Features

Manufacturers of machinery for knitting and weaving save their big announcements for ITMA (to be held in Milan, Italy, on 8–14 June 2023) and while many will announce developments in software for the automation of their machines and their connection over the Internet, developments in hardware remain key, according to James Bakewell.

Technical Textiles International’s preview of ITMA (in Milan, Italy, on 8–14 June 2023) concludes with the latest developments in software, and auxiliary equipment and machinery. James Bakewell picks his highlights.

James Bakewell continues Technical Textiles International’s preview of ITMA (in Milan, Italy, on 8–14 June 2023) by selecting his highlights from the latest developments to be exhibited by machinery manufacturers for the production of high-performance nonwovens.

Like the rest of the technical textiles industry, producers of fibres, filaments and yarns are facing price pressures, skill shortages, and stringent environmental regulations and legislation. At ITMA (8–14 June 2023 in Milan, Italy), manufacturers of machinery for this sector will present innovative solutions to these problems. James Bakewell selects some of the most interesting developments.

Changes in the automotive industry and the increasing adoption of hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles could create significant opportunities for producers of composites reinforced with, and nonwovens made from, carbon fibres. Two companies in Germany are positioning themselves to capitalise, reports Nonwovens Editor Adrian Wilson.

A US start-up company has ambitious plans for its durable zinc nanoparticle-based treatments that can be used to make antimicrobial, odour-resistant or ultraviolet radiation-shielding textiles. US Correspondent John McCurry reports. 

A number of distinctive displays of contract fabrics at the recent Heimtexil in Frankfurt, Germany, served to illustrate the home and contract-textiles exhibition’s dominant themes; the importance of functionality and sustainability. Nonwovens Editor Adrian Wilson reports.

While the nanomaterial graphene has attracted significant attention over the last fifteen years, its use in the manufacture of textiles has been limited. Versarien is looking to change this with a range of graphene-based inks for the production of sportswear. James Bakewell spoke to the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Neill Ricketts, to find-out more. 

Cotton fabrics can often provide the perfect conditions for the growth of bacteria that cause them to smell and, ultimately, degrade. Senior Technical Manager, Textiles, at Microban International, Yihong Li, describes a potential solution to this problem.

Companies operating in every sector of the fibres, nonwovens and technical textiles industries must continue to innovate in order to make their products more environmentally sustainable. Adrian Wilson reports on the latest developments from the annual Global Fiber Congress (GFC), held most recently on 13–15 September 2022 in Dornbirn, Austria.