#Knitting & Hosiery

2024-10-24

Benefit from the growing trend for sun protection

KARL MAYER has developed sun protection textiles that strike a chord with the times like no other comparable product. The innovative articles are produced on an HKS 2-S in the new fineness E 44, guaranteeing an excellent Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) and offering unique wearing comfort. In addition, with a daily output of 200 kg of fabric the productivity of the HKS 2-S is just perfect. With this performance, the E 44 tricot machine is set to new trends, particularly in the outdoor fashion sector, and was a highlight at the KARL MAYER stand at the recently concluded ITMA ASIA + CITME 2024 in Shanghai.

The comfortable sun protection fabrics from an HKS 2-S, new in E 44, giving new drive to outdoor fashion © 2024 KARL MAYER

“Our E44 tricot machine and its products for the Outdoor sector underlined by its excellent UVA protection, to has peaked great interests among trade fair visitors,” says Xu Ying, Regional Product Owner Tricot machines at KARL MAYER (CHINA), during the trade fair.

This is not without reason. Temperatures are continuing to rise worldwide. In the summer of 2024, the Copernicus Climate Change Service registered the hottest June, August and day since records began. /1/

Effective sun protection during outdoor activities is therefore becoming increasingly important, especially for mountain sports. When hiking, climbing, or cycling, UV radiation increases by 2 to 3 % with every meter of altitude. At an altitude of 2,000 meters, there is already around 40 % more electromagnetic radiation. /2/

Sun protection products are therefore booming. In China, it is estimated that the market for UV protection products will grow from USD 10.3 billion in 2023 to USD 95.8 billion in 2026. Sun protection clothing in particular is extremely popular. On the e-commerce platform Taobao, sales of items from this segment for women amounted to a quarter of the total annual turnover for 2023 in May 2024. /3/ So it's no wonder that the HKS 2-S in E 44 with its extraordinary products was a top topic of the KARL MAYER presentation at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2024!

The smooth fabrics make outdoor fashion of a completely new quality possible. For outdoor activities in particular, the fine warp-knitted fabrics offer two decisive advantages compared to their circular knit counterparts with an almost identical fabric weight: their breathability is around 30% higher, making them significantly more comfortable to wear in terms of clothing physiology, and they absorb the sun's UV rays better. Due to the dense structure, the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) is more than twice as high. The lightweight textiles also show how a note of luxury, familiar from high-end clothing, can bring a touch of pep to the outdoor area. The soft fabrics are smooth, cool and silky against the skin, do not crease when worn and are highly resistant to pilling. And they ensure a carefree stay outdoors!

And they ensure a carefree stay outdoors!

Demonstration of sun protection fabrics at KARL MAYER booth at ITMA Asia + CITME 2024 © 2024 KARL MAYER

KARL MAYER is looking forward to lively discussions about the development of new product ranges with its customers, but also with international sportswear brands. “We, Global Business Development at KARL MAYER, can push communication and collaboration with the brands. We offer a comprehensive range of expertise and equipment to support the successful development and implementation of innovations within Textiles," says Rachael Higgins, Vice President Global Business Development at KARL MAYER.

/1/https://www.zdf.de/nachrichten/panorama/klimawandel-sommer-wetter-hitze-hoechstwert-copernikus-100.html

/2/https://www.wetter.de/cms/uv-index-wo-und-wann-ist-die-sonnenbrandgefahr-besonders-hoch-5091724.html

/3/https://www.shine.cn/biz/economy/2408152993/

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.

The new RDJ 7/3 defines the design footprint of modern athletic shoes

Stylish, functional, and efficient to produce – spacer fabrics are the all-arounders among textile materials. These versatile fabrics are particularly in demand in the sports and casual footwear sector, as they combine comfort, breathability, and design freedom. At the same time, this industry is trend-driven, dynamic, and price-sensitive like few others. Innovations are therefore a decisive factor for success. With the RDJ 7/3, KARL MAYER offers a solution specifically tailored to these requirements. The particular strength of the new double raschel machine: its exceptional flexibility, thanks to its three jacquard bars.

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.

Expansive innovations converge in Shanghai as Yarn Expo Autumn 2026 opens doors next week

With just days to go, industry enthusiasm is building for the opening of Yarn Expo Autumn, Asia’s premier yarn and fibre trade fair, running from 25 – 27 August at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). Across 27,000 sqm in Hall 8.2, buyers will find nearly 600 exhibitors from 14 countries and regions, spread across seven specialised zones that range from cutting-edge man-made and regenerated fibres to time-honoured cashmere and silk. Beyond the extensive sourcing options, a fringe programme of trend showcases, presentations and product launches rounds out the three¬day event with design, innovation and market intelligence.

DOMOTEX Southeast Asia 2026 - Building the Gateway to ASEAN's fast-growing flooring market

From 11–13 November 2026, the inaugural DOMOTEX Southeast Asia will take place at BITEC (Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre) in Bangkok, Thailand. Jointly organized by GLOBUS Events Limited and Hannover Milano Fairs Shanghai Ltd., with Worldex G.E.C. Co., Ltd. as the local partner, the exhibition marks the expansion of the internationally recognized DOMOTEX brand into Southeast Asia. As the newest addition to the global DOMOTEX portfolio, the exhibition has been developed specifically to serve the rapidly evolving ASEAN market, creating a dedicated business event for the flooring and interior finishing industry.

Execs help steer Cascale’s consumer goods agenda in Athens

The 2026 Cascale Annual Meeting, taking place September 15–17 in Athens, Greece, will convene leaders from across the global consumer goods value chain to tackle one of the industry’s defining questions: how to accelerate meaningful, system-wide transformation. Guiding those conversations as this year’s co-chairs are Sean Cady, vice president, global sustainability, responsibility, trade, and government affairs at VF Corporation, and Dr. Delman Lee, vice chair at TAL Apparel Limited.