#Associations

2020-11-12

Taiwan’s functional textiles thrive on innovation to define new epidemic prevention lifestyles

The world continues to be under the threat of the new Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which has brought fundamental changes to our daily lives.

Despite the decline in apparel buying in the first half of this year due to confinements, buyers have looked forward to soaring demand for outdoor and leisure lifestyle products in the post-epidemic era. This new trend has again tested the innovative capabilities of Taiwan’s textile industry, according to the Taiwan Textile Federation (TTF).

In order to overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic, the Textile Export Promotion Project (TEPP) has integrated software and hardware for better video conferencing while providing tailor-made solutions that have created a new benchmark for business matchmaking.

When it comes to epidemic prevention textiles, the Taiwan Textile Federation has recommended four manufacturers, including Asiatic Fiber Co. which is known for developing special fibers and high-performance yarns. This year, the company is promoting products from the AFC Functional Protection Series and iQmax Functional Intelligence Series.

The AFC Functional Protection Series replaces disposable products with reusable fabrics that can be used in operation rooms and for personal protective equipment. Products from the iQmax Functional Intelligence Series also feature functional textiles – the first fabric that can be used with a mobile device to increase an apparel’s function.

Official Website:

https://www.asiatic.com.tw

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Singtex® Industrial and its subsidiary, Magictex, have also joined the national epidemic prevention textile team. Singtex’s functional fabric can be used for personal protective equipment. Thanks to its waterproof and breathable technology, these protective products can maintain their protective performance even after 30 washes.

Official Website:

http://www.Singtex.com/en-global/home; http://www.scafefabrics.com/en-global

Grandetex Development Co., Ltd. has further collaborated with yarn mills to develop the RICH-y® multi-functional yarn, which combines masterbatch and RICH-y® elements to effectively reduce energy consumption and waste during dyeing and finishing. such fabric has long-lasting anti-bacterial and deodorizing properties, as well as UV and environmental protection capabilities, making RICH-y® the most effective mask available on the market.

RICH-y®-made masks can be provided to buyers to help them better understand the effectiveness of RICH-y® through “Experiential Marketing” of proper epidemic prevention.

Official Website:

http://www.grandetex.com.tw

Kuen Long Textile Co., Ltd. is a professional textile fabric manufacturer with 44 years of experience in the industry. the company has joined hands with Grandetex Development to promote home furnishing fabrics, urban fashion leisure fabrics, and outdoor sports fabrics boasting eco-friendly functional antibacterial materials. Thanks to its one-stop-shop production model, Kuen Long Textile offers a variety of product combinations featuring RICH-y® and more.

Official website:

http://www.kuenlong.com.tw

Sustainable Textiles Online New Product Launch – Taiwan Textile Federation

Taiwan Textile Federation (TTF) will be broadcasting a two-day online new product launch event on the 11th and 12th of November @ 9AM CET via TTF YouTube and Facebook platform. This is a great opportunity to learn the latest development on sustainable textiles from Taiwan!

“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.

Meadow Grove Research joins ITMF as Corporate Member

Meadow Grove Research is a commodity research firm specializing in supply, demand, and trade analysis in cotton and other soft commodities. Providing clarity to the complex nature of the global fiber supply chain is one of its most formidable services. The firm thrives on customer engagement and providing the best framework for critical decisions.

Sustainability: European industry calls on EU to keep Single-Use Plastics Directive unchanged

A broad coalition of European industry associations, including EDANA, Euratex and Plastics Europe, has urged EU institutions to maintain the current legal framework of the Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD). In a joint statement, the organisations argue that reopening the Directive at this stage would create legal uncertainty, increase regulatory complexity and undermine investment, while its implementation across the European Union is still incomplete.

Textile machinery: Italian technology charts the course for revival

Operating in a scenario characterized by geopolitical instability, slowing industrial investments, and new protectionist pressures. This is the main challenge for the Italian textile machinery industry that emerged during the General Assembly of ACIMIT (Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers), held today in Milan at the Shareholders’ Hall of Palazzo Edison.

New skills for a circular textile economy

Based on the results of a comprehensive analysis, the Erasmus+ project Skills4Circularity is developing three practical training modules covering recycling technologies, eco-design for the circular economy and sustainable manufacturing. The content of the first module, Recycling Technologies, has now been developed and validated together with industry representatives. The module provides participants with knowledge of regulatory requirements, material sorting and the preparation of textile waste for recycling.

Rieter sees Barmag integration on track as orders and sales rise

The first half of 2026 was shaped by the successful completion of the largest acquisition in Rieter’s history. The Man-Made Fiber Division enables entry into the growth segment of man-made fibers and sustainably strengthens Rieter’s market position in the Asia region. The expanded Group is now the world’s leading system supplier for the processing of natural and man-made fibers. In the first half of the year, initial cost savings in material costs and operating expenses have already been realized. The targeted synergies are expected to amount to at least CHF 20 million by the end of the 2028 financial year. Due to the completion of the acquisition on February 2, 2026, the first half of the year for the Man-Made Fiber Division only amounts to five months.