From the Sector

Flat knitting technology company SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, is participating in the ITMA Asia + CITME 2024 exhibition in Shanghai, China. In line with its exhibition concept at ITMA 2023 and ITMA Asia + CITME 2022 held last year, SHIMA SEIKI continues the concept for this year’s exhibition: “SHIMA SEIKI Reborn".

SHIMA SEIKI Reborn represents a return to origin, for the company and for its products, and a renewal of passion and commitment toward innovation. The concept is manifested in physical form as the long-awaited production version of the SWG-XR® next-generation WHOLEGARMENT® machine, introduced to much acclaim as prototypes at ITMA 2023 in Milan, Italy and ITMA Asia + CITME 2022 exhibits last year.

Of the 5 knitting machines SHIMA SEIKI is exhibiting at its 350 sq. meter booth in Hall 4, Stand F01, 4 are WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machines, 2 of which are the new SWG-XR® machines, shown. 2 other WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machines and 1 prototype computerized flat knitting machine round out the machine exhibit. Approximately 270 knit items are on display as proposals for knitted applications in various fields ranging from fashion to shoes, bags and accessories.

In addition to machine technology, SHIMA SEIKI's computer graphic design system and software are shown with their latest software upgrades that feature significant improvements in knit programming, 3D functions and speed, as well as generative AI functions. Demonstrations are available for a comprehensive fashion tech solutions package based on realistic virtual sampling and supported by various digital solutions and web services.

Based on customer feedback as well as industry and media response at ITMA 2023 and ITMA Asia + CITME 2022, SHIMA SEIKI's exhibit is likely to garner much attention at ITMA Asia + CITME 2024 as well.

About 50 Italian companies will exhibit at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2024, taking place from October 14 to 18 in Shanghai. With an area of around 1,400 square meters, Italy ranks among the top exhibiting Countries, as in previous editions. 29 Italian exhibitors will show their innovations within the National Sector Groups, organized by ACIMIT (Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers) and Italian Trade Agency.

ITMA ASIA + CITME show has always been the main showcase for textile machinery manufacturers in Asia, that absorbs over 50% of global exports. Moreover, China is the world’s largest market in the sector (the value of imported textile machinery in 2023 was around 2.6 billion euro).

For Italian manufacturers as well, the Chinese market is the top foreign destination. In 2023, Italian sales to China amounted to 222 million euro. In the first six months of this year, exports to China increased by 38%, while the performance of total Italian exports declined slightly in the same period.

“We hope that the recovery of the Chinese market, observed in this first half of the year, may be an early indication of a more general upturn in global demand for machinery,” says ACIMIT President Marco Salvadè. Over the past few years, demand from Chinese companies has turned to technologies that combine savings in production costs and environmental friendliness, as also demanded by brands and end consumers. “Today, Italian manufacturers can offer highly customized solutions that are particularly suited to making textile production more sustainable,” confirms Salvadè. “The Chinese textile machinery market is rapidly evolving, and the level of innovation in the technology requested has risen due to the growing international competition that even Chinese companies face. In Shanghai, Italian manufacturers will display their latest innovations, essential for making textile production more efficient and sustainable.”

Das interdisziplinäre Projektteam des Verbundprojekts „NIBTEX – Nachhaltig im Beruf: Etablierung von Qualifizierungsmaßnahmen für das Lehr- und ausbildende Personal in der Textilindustrie“ startet in die Umsetzung seines Konzepts. Die beteiligten Partner, die Professuren Erwachsenenbildung und Weiterbildung sowie Betriebliche Umweltökonomie und Nachhaltigkeit der TU Chemnitz, das STFI sowie ein Team von Ausbildern der lokalen Textilindustrie planen und erarbeiten Maßnahmen, um das ganzheitliche Konzept der Nachhaltigkeit in Aus- und Weiterbildungsangebote der Textilbranche zu integrieren. Dafür führt das Projektteam eine Befragung von KMU zum Thema Nachhaltigkeit durch.

Mit Hilfe der Eingangserhebung wird das interdisziplinäre Team im Rahmen des Projekts NIBTEX bedarfsgerechte Lehr- und Lernformate entwickeln, die das Kompetenzprofil von Ausbilderinnen und Ausbildern sowie von Führungskräften stärken. Ziel der Befragung ist eine breite Datenbasis für den Ist-Stand in puncto Nachhaltigkeit zu gewinnen und Bedürfnisse der Textilbranche zu identifizieren. Die Umfrage wird 15 Minuten Zeit in Anspruch nehmen und läuft bis zum 31. Oktober 2024.

Zur Umfrage: http://tiny.cc/NIBTEX

Interessenten für den BTE-Kongress „Fashion-Emotion 4.0: Zukunftsorientierte Erfolgskonzepte des Modehandels – lokal und digital“ am 5. November in Köln sollten sich schnellstens anmelden. Denn aktuell sind nur noch wenige Plätze frei. Anmeldeschluss ist der 30. Oktober 2024.
 
