From the Sector

Jeanologia, a global leader in sustainable technologies for the textile industry, returns to Kingpins Amsterdam with its new collection “Mediterranean Soul”, blending nature, creativity, and technology to prove that authentic denim can be designed and produced with efficiency and minimal environmental impact.

The collection draws inspiration from the power of the Mediterranean Sea and the essence of Valencia, Jeanologia’s hometown. Following the devastating floods that hit the city in October 2024, the collection is a tribute to resilience, nature, and Mediterranean creativity, reinterpreted in the world’s most universal fabric: denim.

"Mediterranean Soul is a story of resilience and creativity brought to life through denim," says Carme Santacruz, Creative Director at Jeanologia. The collection captures the Mediterranean beauty and vibrancy in every garment: the deep blues of the sea, the golden texture of sand, sunlight reflecting on facades, and the lively energy of urban and natural landscapes. More than fashion, it is a manifesto— environmentally conscious design that is at once authentic, innovative, and sustainable. "Mediterranean Soul is a journey that connects our roots with our global mission to detoxify and dehydrate the fashion industry, without sacrificing creativity or efficiency," adds Santacruz.

Laser + G2 Ozone: bringing Mediterranean landscapes to life through denim
To capture this Mediterranean spirit, Jeanologia combines two most powerful technologies:

• Laser, which brings landscapes and natural textures to life with hyper-realistic, unique designs. It has transformed the way jeans are designed and produced, eliminating any hand tough and offering infinite creative possibilities. Today it allows reproducing vintage effects, 3D textures, breaks, or vector designs with precision, speed, and consistency, digitalizing the entire design process and ensuring creativity, quality, and efficiency.
• G2 Ozone Indra, whose ATMOS process creates abrasion and a wide variety of washes, from deep indigo blues to light tones, as well as blacks and greys. This “air washer” replaces traditional washing methods with ozone and precise humidity control, achieving authentic washes without water, chemicals, or pumice stones, and reducing both environmental impact and costs.

Together, Laser + G2 Ozone give designers total freedom to create authentic finishes with greater contrast, brightness, and naturalness, achieving true sustainability at the best cost.

‘Digital to real’, from virtual design to real garment
At Kingpins, Jeanologia also presents ‘Digital to Real’, a space where visitors can experience how digitalization accelerates the design-to-production process. With eDesigner, brands can develop and visualize denim finishes in a fully digital environment, reducing up to 80 percent of physical samples, cutting emissions, and connecting creativity directly with production.

‘Made in España’: creativity, innovation, and sustainability
At Kingpins, Jeanologia takes part in ‘Made in España’, a space that celebrates the strength and creativity of the Spanish textile industry.

Together with Recover, Jeanologia showcases circular, responsible, and creative denim, highlighting new ways to enhance sustainability and close the loop in denim production.
Alongside Textil Santanderina and Pinter, the company will inspire visitors with a collection that blends art and fashion, a reflection of Spanish innovation, craftsmanship, and contemporary creativity.

BW Converting announced that its Baldwin TexCoat® G4 precision spray finishing system has been validated through collaboration with Fashion for Good and Apparel Impact Institute (Aii). Following extensive trials and analysis, the technology is now recognized within Aii’s Climate Solutions Portfolio Registry as a proven solution for lowering carbon emissions and resource consumption across the global textile supply chain.
 
TexCoat G4 replaces traditional pad-based applications with non-contact precision spray technology, applying chemistry only where it is needed. The system delivers 40–50% energy savings, reduces water consumption and chemical use by up to 50% and eliminates chemical waste during job changeovers. These benefits help mills achieve significant sustainability targets while improving profitability and throughput.
 
The validation follows successful field trials in Europe and Asia, where TexCoat G4 has demonstrated substantial resource savings with no compromise to fabric quality. As part of Aii’s registry, the technology will now be visible to leading apparel brands and retailers that are actively sourcing scalable solutions to decarbonize textile wet processing. 
 
TexCoat G4’s patented non-contact spray process also streamlines operations by reducing downtime, enabling rapid changeovers and supporting traceability through full Industry 4.0 integration.

“Being recognized by both Fashion for Good and Aii underscores the impact of TexCoat G4 not only as an innovative finishing technology but as a verified climate solution,” said Yiannis Vasilonikolos, Global Sales Leader, Textiles, BW Converting. “We are proud that the data confirms what our customers experience every day: measurable reductions in energy, water and carbon footprint, paired with consistently high finishing quality. Together, this validation strengthens our ability to help textile producers meet the dual goals of sustainability and competitiveness.”

