From the Sector

• Prämierter Outdoor-Stoff
• Sieger: swela, eine Marke der Schmitz Textiles, ist beim German Design Award 2021 für ihren Outdoor-Latexdruck „Faces“ ausgezeichnet worden.

„Wir freuen uns sehr über die Auszeichnung und dass wir die Jury trotz Corona-Pandemie von ‚Faces‘ überzeugen konnten“, sagt Wouter Hof, Vertriebsleiter bei swela, bei der Bekanntgabe. Aufgrund der dieses Jahr rein virtuell stattfindenden Entscheidungssitzung konnten die Jurymitglieder die Stoffe nicht in den Händen halten. Sie mussten sich mit ergänzenden Materialien und Fotos begnügen. „Wir gratulieren und danken unserem Designstudio sowie der technischen Entwicklung und Produktion, deren Leistungen die Jury überzeugt haben“, lobt Hof die Arbeit der Teams.
swela gehört zu den führenden Herstellern von Sonnenschutz-Textilien, Outdoor-Bezugsstoffen und maritimen Geweben. Durch die technische Ausrüstung seiner Produkte setzt das Emsdettener Unternehmen Maßstäbe: Sie sind formstabil, pflegeleicht sowie wetterfest, wasserabstoßend, schmutz-, fett- und ölabweisend. Dass swela auch ästhetisch überzeugt, zeigt die Auszeichnung mit dem German Design Award 2021. Der Outdoor-Stoff mit dem Druckdessin „Faces“ beweist laut Jury, dass Latexdruck mit hoher Licht- und Wetterechtheit neue, kreative Möglichkeiten eines bislang unbekannten Farb- und Formenspiels für den textilen Sonnenschutz bietet.

Der Gewinner im Detail

„Special Mention“ swela Outdoor-Textil mit Latexdruck „Faces” in der Kategorie Excellent Product Design. „Faces” schafft eine neue Ästhetik für Markisen, Schirme und Sonnensegel. Die an Kunst-Ikone Picasso erinnernden Gesichtsmotive werden im Latexdruckverfahren in der hauseigenen Druckerei auf die sunsilk filament-Druckgrundqualität gebracht. Das hochmoderne Verfahren kombiniert UV-stabile Spezialtinten mit langlebigen Polyestergeweben. „Der moderne Stoff versprüht Frische und Verspieltheit“, begründet die Jury ihre Wahl.

schönknecht : kommunikation

• ECOSENSOR™ 100% recycled polyamide fabric
• New fabric collection imbued with the brand’s sustainable story-making, at the Digital Edition of Performance Days

ECOSENSOR™’s new references combine high-performance and innovation to empower people with the possibility to live life naturally both for mind and body. The new range is woven from certified ingredients, a completely traceable production process and highly certified suppliers

“A New Eco high-tech force of Nature”, a bold claim, a daring attitude and true facts. ECOSENSOR™ by Asahi Kasei has concentrated all its key values into a Nature-driven and high-tech fabric collection that respects the environment and human being. Sustainability, active climate control, exquisite touch and extreme performance co-habit the textiles: the collection is made of wovens and knits where the main technology is represented by GRS - Global Recycled Standard certified polyamide and polyesters, sometime combined with ROICA™ recycled stretch yarns and dyed and finished with Oekotex Standard 100 certified processes and/or by BlueSign® partners’ companies.

But there is much more than it meets the eye. Behind the new collection is a great story of sustainability.

“Our international team strives to innovate with a human-based approach to research and develop solutions that meet high-performance standards as well as the transparency and traceability of both the ingredients and the supply chain”, says Mr. Hashimoto, Senior Managing Director of Asahi Kasei Advance, the global materials innovator and manufacturer. Indeed, the company has set the high bar all its suppliers and partners must match. Such criteria include: thoroughly transparency and traceability of both materials and production, corporate responsibility at all levels and a strategic commitment granted by influential certifications such as GRS - Global Recycle Standard for recycled ingredients and processes, as well as Bluesign® and OekoTex Standard 100 certifications, which focus on environmental-friendly impact of the dyeing and finishing processes.

The human, environmentally-friendly and cutting-edge imprint of ECOSENSOR™ ultimate collection reflects a vision for a more responsible way of fabric manufacturing. A new force of nature, because story-telling truly must match the story-making.

Leading suppliers of hotel textiles in Europe, the Danish company Beirholms Væverier and the German/Dutch company Dibella, begin circular collaboration with Swedish Reused Remade, known for its climate-smart textile bags made of reused hotel bedlinen. Together, they will extend the life cycle of hotel textiles and contribute to the circular economy by upcycling discarded textiles from laundries turning them into new textile bags for the retail market.

