#ITMA 2015

2014-12-01

Sympatex wins Future Materials Award 2014

The Future Materials Award 2014 Best Innovation – Sportswear and Outdoor Apparel goes to Sympatex. (f.l.t.r.) Nadine Dereza, Isabel von Lösecke, Sonja Zajontz (both Sympatex) and Charles Beauduin, Cematex President; (c) 2014 WTiN / Sympatex

Now it has become official: Sympatex Technologies has won the “Future Materials Award 2014”. The ecological alternative among functional textile specialists has successfully prevailed over six other finalists in the category “Best Innovation – Sportswear and Outdoor Apparel” with the Sympatex Phaseable® technology. The 2.5-layer laminate offers an intelligent climate regulation by using a dynamic thermal insulation.

The award, which has been initiated by “World Textile Information Network” (WTiN), was presented last night, on Wednesday, during a glamorous gala at “The Westin Bellevue Dresden” by the prizewinning journalist Nadine Dereza (Financial Times, CNN and BBC amongst others) and Charles Beauduin, CEO Van de Wiele Group and President of CEMATEX.

The winning product Sympatex Phaseable® is especially suitable for high levels of physical effort during sports and outdoor activities, for example. The 20 experts of the “Future Materials Award” jury – among them leading specialised journalists as well as renowned representatives in the fields of industry and research – have been enthusiastic about the technical solution: “Very interesting innovative construction, and outstanding environmental considerations. Wonderful new innovation.”

The 2.5-layer laminate works like this: The three-dimensional half-layer on the inside of the laminate only touches the skin punctually in the form of foam points.

During the recovery phase of the athlete, an insulating air layer is created between the skin and the laminate. When the physical activity is increased, moisture is produced, which lets the compact hydrophilic Sympatex membrane swell up. Thus, the foam points disappear, the distance to the skin is reduced, and the laminate gets closer to the skin. This offers a better moisture transport and breathability. In addition, the breathability increases during higher levels of physical activity due to the dynamic climate regulation.

There are also environmental benefits: As an ecological alternative among functional textile specialists, Sympatex doesn't use any solvents for its technology. The footprint is also kept as low as possible, because the laminate is entirely produced within the EU. Another advantage: The top performance and maximum ecology of Phaseable® is enhanced by a fantastic fashionable component thanks to the individual design of the foam points.

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

SHIMA SEIKI brings new flat knitting technologies to FEBRATEX 2026

Leading flat knitting solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Brazilian representative BRASTEMA TECNOLOGIA TEXTIL LTDA., will exhibit at the Brazilian Textile Industry Fair (FEBRATEX 2026) this month. On display will be a roundup of SHIMA SEIKI computerized flat knitting technology, represented by WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machines, computerized flat knitting machines featuring a brand-new model with high productivity and excellent cost performance, a glove knitting machine and the latest digital solutions.

Lenzing reports improved half-year results and advances strategic transformation

Despite a persistently challenging market environment in the first half of 2026, characterized by volatile energy and raw material prices, subdued global consumer demand and intensified competition from Asia, the Lenzing Group significantly improved its financial performance. Net result after tax more than doubled to EUR 35.6 million, compared with EUR 15.2 million in the first half of 2025. Free cash flow increased to EUR 45.8 million, while EBITDA amounted to EUR 239.2 million. Revenue totaled EUR 1.27 billion, compared with EUR 1.34 billion in the previous year.

Trützschler’s latest spinning and card clothing innovations at CAITME 2026

From September 8 to 10, 2026, Trützschler will present its latest innovations in spinning and card clothing for state-of-the-art fiber processing at CAITME in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Visitors are invited to meet the experts at Pavilion 2, Booth D50 and explore solutions designed to increase productivity, streamline processes, and ensure consistently high yarn quality. Key topics include the next-generation card TC 30i, the integrated draw frame IDF 3, the high-performance comber TCO 21XL as well as Trützschler Card Clothing’s new flat top series STEELTOP®.