Freudenberg Performance Materials Apparel (Freudenberg Apparel) celebrates the grand opening of a major expansion at its manufacturing facility in Chennai, India, on October 14, adding 20,000 square feet of production space and introducing new production lines tailored to the Indian apparel market. This strategic investment is aimed at significantly reducing lead times and enhancing the availability of high-quality, locally produced interlinings for the fast-evolving apparel sector in India and South Asia.

The expansion increases the facility’s manufacturing area from 40,000 to 60,000 square feet and introduces specialized production lines for 100% cotton interlinings and 100% polyester interlinings. These new lines especially enable local production of Chinese-equivalent polyester bi-elastic shirt and polyester woven interlinings, meeting rising demand for innovative, premium materials with faster delivery.

Significantly shorter lead times
Equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, the extended facility enhances quality assurance and accelerates production processes. Lead times for Indian manufacturers will be reduced from the 6–8 weeks needed for China imports to just 1–2 weeks with local production. Additionally, customers can expect a cost advantage compared to duty-paid imported goods.

Support network for Indian textile industry
Since the company expanded into India in 1998, Freudenberg Apparel has developed a support network for the Indian textile industry, including technical solution studios in Chennai, Bangalore, and Gurgaon. These studios provide technical consultations, solution services, technical seminars, trend collection and mockups, interlining recommendation reports, and fusing press audits – services that complement the expanded manufacturing capabilities. 

The new production lines join existing paste dot, 3P printing, and powder dot printing capabilities at the Chennai facility, broadening the range of products that can be produced locally.

As a leader in colour measurement and management solutions, Verivide will showcase its latest DigiEye imaging system at the forthcoming ITMA Asia + CITME exhibition in Singapore from October 28-31.

This benefits from 100% LED illumination, improving the accuracy of colour assessments while supporting environmentally responsible practices in colour management.

Designed for efficiency and reliability, the DigiEye includes integrated dust filtration and a fully enclosed camera for added security. 

Unlike its predecessor, the new DigiEye no longer requires annual fluorescent lamp changes, thanks to its 100% LED light source. The system also includes software-integrated lighting controls and lighting geometry checking, enhancing its precision and ease of use. Additionally, it now has the ability to auto-capture images upon door closure, making it ideal for imaging multiple samples quickly and efficiently.

The new DigiEye offers significant upgrades, including a 67% larger imaging area and a 112% larger measurement area. Its drawer load rating has increased by 55%, and the LED light source lasts ten time longer than before. 

As part of the VeriVide ecosystem, the DigiEye integrates seamlessly with UltraView, VisionView and the VeriVide Portal, offering a comprehensive solution for all colour management needs. 

Abrasion and pilling testing 
Martindale testing needs little introduction to textile manufacturers, being well established as the industry standard for abrasion and pilling testing since its initial development and introduction by James Heal back in the 1940s.

For 2025, however, James Heal’s development team have taken a fresh look at this classic instrument and the result is the new Martindale Motion.
This redesigned nine-station Martindale instrument with individual lifting heads now offers the flexibility to run each station independently for carrying out different textile tests simultaneously.

Multiple textiles can be tested at the same time through to conclusion without intervention. Once set up, the Martindale Motion can be left running with the sample holders automatically lifting at the required evaluation points, freeing up the operator’s time to do other work without the need to return until the abrasion or pilling test is fully completed, including overnight.

Each sample is kept in-tact at the end point for evaluation and checking, reducing queries on grading and the potential need for re-testing. Further refinements include a new hinged access to change the self-aligning drive pins, allowing quick and safe switching between tests.

Designed and manufactured in the UK, the James Heal Martindale range has seen numerous updates, models and innovations over the years, such as touchscreen and user-friendly software, best-in-class safety features combined with the signature near silent running of this staple lab instrument. Added to this have been the introduction of the DurAbrasion multi-function testing machine, later followed by the market-leading evolution, the AquAbrasion wet abrasion tester launched in 2019.

The Martindale Motion, however, is now taking productivity and efficiency to a higher level than ever before.

Radio frequency drying
Total control of textile drying is meanwhile enabled with the advanced radio freqency (RF) technology of Strayfield, which has over 4,000 installations worldwide and provides solutions tailored to diverse textile applications such as cotton, wool, polyester, nylon, silk, acrylic and speciality blends.

