#ITM 2026

2026-05-14

BB Engineering unveils new, patented “ValuePack” spin pack at ITM

At the upcoming ITM in Istanbul, taking place June 9–13 at the Tüyap Fair Convention and Congress Center in Hall 7, Booth 702B, BB Engineering will once again be represented at a joint booth with its parent company, Barmag, and its representative, Tekstil Servis. The German machine manufacturer will show-case its expertise in man-made fiber and recycling technology, presenting its entire product portfolio, which includes compo-nents such as extruders and filters, as well as complete sys-tems for spinning synthetic fibers, air-texturing, and PET recy-cling.

ValuePack – The new generation spin pack

With its new, patented spin pack, BB Engineering underlines its expertise in synthetic fiber spinning. Until now, spin packs have been equipped with either metal powder (“sand”) or filter can-dles as filter media. Both variants have their place in specific applications but come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. While sand packs score points primarily for their homogeneity and are therefore well-suited for virgin material, packs with filter candles offer an increased filter area and were originally developed specifically for recycling applications. The large filter area leads to better filter performance and service life, but at the same time is accompanied by a lower flux rate and shear. This can compromise homogeneity.

The ValuePack combines both methods — metal sand and filter candle — in a two-step filtration process. The melt first passes through the filter candle, where it is optimally filtered over a large filter surface down to 15 µm. The melt then flows through the sand chamber, where homogenization and shearing are the primary processes. As simple as the concept is, it is equally in-novative and advantageous. BB Engineering is a pioneer with its multi-step filtration in the spin pack. The result is significantly better homogeneity in terms of temperature and viscosity, im-proved spinning performance, and higher yarn quality for a wide range of applications that goes beyond pure recycling. Another advantage of the ValuePack is that it is already forced-sealed independently of pressure. This prevents leaks that can occur with self-sealing packages and offers a larger process window. Existing systems can be easily retrofitted to accommodate the ValuePack, which is slightly longer due to its design.

VarioFil® - A trusted and popular system for good reasons

Such as the popular VarioFil® compact spinning system from BB Engineering. Compact size, flexibility, and consistently high yarn quality—that’s what VarioFil® stands for, and that’s what Turkish fiber and textile producers value. “Our compact spinning system perfectly meets the needs of the Turkish textile market. Fibers and yarns from our VarioFil® customers are used, for ex-ample, in clothing, carpets, or textile automotive components such as seat covers or seat belts,” reports Ralf Morgenroth, Head of Sales and Customer Service. With over 60 systems in-stalled since its market launch, Turkey is the largest market for VarioFil®. Accordingly, BB Engineering will once again be show-casing its compact spinning system at ITM this year for cus-tomers, prospective clients, and industry professionals. VarioFil® produces high-quality yarns (POY, FDY, HTY, LSY, HMY) from all common polymers with a production capacity of up to 450 kg/h per extruder. VarioFil® also spins recycled PET or bottle flakes directly into POY or FDY with impressive quality.

COBRA® Filter sets new standards

BB Engineering first introduced the new COBRA® filter at the Plastics Recycling Show Europe and K 2025 — setting new standards in the process. The company had clear goals in mind during development: The filter was designed to handle the in-creasing levels of contamination in recycling, simplify filter changes and cleaning through automation, and significantly re-duce operating costs.

The result is a system that combines continuous, large-area fil-tration with automated, chemical-free intermediate cleaning. Two filter cartridges with automatic switching ensure stable, re-liable, and uninterrupted operation. As a result, COBRA® can handle even high levels of contamination where conventional candle filters or screen changers reach their limits. The inte-grated cleaning system significantly extends the service life of the filter media. At the same time, it reduces operational effort, melt loss, and energy consumption—all without the use of chemicals. This increases process reliability and significantly lowers operating costs.

As a versatile solution, COBRA® is suitable for both coarse and fine filtration. In addition to PET recycling, the system is also suitable for other applications, such as plastic spinning, where it can be used to improve efficiency or retrofitted.

