#Dyeing, Drying, Finishing

2023-01-19

Biancalani Textile Machinery and Petrocom BV, founded by Jean Comhaire, work closely together for the Belgian textile industry

Belgian textile industry has always been a reference point in the global textile industry. With upholstery and furniture fabrics as their assets and a centuries-spanning tradition, Belgian textile companies generate an annual turnover of more than EUR 4 billions and are massively investing in e-textiles and sustainable fibers, i.e. a whole innovative textile ecosystem. Not least – indeed essential – textile education, training and research are being strongly supported: therefore, nowadays Belgium is definitely a textile and fashion business cluster and incubator.

Together with Jean Comhaire, Biancalani Textile Machinery has been part of Belgium textile reality since 1991, when Comhair founded Petrocom BV. Petrocom deals with textile, plastic and chemical industries and has expanded into Belgium, Netherlands and Luxemburg. Comhaire deeply believes in strong, lasting partnerships with textile machinery companies and confirms that this kind of professional relationships are the fundamentals of Petrocom success.

When talking about Biancalani, Comhaire lingers on three aspects: innovative ideas, a honest, stunning professionalism, and keeping on proposing the best solutions as per fabrics finishing, despite an always tougher competition. As Comhaire states, Biancalani is perceived as one of the most innovative textile machinery producers in the country, a company with a long finishing textile tradition and experience – a detail Belgian textile clusters give great importance to – and always at the top as per high-technology solutions.

Comhaire also points out that clients’ positive reception to Biancalani is a certainty, to the point that the entire process of contacting, testing, quotation, and final negotiations is somehow permeated by it. Besides, Biancalani makes it actually possible to work with the customer and find a specific technical solution or a brand new product that the customer does not have yet. Especially after the release of AIRO®24, one of the most revolutionary projects by Biancalani, the company has been perceived more and more favorably and has seen its role as innovator increasing more and more thanks to the release of AQUARIA® open-width washing lines.

According to Comhaire, the next challenge is to continue to innovate and come up with new ideas, as the textile industry at large and Belgian textile clusters in particular will be craving for them. To keep on providing the best machines to customers and thus remain one of the most qualified producer on the market will be part of a healthy, always a-changing competition. It all can be done if companies carefully listen to their customers’ needs, an approach that is totally Biancalani’s style.

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI redefine textile processing

Making investment decisions in textile processing has become significantly more demanding. Increasing energy costs, a shortage of skilled labour and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties are compelling companies to focus on technologies that deliver clear gains in efficiency and process reliability. This applies equally to apparel manufacturing and to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. As a result, modernisation initiatives are assessed more carefully – even as the need to upgrade production systems continues to intensify.

Techtextil 2026: Between innovation pressure & market reality

From 21 to 24 April 2026, Techtextil in Frankfurt am Main will once again become the central meeting point for the international technical textiles and nonwovens industry. Running in parallel, Texprocess will focus on the industrial implementation of textile processing technologies as the leading platform in this field. Together, the two trade fairs form a closely integrated presentation and working platform along the entire textile value chain – from material development to finished applications.

Between geopolitical pressure and industrial resilience

In this interview, Dr. Janpeter Horn (VDMA) discusses the current challenges facing textile machinery manufacturers, shaped by geopolitical tensions, regulatory developments and subdued investment. He also outlines why innovation strength, integrated solutions and strategic positioning remain key to global competitiveness.

Tradition and Innovation – Phoenox Textiles Ltd. relies on state-of-the-art carpet back-coating line from Brückner

For more than 70 years, Phoenox Textiles Ltd. has been synonymous with quality, reliability, and inno-vation in the textile industry. Founded in 1954 in Huddersfield (Yorkshire, UK), a region with a long tradition in textiles, this family-owned business has continued to evolve without losing sight of its roots. Today, in its fourth generation under the leadership of the Mosley family, Phoenox successfully combines decades of experience with a clear, forward-looking corporate strategy.

Monforts sees growing potential for technical textiles in Türkiye

For many years now, Türkiye has been one of the most important markets for textile finishing, coating and continuous dyeing equipment, making ITM 2026 from June 9-13 a key event for Germany’s Monforts. At the Istanbul exhibition at stand 1117D in Hall 11, the company will put the emphasis on its machines which continue to lead the field in conventional dyeing and finishing, and also highlight the strong opportunities for Turkish textile manufacturers in the growing field of technical textiles.

Smart Quality Control for Technical Textiles

In the end, what matters is the result: a filter that performs reliably, a membrane that remains stable in storm conditions, a composite material with precisely defined properties. But the path to achieving this is demanding. In the production of technical textiles, numerous parameters interact – and even the smallest deviations can have major consequences.

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles unveils Trends 2027 alongside new lifestyle zone and product expansion

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Autumn Edition 2026 will spotlight forward-looking design directions and evolving consumer demand, as the global home and lifestyle market continues to adapt to sustainability priorities, emotional well-being, and diversified living spaces. Taking place from 18 – 20 August 2026 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the fair will present its latest trend theme, ‘BREATHE UP!’, developed in collaboration with leading international trend forecaster NellyRodi™ Agency, alongside expanded product categories, and the debut of the Home Textiles Lifestyle Zone.

Itema to showcase weaving excellence at ITM 2026

From June 9 to 13, Itema will exhibit at ITM 2026 in Istanbul (Hall 8 – Stand 806D), unveiling a distinctive exhibition concept designed to highlight the Company’s expertise across the entire weaving value chain. For this year’s edition, Itema will introduce an innovative stand experience built around two core areas: advanced weaving and spare parts solutions and an immersive textile gallery featuring fabrics produced by Itema Customers worldwide.