From the Sector

Leading computerized flat knitting technology provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Turkish representative TETAS IC VE DIS TICARET A.S., will participate in the ITM 2026 International Textile Machinery Exhibition in Istanbul, Türkiye this month with a full product lineup. In addition to flat knitting machines and design software, visitors will also have the opportunity to experience the full range of SHIMA SEIKI textile machinery with its automatic cutting machine exhibit, all geared toward the fashion apparel market as well as non-apparel related businesses. 

With its geographic location of Istanbul traditionally serving as a gateway between East and West, ITM has established itself as one of the largest textile machinery exhibitions, attracting visitors from all ends of the globe. 

As pioneer of WHOLEGARMENT® seam-free complete garment knitting, whereby the knitted product can be produced in one entire piece without linking or sewing, SHIMA SEIKI has been setting the standard almost exclusively with over 30 years of experience with its WHOLEGARMENT® knitting technology. WHOLEGARMENT® knitting has gained heavy interest from various apparel and non-apparel markets due to the shrinking workforce of skilled sewing and linking personnel, as well as for its sustainable benefits by requiring the minimum amount of material to produce one item at a time. To meet that interest, the company is showing its MACH2®XS153 WHOLEGARMENT ® knitting machine in 15L. Featuring 4 needle beds and SHIMA SEIKI’s original SlideNeedle™, MACH2®XS is capable of producing high-quality fine gauge WHOLEGARMENT ® knitwear in all needles. Other WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machines include the MACH2®VS V-bed machine for producing WHOLEGARMENT® items using every other needle, shown in 8 and 16 gauges. An economical proposal in V-bed WHOLEGARMENT® knitting will also be shown in the form of the N.SVR®183 machine in 24 gauge. 

Meanwhile SHIMA SEIKI's benchmark technology in computerized shaped knitting is represented by its N.SVR®122 computerized flat knitting machine in 18 gauge, and features such innovations as the R2CARRIAGE®, WideGauge® knitting, spring-type moveable sinkers, DSCS® Digital Stitch Control System, stitch presser, yarn gripper and cutter, and takedown comb. Two new models in the N.SSR® series lineup will be shown for the first time in Türkiye at ITM. The N.SSR®132 and N.SSR®112 both offer industry-leading technology in an economical yet reliable package made in Japan. The N.SSR®132 will be exhibited in 7 gauge, while the N.SSR®112 will be presented in 14 gauge. The SFG®20 seamless glove knitting machine rounds out SHIMA SEIKI's knitting machine exhibit, in 21 gauge. 

On the design side, demonstrations will be performed on APEXFiz® subscription-based design software, providing comprehensive support throughout the production supply chain, integrating production into one smooth and efficient workflow from yarn development, product planning and design, to production and even sales promotion. Especially effective is the way the design evaluation process is improved with ultra-realistic simulation capability, whereby virtual samples replace physical sampling, consequently reducing time, cost and material that otherwise go to waste. When a design is approved for production, knitting data, which is automatically generated, can be easily converted into machine data with SDS® KnitPaint-Online knit software. Furthermore, SHIMA KnitManager™ knit production management software offers solutions for maximizing productivity through monitoring of machine status and production progress. By digitally bridging the gap between design and production, the various software solutions from SHIMA SEIKI help to realize sustainability while digitally transforming the supply chain. 

SHIMA SEIKI’s display at ITM will also feature its P-CAM®223 multi-ply computerized cutting machine (NC cutting machine). Fast, efficient and reliable, the P-CAM® series is known for its innovative functions and Made-in-Japan quality, and boast the largest market share in Japan. P-CAM®223’s multi-ply cutting capability allows cutting of material up to 3 inches (80mm), across a cutting area of 2,200 mm x 1,700 mm with option for expansion. A knife sharpening system produces a sharp, strong blade every time. Strong, robust components permit quicker response times for knife movement and more accurate cutting of materials for fashion apparel and other industries.

The Italian textile machinery industry flies to Ashgabat to participate with a large “Made in Italy” delegation at TURKMEN TEXTILE EXPO 2026, the major international showcase taking place from June 4 to 6, 2026. The Italian presence, coordinated by the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) and ACIMIT (the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers), aims to consolidate Italy’s primary technological role in a highly strategic market with interesting prospects.

