#Knitting & Hosiery

2024-11-07

One step ahead in sun protection

At this year's ITMA ASIA + CITME, KARL MAYER presented a textile innovation in the field of sun protection clothing and hit the bull's eye. On show was a stylish jacket made from a tricot fabric in the new gauge E 44, which impressed the trade fair visitors with its exceptional performance. The silky fabric is light, soft and breathable, feels cool against the skin and offers unrivalled sun protection.

The UV protection factor of the dense warp-knitted fabric is more than twice as high as that of circular knitted textiles with the same weight per unit area. The article is also right on trend. According to a study conducted by Research and Markets in October 2024, the sun protection clothing market will grow by 7.9% annually until 2030, reaching almost 14 billion US dollars. /1/

The fabric with the great business potential was produced on an HKS 2-S in E 44, extremely efficiently. The reliable high-performance warp knitting machine achieves an output of 200 kg of fabric per day.

Tang Qi, Textile Application and Development Engineer in the KARL MAYER tricot department, was just as impressed by the innovative product as the ITMA visitors and was inspired to create a casual outdoor jacket for the trade fair presentation.

“Thanks to its UV protection factor, the E44 fabric is ideal for clothing worn during outdoor activities. It is super soft and feels pleasantly cool against the skin, making it comfortable to wear even in hot weather. When I received this fabric, I was particularly surprised by the wonderfully silky-soft feel,” says the apparel designer.

Tang Qi likes to be sporty herself. In summer, she often goes hiking with friends and appreciates an outfit with sun protection and comfort, especially in mountainous terrain.

That's why the young creative has deliberately opted for the silhouette of a loose training jacket. The wide cut offers the body enough space so that the fabric doesn't stick to the skin and cause friction and doesn't feel tight. So it's easy to enjoy the great outdoors!

Outdoor clothing with sun protection made from a new tricot fabric in E44 has been the big hit on the KARL MAYER stand at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2024 © 2024 KARL MAYER

https://www.researchandmarkets.com/report/sun-protective-clothing?srsltid=AfmBOorlD8gzyKnOG37E1tAiUHzB92wOD9rYH-SFQtbVc5hcr9AFBJUd

KARL MAYER strengthens partnerships in the composites industry at JEC World 2026

KARL MAYER further strengthened its role as a reliable and competent partner to the composites industry at JEC World 2026. The global market leader in textile machinery manufacturing used the trade show to meet key customers, establish numerous new contacts, and engage in in-depth technical discussions.

Driving WARP KNIT Inspiration

KARL MAYER sees performance fabrics and next-level textile solutions in particular as potential growth drivers for its customers, as a motor for business development and as real game changers for the entire textile industry. Innovation does not happen by chance. It is the result of close exchange with customers & brands, textile expertise and competence in textile machine engineering. This is why KARL MAYER is investing in progress and collaborative development and opening its TEXTILE INNOVATION CEN-TER (TIC) – a place to be for the entire textile world.

KARL MAYER (China) celebrates its 30th anniversary

On February 6, KARL MAYER (China) celebrated the new year and its 30th anniversary. Employees and the management team at the Changzhou location, as well as representatives from management in Germany, Italy, and Hong Kong, were invited to the festivities. A special highlight was the visit by Lutz Wolf, CEO of KARL MAYER.

KARL MAYER at JEC: Multiaxial reinforced CFRP pultrusion profiles are picking up speed in the mobility sector

KARL MAYER Technical Textiles will be showcasing exciting new application potentials for multiaxial non-crimp fabrics in combination with the pultrusion process at the upcoming JEC in Hall 5, Booth C 46. The advancement of the tried-and-tested pultrusion process enables the cost-efficient production of complex CFRP multi-chamber profiles, which are used in the CETROVO high-speed metro. The world's first carbon-intensive lightweight rail vehicle of this type is designed for speeds of up to 140 km/h.

Shima Seiki showcases WHOLEGARMENT® and 3D knitting solutions for technical textiles at Techtextil 2026

Leading textile technology solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, along with its Italian subsidiary SHIMA SEIKI ITALIA S.p.A., will be participating in the Techtextil 2026 exhibition in Frankfurt, Germany next month. On display will be WHOLEGARMENT® and other advanced three-dimensional knitting applications across a wide range of industries besides fashion apparel that are not typically associated with knitting, such as technical textiles using industrial materials and advanced three-dimensional knitting.

Huixing acquires insolvent Mayer & Cie.

Insolvency proceedings for the circular knitting and braiding machine manufacturer Mayer & Cie. were opened on December 1, 2025. Immediately following the opening of proceedings, the complete cessation of business operations was initiated. Most employees were subsequently given notice effective the end of February 2026. The production of the remaining orders in the circular knitting segment is expected to be completed by the end of the month. As early as December 2025, Mayer & Cie.’s braiding machine division was sold to an Italian investor.

Techtextil 2026 recognition for the UK’s FET

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).

Lower CO2, stronger bonds: Indorama Ventures enables customers’ performance at Techtextil

At Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt am Main, Indorama Ventures presents its latest material innovations aimed at supporting customers in achieving both performance and sustainability targets. The company highlights solutions based on recycled and bio-based raw materials as well as advanced binder fibers, addressing current market demands for lower CO₂ emissions, improved efficiency, and reliable supply.