#Techtextil 2019

2019-04-29

Machine premiere at Techtextil

KARL MAYER launches new raschel machine for nonwoven bonding at an in-house show in Obertshausen to be held during the Techtextil in Frankfurt/Main, 14. – 17. 05. 2019

KARL MAYER invites the sector to visit its Stand 3.0/E 18 at the next Techtextil in Frankfurt/Main for an exchange of expertise. On an exhibition area of 80 m² this manufacturer will be showing warp-knitted goods with a performance that is opening up new ways for interesting and novel business fields: articles with integrated electrical conductivity and shaping from the company’s new TEXTILE MAKERSPACE, a highly efficient textile solution for the protection of buildings, and a completely new generation of warp-knitted spacer fabrics.

Besides, at KARL MAYER’s headquarters in nearby Obertshausen, the visitors to Techtextil will have the opportunity to attend an exhibition-accompanying in-house show with a machine premiere. The new raschel machine for nonwoven bonding, RACOP 2-NW, will be presented. This efficient nonwoven machine processes fibrous webs to stitch-bonded nonwovens, and scores points by technological advantages. Unlike their chemically bonded counterparts, these nonwovens are elastic, voluminous and, thus, virtually textile. Moreover, the stitch-bonding process requires considerably less energy than thermal methods.

In addition, the RACOP 2-NW impresses by an excellent price-performance ratio and highest flexibility. During KARL MAYER’s in-house show, a RACOP 2-NW will produce a fabric in a gauge of E 14 intended for the application field of heating textiles. The heating effect can be tested on a demonstrator module.

The preparations for the in-house show are in full swing. KARL MAYER expects numerous visitors belonging to a specific trade audience. Entire delegations from abroad have already registered. The event can be reached conveniently from Frankfurt/Main by bus transfer.

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.

Footwear innovation enabled by warp knitting technology– insights from New Balance

The future of the athletic shoe is increasingly being shaped on warp knitting machines. For KARL MAYER, the footwear industry is one of the most important growth markets – and one of the sectors where innovative textiles can realize their full potential. In his keynote address at the opening of KARL MAYER’s TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER in Obertshausen in April, Vishnu Prakash Muthusamy, Senior Textile and Materials Engineer at New Balance, explained the opportunities that warp knitting technology opens up for performance, sustainability, and faster development processes, and why textile manufacturers are transitioning from suppliers to development partners.

STOLL: Agreement signed for the divestiture of selected assets

In early 2025, KARL MAYER announced its strategic decision to focus on its core business areas of WARP KNITTING, WARP PREPARATION, and TECHNICAL TEXTILES. As part of this move, the flat knitting machine business under the STOLL brand was discontinued and the production site in Reutlingen was closed in October 2025.

Recover™ and Ünteks Group partner to scale recycled cotton in knitwear

Recover(TM), a global producer of low‐impact, high‐quality recycled cotton fiber, announces a new partnership with Ünteks Group, a vertically integrated textile manufacturer based in Turkey. The collaboration focuses on the development of circular knit fabrics and garments, combining Recover’s recycled cotton fiber with Ünteks Group’s integrated capabilities across knitting, dyeing, printing, and garment production.

STEELTOP®: A new benchmark in flat tops for spinning preparation

Modern carding generations achieve higher production performance, placing significantly greater stress on flat tops. Higher cylinder speeds and increased fiber density, combined with tighter carding gaps, create more demanding operating conditions. At the same time, poorer raw material quality and the increased use of recycled materials further intensify these challenges. With STEELTOP®, Trützschler introduces a new full steel flat top series developed for these demanding modern carding processes.

YKK develops concept EXCELLA® zipper tape using nonwoven fabric partially derived from used clothing

YKK Corporation has developed a concept version of its premium EXCELLA® zipper series made from nonwoven fabric sheets created by fiberizing used clothing and other textile materials. Based on a proposal by fashion designer Yuima Nakazato, this item was created as a result of collaboration between Nakazato, Seiko Epson Corporation and YKK. The concept zipper was incorporated as a material component for pieces in the newest YUIMA NAKAZATO Couture Collection, “INFERNO,” which was unveiled in Paris, France on July 8, 2026.

Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris highlights evolving global sourcing landscape

From 31 August to 2 September 2026, Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris will bring together more than 1,000 international exhibitors at Paris-Le Bourget Exhibition Centre. This edition reflects the new global balance of textile and apparel sourcing, highlighting a strong diversity of sourcing countries — some unexpected.