In Europe, millions of tons of hotel bed linen are discarded each year and can no longer be used in the hotel’s operations due to wear and tear. Thanks to Reused Remade's patent-pending method of up-cycling hotel bed linen into climate-smart textile bags, enormous amounts of natural resources are saved. Because the textiles are reused, as opposed to being downcycled, as is usually the case today, this partnership offers a climate-friendly alternative to today’s disposal of discarded textiles.

By 2025, all EU member states will have introduced an extended producer responsibility for textiles (EPR for textiles). This will place demands on the industries concerned to jointly find smart solutions and contribute to the transition to a circular economy. Beirholm and Dibella both have a strong focus on sustainability and are constantly looking for new and smart solutions for their customers' discarded textiles. The purpose of this partnership is to enable more laundries in Europe to join Reused Remade's circular solution with climate - smart textile bags made of reused hotel bed linen.

With an impressive growth journey since its inception in 2016, Reused Remade’s climate-smart textile bags for everyday use can now be found at prominent Nordic and European retailers such as Edeka, Clas Ohlson, Ica, and Systembolaget.

"The goal for 2021 is to collect 300 tones of hotel bed linen in order to meet our customers demand. It feels fantastic to be able to collaborate with Beirholm and Dibella, whose values about sustainability we share. We see that together we can make a big difference to our environment, our climate and our common future", say Pia Walter and Josephine Alhanko, founders of Reused Remade.

Please read the attached document for more information

• World Cotton Day on 7 October Highlights the Importance of Cotton for Development Policy

Bremen - Stemming from a 2019 initiative of the African Cotton-4 countries Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mali, World Cotton Day will take place this year on 7 October. The event is organised by the Geneva-based World Trade Organisation (WTO) and is supported by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the International Cotton Secretariat (ICAC). The Bremen Cotton Exchange is also involved.

“Cotton is often underestimated because it is so natural. Behind it are millions of people, for example many farmers, field workers, employees in ginning factories, logistics providers and traders. We want to honour their achievements,” said the President of the Bremen Cotton Exchange, Stephanie Silber.

According to the WTO, the aim of World Cotton Day is to highlight the global economic importance of cotton and to raise awareness of the raw material by recognising the work of everyone involved in its cultivation, processing and trade. At the same time, within the framework of international cooperation, it is hoped that supporters and investors can be found to aid with technological and economic progress within the cotton value chain.

This time, the entire world cotton community will be involved in World Cotton Day on Wednesday, 7 October 2020. A wide variety of campaigns and events are taking place everywhere to draw attention to the importance of cotton and its possible uses.

Cotton is one of the most relevant agricultural raw materials in the world. Around 26 million tonnes of it are harvested annually. Approximately 150 million people in almost 80 countries around the world live from the cultivation of the natural fibre. A large number of these live in developing countries, where cotton cultivation is of particular importance as a cash crop.

Cotton is known as an agricultural product that is turned into a textile. The raw material is indispensable in fashion and clothing – and has been for thousands of years. But the use of cotton now goes far beyond textiles. For example, cosmetic products such as hand creams and hair shampoo are made from the oil of cotton seeds. The raw material is also used in the manufacture of banknotes, furniture and technical textiles, as well as in medical technology.

Against the background of the current discussion on sustainability and sustainable consumption, the role of natural fibres is becoming even more important. Cotton is biodegradable and a renewable resource. It can be grown again and again in agriculture through cultivation in crop rotation. This secures incomes and enables efficient value creation within the global production and processing chain.

The Bremen Cotton Exchange will actively support World Cotton Day with cross-media coverage. In addition, in time for World Cotton Day, three thematically different, emotionally appealing short films about cotton will be launched. They are aimed at consumers as customers of the textile and clothing trade and provide information about the benefits and properties of cotton and answer questions about its sustainability. In keeping with the times, they will be published via virtual media.

Asia’s leading trade platform for the home and contract textile industry, Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles, is ready to welcome over 600 exhibitors to China’s commercial hub from 24 – 26 August. As China’s economy continues its recovery, the upcoming fair will serve as a key platform for the industry to reconnect and prepare for the seasons ahead. Taking consideration of current international travel restrictions, Intertextile has launched a brand new online business matching platform, enabling participation for those who cannot travel to Shanghai.

