#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.

Dilo Systems and Kansan Group partnership announcement

Dilo Systems GmbH, a Germany-based manufacturer specializing in complete nonwoven lines, and Kansan Group, a Turkish manufacturer specializing in nonwoven converting lines, end-of-line solutions, and Wetlaid Nonwoven machinery, have signed a strategic partnership agreement to supply custom nonwoven lines.

New study shows low environmental impact by Cotton made in Africa Organic Cotton from Tanzania

Today, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) is announcing the results of a comprehensive life-cycle analysis (LCA) for cotton produced in Tanzania under the Cotton made in Africa Organic (CmiA Organic) standard. The study emphasises the small ecological footprint of CmiA Organic verified cotton. This can largely be traced back to the absence of synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilisers, and artificial irrigation. Consequently, CmiA Organic cotton can help the textile industry meet regulatory requirements as well as science-based targets. The results also show that the consequences of climate change threaten the livelihoods of these cotton farmers, even though the type of agriculture they practise barely contributes to climate change.

PERFORMANCE DAYS proves its relevance as the industry’s key meeting point

Held on March 18–19, 2026, PERFORMANCE DAYS once again confirmed its position as a leading international platform for functional textiles. A total of 3.366 trade visitors and around 560 exhibitors gathered in Munich, with the event already kicking off successfully on DAY 0, which received highly positive feedback for its interactive format. Despite challenging conditions caused by the public transport strike in Munich, the event saw strong attendance and a consistently high level of activity across both exhibition days.