#Techtextil 2017

2017-04-25

PHP Fibers with focus on hybrid rovings und yarns based on bio-polymer at Techtextil

PHP Fibers, one of the globally leading producers in the area of high-tenacity filament yarns, will present its broad portfolio of technical Polyamide and Polyester filament yarns at Techtextil (Hall 4.1, Booth D21). The focus this year will be on Enka® TecTape Hybrid Roving and technical filament yarns based on bio-polymers.

Enka® TecTape Hybrid Roving is the starting material for the fully automated manufacture of continuous fiber-reinforced composites with a thermoplastic matrix. Thanks to its twist-free and tape-like structure, Enka® TecTape Hybrid Roving efficiently combines continuous reinforcing fibers with thermoplastic matrix fibers. The resulting small distance between matrix fibers and reinforcing fibers enables short flow paths and consequently short cycle times in the manufacture of fiber composite parts. Enka® TecTape Hybrid Roving is flexible and its lowfriction and fluff-free roving surface allows exceptional load-specific and convenient processing into complex fiber composite parts on a textile basis.

In order to reduce CO₂ emissions for textile products, the use of bio-based raw fibers is appropriate. For this purpose, PHP Fibers offers two technical yarn types based on renewable resources:

Diolen® 150BT is the first technical polyester yarn with PLA polymers which are also biodegradable in composting facilities. Thanks to its greater strength compared to textile yarns, it is particularly suitable for use in agricultural textiles requiring limited durability. Enka® Nylon BIO is a bio-based technical polyamide yarn which should be considered as an equivalent alternative to petroleum-based yarns, such as Polyamide 6 or 6.6. It has comparably good yarn and polymer properties and additionally features lower moisture absorption and polymer density.

PHP Fibers will be represented at Techtextil 2017 for the first time together with sister companies from the parent company Indorama Ventures.

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

Mario Jorge Machado re-elected President of EURATEX

The EURATEX General Assembly has re-elected Mario Jorge Machado as President of EURATEX, renewing its confidence in his leadership at a crucial moment for the European textile and clothing industry. The sector is facing rising costs, global competitive pressure and an increasingly challenging transition towards sustainability and digitalisation.

ITM 2026 makes happy participants with its international and qualified visitor profile

ITM 2026 International Textile Machinery Exhibition, one of the most prestigious meeting points of the textile machinery sector, attracted attention in its first three days, particularly with its diverse international visitor numbers. Industry professionals from all over the world had the opportunity to closely examine the latest technology machines and solutions displayed in operation. Thousands of visitors from approximately 100 countries, primarily Egypt, Pakistan, India, Uzbekistan, Syria, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, met at the Tüyap Fair and Congress Center for new investment and cooperation opportunities.

KARL MAYER presents a textile TEXTRONIC® innovation at ITM 2026

With highly efficient machines and continuous textile innovations, KARL MAYER underscores its role as a reliable partner for discerning top-tier customers. Just in time for ITM 2026 in Istanbul, the industry leader is introducing a true innovation: an eyelash lace with its characteristic fringed look – combined with a previously unattainable 4-way stretch. While the established fabric could until now only be produced as rigid version or with one-dimensional stretch, the new elasticity in both dimensions expands the possibilities for cross-band panel fabrics.