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Carbon + Ceramic = New High-Performance Hybrid Fibre Copyright: © Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) der RWTH Aachen University
Carbon + Ceramic = New High-Performance Hybrid Fibre
16.06.2026

First Place for New High-Performance Hybrid Fibre

The RWTH spin-off TERNAfil has developed MAXCarbon, a new high-performance hybrid fibre that combines the mechanical performance of carbon with the temperature and corrosion resistance of ceramic materials.

For this development, TERNAfil was awarded first prize at the PitchMiUp Night in Minden on 21 May 2026.

With its scalable technology, TERNAfil is working on new material solutions for applications in aerospace, energy technology and high-performance composites.

Fabian Jung, an ITA PhD student and TERNAfil founder, is enthusiastic: “Our success demonstrates once again how current research is making its way out of the laboratory and into real-world industrial applications. We at TERNAfil are delighted with the award and the many exciting discussions and new contacts we made there.”

Background:
Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences hosted its second PitchMiUp Night. The event focused on start-up founders, who presented their ideas and stories of how they started their businesses. The three best performers were awarded prizes.

The RWTH spin-off TERNAfil has developed MAXCarbon, a new high-performance hybrid fibre that combines the mechanical performance of carbon with the temperature and corrosion resistance of ceramic materials.

For this development, TERNAfil was awarded first prize at the PitchMiUp Night in Minden on 21 May 2026.

With its scalable technology, TERNAfil is working on new material solutions for applications in aerospace, energy technology and high-performance composites.

Fabian Jung, an ITA PhD student and TERNAfil founder, is enthusiastic: “Our success demonstrates once again how current research is making its way out of the laboratory and into real-world industrial applications. We at TERNAfil are delighted with the award and the many exciting discussions and new contacts we made there.”

Background:
Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences hosted its second PitchMiUp Night. The event focused on start-up founders, who presented their ideas and stories of how they started their businesses. The three best performers were awarded prizes.

Source:

Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) der RWTH Aachen University 

Yarnbank (c) Shima Seiki
16.06.2026

SHIMA SEIKI at Pitti Filati 99

Leading Japanese computerized knitting solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD., along with its Italian subsidiary SHIMA SEIKI ITALIA S.p.A., will exhibit at the 99th edition of the Pitti Immagine Filati exhibition in Florence, Italy. It will once again exhibit as part of the CustomEasy section, which explores various aspects of customization in the presence of textile machinery and design software, realized at the SHIMA SEIKI booth through its lineup of WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machine, design and knit software, as well as various web services. 

MACH2®XS173 
SHIMA SEIKI will be exhibiting its WHOLEGARMENT® knitting technology whereby an item can be produced in one entire piece on the machine without linking or sewing. The MACH2®XS173 WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machine in 8L, featuring 4 needle beds and SHIMA SEIKI’s original SlideNeedle™, is capable of producing high-quality WHOLEGARMENT® knitwear in all needles. While fine gauges have remained popular, there has been renewed interest in coarser gauges, which is why the machine will be featured in 8L knitting a Norwegian sweater. 

Leading Japanese computerized knitting solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD., along with its Italian subsidiary SHIMA SEIKI ITALIA S.p.A., will exhibit at the 99th edition of the Pitti Immagine Filati exhibition in Florence, Italy. It will once again exhibit as part of the CustomEasy section, which explores various aspects of customization in the presence of textile machinery and design software, realized at the SHIMA SEIKI booth through its lineup of WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machine, design and knit software, as well as various web services. 

MACH2®XS173 
SHIMA SEIKI will be exhibiting its WHOLEGARMENT® knitting technology whereby an item can be produced in one entire piece on the machine without linking or sewing. The MACH2®XS173 WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machine in 8L, featuring 4 needle beds and SHIMA SEIKI’s original SlideNeedle™, is capable of producing high-quality WHOLEGARMENT® knitwear in all needles. While fine gauges have remained popular, there has been renewed interest in coarser gauges, which is why the machine will be featured in 8L knitting a Norwegian sweater. 

APEXFiz® 
APEXFiz® subscription-based design software supports the creative side of fashion from planning and design to colorway evaluation, realistic fabric simulation and 3D virtual sampling. Virtual sampling is a digitized version of sample making, accurate enough to be used effectively as prototypes. By replacing physical samples, virtual samples reduce time, cost and material that otherwise go to waste. APEXFiz® thereby helps to realize sustainability and digitally transform the fashion supply chain. 

SDS® KnitPaint-Online 
KnitPaint is proven software used by knitting companies across the globe to create knitting data for programming SHIMA SEIKI computerized flat knitting machines. Previously available only as part of SHIMA SEIKI's SDS®-ONE APEX series all-in-one design system, with SDS® KnitPaint-Online, KnitPaint becomes available as standalone software that carries over the same familiar KnitPaint functions, but enhanced with basic planning and design functionality as well. 

SHIMA SEIKI Online Services 
The product planning capability of APEXFiz® is enhanced by several web services featured as part of the SHIMA SEIKI Online Services (SHIMA online) web platform. These include yarnbank® digital yarn sourcing web service that offers digitized yarn data by yarn companies from around the world available for free download and use in virtual sampling, SHIMA Datamall™ digital content web service that allows users to search, browse and purchase a variety of useful data for streamlining the planning and production of fashion items, as well as SHIMANAVI® e-learning system. 

The booth also features several companies exhibiting in collaboration with SHIMA SEIKI ITALIA, including specialty yarn and fabric manufacturers. In addition, SHIMA SEIKI will be exhibiting under the concept "The New Generation" to emphasize the need for nurturing future designers and creatives through the synergy of corporations and educational institutions. Samples produced by students from schools with which SHIMA SEIKI ITALIA is collaborating will be exhibited on site.

Source:

Shima Seiki

Edana: Pragmatic and harmonised labelling in the EU Photo: Edana
16.06.2026

Edana: Pragmatic and harmonised labelling in the EU

EDANA, alongside 14 European associations, urges the European Commission and Member States to adopt a pragmatic approach for the future harmonised packaging labels, in line with the EU’s agenda for the EU Single Market, simplification and competitiveness. The system should rely on text-free pictograms, available in achromatic or monochromatic versions matching the packaging palette, with the possibility of using digital labelling as a core element. 

The associations represent manufacturers of consumer goods across Europe. Their products are used by millions of Europeans to care for themselves, their families, and their homes. At the heart of this relationship lies trust, built over time through product safety, quality and performance, and maintained through clear and reliable communication with consumers. 

EDANA, alongside 14 European associations, urges the European Commission and Member States to adopt a pragmatic approach for the future harmonised packaging labels, in line with the EU’s agenda for the EU Single Market, simplification and competitiveness. The system should rely on text-free pictograms, available in achromatic or monochromatic versions matching the packaging palette, with the possibility of using digital labelling as a core element. 

The associations represent manufacturers of consumer goods across Europe. Their products are used by millions of Europeans to care for themselves, their families, and their homes. At the heart of this relationship lies trust, built over time through product safety, quality and performance, and maintained through clear and reliable communication with consumers. 

In fast-moving retail environments, product labelling plays a critical role as the primary interface between manufacturers and consumers. Clear and recognisable labels are essential visual cues that enable consumers to quickly identify products, understand their characteristics, and make informed choices. Preserving this clarity is fundamental, particularly as mandatory information on packs becomes increasingly complex, with the risk of consumer confusion and information overload.

More information:
Edana labelling European Commission
Source:

Edana