Beim BTE-Kongress dreht sich alles um die Frage, wie sich Mode- und Schuheinzelhandelsunternehmen unter den aktuellen Rahmenbedingungen und im aktuellen Wettbewerbsumfeld erfolgreich behaupten können. Die Praxisvorträge behandeln dabei u.a. digitale Innovationen in der Fashionbranche, Standort- und Nachhaltigkeitsthemen sowie Erfahrungen rund um den Personalbereich. Den Start macht eine Keynote von BTE-KompetenzPartner hachmeister + partner, zum Abschluss referiert der Wachstumsexperte und Transformationsvordenker Professor Dr. Guido Quelle über Wachstumsstrategien in schwierigen Zeiten.
 
Weitere Informationen und Anmeldung unter www.bte.de/bte-kongress-2024/. Die Teilnehmergebühr liegt für Mitglieder der Einzelhandelsverbände bei 349 EUR, für andere Handelsunternehmen und Fashion-Lieferanten bei 449 EUR; jeweils zzgl. MwSt. Der BTE-Kongress wird wieder von einer Fachausstellung begleitet, auf der interessante und innovative Dienstleistungen für die Modebranche präsentiert werden.

Prinzenhaus ist ein junges Modelabel, das mit Liebe zum Detail und hochwertigen Materialien überzeugt. Der German Preppy Brand will begeistern: lebendige Farben, ausdrucksstarker Stil und einer Community, die eines verbindet: die Leidenschaft für Mode und Pferde. Die Idee für Prinzenhaus entstand bereits 2014, als Gründer und Inhaber Julius von Staff-Reitzenstein farbenfrohe Reitersocken kreierte. Heute umfasst die junge Modemarke eine komplette Apparel-Linie für Sie und Ihn sowie einige Accessoires.

Die Reise von Prinzenhaus begann mit einem schlichten, aber feinen Strumpf. Aus der Leidenschaft für den Reitsport entwickelte Julius von Staff-Reitzenstein mit einem Freund farbenfrohe und hochwertige Reiterstrümpfe, die schnell an Beliebtheit gewannen. Dieser Schritt legte den Grundstein für das zukünftige Wachstum der Marke. Julius und sein Team entwarfen eine komplette Modekollektion für Sie und Ihn. Prinzenhaus trat 2024 bereits bei verschiedenen Reitsportevents wie der Horses & Dreams mit einem ersten eigenen Premium Pop-up zur Vorstellung der Kollektion auf und plant für 2025, auch bei Poloturnieren sowie weiteren Veranstaltungen präsent zu sein, um neue Zielgruppen zu erreichen.
 
„Schon immer war ich fashionbegeistert und hatte den Traum, ein eigenes Modelabel zu gründen – langlebige Lieblingsteile aus hochwertigen Stoffen, in Europa produziert, farbenfroh, frech und jung im Stil. Prinzenhaus ist für mich mehr als ein Fashionlabel. Es ist eine Community inspirierender Menschen, die durch ihre Leidenschaft für Kreativität und Fortschritt verbunden sind. Wir stehen für einen Lebensstil, der Individualität und Zeitgeist harmonisch verbindet und viel Wert auf eine hochwertige Produktion legt. Unsere Kollektion soll zeitlos sein und Persönlichkeit ausdrücken – Stücke, die man gerne, lange trägt und die Geschichten erzählen,“ so Julius von Staff-Reitzenstein.
 
Ein klarer Fokus liegt auf zeitlosen Fashion-Pieces, die farbliche Akzente setzen. Neben Kleidung für Damen und Herren sowie Unisex Teilen bietet das Label eine breite Auswahl an Accessoires: von stilvollen Schabracken und Hundesweatern bis hin zu luxuriöser Homewear für Modebegeisterte und ihre vierbeinigen Begleiter.
 
Die erste Kollektion 2024 ist eine Hommage an zeitlose Eleganz und modernen Chic. Klassische Silhouetten treffen auf zeitgenössische Akzente und werden aus sorgfältig ausgewählten Materialien gefertigt. Die Kollektionen umfassen Shirts, Pullover, Hosen, Jacken für Sie, Ihn sowie Unisex Varianten in den Größen von S bis XL oder wie der PRINZENHAUS Poncho in One Size. Das Pacelli Polo Shirt, das Schönfeld Hemd, der Wilhelm V-Neck Sweater, der Tillberg Turtle Neck Pullover, der Torlonia Turtle Neck sowie der ikonische PRINZENHAUS Staff Knit Sweater und der Tournay Trenchcoat sind Unisex erhältlich.

Utilizing renewable materials* and formaldehyde-free chemistries, the industry-first Archroma NTR Printing System combines newly created pigment black and customized auxiliaries for enhanced sustainability, comfort and durability
 
Archroma, a company in specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions, introduced the NTR Printing System to make bio-based pigment printing commercially possible for the first time. Based on renewable raw materials and designed for safer chemistry, it helps apparel and textile brands reduce their environmental footprint while producing brilliant black shades on garments that deliver both comfort and durability.