New spinning package with two-step filtration for recycled yarns and more

At the ITM in Istanbul, BB Engineering unveiled its new, patented ValuePack spinning package for the first time, which features a two-stage filtration system. This is particularly beneficial for re-cycling processes. Until now, spinning packs have used either metal powder (“sand”) or filter candles as filter media. Both options are suitable for differ-ent applications, and each has its own specific advantages and dis-advantages.

Development of bio-based polyethylene fibers for textile applications – BB Engineering partici-pates in the bioPEtex research project

In the German research project bioPEtex, BB Engineering (BBE) is working with other partners to develop textiles made from 100% bio-based polyethylene (PE). The aim is to make use of this poly-mer, which has hardly been used in the chemical fiber industry to date. BBE is contributing its spinning and texturizing expertise and developing the texturing process on an industrial scale. The first promising results are already available – opening up new opportu-nities for sustainable and economically attractive applications in the textile industry.

ITM 2028 opens exhibitor registration following successful 2026 edition

Following the successful conclusion of ITM 2026, preparations for the next edition of the International Textile Machinery Exhibition are already underway. The organisers have officially opened exhibitor registration for ITM 2028, which will take place from June 13–17, 2028, at the Tüyap Fair and Congress Center in Istanbul.

ITM 2026: Mayer & Cie. Global presents itself successfully at international industry trade fair

Mayer & Cie. Global has used ITM 2026 in Istanbul for its first major international appearance since the restart. Together with the Turkish representative Mayer Mümessillik, the company presented its premium circular knitting machines "Made in Germany", explained its future positioning within the group of companies and held talks with customers and representatives from numerous markets. The response to the restart was positive. The clear orientation of the company, the reliable worldwide network of representatives and the resumption of service and spare parts supply were welcomed by customers.

"We will become a recycling powerhouse"

The textile industry is now in its fourth consecutive year of crisis, while automation, artificial intelligence and recycling are reshaping the rules of the game. In this interview, Rieter CEO Thomas Oetterli discusses the first signs of a market recovery, reflects on his first three years at the helm of the company, explains the integration of Barmag, outlines Rieter’s vision of the fully automated spinning mill and highlights the strategic importance of recycling. In doing so, he explains why the new Rieter Group aims to play a leading role in transforming the textile value chain into a circular economy.

YKK develops concept EXCELLA® zipper tape using nonwoven fabric partially derived from used clothing

YKK Corporation has developed a concept version of its premium EXCELLA® zipper series made from nonwoven fabric sheets created by fiberizing used clothing and other textile materials. Based on a proposal by fashion designer Yuima Nakazato, this item was created as a result of collaboration between Nakazato, Seiko Epson Corporation and YKK. The concept zipper was incorporated as a material component for pieces in the newest YUIMA NAKAZATO Couture Collection, “INFERNO,” which was unveiled in Paris, France on July 8, 2026.

Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris highlights evolving global sourcing landscape

From 31 August to 2 September 2026, Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris will bring together more than 1,000 international exhibitors at Paris-Le Bourget Exhibition Centre. This edition reflects the new global balance of textile and apparel sourcing, highlighting a strong diversity of sourcing countries — some unexpected.

Dedicated car seat model of SHIMA SEIKI’s P-CAM® R Cutting Machine unveiled

Leading Japanese textile solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, showed a special version of its P-CAM® R multi-ply computerized cutting machine dedicated to the production of car seats for the first time, at a private exhibition held over two days on Thursday, July 2nd and Friday, July 3rd at the Kariya City Industrial Promotion Center in Aichi Prefecture.

ALADIN paves the way for circular and demand-driven textile production in Europe

Textile production can be organized sustainably by utilizing short supply chains and preventing overproduction. This can already be achieved today by intelligently connecting and efficiently utilizing existing infrastructure. At the same time, production becomes circular when innovative technologies and materials are used that enable high-quality recycling. The ALADIN research project, launched in May 2026 and co-funded with five million euros under the EU Horizon Europe program, is creating the conditions for this.