#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

2018-09-12

Sympatex to introduce its revolutionary UTMOSPHERICTM shoe technology

Thanks to a thermal moulding process, elaborate manufacturing processes are now a thing of the past. Sympatex UTMOSPHERICTM adapts perfectly to any foot shape, without seams and creases.

Using a sophisticated, innovative process, Sympatex Technologies has developed a manufacturing technology that allows lasting three- dimensional shape forming of their laminates. Sympatex *UTMOSPHERICTM is produced by means of a thermal moulding process, and is a liner that adapts perfectly to the shape of the foot, without seams and creases and without compromising the quality and functionality of the laminate. Combined with appropriate textiles, the sustainable polyester-based high- performance membrane from Sympatex is the perfect base material for this. UTMOSPHERICTM will be presented to the general public for the first time at the Sympatex booth (Hall 22P M11-M19/N12-N20) at this year’s Lineapelle trade show (25 to 27 September 2018, Milan).

With UTMOSPHERICTM, the traditional process involved in producing a liner can in future be made redundant when manufacturing a waterproof outdoor shoe. Today, a shoe of this nature is pretty much expected to be not only waterproof but also breathable to ensure that your feet stay dry and comfortable even during strenuous hikes and ascents. Manufacturing the interior of such a shoe is, however, generally still a complex manual process. Since the necessary membrane-based functional laminate has until now only been available in two- dimensional form, it takes a great deal of time and effort to create a three-dimensional foot shape. At the same time, the cuts and seams required to achieve this inevitably damage the membrane, which means that water impermeability properties then have to be re-created in the final steps by means of tape.

While this has been an accepted method in the industry so far, these times are now finally over. Instead, a thermally moulded three-dimensional UTMOSPHERICTM liner is optimised to fit the required final shape and can directly be integrated in the existing manufacturing processes.

“It can reasonably be expected that this innovation will open up a completely new chapter in the development of outdoor shoes, as it offers significant improvements both for the manufacturer, on the process side, and for the customer, in terms of added comfort”, says Dr. Rüdiger Fox, CEO at Sympatex Technologies. “We were guided by lean principles in our innovation process, and simply refused to accept that you first have to perforate and cut up waterproof materials, only to then seal them again by means of complex handicraft”, adds Fox.

Prototype series for the first pilot customers have already been in the development phase for several weeks, and will be launched during the course of next year. Due to the overwhelming feedback, production machine development has also already been started, with a view to going into full series production by the end of 2019 at the latest. Plans for modular production facilities in the manufacturing countries are also already in place.

Première Vision Paris expands innovation focus across fashion and beauty

From September 1–3, 2026, Première Vision Paris will bring together more than 900 exhibitors from across the global fashion value chain. This year's edition places a strong emphasis on Innovation-Tech, highlighting technologies and materials that are reshaping product development, manufacturing and sustainability.

Intertextile Apparel opens next week with strengthened focus on performance, sustainability, and innovation

Opening 25 August at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition 2026 prepares to welcome thousands of global industry players for three days of sourcing, networking, and trend forecasting. Spanning 240,000 sqm, this edition will feature over 3,500 exhibitors from 30 countries and regions, providing a comprehensive platform for fairgoers to explore new products, market directions, and business opportunities across the entire apparel textile value chain – with high-potential segments noticeably magnified.

Asia's fashion extravaganza CENTRESTAGE returns in September

Asia’s premier annual fashion event CENTRESTAGE--organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) will return to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) from 2 to 5 September. One of the flagship programmes of the third "Hong Kong Fashion Fest", CENTRESTAGE will bring together some 270 brands from 24 countries and regions and will feature more than 40 spectacular events, including over 30 fashion shows.

SAITEX reports efficiency gains and greater transparency in 2025 Impact Report

Vietnam-based denim manufacturer SAITEX has published its 2025 Impact Report, documenting progress in resource efficiency, chemical management, digital traceability and knowledge sharing across its manufacturing operations in Vietnam and the United States. Rather than focusing on sustainability ambitions, the report presents operational data, manufacturing developments and lessons learned from the past year.

SHIMA SEIKI to exhibit at Première Vision Paris

Leading digital textile solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan will exhibit at Première Vision Paris in Paris, France next month. The company will exhibit in the "Smart Creation" area, dedicated to showcasing cutting-edge technologies that integrate sustainability and innovation. The knitting expert will be demonstrating solutions that optimize product development workflows and enhance sustainability through proposals in Digital Product Creation (DPC).

ICAC International Seminar in Taipei to explore strategic synergies across the textile supply chain

The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) — together with the Taiwan Textile Federation (TTF), under the guidance of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan — will bring international cotton and textile leaders together in Taipei on September 10 for the ICAC International Seminar 2026.