#Dyeing, Drying, Finishing

2024-10-03

etv invests over EUR 2.5 million to boost camouflage and technical printing capacity

etv, a leading European textile finishing company, has announced a major investment of over EUR 2.5 million in state-of-the-art equipment to expand its future camouflage and technical printing capacity. The investment includes a new coating stenter frame with a working width of 3200 mm, a new calender with a working width of 3200 mm, and a technical update of its Zimmer printing system, featuring 10 colors and a working width of 2850 mm.

Dirk Tunney, Managing Director etv © 2024 etv

As part of its strategic expansion, etv is positioning itself as a new player in the military fabric printing market. From 2025, the company will launch a new production capacity of 2,800,000 running meters annually. The upgraded equipment will enable etv to process materials ranging from 25 to 650 g/m², including woven fabrics, nonwovens, films, and membranes, significantly enhancing its offering in the technical textiles sector.

The new rotary screen printing system boasts the latest technology, allowing etv to cater to a diverse range of applications. From lightweight, waterproof fabrics used in medical applications to heavy-duty textiles for building, construction, and home textiles, etv’s modernized printing system offers unparalleled flexibility. Additionally, the upgraded system will enable the company to produce advanced conductive prints and smart textiles, opening doors to innovative, high-tech applications.

Dirk Tunney, Managing Director of etv, emphasizes the importance of this investment for the company’s future growth: “These investments are hugely important for our business. We expect noticeable new business from the second half of 2025.”

Located in the Münsterland region of Germany, etv operates with around 120 employees, specializing in surface finishing for a variety of textile producers across Europe. Known for its commitment to innovation and sustainability, etv places a strong emphasis on close collaboration with its customers to deliver tailored, high-quality products. This latest investment reflects the company’s dedication to meeting evolving market demands through cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions.

Smart sensors, smart savings - Reducing energy and cost in textile finishing

As energy prices, sustainability requirements and quality expectations continue to rise, manufacturers of technical textiles face increasing pressure to optimize efficiency while ensuring process reliability. At the same time, skilled labor shortages require production systems that are intuitive, automated and easy to manage. PLEVA addresses these challenges with robust, maintenance-friendly sensor technologies combined with intelligent process control.

BW Converting expands Southeast Asian presence with new agency partnerships in Vietnam and Indonesia

BW Converting is strengthening its presence in Southeast Asia through new agency partnerships in Vietnam and Indonesia, reinforcing the company’s commitment to supporting textile manufacturers across the region. The expansion comes as BW Converting prepares to exhibit at SaigonTex 2026 (April 8–11, Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam) and INDO INTERTEX 2026 (April 15–18, Jakarta International Expo, Indonesia).

YKK launches “YZiP® Light” aluminum alloy zipper for cotton pants

YKK Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Koichi Matsushima; hereafter, YKK) has launched YZiP® Light, a lightweight aluminum alloy zipper for cotton pants, with sales beginning in late March. The introduction of YZiP® Light expands YKK’s zipper portfolio—led by the flagship YZiP® copper alloy zipper—providing customers with greater flexibility to meet diverse garment needs.

Shima Seiki showcases WHOLEGARMENT® and 3D knitting solutions for technical textiles at Techtextil 2026

Leading textile technology solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, along with its Italian subsidiary SHIMA SEIKI ITALIA S.p.A., will be participating in the Techtextil 2026 exhibition in Frankfurt, Germany next month. On display will be WHOLEGARMENT® and other advanced three-dimensional knitting applications across a wide range of industries besides fashion apparel that are not typically associated with knitting, such as technical textiles using industrial materials and advanced three-dimensional knitting.