#Spinning

2022-08-11

BB Engineering at the K show 2022

As a sub-exhibitor of Oerlikon, BB Engineering will present itself as an expert in extrusion, mixing and filtration as well as an innovator for PET recycling with the VacuFil and VarioFil R+ systems at the K.

Plastics expertise and innovative PET recycling for high-quality products

Plastics competence - extruders, mixers, filters

BB Engineering is no newcomer to the plastics industry. As a joint venture of Brückner Maschinenbau (leading with film extrusion lines) and Oerlikon Barmag (leading with man-made fiber spinning lines), BB Engineering took over the extruder division of Oerlikon Barmag already in 2002. BB Engineering can thus draw on more than 60 years of experience in extruder construction and is constantly engaged in development work to further optimize its products. To date, approx. 20,000 extruders have been delivered worldwide. The extruders are mainly used in film and synthetic fiber spinning lines for PP, PET, PA and PE. BB Engineering is the exclusive supplier for its parent companies and also sells extrusion and filtration technology to third party customers. The portfolio also includes various continuous and discontinuous polymer filters from small to large (0.1-40m² filter area) as well as various polymer mixers.

The quality of the melt and thus of the end product is BB Engineering's top priority for all components and equipment. "Our company has always stood for high-quality, durable machines and components that enable our customers to manufacture first-class products. A high-quality melt is crucial for trouble-free production and good, consistent product properties" underlines Dr. Klaus Schäfer, Managing Director.

Recycling technology

BB Engineering has been focusing its development work increasingly on recycling technologies for several years. In addition to extruders, filters and mixers that are suitable for both recycling processes and the processing of recyclate, BB Engineering offers a complete PET recycling plant called VacuFil.

With VacuFil, BB Engineering has developed an innovative and unique PET LSP recycling process. And here, too, the focus is on product quality. The process combines gentle large-scale filtration and targeted IV regulation for consistently outstanding rPET melt quality. Thus, much more than simple "downcycling" is possible with VacuFil. VacuFil processes a wide range of input materials - post-production and post-consumer. The patented key component Visco+ vacuum filter removes volatile impurities quickly and reliably. VacuFil is a modular system that can be designed for different recycling applications. There are no limits to the downstream processes. Simple granulation is possible, but also direct feeding into further processing, e.g. in the synthetic fiber spinning mill. BBE offers VacuFil in combination with its own VarioFil compact spinning plant to produce polyester yarn.

Open House

Exactly this process can be visited during the K show at an open house of BB Engineering and Oerlikon Barmag. Not far from Düsseldorf, at the company's site in Remscheid, BBE and Oerlikon Barmag will open their doors and give customers and interested parties an insight into the technical center. Here, visitors can experience the VacuFil Visco+ recycling technology in operation with a connected VarioFil spinning plant and see live how high-quality recycling yarn is produced from PET waste.

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI redefine textile processing

Making investment decisions in textile processing has become significantly more demanding. Increasing energy costs, a shortage of skilled labour and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties are compelling companies to focus on technologies that deliver clear gains in efficiency and process reliability. This applies equally to apparel manufacturing and to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. As a result, modernisation initiatives are assessed more carefully – even as the need to upgrade production systems continues to intensify.

Techtextil 2026: Between innovation pressure & market reality

From 21 to 24 April 2026, Techtextil in Frankfurt am Main will once again become the central meeting point for the international technical textiles and nonwovens industry. Running in parallel, Texprocess will focus on the industrial implementation of textile processing technologies as the leading platform in this field. Together, the two trade fairs form a closely integrated presentation and working platform along the entire textile value chain – from material development to finished applications.

Between geopolitical pressure and industrial resilience

In this interview, Dr. Janpeter Horn (VDMA) discusses the current challenges facing textile machinery manufacturers, shaped by geopolitical tensions, regulatory developments and subdued investment. He also outlines why innovation strength, integrated solutions and strategic positioning remain key to global competitiveness.

Rieter Annual General Meeting 2026: Shareholders approve all board proposals

At the Annual General Meeting of Rieter Holding Ltd. held on April 16, 2026, 342 shareholders representing 64.0% of the share capital approved all motions proposed by the Board of Directors. The shareholders adopted the Annual Report as well as the Financial Statements and Consolidated Financial Statements for 2025. They also granted discharge to the members of the Board of Directors and the Group Executive Committee for their activities in the reporting year. In an advisory vote, the 2025 Report on Non-Financial Matters was also approved.

SAHM Winding Solutions and Vandewiele Automation present integrated automation solution for winding processes

For the first time at the Techtextil trade fair in Frankfurt am Main, Germany (21 - 26 April), SAHM Winding Solutions (Hallo 12.0. / Booth 95) and Vandewiele Automation will be showcasing their combined automation expertise for industrial winding processes. Under the motto “Combining Automation. Maximizing Flow”, the two companies will demonstrate how automated package handling and robot-assisted yarn knotting can be integrated into a continuous production flow.

BTMA backs global growth while investing in future UK leaders

As one of a number of new initiatives launched this year, the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) is launching the UK-India Textile Machinery Coalition. The UK-India Free Trade Agreement, signed in July 2025, has implications that extend across sourcing, competitiveness and long-term trade dynamics, believes BTMA CEO Jason Kent.

China projected to increase cotton production, yields, and imports in 2026/27

World cotton production in the 2026/27 season is projected at 25.9 million tonnes, exceeding global consumption of 25.2 million tonnes, according to the May 2026 issue of Cotton This Month. That means both production and consumption are expected to remain close to current season levels, while global cotton trade is projected to decline by 2.7% to approximately 9.6-9.7 million tonnes.