From the Sector

Monforts recently celebrated its 140th anniversary at a special event for staff and their families at its headquarters in Mönchengladbach, Germany. Building on a rich history since its foundation by August Monforts in 1884, the company remains 100% dedicated to the development of technologies that will ensure the future success of its textile industry customers.

Under the motto, ‘140 Years of Performance, Innovation and Partners’, Monforts is looking forward to further celebrating this milestone with its representatives and customers at the forthcoming ITMA Asia + CITME exhibition in Shanghai from October 14-18, in Hall 5 at stand C09.

The first Monforts machines were mechanical napping units for raising the surfaces of cotton fabrics, providing softness and warmth and adding value. By 1893, Monforts 24-roller napping machines were drawing appreciative crowds at the World Fair in Chicago – establishing international trade networks was paramount to the company from the outset.

In 1897, August Monforts established an iron foundry equipped with hydraulic casting machines, by which time the company employed 1,200 people. This was followed by the introduction of semi-automatic manufacturing tools – an area in which Monforts achieved a number of firsts, such as the single-spindle lathe which became a big export hit in the late 1930s due to its unique and unmatched precision.

Overseen by successive four generations of the Monforts family, the company’s range of textile machines has been significantly expanded based on decades of accumulated know-how and a dominant position in fabric finishing technologies has been established.

Since 2013, Monforts has been a member of the CHTC Fong’s Group, today one of the world’s largest textile machinery manufacturers.

Since its opening in 2013, the Monforts Advanced Technology Centre (ATC) in Mönchengladbach has proved a valuable resource to customers for achieving new standards in fabric finishing.

Over an area of 1,200 square metres, it houses two full finishing lines, engineered to accommodate an extremely diverse range of processes, in addition to a Thermex range for the continuous dyeing of denim and other woven fabrics, a full colour kitchen and a number of lab-scale systems for smaller batch trials.

“The ATC allows our customers to test their own textiles and technical fabrics on Monforts dyeing and finishing machines under fully confidential, real production conditions,” says Monforts Technologist Saskia Kuhlen. “Using the results from these trials, we are also able to make recommendations for improving many fabric finishes.”

eVent^®️ Fabrics, a global leader in waterproof and breathable laminates, announced the hiring of three key team members to assist with growing demand for the brand’s expanding line of performance laminates and recent expansion into the South Korean market. Founded in 1999, the company impressed the industry with the first air-permeable 100% waterproof membrane and continues to innovate with sustainable, high-performance textiles. eVent is globally recognized for its breathable waterproof solutions and commitment to reliable, high-performance laminates.

Recent hires include Bartosz Lassak to the US sales team and Xie Yi to engineer the next generation of eVent textiles. For the recent expansion into Korea, Terry Kim will assist as eVent’s Korean Market Consultant.

eVent’s recent expansion into the Korean market includes a new strategic partnership with GEO International Co., LTD, a leading Korean company in the textile industry. This collaboration will introduce eVent’s high-performance waterproof breathable laminate solutions for apparel, footwear, and accessories to the Korean market, catering to the increasing demand for premium outdoor and performance apparel.

eVent’s newest team members include:

Bartosz Lassak – Senior Sales Manager
Based in Washington D.C., Bartosz is a Senior Sales Manager for the Eastern U.S. region and will help expand eVent’s sales footprint as new customers are added to the eVent portfolio. Bartosz brings 20 years of global industry experience and has a deep knowledge of outerwear materials, end use applications, and component brand sales. Most recently, Bartosz was a Territory Sales and Marketing Manager for Primaloft, managing ingredient brand distribution in the UK, Germany, Eastern Europe, Russia, Turkey, and North America.
 
Xie Yi – Textile Engineer
Having recently graduated with a double Master’s Degree in Textile Materials and Product Design from the highly regarded Donghua University, Xie joins the eVent team full time as a Textile Engineer. Xie will be integral as eVent continues to enhance product strategy and new product introductions. Throughout her academic career, Xie worked as a Production Assistant for Oya Jacquard Belt limited and a Research and Development Assistant at Atelier LUMA.

