#Spinning

2023-11-16

Mini-Spinning, new lab-scale shredding machine & recycling in textiles

Given the announced community directives that will soon impose in many countries the reuse of resources and the reduction of waste, the circular economy and recycling are topics of very high interest nowadays, with increasingly widespread applications in all industries, but above all in the world of textiles.

The Mesdan Mini-spinning line, in addition to its main function (teaching, R&D, sampling), is increasingly contemplated as an integral part of recycling projects: apparel manufacturers and famous brands, R&D laboratories and new startups are showing great interest in the Mesdan lines for either laboratory or small production purposes, for the recycling of old cloths, fabrics and yarn waste as well as the recovery of valuable waste fibers.

In recent years, various research institutes around the world have included the Mesdan Mini-spinning line in their textile recycling projects. The required equipment for this kind of assessment includes the card with the attached sliver web condenser, the drawing frame with the flyer for better resistance and uniformity of the roving and the ring spinning machine. Some have completed the line with the addition of machines for the production of twisted yarns (assembly winder, twisting machine) or a knitting machine, all in lab scale.

The novelty that Mesdan presented at the ITMA 2023 in Milan is the laboratory scale Shredding machine.

The machine is characterized by versatility, flexibility high performance, thanks to the possibility of customizing and saving the different settings, modifying the machine's working parameters (work cylinder rotation speed, product feeding speed and suction of the finished product).

A "standard" mechanical recycling process can be simplified as follows:

- selection and sanitization of the textile to be recycled,

- removal of non-textile parts (metal or plastic parts, such as buttons, zippers, etc),

- cutting of incoming material and Shredding,

- fiber mixing (with the possible addition of other non-recycled fibres) and carding,

- drawing plus spinning to obtain the final product (yarn with desired % composition, count and tpm)

With a production capacity of approximately 1kg/min (60kg/h), the laboratory Shredding machine is also contemplated with interest as a stand-alone recycling tool, by medium-small sized companies, for applications not necessarily aimed for reuse in spinning mills, but for different technical applications, such as non-woven, thermal/acoustic insulation materials, padding, etc.

Finest lab equipment by Mesdan at ITMA Asia + CITME 2025 Singapore

Mesdan will be exhibiting 4 of their most important lab equipment at ITMA Asia + CITME 2025, which will be held in Singapore, 28 to 31 October 2025. As part of the spinning solutions of Vandewiele, Mesdan will be sharing their space within the 286 m2 booth of the group, located in Hall 4, booth n° A302.

DIENES at Techtextil 2026: Flexible pilot lines for bio-based fiber development

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RETECH showcases high-precision godets for high-performance fiber processing at Techtextil 2026

RETECH designs and manufactures godets and draw frames for heated, ambient and cooled processes, enabling precise heat treatment and consistently high yarn quality for a wide range of polymers and applications, with process temperatures of up to 400 °C for high-performance fibers. The company’s key competence lies in exact and stable temperature and speed control, individually adapted to the specific material and process requirements.

Barmag presents the next generation of POY production – energy-efficient and partial-automated

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Development of bio-based polyethylene fibers for textile applications – BB Engineering partici-pates in the bioPEtex research project

In the German research project bioPEtex, BB Engineering (BBE) is working with other partners to develop textiles made from 100% bio-based polyethylene (PE). The aim is to make use of this poly-mer, which has hardly been used in the chemical fiber industry to date. BBE is contributing its spinning and texturizing expertise and developing the texturing process on an industrial scale. The first promising results are already available – opening up new opportu-nities for sustainable and economically attractive applications in the textile industry.

Smart sensors, smart savings - Reducing energy and cost in textile finishing

As energy prices, sustainability requirements and quality expectations continue to rise, manufacturers of technical textiles face increasing pressure to optimize efficiency while ensuring process reliability. At the same time, skilled labor shortages require production systems that are intuitive, automated and easy to manage. PLEVA addresses these challenges with robust, maintenance-friendly sensor technologies combined with intelligent process control.

Gunold showcases embroidery product range and services at Texprocess

At Texprocess 2026, GUNOLD will present numerous hands-on examples related to embroidery in Hall 8, Booth E20. The focus is on creative embroidery designs as well as the extensive product range of threads, nonwovens, and accessories for embroidery and embellishment. “Trade visitors can once again look forward to many new and creative embroidery designs. Of course, we will also showcase the matching products required to bring these ideas to life,” announces Marketing Manager Stephan Gunold.

A Powerful Opening: Global thought leaders launch the International Cotton Conference Bremen

The International Cotton Conference Bremen will open on 25 March 2026 in the Parliament building of the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen with a keynote session of exceptional calibre. Distinguished international experts will set the stage for the conference by offering incisive perspectives on the most pressing challenges and the defining trends shaping the future of the global cotton trade. Their insights will span a broad spectrum — from geopolitically driven disruptions affecting global supply chains to the opportunities emerging from innovation-led agriculture capable of supporting a growing world population. Together, these opening keynotes will frame the dialogue of the conference, highlighting both the complexity of today’s market environment and the pathways toward a resilient and forward-looking cotton sector.