Ms Wendy Wen, Senior General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd commented: “2020 has been a difficult and unpredictable year for every business and industry across the world, so we are pleased to be providing a platform for the home textile industry to connect and recover from the coronavirus pandemic. Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles is the first physical trade event for the sector held by Messe Frankfurt since January, so we hope that the fair assists the sector to join forces and overcome this challenging year together.”

Ms Wen continued: “Our first priority is to create a clean and hygienic space for all participants to source and network. To achieve this goal, the fair will implement extra health care and hygiene precautions onsite. On the other hand, we are aware that a number of travel restrictions are still in place across the world. With this in mind, Intertextile will offer a series of online services for those who are unable to travel to Shanghai, allowing the fair to reach as wide an audience as possible.”

2020 fair highlights

To provide buyers with greater efficiency, the fair, which covers four halls, will be divided clearly by product categories: Household Hall (hall 3), International Brands / Upholstery Hall (hall 4.1), Brand Fabrics Hall (hall 5.1) and Sofa Fabrics Hall (hall 6.1).

In addition, the Contract Business 360° concept will return this year, with over 40 premier upholstery exhibitors presenting their latest textile products and furnishing solutions for contract use. Exhibitors include Guangzhou Yuanzhicheng Home Textile, Haining Julai Textile, JAB, Morgan Shanghai, Symphony Mills, Suzhou Roufang, Ter Molst International, Zhejiang Hexin and Zhejiang Maya Fabric. Furthermore, top brands such as Agmamito from Poland and Wollsdorf Leather from Austria will be exhibiting for the first time at Intertextile.

Online business matching platform offers new sourcing landscape

Although face-to-face interaction is irreplaceable, a virtual complement has become more important as a result of the worldwide pandemic. To support the industry during these unprecedented times, Intertextile has launched a brand new online business matching platform. With this free service, participants are able to source and network at their fingertips. The virtual platform will offer many new features including:

• Easy sourcing: exhibitors are categorised by product groups including Sofa / Decorative Fabrics, Curtains and Accessories, Bedding and Finished products, Shading and Accessories, and Editors
• Live-streamed product presentations of exhibitors
• Smart recommendations: pre-selected exhibitor lists will be provided to buyers based on their personal preferences and interests
• Convenience: participants are able to use the service through computers or portable devices without the need to download any software

High quality fringe programme covers comprehensive topics
 
The fair’s event programme will once again provide the industry with the latest trends and insights in four topics: Design Inspiration, Business O2O, Textile & Technology and Industry Empowerment. One of the highlights will be the 2021 Intertextile Trend Forum, led by Shen Lei, the Chinese representative of the Intertextile International Lifestyle Trend Committee. The forum will bring together five prominent Chinese designers including Ben Chen, Ben Wu, Meng Ye, Paul Pang and Xie Ke, who will delve into the theme of 2021 Intertextile Trends–“BOUND”, as well as the Chinese market conditions. The event will be held on day 1 of the fair, from 14:00 – 17:00 in hall 5.1 booth C18, and streamed live online.

Another not-to-be-missed event is the Ride the Storm – Home Textile Digital Printing Forum, which will include an array of educating seminars that cover the latest digital textile printing trends and technologies. The forum will be held on day 2 of the fair, from 13:20 – 17:20 in hall 3, booth M12.

Furthermore, joining forces with Tmall Global, the largest cross border B2C online retail platform in China, the fair will host a series of seminars delivering the solutions and strategies for industry digitalisation during the afternoon of day 1. In addition, the well-received Furniture & Home Textile Direct Negotiation Event will return to provide an excellent opportunity for furniture companies and fabric brands to collaborate.

Additional health care and hygiene precautions will be in place

As trade fair co-organisers, Messe Frankfurt’s number one priority always remains the health and safety of fairgoers. To maintain a clean and hygienic environment for visitors and exhibitors to meet in, extra measures will be in practice at the fair. These include: real-name registration, onsite temperature checks, frequent sterilisation of public areas and distancing measures for forum / seminar audiences, amongst others.

• Im schönen Hamburger Stadtviertel Pöseldorf, zwischen Alster und Dammtor, liegt das neue stilwerk Hotel Heimhude.

Die über 150 Jahre alte malerische Jugendstilvilla bezaubert mit ihrem zeitlos modernen Charme. Auf vier Stockwerke verteilen sich 24 Zimmer, ein Gym, eine Bibliothek, eine Lounge sowie ein Garten, in dem die Gäste entspannen und die Hektik des Alltags vergessen können. Bei der Einrichtung setzt das Team um Inhaber Alexander Grabe auf hochwertige Inneneinrichtung und handgefertigte Manufakturqualität, die dem ganzen Gebäude einen authentischen, entspannt luxuriösen Charakter verleihen.

