#Spinning

2023-05-25

Energy-efficient and ecological production processes

The threat of an energy crisis in Europe has given further impetus to Rieter’s existing strategy of optimizing energy consumption. All European locations were instructed to take rapid and comprehensive measures to increase energy efficiency and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, especially gas. The company plans to switch entirely to renewable energy sources for heating and cooling by 2030.

Under the slogan “Reduce energy consumption – minimize energy losses – substitute fossil fuels”, Rieter is pressing ahead with its strategy of reducing energy consumption and substituting fossil fuels. In cooperation with external consulting firms, further savings potential is being identified. In 2022, Rieter conducted energy audits at all production sites. The results of these audits are expected during the course of 2023. Recommendations for action will be derived from them. The initial recommendations have already been implemented at individual sites. In Winterthur, energy saving measures such as reducing the heating temperature resulted in a 23% reduction in total energy consumption in the last quarter of 2022 compared to the same quarter of the previous year. Wherever possible, energy specialists at Rieter exploit further potential for savings, such as heat recovery in machines and the elimination of leaks in the compressed air network.

Innovative approaches for greater efficiency

In Hammelburg (Germany), Temco manufactures components for the production of filament yarns and man-made fibers. The production site has been redesigned for improved energy efficiency and increased flexibility. Since the beginning of 2023, the company has replaced an outdated, centralized filtration system and the associated cooling system with new, decentralized systems. Various machine groups are now supplied with oil from multiple systems, and three lathes are equipped with individual supply units. This lowers the energy requirements of the entire site by almost 5%, the plant requires less chemicals and cooling water, and maintenance work is also reduced.

Expansion of solar capacity

Rieter further expanded its solar power capacity in 2022. Four new photovoltaic systems (PVS) in three countries deliver an additional 4 200 MWh of capacity. The company now has ten PVS in four countries with an annual capacity of 7 500 MWh, and worldwide can cover approximately 13% of its own electricity requirements with renewable energies. The largest PVS is in Changzhou (China). With a capacity of 3 350 MWh, it has provided between 25% and 30% of the electricity demand since May 2022. In November, the Group commissioned a new PVS in Ústí nad Orlicí (Czech Republic). This supplies 20% of the site’s electricity needs.

In Switzerland, following the commissioning of two further plants, the company now has more than seven PVS. Since May 2022, the Rapperswil-Jona site has been covering 5% of its electricity requirements with its own solar power. A new plant with an annual capacity of 100 MWh complements the existing PVS at the headquarters in Winterthur (Switzerland). Together with the small hydropower plant, which has a capacity of 1 000 MWh, the Winterthur site can now cover 25% of its electricity requirements with its own renewable energy. In India, the company has already been sourcing around 20% of its electricity needs from solar power since 2019.

Rieter responds to higher raw material prices

Global political and economic developments have been leading to rising raw material and energy costs for some time. The textile machinery industry is also affected by this trend. Rieter machines and components consist to a large extent of steel, copper, aluminum and electronics. These materials in particular have seen higher demand and higher prices in recent months.

Rieter adjusts group structure in preparation for Barmag integration

The planned acquisition of the “Barmag” Division of OC Oerlikon will create the leading system provider worldwide for natural and man-made fibers. Rieter is confident it will receive all regulatory approvals to complete the acquisition in the fourth quarter of 2025. The Rieter Group is therefore adjusting its Group structure as of January 1, 2026, to take this acquisition into account and to be able to provide an even more agile response to market challenges.

Rieter reports stable order backlog and strategic progress – outlook for 2025 adjusted

In its Investor Update 2025, Rieter announced an order intake of CHF 203.9 million in the third quarter and CHF 559.3 million after nine months, reflecting a continued cautious investment climate in the textile machinery sector. Sales totaled CHF 121.5 million in the third quarter and CHF 457.7 million for the first nine months of the year, while the order backlog stood at around CHF 590 million as of September 30, 2025.

The hub of smart and sustainable transformation in yarn technologies: ITM 2026

With global fiber production projected to reach 169 million tons by 2030, yarn manufacturing is becoming one of the most strategic fields within the textile machinery industry. Located in Halls 6, 7, and 10, the Yarn Hall at ITM 2026 is set to bring together industry professionals with innovative solutions developed around automation, energy efficiency, digitalization, and circular production.

Perfect quality through collaboration: Machinery from Trützschler, Toyota and Murata at Zirve Tekstil

In today’s textile industry, excellence is not achieved by chance – it’s the result of deliberate decisions, technical expertise, and the courage to go beyond conventional paths. The Turkish company Zirve Tekstil has done just that: by combining the best technologies from Trützschler, Toyota and Murata, they’ve created a production setup that delivers outstanding yarn quality – recognized worldwide.

Esquel Group adds two new extra-long staple cotton varieties approved

Esquel Group’s Xinjiang Research & Development Center has successfully developed two new Sea Island cotton (Extra-Long-Staple cotton, ELS cotton) varieties named “Yuan Loong 37” and “Yuan Loong 42,” which have been officially approved and granted registration numbers. Both varieties have also obtained Plant Variety Rights certificates, marking another significant breakthrough for the Group in cotton breeding and commercial application.

Itema America acquires Palmetto Loom Reed, strengthening local manufacturing and service in the U.S.

Itema America, the U.S. subsidiary of Italy-based Itema Group, has acquired – through an Assets Purchase Agreement – Palmetto Loom Reed, a Greenville, South Carolina-based manufacturer of weaving reeds and one of the last remaining domestic producers of these precision components in the United States.

Reju announces site selection for French Regeneration Hub in Lacq advancing Europe’s circular textile infrastructure

Reju, the textile-to-textile regeneration company based in France, announces the site selection for an industrial sized Regeneration Hub, in Lacq, in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, on the Induslacq platform. Reju, a Technip Energies owned company, is deepening its roots in France through the development of this new Regeneration Hub.

lululemon introduces Unrestricted Power™ — A new sensation for strength training

lululemon (NASDAQ: LULU) has unveiled Unrestricted Power™, a new innovation platform engineered for heavy lifts and demanding gym sessions. The assortment, which launches in North America, is backed by thousands of hours of research and development, providing secure support without compromising comfort and mobility, enabling a distraction-free fit built to match every move.