Bio-based pigment printing is an emerging technology that is attracting major interest from brands that want to use pigments derived from natural sources, such as plants, in the production of environmentally conscious textiles. Until now, however, bio-based pigments have not delivered color fastness that is comparable to synthetic pigments, and color quality and production performance have not been sufficient to support commercial-scale production.

Archroma’s NTR Printing System is the first to utilize renewable feedstock across pigment dispersion, binder and fixing agent. Crucially, it ensures good wet-rubbing and dry-rubbing fastness, with outstanding softness on all kinds of fabrics. Furthermore, it is suitable for most popular application technologies, including printing, coating and continuous pigment dyeing, with outstanding runnability for production efficiency.

“These properties make the new NTR Printing System ideal for the highly competitive denim market, where sustainability, comfort and durability are important; for knits, where very soft handfeel is essential; and on babywear, where both exceptional softness and safety are required,” Joaquin Femat, Market Segment Director for Printing, Archroma, said.

The result of more than two years of research and development, the innovative new NTR Printing System required Archroma to create customized binding and fixing agents to ensure fastness for the pigment black dispersion comparable to current petroleum-based printing systems. All three printing elements are partially based on renewable feedstock to reduce reliance on non-renewable petrochemicals. Archroma also developed the new system to avoid toxic input streams and impurities, including formaldehyde. Two successful bulk trials were conducted with Textprint S. A. and Jeanologia.

The NTR printing system comprises the following highly efficient and robust printing elements:

• PRINTOFIX® BLACK NTR-TF: A non-gelling pigment black with 79% renewable carbon content*, designed for use in textile applications with no impact on fastness levels.
• HELIZARIN® NTR-SS: A formaldehyde-free super-soft binder with 40% renewable carbon content, designed to ensure very good overall fastness levels.
• LUPRINTOL® FIXING AGENT NTR-HF: A formaldehyde-free fixing agent with 40% renewable carbon content**, designed for high wet fastness in rubbing and laundry.

All three elements are currently being evaluated for compliance with globally accepted standards like bluesign®, the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC). The system also supports major industry restricted substances list (RSL) requirements.

The ZEBRA (Zero wastE Blade ReseArch) project marks a significant leap forward in the recycling and circular economy for wind turbine blades. This collaborative effort demonstrates a breakthrough in the complete recycling of thermoplastic blades achieving significant environmental and economic benefits.

The ZEBRA project is a unique partnership led by the French Institute for Technological Research, IRT Jules Verne. Joining forces are industry leaders Arkema (resin supplier), Owens Corning (glass fiber supplier), LM Wind Power (blade manufacturer), SUEZ (dismantling and waste processing), CANOE R&D center (recycling technology), and ENGIE (life cycle analysis).

Each company played a crucial role in the development of the closed-loop recycling process:

• Arkema developed and validated the generation of recycled Elium® monomer through thermolysis, and, together with its subsidiary Bostik, an innovative adhesive for the blade assembly that is recycled together with Elium® paving the way for industrial-scale implementation.
• Owens Corning successfully recovered glass fiber at pilot scale, enabling its reintroduction into the production process for their Sustaina® product line.
• LM Wind Power manufactured two wind turbine blades with Arkema’s Elium® resin and Owens Corning’s Ultrablade® fabrics; one blade including a large structural element made with recycled Elium® resin.
• SUEZ provided cutting and grinding expertise for processing the blades.
• CANOE R&D center optimized recycling for production and carbon blade waste, additionally developing methods for repurposing waste streams through mechanical recycling.
• ENGIE conducted a comprehensive life cycle analysis demonstrating the environmental benefits of closed-loop ZEBRA blades and validated their economic viability.

A Sustainable Future for Wind Energy
The ZEBRA project successfully recycled Elium® resin and Ultrablade® fabrics from wind turbine blades and manufacturing waste, reformulating them back into usable materials. This closed-loop process addresses the growing challenge of end-of-life blade management within the wind energy industry.

• Recycled Elium® Monomer: Arkema achieved a yield of over 75% in the thermolysis process, paving the way for industrial-scale production of recycled resin.
• Recovered Glass Fiber: Owens Corning successfully retrieved glass fiber for remelting and reintegration into their Sustaina® product line.
• Life Cycle and Cost Analysis: ENGIE's study confirmed the significant environmental benefits and economic viability of ZEBRA blades when assuming a closed-loop recycling system from production to end-of-life.

ZEBRA blade using Elium® thermoplastic resin, Bostik’s highly compatible adhesive and Ultrablade® fabrics is bringing the best closed-loop recycling solution compared to traditional thermoset system. The operating cost and investments for recycling facility are significantly lowered. The CO2 emission linked to the recycling operations is reduced as well. All those results are making the closed-loop recycling solution of ZEBRA blades a viable option both on economic and environmental standpoints.

By demonstrating the feasibility of full wind turbine blade recycling, the ZEBRA project paves the way for a more sustainable future in the wind energy sector.