#Textile chemistry

2021-04-01

2021 Ultrasuede® x Labelhoood Innovation Award Winner chosen

Toray Industries, Inc., and Labelhood today announced the selection of Jacques Wei as the winner of the 2021 Ultrasuede® x Labelhood Innovation Award. He is the founder of his namesake women’s fashion brand. The award was in recognition of the highly accomplished and forward-thinking approach in Mr. Wei’s design, which combines classic elements with simple, contemporary silhouettes. His ethos is in keeping with Toray’s commitment to the ongoing evolution of the Ultrasuede brand.

JACQUES WEI will unveil its Fall/Winter 2021 collection incorporating Ultrasuede on April 10 at a Labelhood event during Shanghai Fashion Week.

In its third year, this award is in collaboration with Labelhood, a fashion incubator for young independent designers in China. The two created this award program in keeping with their complementary visions. Toray’s is to foster social prosperity and a better future for generations to come. Labelhood’s is to invigorate the Chinese fashion scene.

Toray brought out Ultrasuede in 1970. Over the years, applications for this stylish, high-performance material have extended from fashion to encompass everything from automotive, aircraft, and other interiors to accessories for mobile devices.

Toray looks forward to collaborating with Mr. Wei in expanding the potential of the Ultrasuede brand in China’s vibrant fashion scene. Toray looks to continue driving the evolution of this beautiful material.

About the award recipient

Jacques Wei brought out his women’s label in 2019. Its inspiration is the enduring influence of traditional French fashion brands. He has garnered acclaim for combining classic elements and contemporary silhouettes in his designs. His off-the-rack apparel employs the precise and meticulous tailoring and other intricate techniques of haute couture and menswear and features glamorous and delicate materials in clean, simple lines that accentuate urban feminine chic.

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.

SOKO presents low-impact denim finishing innovations at Denim PV Milan

SOKO will present a range of sustainable denim finishing technologies and collaborative projects at the upcoming Denim Première Vision Milan on 20–21 May in Milan. At booth G27 in Superstudio Più, the company will showcase new chemical solutions designed to combine fashionable denim effects with reduced environmental impact.

Kruger, Canada, orders first nonwovens line for sustainable wipes from ANDRITZ

International technology group ANDRITZ has received an order from newly established Kruger Nonwovens to deliver a complete WetlaceTM hybrid line for the Wayagamack mill in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Canada. With this investment, pulp and paper producer Kruger is preparing to enter the nonwovens market with a new generation of plastic-free, chemical-free materials for sustainable wipes. The line is the first of its kind in Canada and is scheduled to start production in 2028.

Picanol to present its leading weaving technology at ITM 2026

Picanol is pleased to announce it will be participating in ITM 2026 in Istanbul. This is a key event for industry professionals to engage with the Turkish textile industry as well as the extensive international audience attending the fair. During the event, Picanol will present its latest innovations to the visitors in Hall 8, booth 802.

The updated poster on biodegradable Polymers in various environments has been released

As part of the PerPlacsBio project, nova-Institute has updated its popular poster on the biodegradability of polymers in different environments. The updated version reflects current standards, certifications and the latest scientific findings. The poster can be used to assess biodegradable alternatives for use in agriculture and forestry, and it is now available in German for the first time.

Vandewiele Group presents integrated textile innovations at ITM 2026

At ITM 2026 in Istanbul, the Vandewiele Group will showcase a broad portfolio of weaving, carpet and textile machinery technologies under the theme “Textile Innovations Together”. From 9 to 13 June 2026, the Group will present solutions from its brands Vandewiele, Savio, IRO and BMSvision in Hall 7 / Booth 710A.