Terry Kim – Senior Consultant in Korea
Terry will support the expansion of eVent’s global footprint into Korean markets and assist with marketing efforts in the Korean market as well. Terry has significant experience in the industry including 20 years working in roles such as Sales Director and New Business Development Director in his time at Gore-Tex. In his most recent role, Terry was the Managing Director of Fabric Division for Gore-Tex.

Dow has announced the launch of DOWSIL™ IE-9100 Emulsion for durable water repellent (DWR) finishing, the latest addition to the Dow Ecolibrium™ Brand portfolio, as a product for high-performing water repellent fabrics.

An 81% bio-based silicone-organic hybrid formulation honored with both the R&D 100 Award and the SEAL Sustainable Product Award, DOWSIL™ IE-9100 Emulsion is designed to match the water repellency performance of fluoro-containing emulsions, making it a good option for high-performance outerwear fabrics, including athleticwear, outdoor garments and equipment, personal protective equipment, and footwear.

DOWSIL™ IE-9100 Emulsion offers formulators and brand owners key performance advantages expected of performance apparel and technical textiles, including the ability to tailor the level of water repellency to match the specific end-use needs. It also boasts excellent water-based stain protection and color fastness as well as good tape adhesion and logo printability. It can be applied across a wide range of fibers, both natural and synthetic, and helps maintain the breathability of fabrics and membranes to maximize comfort. Additionally, it is compatible with standard manufacturing processes, allowing for ease of use for finishing mills and is certified OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT.

On October 10th at 10 a.m. CEST / 4 p.m. CST, Isabelle Riff, along with Yusuke Kuwana and Jacob Milne, Dow Scientist, Textiles, will present the specifics of this new product during a dedicated webinar titled “Advancing textiles’ durable water repellency with silicone hybrid, bio-based technology.”

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announces the release of the International Fiber Journal’s (IFJ) special sustainability issue dedicated to nonwovens. This special edition, which was sponsored by INDA, is a key piece of the association’s 2024 strategic sustainability initiative, launched at the beginning of 2024 in response to feedback that sustainability remains one of the nonwovens industry’s highest priorities.

The IFJ special issue features exclusive content from industry leaders, including Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Glatfelter, Lenzing Fibers, NatureWorks LLC, Hollingsworth & Vose, MANN+HUMMEL, Nexus Circular, Henkel Corporation, and INDA. This edition explores key sustainability topics, structured around three core pillars vital to the industry’s future: Responsible Sourcing, Innovations in Sustainability, and End-of-Life Solutions. Featured topics include:

• Environmentally sustainable nonwoven materials
• Circularity in single-use plastics
• Potential of post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials in nonwovens
• Navigating regulatory challenges
• Advances in bio-based nonwovens
• The role of plastics and polymers in sustainability

“This special issue of the International Fiber Journal is a vital part of our multi-faceted sustainability initiative aimed at providing new and enhanced offerings to INDA members and the nonwovens industry. We are excited to see the industry come together to share insights on the sustainability challenges we face,” said Tony Fragnito, President of INDA.

SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Indian sales representative Universal MEP Projects & Engineering Services, Ltd., will participate in the upcoming Garfab-TX Surat exhibition, an international trade show on embroidery apparel technology, fiber, yarn fabrics and accessories, to be held in Surat, India from 13th to 15th September 2024.

Surat is known as the textile hub of India, especially in terms of man-made fibers, and while it has been mainly an industrial center for wovens, there has been recent interest by manufacturers in the region to expand into new areas, including knitting.

