#ITM 2018

2018-04-25

Getting close to the Turkish market

Greatly demanded fabrics and machines – KARL MAYER’s stand at ITM 2018 in Istanbul © 2018 KARL MAYER

Turkey is one of KARL MAYER’s most important markets; accordingly well prepared was the company when travelling to the country’s leading trade fair in the field, the ITM. From 14. to 17. April 2018, the world market leader presented itself in Istanbul on a newly designed booth and with contributions that met the market demand precisely and completely.

No trend was forgotten. So, the machines and technology presentations for the denim warp preparation sector and for the HKS machine range were just as densely surrounded as the decoration islands for displaying selected textile developments for different applications. „Especially the terry topic attracted the customers‘ attention“, said Oliver Mathews, the Sales Director of KARL MAYER’s Business Unit Warp Knitting.

But also the stylish articles for the fashion sector were on everyone's lips, and hands. „The visitors looked at the various garments, they reached for the fabrics, touched and examined them“, explained Gabriela Schellner, Head of Textile Product Development.

She was happy about the success of her fabric experience concept. She was, like the entire exhibition team, constantly in demand. Nearly 250 qualified discussions were conducted at the KARL MAYER exhibition stand, with customers from all over the world, but mainly from the host country and from Iran.

The conversations showed a very good mood within the line of business: „The willingness to invest among our existing customers is high“, said Bastian Fritsch, Senior Sales Manager of KARL MAYER’s Business Unit Warp Knitting. He met all his customers, and usually had intensive discussions about specific projects, with legitimate hopes for contract conclusions.

More patterns, less effort: the MULTI-MATIC® at Rohleder

Rohleder is one of Europe’s most modern weaving mills. For over 80 years, the family-owned company has been developing and manufacturing premium fabrics for brands, retailers and private customers – 100% Made in Germany. This success is made possible by a consistent focus on design, quality, and functionality, as well as by continuous investment in state-of-the-art production facilities. Rohleder also relies on innovative technologies in warp preparation and has been collaborating with KARL MAYER for many years. As recently as 2023, a MULTI-MATIC® was delivered to the company’s headquarters in Konradsreuth.

The new RJ 4/2 EL revolutionizes body mapping and expands creative possibilities – from smart lingerie to sporty athleisure designs

With the addition of another member to its successful RASCHELTRONIC® family, KARL MAYER is opening up new possibilities for creative product development for warp knitting mills and brands. The RJ 4/2 EL offers with two stitch-forming Jacquard bars entirely new design options for functional sportswear and bi-elastic lingerie. Available in gauges E 28 and E 32, this new model helps manufacturers set their collections apart from the competition. The fine E-32 gauges, in particular, impress with their clean surface, a pleasantly soft feel, and an exceptionally elegant look.

Brazil sets new cotton export record and consolidates global leadership

Brazil ended the 2025/26 commercial year with a new record, consolidating its position as the world’s largest cotton exporter. Between August 2025 and July 2026, the country shipped 3,373,941 tonnes of the fiber, 19% more than in the previous cycle, and reached record revenue of US$5.3 billion. The result represents a milestone in Brazil’s expansion in the international market and reinforces the country’s role as a strategic supplier to the global textile industry.

The LYCRA Company expands its co-creation vision through an immersive Lifestyle District at Intertextile Shanghai.

The LYCRA Company, a global leader in fiber and technology solutions for the apparel industry, is reimagining the trade show experience at Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics Autumn Edition, which opened today in China. Building on the success of last year's ALL IN concept, the company has expanded its co-creation vision into a 356-square-meter Lifestyle District featuring partners Jingzili New Material, JYT Textile, Lianxingfa Knitting, and Trend Textile. The district is part of a larger 895-square-meter pavilion showcasing a total of 19 co-exhibitors. Together, they demonstrate how innovations in fiber, fabric, and garments can be combined to create compelling solutions for both work and play.

Plastic-free stretch technologies drive new direction for denim innovation

As the denim industry looks for ways to reduce its reliance on synthetic fibres, plastic-free stretch technologies are gaining momentum. Developments based on mechanical fabric construction and natural rubber are demonstrating that comfort and stretch can be achieved without conventional elastane, supporting both recyclability and circular product design.