#INDEX 23

2023-02-08

Dilo shows at the Index how costs can be reduced with innovations

This year and in quick succession, there will be two flagship exhibitions for the textile and nonwovens industries. The first one - INDEX in Geneva from April 18 to 21, 2023 - for textile production with special focus on disposable textiles used in hygiene, medicine and similar applications, followed by ITMA in Milan from June 8 to 14, 2023 which shows the latest developments in textile machinery. This most important exhibition of its kind presents investments in the textile production process which meet the latest ecological demands for sustainability, recycling and reduction in energy consumption.

DiloGroup plans to participate in both exhibitions and present at INDEX the latest developments in needling technology in anticipation of the machinery exhibition ITMA and to draw the visitors’ attention to the latest demands of environmental sustainability in nonwoven production. The research work of DiloGroup traditionally focuses on production lines for the webforming and needling of staple fibre material. After years of gradual advancements in the intense needling technology, DiloGroup has succeeded in achieving the industrial scale of “MicroPunch” intense needling technology.

Good abrasion resistance of this intensely needled material allows the production of apparel, artificial leather, battery separators and filter media as well as medical and hygiene nonwovens.

The production of comfort tissues with a weight range of 30 to approx. 60 g/m2 made from fine fibre blends using polyester and viscose has been a domain of the water-entangling technology so far. This product being a typical disposable is in the crossfire regarding sustainability and recyclability. Therefore biodegradable or decomposable fibre material is the target for more environmental sustainability.

In addition, for the evaluation of a web consolidation process, low carbon emission and low energy consumption are important criteria.

The classical needling technology and its qualification for the production of lightweight nonwovens at low cost/kg has been technologically and economically proved in the meantime after many years of research work. It has become possible by an intense concentration of needles in the board and very fine barbs on these specialty needles which allow an economic mounting and quick exchange due to a new module design.

Compared to water-entangling lines, the “MicroPunch” needling line provides a drastic reduction in energy consumption (electricity and gas).

In view of heavily increased costs for electricity and gas, this reduced consumption has a great impact on the total cost for a kilogram of finished product in many countries.

DILO looks forward to welcoming you at booth # 2010 during INDEX.

Modernizing Needling – DiloGroup at Techtextil & INDEX 2026

With the theme “Modernizing Needling”, the DiloGroup presents a comprehensively enhanced portfolio for needling technology. The objective is to further increase the performance and application range of needlefelt production lines in terms of productivity, flexibility, and the development of new products, thereby meeting the growing demands of modern technical textiles.

ALMA boosts floor covering production with high-performance line from DiloGroup

ALMA in Florence is a specialist in the floor covering sector providing high quality products in a vast range of styles, colours and aesthetics. For its own fibre supply Messrs. ALMA keep an inhouse production of PP fibre in order to accommodate their need of excellent raw materials and broad production needs.

STFI highlights textile circular economy and alternative fibres at INDEX™ 2026

From 19 to 22 May 2026, INDEX will invite visitors to Lake Geneva for the world's leading nonwovens trade fair. The Centre of Excellence in Nonwovens at the Sächsisches Textilforschung- sinstitut e.V. (STFI) will be in attendance to present the latest developments in nonwovens research. In the field of the textile circular economy, the STFI will present acoustically effective nonwovens made from chemical recycling residues. The range also includes innovations aimed at replacing conventional raw materials, such as the biobased and biodegradable polymer polybutylene succinate (PBS) and Kendyr as an alternative to cotton.

FET’s revolutionary gel spinning system wins Techtextil Innovation Award

FET has received the prestigious Techtextil Innovation Award 2026 in the New Production Technology category. The Techtextil Innovation Award honours outstanding ideas in textile technology, sustainability, AI and the creation of technical textiles, selected by an international jury of experts. Ranging from new materials to new production technologies, this award recognises progressive ideas that are driving forces for numerous industries, such as automotive, medical and construction.

Savio Macchine Tessili will exhibit at ITM Istanbul 2026 presenting its flagship technologies

Savio Macchine Tessili will participate in ITM Istanbul 2026 in a corporate booth of Vandewiele Group, showcasing a selection of its most advanced winding and spinning solutions designed to support textile mills in achieving higher efficiency, flexibility and yarn quality. The company will bring to the show three flagship solutions: Proxima Smartconer®, Lybra Smartspinner® and the Phoenix Assembly Winder.