As inventor and pioneer of WHOLEGARMENT®, the company is exhibiting its MACH2®XS WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machine. Featuring 4 needle beds and SHIMA SEIKI’s original SlideNeedle™, MACH2®XS is capable of producing high-quality fine gauge WHOLEGARMENT® products in all needles. Representing the cutting edge in conventional shaped knitting is the N.SVR®123SP machine featuring a loop presser bed that permits inlay technique for producing hybrid fabrics with both knit and weave characteristics. N.SVR®123SP furthermore features i-Plating® inverse-plating capability for increased patterning capability, including the production of jacquard-like patterns in light-weight plain jersey stitch. Both machines feature such SHIMA SEIKI innovations as DSCS® Digital Stitch Control System (with “intelligence” on MACH2®XS), spring-type moveable sinker system, stitch presser, yarn gripper and cutter, and takedown comb.

SHIMA SEIKI’s SDS®-ONE APEX4 3D design system will be available for demonstrations on 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. Digital prototyping using virtual samples on SDS®-ONE APEX4 help to digitally transform the fashion supply chain for realizing sustainable manufacturing. Simulations are available not only for flat knitting, but for weaving, pile weaving, circular knitting and embroidery as well.

The sixth edition of Texhibition Istanbul from 11 to 13 September 2024 will once again bring together all components of the textile industry and offer an overview of all product groups in the textile preliminary stage: from woven goods to knitwear, from yarns and denim to artificial leather and textile accessories.

Texhibition Istanbul Fabric and Textile Accessories Fair, organised by İTKİB Fuarcılık A.Ş. in cooperation with the Istanbul Textile Exporters Association (İTHİB), is following on from this year's March event with the upcoming edition.

Highlights:

• Over 500 exhibitors will be presenting a wide range of products such as woven fabrics, knitwear, denim, accessories, artificial leather and yarns covering 35,000 square metres
• Over 25,000 trade visitors are expected from more than 100 countries, including the European Union, Great Britain, the USA, North Africa and the Middle East
• Yarn Hall completes the range of the preliminary stage and has firmly established itself at Texhibition with 41 exhibitors
• BlueBlackDenim showcases Türkiye's leading 25 denim manufacturers and inspires with creative denim installations
• Texhibition Trend Areas: The trend areas are created by combination of quality and creative themes of fabrics, yarns, denims and accessory products from the participants
• Texhibition Art Events: digital art, accessoires and yarn installations

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, has announced the finalists for the 2024 RISE® Innovation Award. On October 1-2, technology scouts, product developers, and business development professionals will gather at the James B. Hunt, Jr. Library, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, to explore nonwoven research and advancements.

Finalists will present their innovations to RISE participants on Tuesday, October 1st. The Award winner will be revealed on Wednesday afternoon, October 2nd.

The 2024 Award Finalists:
Dual-Layer Filtration Media by Ahlstrom Italia S.p.A. – Ahlstrom’s new dual-layer filter media technology enhances engine air intake filtration performances, offering up to double the dust holding capacity and extending filter lifetime by over 50% compared to single-layer media. It also enables smaller, lighter filter designs, meeting current and future engine specifications, including fuel cells. Dual-layer filter media can be offered with flame-retardant functionality for various transportation and industrial applications, ensuring safety, improved performances and reduced environmental impact.

ENDURA™ rPP Spunbond & SMS by Berry Global – A pre-consumer recycled Spunbond and SMS product, recognized by SCS Recycled Content Certification. With Spunbond products containing up to 90% recycled content and SMS products containing up to 40% recycled content, customers/consumers are provided a product with greenhouse gas emissions benefits, validated with life cycle assessment tools assumptions based on the actual production.  ENDURA Spunbond products have the opportunity to reduce CO2 emissions per kilogram of production by 70%, versus previous generation of product.

PlantPanel X by Hempitecture Inc. – PlantPanel X is a rigid continuous insulation material used in exterior above-ground applications. With an R Value of R3.25 per inch, PlantPanel adds to thermal and acoustic comfort and performance. Engineered with a density to resist compression and deflection, PlantPanel is used in split-insulation wall and roof assemblies with either a rain screen cladding or roofing material, depending on the application. With 100% biobased and recycled content, PlantPanel is a sustainable, low carbon continuous insulation solution that’s easy to install and safe to handle.