Turkmenistan confirms its status as a crucial hub for the global textile sector. With cotton representing the country’s third-largest export item, national authorities are strongly committed to strengthening an integrated domestic supply chain capable of processing raw materials locally to generate high-value-added products. The success of this ambitious industrial plan requires continuous technological integration, positioning the demand for advanced machinery as a fundamental pillar for the country’s economic diversification.

In this scenario, Italy proposes itself as the partner of excellence for Turkmen producers. Following the positive results recorded in 2023—a year in which Italian exports to Turkmenistan reached 13 million euros—the market is now entering a physiological transition phase while awaiting the investment plans dedicated to the sector repeatedly announced by government authorities.

Among the most requested Italian technologies in the Turkmen market, accessories stand out (covering 56% of total exports to the country), followed by spinning machinery (31%) and knitting machinery (13%).

“The Turkmen market is experiencing a period of maturation,” declares the President of ACIMIT, “and for the near future, we see significant opportunities related to upgrading existing plants and the investment plan scheduled by local public authorities, with a focus on high-tech specialization. The flexibility, versatility, and high technological level driven by our companies’ constant R&D activities allow us to offer tailored responses and innovative solutions, confirming Italian technology as the optimal choice for the industrial future of Turkmenistan.”

The Italian companies present in the Italy Pavilion are: BIANCO, COLOR SERVICE, CORINO MACCHINE, DOVER INDUSTRIES ITALY, ITEMA, M.C.S. OFFICINA MECCANICA, MARZOLI MACHINES TEXTILE, MESDAN, SALVADE’, SAVIO MACCHINE TESSILI, STALAM.
Please also note the participation of the company FERRARO, which will be exhibiting at an individual stand. 

Scoop announced a new collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency (ICE), bringing an exclusive collective of 32 contemporary Italian designers to the upcoming July edition of the show.

Carefully curated exclusively for Scoop, the showcase will present a distinctive edit of Made in Italy fashion, accessories and lifestyle collections spanning ready-to-wear, knitwear, jewellery, handbags, footwear, umbrellas and homeware. None of the participating designers have previously exhibited at Scoop or within the UK market, making the showcase a truly exclusive opportunity for buyers to discover a new wave of contemporary Italian talent. 

The collaboration marks a significant moment for Scoop and further reinforces its position as the UK’s leading premium womenswear and lifestyle trade show, recognised internationally for its highly curated designer mix and influential buyer audience.

Selected for their strong design identities, craftsmanship and heritage, the participating designers represent the breadth and diversity of contemporary Italian creativity. The curated edit includes names such as contemporary womenswear label Feel O, luxury accessories collection Hibourama, womenswear designer Nina e Luca, jewellery label Ornella Bijoux, heritage leather goods house Ripani, iconic umbrella maker Pasotti Ombrelli and artisanal accessories designer Polina Firenze, alongside a wider collective of emerging and established Made in Italy collections. Many are family-owned businesses with generations of artisanal expertise, while several continue to manufacture their collections in-house within their own Italian factories, preserving the authenticity and quality synonymous with Made in Italy production.

Karen Radley, Founder and Creative Director of Scoop, comments: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome this exceptional collective of Italian designers to Scoop for the July edition. This collaboration will introduce a completely new dimension to the show, bringing together brands with a distinct point of view, exceptional craftsmanship and a strong sense of heritage.

“What makes this showcase particularly exciting is the authenticity behind the collections. Many of the designers are family-owned businesses with generations of manufacturing expertise and a deep commitment to Made in Italy production. Buyers visiting Scoop this season will discover collections that feel fresh, directional and entirely new to both Scoop and the UK market.”

The collaboration also reflects ICE’s continued commitment to supporting Italian excellence internationally and strengthening relationships with key global fashion markets. Giovanni Saachi  Direttore Ufficio ICE Agenzia Londra adds: “ICE is proud to partner with Scoop to present this carefully curated selection of contemporary Italian designers to the UK market. We are delighted to support both emerging and established companies as they introduce their collections to Scoop’s highly influential audience of buyers and industry professionals. The UK remains an important market for Italian fashion and lifestyle companies, and Scoop provides an ideal platform to foster new commercial opportunities and long-term international growth.”

The partnership with ICE reflects growing confidence in the UK market and recognises Scoop as the ideal platform through which to introduce a new wave of Italian design talent to British and international buyers.

Alongside the designer showcase, Scoop and ICE will host a private invitation-only event on the Tuesday morning of the show, celebrating Italian creativity, craftsmanship and contemporary design. The July edition will also feature a dedicated immersive installation created in collaboration with renowned Italian knitwear label Avant Toi, incorporating curated interiors, textiles and furnishings sourced from Milan to create a distinctive Italian design environment within the show.

