#Yarn & Fiber

2022-09-15

Spinnova wins Engineer Invention of the Year

The Union of Professional Engineers in Finland was looking for inventions that advance global wellbeing and promote the industry’s societal impact. Spinnova was chosen as the winner of the Engineer Invention category from among seven finalists by public vote.

Spinnova’s fibre and technology were awarded the Engineer Invention of the Year at the Finnish Engineer Gala last Friday. The competition was looking for companies, communities or individuals whose inventions promote the societal impact of technical industries, accelerate significant changes in work life, or promote global wellbeing.

Spinnova was chosen as the winner of the category from among seven other finalists by public vote. Other nominees included for example Teemu Aittamaa and AINS Group’s pollinator bench and Injeq Oy's smart needle that detects cerebrospinal fluid. The Union of Professional Engineers in Finland also awarded the Engineer of the Year Miapetra Kumpula-Natri, Engineer Employer of the Year Gofore, Member of the Year Johanna Kinnunen, and Member Organization of the Year Tietoala ry (Association of IT sector Employees) at the gala.

“I strongly believe that new technologies will solve the biggest environmental challenges of our time, and the finalists in this competition are excellent examples of this. That’s why the recognition for our technology and SPINNOVA® fibre feels particularly meaningful. Spinnova’s story would not be possible without our strong and skilled team, so the biggest thank you goes out to our staff. I also want to thank everyone who voted for us,” Spinnova’s CTO and co-founder Juha Salmela says.

Spinnova’s first commercial-scale factory is expected to be completed in Finland at the end of this year. The company aims to scale its global production to one million tonnes of sustainable fibre annually within the next 10-12 years – providing global fashion brands and retailers with a versatile and sustainable fibre at scale.

“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.

Expansive innovations converge in Shanghai as Yarn Expo Autumn 2026 opens doors next week

With just days to go, industry enthusiasm is building for the opening of Yarn Expo Autumn, Asia’s premier yarn and fibre trade fair, running from 25 – 27 August at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). Across 27,000 sqm in Hall 8.2, buyers will find nearly 600 exhibitors from 14 countries and regions, spread across seven specialised zones that range from cutting-edge man-made and regenerated fibres to time-honoured cashmere and silk. Beyond the extensive sourcing options, a fringe programme of trend showcases, presentations and product launches rounds out the three¬day event with design, innovation and market intelligence.

Dornbirn GFC 2026 expands conference program with new thematic sessions

For 65 years, Dornbirn GFC has stood for innovation and is one of the world’s leading conferences in the fiber industry. From September 16 to 18, 2026, the international fiber community will meet in Dornbirn, Austria, to discuss current trends, technological developments, and forward-looking solutions. More than 600 experts from industry and academia from over 30 countries are expected to attend. With around 100 presentations by renowned speakers, a 2,5-day conference program, and three parallel presentation rooms with moderated sessions, Dornbirn GFC provides a first-class platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and international collaboration. Together, participants will generate ideas and impulses that will sustainably shape the future of the global fiber industry.

KARL MAYER invites the Global Textile Industry to celebrate its 90th anniversary at its German Headquarters in 2027

KARL MAYER is turning its anniversary year 2027 into a milestone for the textile sector. To mark its 90th anniversary, the industry leader is inviting customers, partners, and experts from around the world to a unique event series in September aimed at pushing boundaries, unlocking new opportunities, and jointly setting the course for a new era in textiles – just as KARL MAYER has done throughout its history. The company’s headquarters in Obertshausen, near Frankfurt, is the place to be.

ITMF names three winners of the Sustainability & Innovation Award 2026

Three projects from the UK, Korea and China have been selected as winners of the ITMF Sustainability & Innovation Award 2026. The projects address textile-to-textile recycling, chemical recycling for automotive textiles and a regenerative approach combining silk production with ecological restoration.

Durak Maxibalance thread supports users’ movement and balance comfort

Durak Tekstil, a leading brand in its industry, has developed Durak Maxibalance, a new product engineered with bio-ceramic and FAR IR technology. Ushering in a new era for sportswear, activewear, and medical textiles, this technology offers features designed to support balance and movement comfort by reflecting the energy absorbed from the body back into it.