2023 RISE Innovation Award winner:
TiHive won the 2023 RISE Innovation Award for their SAPMonit technology. TiHive’s innovation, SAPMonit, inspects millions of diapers weekly. SAPMonit delivers lightning-speed inline inspection of superabsorbents’ weight and distribution, optimizes resources, detects flaws, and accelerates R&D.

Archroma, specialist in chemicals towards sustainable solutions, Kipaş Denim, a Turkish company with a focus on integrated textile production, and Jeanologia, a sustainable textile solutions company, are collaborating to pioneer a new denim finishing process for enhanced aesthetic appeal and greater sustainability.

Combining their advanced technologies, the three textile innovators are behind the launch of Kipaş Denim’s new Contra Denim concept – a breakthrough in denim dyeing and finishing that enables brands to create stunning and long-lasting distressed looks and designs effects, including intricate patterns, whiskering and fades, through cleaner processes that save water and energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Denim has traditionally been challenging to produce, especially for black and indigo fabric with a worn or distressed look, requiring significant water usage, harmful chemicals and intensive manual labor. The Contra Denim collection is laser- and laundry-friendly, with colors that are deep and durable. Stunning wash-down vintage effects and high contrasts are achieved via washing or laser techniques.

Contra Denim is based on Archroma’s DENIM HALO, a new approach to denim production that incorporates resource-saving pretreatment that includes DIRSOL® RD and dyeing processes to produce easy-wash laser-friendly denim. It delivers a substantially reduced environmental footprint compared to the industry-standard denim finishing process while reducing yarn shrinkage and improving garment tensile strength.

The Contra Denim’s vintage looks are achieved with advanced laser marking technology from Jeanologia. Thanks to the combination of Archroma and Jeanologia technologies, manual hand scraping or potassium permanganate spraying harmful for workers and the environment are completely eliminated.

Fernando Cardona, Brain Box Team Manager, Jeanologia, said: “As a purpose-driven textile technology company, we take pride in working with partners to accompany them through their transformational processes. We are delighted to work with industry leaders such as Archroma and Kipaş Denim, who are at the forefront of responsible denim production.”

Initially producing a ContraBlack Denim collection, Kipaş Denim has now extended the Contra line to classic indigo and other colors from the DIRESUL® RDT range.

The ContraBlack collection earned a Jeanologia Environmental Impact Measurement (EIM) score of 11 on stone wash versus the ring dyeing market standard score of 67. This confirms the low impact of the ContraBlack range in both water and energy consumption, chemical impact and workers’ health.

Am 3. und 4. September 2024 startet die MUNICH FABRIC START gemeinsam mit THE SOURCE, BLUEZONE und dem KEYHOUSE und lädt die internationale Modebranche einmal mehr nach München ein. Unter dem Leitthema „INTUITION“ wird der Branche ein umfangreiches Programm geboten, das die neuesten Trends, Materialien und Technologien für AUTUMN/WINTER 25/26 präsentiert. Auf etwa 40.000 Quadratmetern werden rund 1.000 Kollektionen internationaler Anbieter präsentiert, was München erneut zum zentralen Treffpunkt für Designer, Produktmanager und die gesamte Modebranche macht. Die BLUEZONE bietet erstmals zu identischen Messelaufzeiten unter dem Motto „DENIMINED“ auf der unmittelbar angrenzenden Zenith Area das AZ für die Denim-Community.