Scoop takes place at Olympia National Kensington, London, from 19-21 July 2026. Scoop International is a celebration of exceptional design in the heart of London.

Scoop is recognised by designers, fashion buyers and industry experts as one of the UK’s leading fashion and lifestyle trade shows. Scoop's unique buying environment - carefully curated to reflect retail trends - sets it apart in the industry.

Launched in February 2011 by industry veteran Karen Radley, Scoop has since developed from exclusively womenswear-only to encompassing luxury homewares, beauty, and lifestyle collections.

At the upcoming ITM in Istanbul, taking place June 9–13 at the Tüyap Fair Convention and Congress Center in Hall 7, Booth 702B, BB Engineering will once again be represented at a joint booth with its parent company, Barmag, and its representative, Tekstil Servis. The German machine manufacturer will showcase its expertise in man-made fiber and recycling technology, presenting its entire product portfolio, which includes components such as extruders and filters, as well as complete systems for spinning synthetic fibers, air-texturing, and PET recycling. 

New, patented “ValuePack” spin pack 
With its new, patented spin pack, BB Engineering underlines its expertise in synthetic fiber spinning. Until now, spin packs have been equipped with either metal powder (“sand”) or filter candles as filter media. Both variants have their place in specific applications but come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. While sand packs score points primarily for their homogeneity and are therefore well-suited for virgin material, packs with filter candles offer an increased filter area and were originally developed specifically for recycling applications. The large filter area leads to better filter performance and service life, but at the same time is accompanied by a lower flux rate and shear. This can compromise homogeneity. 

The ValuePack combines both methods — metal sand and filter candle — in a two-step filtration process. The melt first passes through the filter candle, where it is optimally filtered over a large filter surface down to 15 µm. The melt then flows through the sand chamber, where homogenization and shearing are the primary processes. As simple as the concept is, it is equally innovative and advantageous. BB Engineering is a pioneer with its multi-step filtration in the spin pack. The result is significantly better homogeneity in terms of temperature and viscosity, improved spinning performance, and higher yarn quality for a wide range of applications that goes beyond pure recycling. Another advantage of the ValuePack is that it is already forced-sealed independently of pressure. This prevents leaks that can occur with self-sealing packages and offers a larger process window. Existing systems can be easily retrofitted to accommodate the ValuePack, which is slightly longer due to its design. 

VarioFil® 
Such as the popular VarioFil® compact spinning system from BB Engineering. Compact size, flexibility, and consistently high yarn quality—that’s what VarioFil® stands for, and that’s what Turkish fiber and textile producers value. “Our compact spinning system perfectly meets the needs of the Turkish textile market. Fibers and yarns from our VarioFil® customers are used, for example, in clothing, carpets, or textile automotive components such as seat covers or seat belts,” reports Ralf Morgenroth, Head of Sales and Customer Service. With over 60 systems installed since its market launch, Turkey is the largest market for VarioFil®. Accordingly, BB Engineering will once again be showcasing its compact spinning system at ITM this year for customers, prospective clients, and industry professionals. VarioFil® produces high-quality yarns (POY, FDY, HTY, LSY, HMY) from all common polymers with a production capacity of up to 450 kg/h per extruder. VarioFil® also spins recycled PET or bottle flakes directly into POY or FDY with impressive quality.

COBRA® Filter sets new standards
BB Engineering first introduced the new COBRA® filter at the Plastics Recycling Show Europe and K 2025 — setting new standards in the process. The company had clear goals in mind during development: The filter was designed to handle the increasing levels of contamination in recycling, simplify filter changes and cleaning through automation, and significantly reduce operating costs.

The result is a system that combines continuous, large-area filtration with automated, chemical-free intermediate cleaning. Two filter cartridges with automatic switching ensure stable, reliable, and uninterrupted operation. As a result, COBRA® can handle even high levels of contamination where conventional candle filters or screen changers reach their limits. The integrated cleaning system significantly extends the service life of the filter media. At the same time, it reduces operational effort, melt loss, and energy consumption—all without the use of chemicals. This increases process reliability and significantly lowers operating costs.

As a versatile solution, COBRA® is suitable for both coarse and fine filtration. In addition to PET recycling, the system is also suitable for other applications, such as plastic spinning, where it can be used to improve efficiency or retrofitted.