From the Sector

Modern carding generations achieve higher production performance, placing significantly greater stress on flat tops. Higher cylinder speeds and increased fiber density, combined with tighter carding gaps, create more demanding operating conditions. At the same time, poorer raw material quality and the increased use of recycled materials further intensify these challenges. With STEELTOP®, Trützschler introduces a new full steel flat top series developed for these demanding modern carding processes. 
 
A new benchmark in flat tops for spinning preparation 
STEELTOP® is manufactured entirely from high-quality steel and is designed to deliver consistent performance under demanding production conditions. It is ideal for processing lower-grade natural and man-made fibers and is perfectly compatible with intelligent cards, including Trützschler cards equipped with T-GO, due to its superior electrical conductivity. 
 
Built to last under extreme conditions 
The new flat top achieves outstanding durability even under the most challenging carding conditions. Compared to conventional alternatives, the lifetime is more than doubled, ensuring long-term reliability. This extended lifetime reduces waste on carding machines, including fewer flat top strips and less fiber waste and leads to cost savings of more than 30% on flat top replacement. 
 
Driving yarn quality and production efficiency 
STEELTOP® contributes to elevated yarn quality and is particularly suitable for open-end (OE) and airjet (MVS) applications. It enables comparable or better sliver and yarn quality, with a reduction in total yarn imperfections (IPI) of up to 10%. In addition, it is exceptionally effective in the removal of neps, achieving reductions of up to 20%. 
Lower overall current consumption of the carding machine improves energy efficiency, while enhanced efficiency supports higher production rates. 
 
Sustainable from top to bottom 
Sustainability is a key feature of the new development. Made entirely of steel, the flat tops are fully recyclable and can be returned to the material cycle after use. At the same time, reduced waste and lower energy consumption contribute to a more sustainable carding process overall. 
 
Extending the limits of modern carding 
Combining durability, precision, recyclability, and efficiency, STEELTOP® sets a benchmark in performance and extends the limits of modern carding technology. 

Technological upgrading and the transition toward higher value-added production are driving the new Italian industrial mission to Bangladesh. This year, the mission will split between the country’s two main manufacturing hubs, where Italian manufacturers will meet the leaders of the local textile supply chain in two strategic stages: July 7th in Dhaka and July 9th in Chittagong.

The double appointment shines a spotlight on a market that confirms itself as a true cornerstone for Italian exports in Asia—a geographical area that alone absorbs 40% of the sector’s foreign sales, reaching a value of 667 million euros. Bangladesh’s role has grown steadily, culminating in 2025 with a turnover of 71 million euros and posting a double-digit increase (+17% compared to the previous year).

Production flexibility and the ability to create customized technological niches are the hallmarks of the roughly 300 companies making up the Italian textile machinery industry—a highly internationalized sector that exports 86% of its production to 130 countries.

“The 2025 figures speak clearly: the 17% growth testifies that the Bangladeshi textile industry views Italian manufacturers as an irreplaceable partner to win the global challenge of quality and efficiency,” comments Marco Salvadè, President of ACIMIT. “The decision to visit both Dhaka and Chittagong with this workshop stems from our desire to closely support the country’s two industrial engines, offering tailored solutions capable of generating an immediate technological upgrade and guiding local players toward more sustainable models. This journey also represents an ideal springboard ahead of ITMA Hanover 2027, the global stage where we will showcase the next major evolutions of our technology.”

The workshop—promoted by the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) and ACIMIT and organized with the valuable support of the Embassy of Italy in Dhaka—will be structured to maximize networking opportunities through targeted B2B business meetings and in-depth technical seminars in both cities. It will feature the participation of the following Italian companies:

COLOR SERVICE, CORINO MACCHINE, DANTI, DURST, L.A.I.P., LAWER, MONTI – MAC, MS PRINTING SOLUTIONS, ROJ, PENTEK, PINTER CAIPO, REGGIANI MACCHINE, SALVADE’, TECNORAMA, UGOLINI.