Mit der Reduktion der Laufzeit auf zwei Tage, um der Nachfrage nach Effizienz und Kostensenkung gerecht zu werden und einer gleichzeitigen noch stärkeren Konzentration auf Service und Nachhaltigkeit, optimiert die MUNICH FABRIC START ihr Angebot abermals. Die MUNICH FABRIC START zeichnet sich durch ein Show-System aus, das die Bereiche MUNICH FABRIC START, BLUEZONE, KEYHOUSE und THE SOURCE umfasst. In acht thematisch strukturierten Areas werden die neuesten Entwicklungen der Modeindustrie präsentiert:

• FABRICS: Über 500 internationale Anbieter, darunter ALBINI GROUP, SERIDE, GETZNER, ANTIK DANTEL, BELLANDI, BLOOMATI, LIMONTA, RIOPELE, PONTOGLIUO, ECOPEL PELTEX, EKOTEN, GETZNER, LENZING, LIBERTY, LISA, MANTECO, PAULO DE OLIVEIRA, STYLEM TAKISADAOSAKA, THERMORE, BESTE BTD, und YÜNSA, stellen ihre neuesten Materialinnovationen für alle Bekleidungssegmente vor. Von Wolle und Baumwolle über Seide und Mischungen bis hin zu Funktionsfasern wird hier das gesamte Spektrum an modischen Web- und Strickstoffen abgebildet.
• ADDITIONALS: Rund 150 Anbieter, unter anderem CADICA GROUP, EU FENILI, FRAMELESS, GRAF & CO, KNOPF SCHÄFER, MAINETTI, MAXIM LABEL AND PACKAGING, NILÖRN, QST EUROPE, RIBBONTEX, SHINDO, STUDIO NINE, TRIMCO GROUP, TEXCART, UNIZIP, WE NORDIC und YKK GERMANY, präsentieren die neuesten Trends bei Knöpfen, Bändern, Verschlüssen und weiteren Accessoires. Dieser Bereich ist ein Eldorado für Designer, die auf der Suche nach dem besonderen Etwas für ihre Kollektionen sind.
• BLUEZONE: Die BLUEZONE ist ein globales Key Event für die Denim-, Street- und Sportswear-Industrie. Unter dem Motto „DENIMINED“ zeigen in der Halle 6 & 7, der unmittelbar benachbarten ZENITH AREA rund 100 internationale Denim-Mills und Hersteller ihre aktuellsten Innovationen und Trends. Mit dabei sind diesen September auch SHARABATI, ORTA, TEJIDOS, ROYO, BOSSA, CALIK ISKO, NAVEENA, PANTHER DENIM / TAT FUNG, BERTO, VELCOREX, KT TRIMS, DENIM AUTHORITY, ISKO, STROM DENIM, MONSTER, ADVANCE DENIM und KIPAS.
• DESIGN STUDIOS: Kreativen Input und innovative Designs bietet die DESIGN STUDIOS Area in neuer Location im Atrium 4 / Studio1 in den Räumen E 119 und F 111 aus. Hier präsentieren Textildesigner und Trendbüros aus aller Welt ihre neuesten Entwicklungen für Prints und Patterns, darunter: AMANDA KELLY, BERNINI STUDIO, BLUE STUDIO, BOGGIA DISEGNI, BUNTASTIC, CIRCLELINE, DESIGN STUDIO FLUXUS, FUSION COPENHAGEN, IMAGO STUDIO, LICA DESIGN, LE STUDIO COPENHAGEN, LETI, MUSTICSTYLE oder ZISSER.
• ReSOURCE: Diese Plattform für umweltfreundlich und verantwortungsvoll produzierte Textilien ist eine Antwort auf die wachsende Nachfrage nach nachhaltigen Materialien und Produktionsprozessen. In 8 Kategorien werden in HALLE 2 im MOC zukunftsweisenden Innovationen im Bereich der nachhaltigen Textilien von beispielsweise BOSSA, CADICA GROUP, C.PAULI, DRESDNER SPITZEN, ELYAF TEKSTIL, FELDE FIBRES, FRAMELESS, GOTTSTEIN, GUNOLD, INCALPACA, KNOPF SCHÄFER, MAGLIFICIO RIPA, NILÖRN, NIL TEXTILE, OLIMPIAS GROUP, REDMARK, SOMELOS TECIDOS, STUDIO 9, TEJIDOS ROYO, TRIMCO GROUP, TROFICOLOR TEXTEIS, VERHEES TEXTILES, VICUNHA, WE NORDIC und YÜNSA präsentiert.
