#Knitting & Hosiery

2024-02-22

Well thought out: generating own energy with solar panels

The KARL MAYER GROUP reduces its ecological footprint when using energy. The KARL MAYER GROUP is committed to environmental protection and is not only focussing on its textile products and machine technology solutions, but also on its own value chain.

The Group's largest photovoltaic system to date has just been installed at its headquarters in Obertshausen. "With a total output of 2.4 MWp, we will be able to generate over 35% of the total electricity consumption at the site ourselves," explains Michael Sustelo, Head of Facility Management at the KARL MAYER GROUP, on the benefits of the investment. This important step towards sustainability was preceded by extensive planning. The large-scale project was coordinated and conceptualised together with the electricity grid operators, authorities, insurance company, experts and fire brigade.

Work has now begun on realising the plans. Following the construction of a stable substructure, the first photovoltaic elements were installed on the roof of the assembly hall in Obertshausen on 16 February 2023. This will be followed by the step-by-step conversion of other roofs. If everything goes according to plan, around 6,000 modules will have been installed on an area of approx. 12,000 m² and over 60,000 metres of cable laid by the middle of the year.

(c) 2024 Karl Mayer - Michael Sustelo, Head of Facility Management

New business momentum for the Turkish warp knitting industry

Warp knitting companies can look forward to new opportunities for their business development when they visit the KARL MAYER stand at ITM. At the important trade fair in Istanbul, the industry leader will be presenting selected solutions to support customers in a market that is as important as it is difficult. The focus will be on flexibility and speed.

More Jacquard. More functionality. More fashion.

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.

KARL MAYER's HKS 2-SE Expands Possibilities for Premium Stretch WARP KNITS

Warp knitted fabrics with a woven look are more in demand than ever in the fashion and apparel industries. Stretch WARP KNITS, in particular, impress with their freedom of movement, breathability, and virtually wrinkle-free wear – thereby opening up new style worlds such as smart casual or business casual. When it comes to the highly efficient production of premium-quality stretch WARP KNITS, the HKS 2-SE has long been the machine of choice. KARL MAYER’s best-selling tricot machine produces standard elastic fabrics characterized by high gauges, smooth, delicate surfaces, and a soft hand feel.

Footwear innovation enabled by warp knitting technology– insights from New Balance

The future of the athletic shoe is increasingly being shaped on warp knitting machines. For KARL MAYER, the footwear industry is one of the most important growth markets – and one of the sectors where innovative textiles can realize their full potential. In his keynote address at the opening of KARL MAYER’s TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER in Obertshausen in April, Vishnu Prakash Muthusamy, Senior Textile and Materials Engineer at New Balance, explained the opportunities that warp knitting technology opens up for performance, sustainability, and faster development processes, and why textile manufacturers are transitioning from suppliers to development partners.

The Woolmark Company showcases Australia's commitment to India's textile industry at Bharat Tex 2026

Reinforcing more than five decades of commitment to India's wool textile and apparel industry, The Woolmark Company, alongside Austrade and the Australian High Commission, marked a strong presence at Bharat Tex 2026, one of the world's largest textile and apparel trade platforms. Through industry engagement, strategic collaborations, technical innovation and knowledge exchange, the participation underscored Australia's continued commitment to supporting the growth and transformation of India's textile ecosystem while highlighting the versatility and value of Australian Merino wool.

Dyeing, finishing and singeing expertise now closer than ever to Brazilian customers

Benninger AG from Switzerland and Grupo NS from Brazil announce joined forces to support textile customers across Brazil with a strong portfolio of textile wet processing technologies, practical application know-how, and reliable local service. The cooperation combines Benninger's long-standing engineering expertise in textile finishing and dyeing with Grupo NS's deep understanding of the Brazilian textile market, customer needs, and service requirements.

Rieter and partners launch Recycling Powerhouse for industrial-scale textile recycling

Recycling Powerhouse Ltd. was established in July 2026 to industrialize, standardize and scale textile recycling. Based in Switzerland, the venture will operate a franchise-driven business model that enables the production of high-quality, certified recycled yarns. The project is supported by the following partners: Rieter Group, the world’s leading system supplier for natural and man-made fibers, Säntis Textiles, a Swiss textile engineering company, and Valvan, a Belgian sorting technology company. The first blueprint franchise operation is scheduled to launch early 2027 in partnership with Suhail Industrial Holding Group in Qatar.

Global carpet industry smartly connected: Heimtextil 2027 sharpens Carpets & Rugs with new structure and premium segment

Even more efficient, more targeted and closer to the market: Heimtextil 2027 strengthens its position as the leading meeting place for the global carpet industry and further expands Carpets & Rugs in line with market needs. With a stronger focus on distribution channels, the segment integrates into Heimtextil’s product worlds.