Passend zur Möblierung wählte das Heimhude-Team für die Wandgestaltung die Luxus-Innenfarbenlinie von CAPAROL ICONS: „Die Farbauswahl der CAPAROL ICONS Kollektion ist modern, elegant und charakterstark – genau wie unsere 150 Jahre alte ‚Grande Dame in Sneakers’, deren Jugendstil-Flair wir dank der passenden Farbtöne in die Jetztzeit übersetzen konnten. Die verwendeten Wandfarben geben den Räumen ihre jeweilige Identität und Atmosphäre. Sie schaffen interessante Kontraste zu historischen Stuck-Details und erlesenen Interior-Pieces aus dem stilwerk Kosmos“, so Alexander Grabe. Die sogenannten „Ikonen“ – so werden die 120 verschiedenen Nuancen von CAPAROL ICONS genannt – sind mit großer Sorgfalt in die Planung der einzelnen Zimmer eingeflossen. Insgesamt neun verwendete Farben und Lacke aus der CAPAROL ICONS Kollektion gestalten die Raumatmosphäre in dem historischen Gebäude maßgeblich mit: das Spektrum zieht sich von einem ruhigen Grün über neutrale Nuancen wie Weiß, Grau und Schwarz bis hin zu einem lichten Nude. Für alle Bäder der Gästezimmer wurde als Wand- und Deckenfarbe NO 87 LOUNGE MIX – ein heller Bambus-Ton – gewählt. Auch im Eingang, den Fluren, dem Treppenhaus, der Küche und dem Kofferraum wurden Wand und Decke in einer „Ikone“ gestrichen. NO 22 BOOMBOX, ein urbanes Lichtgrau, kreiert einen Industrial Chic-Look. Weitere Farben verteilen sich über die restlichen Zimmer, Sockel sowie Türrahmen. Im stilwerk Hotel Heimhude wird exemplarisch gezeigt, dass sich die Farben von CAPAROL ICONS problemlos einem so individuellen innenarchitektonischem Konzept anpassen und eine harmonische Raumwirkung erzeugen.

Farben, die im stilwerk Hotel Heimhude zum Einsatz kommen: NO 3 CLOUDS OF CALIFORNIA, NO 10 TRIBUTE TO VINYL, NO 22 BOOMBOX, NO 32 NUDE, NO 62 STONEWASHED, NO 70 TRIPPY, NO 75 BALLOON DOG, NO 82 TREEHUGGER, NO 87 LOUNGE MIX

Der dänische Designbrand HAY und die Schweizerische Textilfachschule STF öffnen am 8. Juni 2020 die Türen zu einem neuen dynamischen Ort, dem HAY LAB, im Open Space der STF im Zürcher Kreis 4. Diese Kooperation zwischen HAY und der STF ermöglicht, die Vielseitigkeit und Ästhetik einer Kollektion in einem lebendigen Kontext zu demonstrieren, in dem Besucher, Kunden und Studierende –aufstrebende Talente der Schweiz im Designbereich –  eingeladen sind, jedes Produkt in einer inspirierenden und praktischen Umgebung zu erleben. Das HAY LAB ist als Destination konzipiert, die  Raum für Kreativität schaffen soll, indem es designorientierte Besucher anzieht und gleichzeitig Kunden die Möglichkeit bietet, Produkte in ihrer Umgebung zu erleben.

«Wir freuen uns sehr, die dänische Designmarke HAY mit ihrem HAY LAB und ihrem Schweizer Team in unserem Open Space willkommen zu heißen», sagt Sonja Amport, CEO & Direktorin der STF. «Die Kooperation eines internationalen Möbelherstellers mit einem Textil- und Modeinstitut ist ein Novum in Europa, das viele kreative  Möglichkeiten offenlässt und uns stolz macht. Die neuartige Kooperation «HAY x STF» ermöglicht beiden Partnern den Zugang zu neuem Wissen, innovativen Konzepten und neuen Zielgruppen.»
 
«Die Zusammenarbeit mit der STF ist eine sehr spannende Partnerschaft für uns», sagen Mette und Rolf Hay, Mitgründer und Kreativdirektoren des gleichnamigen internationalen Designunternehmens. «HAY hat schon immer junge und vielversprechende Designer unterstützt, und genau dies tut auch die Schule, während sie gleichzeitig ein kreatives Umfeld für ihre Studierenden schafft, welches auf Originalität setzt. Als nach einem HAY-Raum in Zürich gesucht wurde, passte es bei und mit der STF auf Anhieb.»

