#Nonwovens / Technical Textiles

2025-02-11

KARL MAYER Technische Textilien is delighted with the sales success of its MAX GLASS ECO and TM WEFT 2

KARL MAYER Technical Textiles launched two machine innovations last year and hit the mark. The newcomers, the MAX GLASS ECO for the composite sector and the 2nd generation TM WEFT for the fashion and interlining market, enjoyed above-average demand in 2024. Double-digit numbers of machines were delivered to the main markets of China and India.

This year is also starting with positive prospects. “In the first week of January, we already had eight inquiries from potential new customers in China alone about our latest TM WEFT,” says Jan Stahr, Regional Sales Manager of KARL MAYER's Technical Textiles business unit, pleased with the promising start to the year. The concentrated interest is based on an example that has set a precedent: it comes from a Chinese textile region with traditional waterjet weaving mills, where the first two warp knitting machines with weft insertion were installed just a few days before. By switching to TM WEFT 2 technology, the environmental impact of wastewater is significantly reduced, and customers benefit from a considerable increase in efficiency.

The machine is also attracting interest from traditional warp knitting customers looking for new fields of application.

Convince through performance

Sales success is based on machines that are precisely tailored to market requirements. The TM WEFT 2 offers not only a general technological advantage over weaving machines, but above all a convincing price-performance ratio, easy operation and an extremely long service life. The warp knitting machine with weft insertion is 20% more performant than its predecessor and has been further developed, particularly in the area of the crankcase system. The technical features also include the proven carbon bar equipment from KARL MAYER and functional optimizations.

With the MAX GLASS ECO, KARL MAYER Technische Textilien offers a reliable production machine for the extremely economical manufacture of standard articles made of glass fibers. In particular, manufacturers of fabrics for the wind power industry benefit from the performance of the sought-after composite machine. Its performance strengths include an extremely high output. At a maximum speed of 1,800 rpm, up to 410 m of fabric/h can be produced at a working width of 101". In addition, the MAX GLASS ECO can be modified with various optional functions to optimally meet the requirements of different applications. All this is available at a price that significantly shortens the amortization period of the economical machine compared to its predecessor.

The weft layer of MAX GLAS ECO in detail © 2025 KARL MAYER

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.

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.

ANDRITZ sets focus on textile recycling and durable nonwoven production technologies at ITMA Asia 2025

International technology Group ANDRITZ will be presenting its innovative nonwovens production and textile solutions at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2025 in Singapore, from October 28 to 31, 2025 (Hall 2, D106). ANDRITZ will showcase its MMCF production plants, textile sorting and recycling, bast fiber processing, needlepunch, airlay, and life-cycle service technologies, with a focus on sustainable solutions. Discover how these innovations can grow your business opportunities and support a greener future.

OUTLOOK™ 2025: Charting a sustainable and innovative future for the Nonwovens Industry

EDANA concluded its flagship event, OUTLOOK™ 2025, last week, marking it as a major success and addressing the biggest questions facing the industry. The three-day conference highlighted the urgent need for a unified approach to sustainability, regulation, and innovation in the absorbent hygiene and wipes sectors.

Global Nonwovens Alliance unveils Inaugural Board, advancing collaboration and growth worldwide

The Global Nonwovens Alliance (GNA), a tax-exempt federation jointly founded by INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, and EDANA, the Voice of Nonwovens, announces the appointment of its founding Board of Directors. This group of leaders represents some of the most influential executives across the nonwovens value chain and reflects GNA’s mission to foster global collaboration, innovation, and growth in the industry.

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®.