• THE SOURCE: ist die Plattform für ausgewählte Bekleidungshersteller, die ihre Produkte und Dienstleistungen rund um die neuesten Sourcing Services und Bekleidungsherstellung präsentieren. Der Bereich findet sich in Halle 2 des MOC und ist eine One-Stop-Sourcing-Plattform für Marken, Labels und Handel. Mit dabei sind unter anderem: OTS, TOP TRENDS, AGELINA, DMISS TEXTILE GROUP, DISHANG GROUP, EAST, EVOTEKS, JIAXING MIRACLE FASHION, KIKIS, KREATEKS, LAGOON LIMITED, NEW LOOK FASHION und UNION 3 FASHION.
• KEYHOUSE: das KEYHOUSE inszeniert Smart Textiles, Future Fabrics und neue Technologien in einem interaktiven Think Tank – diesen September aufgrund von Umbaumaßnahmen im Kesselhaus einmalig in der Zenith Halle (Hall 7) integriert. Das KEYHOUSE ist der zentrale Ort der MUNICH FABRIC START, an dem Innovationen und Nachhaltigkeit zusammenkommen. Neben vielen anderen sind diesmal ARCHROMA, BROTHER INDUSTRIAL, CENTRIC SOFTWARE, COLEO, CRADLE TO CRADLE CERTIFIED, DQS, FELDE FIBRES, HAELIXA, HILO, HS NIEDERRHEIN, IMPULS, MOMENTUM, MONTEGA CHEMICAL SOLUTIONS, NIL TEXTILE, OFFICINA +39, SHAPE INNOVATE, SÄNTIS TEXTILES, TEX.TRACER, TORAY INTERNATIONAL EUROPE, WKS oder YOONA vor Ort.
• SUSTAINABLE INNOVATIONS: Diese Plattform ist seit 2016 fester Bestandteil des KEYHOUSE und bietet Jungdesignern eine Bühne für außergewöhnliche Materialentwicklungen. Diesen September präsentiert sie – ebenfalls in der Zenithhalle – einige der Textilentwicklungen, die Problemlösungen für die Industrie bieten. Von: BIOTEXFUTURE, TRANSITIONLAB, FABULOUS FUNGI, KNIT IN MOTION, RIETGOED, STUDIO JORIS DE GROOT und STUDIO TJEERD VEENHOVEN.

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, in partnership with AFS, the American Filtration and Separations Society, announces the call for presentations for the Advances in Filtration Conference at FiltXPO™ 2025, scheduled for April 29-May 1, 2025, in Miami Beach, Florida. Filtration professionals are invited to showcase their latest research and technological advancements during this highly anticipated two-day event.

Abstract submissions are now open and can be submitted through the AFS website.

Conference Highlights:

• Key Topics:
• Nonwovens and Filtration for Healthy Buildings
• Nonwovens and Filtration for Data Centers
• Nonwovens and Filtration for e-Mobility
• Sustainability and Circularity in Filtration
• Innovations Meeting Current Challenges of Filtration
• Presentation Formats:
  The conference will feature both oral presentations and technical posters. The Planning Committee will determine the appropriate format for each submission, with both formats considered equally valuable.
• New Addition:
  This year, the conference introduces technical posters, offering a platform for subject matter experts and research institutes to present their latest filtration innovations.

Abstract submissions are due by October 15, 2024. All submissions will undergo a peer-review process conducted by the Conference Planning Committee.

How to Participate: To submit abstracts and for more information, please visit: https://www.afssociety.org/filtxpo-2025.