#Yarn & Fiber

2021-11-18

The LYCRA Company reconfirmed partnership with MarediModa show

Company’s presence at Europe’s leading swimwear expo to showcase commitment to innovation, sustainability and transparency

The LYCRA Company, a global leader in developing innovative fiber and technology solutions for the apparel and personal care industries, was again the exclusive partner of the MarediModa international swimwear expo. The tradeshow returned in person to the Palais Des Festivals in Cannes, Nov. 9-11, after last year’s digital edition.

The LYCRA Company showcased its rich heritage in swimwear fabrics and latest technology innovations for the sector in The LYCRA® brand area lounge, an experiential space for customers, partners and other stakeholders. On Nov. 9, Alistair Williamson, Apparel Vice President, EMEA and South Asia, delivered a presentation on the company’s commitment to innovation, sustainability and supply chain traceability.

The technologies featured this year in Cannes include:

LYCRA® XTRA LIFE™ fiber - This world-class performance fiber protects swimwear fabrics from the degrading effects of sunscreen, chlorine and heat, and other harsh elements of the swim environment that cause fit loss and fiber breakage. LYCRA® XTRA LIFE™ fiber provides unparalleled shape and fit retention, setting the standard for sustainable swimwear.

LYCRA® FitSense™ technology - This breakthrough innovation eliminates the need for uncomfortable padding in swimwear, while offering comfortable support and targeted compression. LYCRA® FitSense™ technology is a patented, water-based dispersion that uses the same molecule as LYCRA® fiber, but in liquid form. Using an exclusive screen-printing technique with an array of patterns or color designs, swimwear makers can eliminate bulky inserts or extra seams that limit movement in and out of the water.

LYCRA® ADAPTIV fiber - The innovative LYCRA® ADAPTIV fiber will make its European trade debut in Cannes, opening new possibilities in personalized fit and inclusive sizing. Driven by consumer demands for garments that adapt to his or her body (not vice versa), LYCRA® ADAPTIV is a unique, patent-pending fiber that adapts to the functional needs of the wearer, whether at rest or in motion, by stretching to suit his or her movements and body type and deliver a better fit throughout the day.

The LYCRA® area was located next to the Trends Forum.

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.

Yarn Expo Spring 2026 concludes, connecting buyers with innovative selection of sustainable yarns and fibres

Yarn Expo Spring 2026 wrapped up successfully on 13 March, as a record-high of over 600 exhibitors from 12 countries and regions welcomed more than 25,000 visitors from 113 countries and regions. Held across 27,000 sqm in Hall 8.2 of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the fair highlighted the textile industry’s accelerating shift toward a lower-impact, more functional future. Exhibitors presented eco-friendly organic, regenerated and recycled yarns and fibres, alongside innovative options such as sweat-resistant and high-performance materials. A comprehensive fringe programme further enriched the event, offering practical market insights and new networking opportunities.

Lenzing advances its transformation: Higher EBITDA, stronger free cash flow and more than EUR 200 million in cost savings

The business performance of the Lenzing Group in 2025 was affected particularly in the second half of the year by external factors such as international tariff measures, subdued demand and declining market prices. As a result, revenue decreased slightly by 2.3 percent to EUR 2.6 billion, primarily due to lower fiber sales volumes and lower prices for fibers and pulp, which were further negatively impacted by currency developments. Nevertheless, thanks to the comprehensive Performance Program, Lenzing was able to improve its operating performance and key financial indicators compared with the previous year.

“Lead Transformation – Generate Impact”: Lenzing presents its 2025 Annual and Sustainability Report

The Lenzing Group has published its 2025 Annual and Sustainability Report, entitled LEAD TRANSFORMATION – GENERATE IMPACT. The report shows how Lenzing is actively shaping change in the industry and making a lasting impact: economically, ecologically, and socially. Lenzing is consistently focused on the future: with targeted investments in premiumization, excellence, innovation, and sustainability, the company is strengthening its position as a leading provider of sustainable, cellulose-based premium fibers. The combined report is available in digital format.

BTMA backs global growth while investing in future UK leaders

As one of a number of new initiatives launched this year, the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) is launching the UK-India Textile Machinery Coalition. The UK-India Free Trade Agreement, signed in July 2025, has implications that extend across sourcing, competitiveness and long-term trade dynamics, believes BTMA CEO Jason Kent.

China projected to increase cotton production, yields, and imports in 2026/27

World cotton production in the 2026/27 season is projected at 25.9 million tonnes, exceeding global consumption of 25.2 million tonnes, according to the May 2026 issue of Cotton This Month. That means both production and consumption are expected to remain close to current season levels, while global cotton trade is projected to decline by 2.7% to approximately 9.6-9.7 million tonnes.