Das HAY LAB ist von Montag bis Samstag von 9.00 bis 17.00 Uhr für die Öffentlichkeit zugänglich. Zu beachten: die ausgestellten Produkte sind nicht zum direkten Verkauf vor Ort bestimmt, sondern über die lokalen HAY-Händler zu beziehen.

The corona pandemic continues to put a strain on health systems around the globe. Many places lack effective textile protective kit among others for their medical personnel. HeiQ, a Swiss specialty chemicals company, has developed antiviral and antibacterial protective kit that is quickly effective against Coronaviruses (229E), as confirmed in wide-ranging studies. In cooperation with HeiQ, the CHT Group is supplying this technology to the market to help decrease the global shortage in protective wear.

A wide number of studies have proven that viruses and bacteria can remain active on textile surfaces for a longer period. The SARS-COV-2 virus, which causes the COVID-19 disease, can stay active on a textile for up to two days and therefore be infectious. Shortages in textile protective kit create a high risk for medical personnel who are in contact with COVID-19 patients: often, doctors and nurses cannot change their protective masks and clothing as frequently as would be necessary in order to adhere to hygiene rules and to prevent the spreading of the virus.

The HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 that has been developed by HeiQ is a new technology that is also effective against Coronaviruses (229E) thanks to its antibacterial and antiviral properties. Comprehensive studies have demonstrated the kit‘s effectiveness. A combination of silver salts with a vesicle technology deactivates bacteria and viruses on textile surfaces within a few minutes and renders the bacteria and viruses harmless. Textiles equipped in this way reduce the rate of infection by 99.99%, which stops the transmission and the spread of bacteria and viruses through textiles.

Viroblock can be used on all types of fibers – not only for protective kit and masks, but also for work clothing, bed linen, towels and home textiles. The kit is wash-resistant and still highly effective after 30 standard wash processes.

• Unterricht findet online statt

Am Freitag, 13.03.2020 hat der Bundesrat darüber informiert, dass aufgrund des Corona-Virus (Covid-19) die Präventionsmassnahmen einschneidend verschärft werden, um die Risikogruppen gezielt zu schützen.

Was bedeutet das für die STF?
Alle Schulen setzen ihren Unterricht vor Ort (Präsenzunterricht) per Montag bis mindestens 4. April 2020 aus. In diesem Zuge schliesst die STF ab Montag, 16. März 2020 vorerst ihre Türen.

Dies heisst: das Schulgebäude kann weder für den Unterricht, noch zum Selbststudium, weder für Gruppentreffen, noch für die Maschinennutzung, externe Meetings/Schulungen, Veranstaltungen oder Weiteres genutzt werden. Das STF-Gebäude ist geschlossen.

Infolge der Schulschliessung findet kein Präsenzunterricht (Unterricht in Persona) mehr statt. Der Unterricht wird jedoch als Fernunterricht gestaltet, das heisst über «Distance Learning». Die STF stellt ihren Lernenden und Studierenden die Lerninhalte multimedial und digital über ihre Lernplattform zur Verfügung.

Exhibitor registration for the Autumn Edition of Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles has been strong since applications opened in December last year. Renowned global players such as D Décor Home Fabrics (India), G.M. Syntex Pvt (India), Naturtex (Hungary) and SIC Global Textiles (Poland) are amongst those to have already confirmed their participation. Held from 24 – 26 August 2020, the fair is the largest trade platform in China for international buyers to meet potential supply partners in the second half of the year. The fair’s early bird discount will be extended until 30 March. Interested companies can register online to enjoy a 10% discount.

Discover abundant new products and design trends
As the leading business platform for the home and contract textile industry in the Asia Pacific region, participants of Intertextile can always discover the latest innovations and trends of the textile and interior design industry. This year, the fair continues to cover the entire spectrum of home and contract textile products including:

• Decorative Fabrics (Upholstery & Curtains)
• Bedding, Bath, Kitchen & Table
• Carpets & Rugs
• Sun-Protection
• Wallcoverings
• Textile Editors
• Whole Home Products
• Digital Print & Technics
• Fibres, Yarns & Chemicals
• Textile Designs

In addition, Intertextile is pleased to cooperate with the renowned international forecasting agency NellyRodi™ from France again in presenting the hottest international home furnishing trends. A trend committee led by NellyRodi and formed by top forecasters including Carlotta Montaldo, Juliette Lamarca, Shen Lei and Studio NOCC will be responsible for determining the major design trends which will be demonstrated in the three-day fair via a series of events and displays. More details about the trends will be announced soon.