2,5-day conference program, and three parallel presentation rooms with moderated sessions, Dornbirn GFC provides a first-class platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and international collaboration. Together, participants will generate ideas and impulses that will sustainably shape the future of the global fiber industry.

Cotton Brazil Dialogues 2026 concludes with 50 international participants immersed in Brazilian cotton production

The Cotton Brazil Dialogues concludes its 2026 edition after a series of technical visits to farms, cotton gins and reference centers, as well as workshops focused on Brazilian cotton production. A total of 50 participants from 14 countries took part in the field trips. The initiative is led by the Brazilian Association of Cotton Growers (Abrapa) and the National Association of Cotton Exporters (Anea), with support from the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil).

Novel flame-retardant and recyclable fiber-reinforced composite

Airplanes and passenger trains must meet strict safety requirements, including fire safety standards. This calls for materials that are flame-retardant, lightweight, robust, and scalable. Empa researchers, in collaboration with their industry partner Elantas, have now succeeded for the first time in making such a material – a composite – fully recyclable.

WHILL selects Teijin’s tough, lightweight Carbon Fiber Composite for new last-mile mobility

Teijin Limited announced today that WHILL Inc., a global leader in inclusive mobility technology, has selected Sereebo® P CFP series, a carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) material, for key structural components of the upcoming WHILL Model C Lite. Sereebo® P CFP series provides high strength, light weight, design flexibility and system cost advantages to the Model C Lite, which is a battery powered, single-seat, last-mile device. This new model combines maneuverability with light weight and one-handed folding to ensure ease of handling and operation.