Features

The Index 26 trade fair, held in Geneva, Switzerland, on 19–22 May, and organised by Brussels, Belgium-based trade association EDANA, attracted 625 exhibitors from 44 countries and 11 452 visitors over its duration, reinforcing its role as the go-to event for the nonwovens industry. Held every three years, the event offers the perfect opportunity to gauge the performance of the global nonwovens market and the technologies that are shaping the future of the industry. Adrian Wilson reports.

Increasingly complex working environments are exposing the limitations of traditional methods for improving the visibility of workers in dark, dusty and smoky environments, such as the use of fluorescent and retro-reflective materials. Researchers at Coats, a leading supplier of critical components to the global apparel and footwear industries based in London, UK, are working to solve this problem using phosphorescent technologies. The company’s Senior Vice President (SVP) of Innovation, Pradip Bahukudumbi, tells us more.

Techtextil will offer attendees plenty of opportunities to find the latest equipment and instruments to help them maintain and prove the standards of their products. James Bakewell provides a few tips as to where to look among the crowded halls.

A wide range of functionalities can be imparted to technical textiles using finishing, coating and laminating technologies. Editor James Bakewell picks-out some of the highlights from the busy show floor at Techtextil.

Techtextil offers nonwovens manufacturers the chance to showcase a wide variety of technical applications for their products. James Bakewell reports.

The development of high-performance and environmentally friendly fibres, yarns, filaments and threads continues to create significant opportunities for manufacturers of technical textiles. James Bakewell picks-out some highlights to look-out for during Techtextil.

There will be much innovation from manufacturers of knitted, woven and laminated fabrics on-show at Techtextil. James Bakewell provides a guide of the companies to look for in the busy halls of the exhibition.

While many machinery builders will wait to present their most important developments at ITMA (which will take place in Hannover, Germany, on 16–22 September 2027), Techtextil, and its sister show, Texprocess, will provide them with a vital opportunity to showcase their technologies to manufacturers of technical textiles. Editor James Bakewell picks-out some highlights.

The Chief Commercial Officer and President of AGY, Patrick Hunter, talked to John McCurry about how the company’s multimillion-dollar expansion of its facility in South Carolina will enable it to serve the  booming market for artificial intelligence, the importance of manufacturing in the USA, the company’s latest products for the composites market and the importance of finding  skilled engineers.

Strong, light in weight and able to dampen vibrations, hemp fibres have for centuries been used for the manufacture of ropes and paper. Now, as a diverse range of industries look to reduce the environmental impact of their products, hemp could play a significant role in the manufacture of technical textiles and nonwovens and, in the USA, IND Hemp is working to exploit this potential. John McCurry reports.