As one of a number of new initiatives launched this year, the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) is launching the UK-India Textile Machinery Coalition. The UK-India Free Trade Agreement, signed in July 2025, has implications that extend across sourcing, competitiveness and long-term trade dynamics, believes BTMA CEO Jason Kent.
Fibre Extrusion Technology (FET) will receive the Techtextil 2026 New Production Technology Innovation Award at next week’s Techtextil in Frankfurt (April 21-24). The Leeds-based member of the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) has developed the FET-500, a new toxic solvent-free gel small scale system for the production of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE).
As global demand accelerates for lighter, stronger and more sustainable technical textiles, the machinery and testing technologies behind their manufacture are evolving at pace. At the Techtextil and Texprocess exhibitions in Frankfurt this April, eight members of the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) will demonstrate how advanced engineering continues to shape the performance, precision and resource efficiency of advanced fibre and fabric production.
Airbond is the latest member of the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) to receive recognition for contributions to the composites industry. The engineering firm based in Pontypool, South Wales, has just received the Make UK Energy and Sustainability Award for its Lattice 3D Printing project.
The first half of 2026 was shaped by the successful completion of the largest acquisition in Rieter’s history. The Man-Made Fiber Division enables entry into the growth segment of man-made fibers and sustainably strengthens Rieter’s market position in the Asia region. The expanded Group is now the world’s leading system supplier for the processing of natural and man-made fibers. In the first half of the year, initial cost savings in material costs and operating expenses have already been realized. The targeted synergies are expected to amount to at least CHF 20 million by the end of the 2028 financial year. Due to the completion of the acquisition on February 2, 2026, the first half of the year for the Man-Made Fiber Division only amounts to five months.
From October 15 to 18, 2026, Groz-Beckert will present its latest innovations and solutions across the product areas of Knitting, Weaving, Sewing and Spinning at Igatex in Pakistan (Hall 1, Booth A-1-08).
The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), in collaboration with Texas-based partner, Quarterway Cotton Growers, will expand upon its annual US field event to relay the vast potential of regenerative agriculture through an immersive experience of tours and demonstrations.
bluesign, which partners with the textile industry to reduce adverse impact across the value chain, appoints Hanane Taidi as Chief Executive Officer, marking a pivotal moment as the company builds on its leadership amid rapid industry change.