Strayfield technology enables consistent quality, superior output and sustainability benefits through gentle and uniform drying, ensuring even results and moisture removal across entire batches and preserving fibre integrity, colour vibrancy and softness without yellowing or shrinkage.
Adaptive electrodes regulate power delivery according to product height and moisture, maximising efficiency and eliminating energy waste and unlike conventional rod systems, Strayfield’s full-area plates deliver consistent energy density for gentle drying without hotspots.

FET is launching the FET-500 Series of gel spinning systems in a move that could revolutionise the research and development of UHMWPE fibres.

Fibre Extrusion Technology Ltd (FET) of Leeds, UK, has built a reputation in medical fibre extrusion technology and innovations, designing and delivering high-performance equipment for a range of precursor medical products, including bespoke extrusion systems for the production of both resorbable and non-absorbable sutures. FET’s equipment supports small-scale, adaptable production and rapid new product development.       

In recent years, there has been a growing demand for R&D of UHMWPE fibres. These fibres are prized in many industries due to their extraordinary properties. However, current production processes are complex and focused on the large-scale output of existing fibre grades. This rigid supply chain has stifled innovation in this untapped product market.

The FET-500 gel spinning systems will address this gap in the market. The FET-500 enables a flexible and consistent process, able to produce quality fibres with less than 100 grams of polymer, while avoiding the harsh processing chemicals that were historically associated with gel spinning. The key to unlocking this lab and pilot scale flexibility is the use of supercritical carbon dioxide as a green solvent in a patent-pending process.

Gel spinning starts with extrusion, but the additional washing and drawing technology to produce finished yarn is critical to the overall performance characteristics. An example of the wide range of features and benefits can be shown in the Washing process, with Patent Pending technology using Supercritical Carbon Dioxide:

Extract carrier oil without using toxic, environmentally harmful chemicals such as Hexane and DCM.

• CO2 is green, cheap, abundant, and significantly safer to work with
• CO2 efficiently dissolves carrier oils without affecting the polymer yarn

Reduced operational costs

• 9-Vast reduction in solvent use (CO2 vs Hexane/DCM)
• Comprehensive oil recovery and recycling
• Zero solvent waste is generated, unlike the hexane route

Compact and efficient batch washing system

• Recipe controlled plug and play technology
• Scalable and adjustable to customer needs
• Carrier oil is recovered and fed back to the extrusion process
• 80% reduction in factory footprint vs hexane route

FET’s Fibre Development Centre is critical to the inception and success of the FET-500. Having this facility located in Leeds where the manufacturing takes place allows FET to offer a gateway to de-risk, develop and demonstrate the system’s capabilities. FET houses a full demonstration line of the FET-500 to allow customers, existing and new, to visit and experience the system operating from start to finish. They can also aid in developing new products and operating parameters through R&D trials, giving customers the confidence and knowledge to transfer a new product offering onto a production line.

Heberlein, a leading supplier of air interlacing and air texturing jets, aims to impress visitors at ITMA Asia + CITME 2025. Novel solutions will be presented, which will allow filament yarn producers to achieve special quality specifications and process optimization. These latest developments combine the most sophisticated technology with user convenience and savings potential. 

Data in the ‘Fibre Year 2024’ report confirms that synthetic fibres continue to outpace natural fibres, growing by 8.4% against 2.7% – and this upward trend is expected to continue. Man-made fibre hubs such as China (+8.8%) and India (+7.7%), and also Vietnam (+8.9%) show significant growth. Looking at the development of different synthetic materials, polyamide stands out, with a notable increase of 4.1%, underscoring its promising future. In the forefront of these developments are Swiss-made key components from Heberlein, delivering cutting-edge technology that powers quality and efficiency in polyamide yarn production.

DTY jets for demanding spinners and yarns 
Launched at ITMA 2023, the Heberlein APe series was expanded with new types of jets. The two additional jets are particularly suitable for polyamide with fine titers.

This DTY jet series sets new standards in yarn processing. Developed for the efficient processing of fine polyamide yarns with a particularly high number of knots (FP/m), the successful APe series is renowned for its unique performance of more than 200 knots per metre. Despite its outstanding performance, it is the smallest jet in its class – fitting anywhere and best suited wherever air savings and optimized production efficiency are required.

The APe series is also attracting interest from market players striving for sustainable production through various measures. Its capability for equal knot performance with reduced energy consumption delivers sustainability without compromise.

Air splicing: maximum control and minimum effort
Yarn splicers produce a tear-resistant, homogeneous splice of material without knots. All they need is compressed air. Heberlein's AirSplicers produce first-class splices for a wide range of applications for technical fibers where extreme strength characteristics are needed.

The new AirSplicer-Basix was designed for technical yarns – including aramid, glass, and carbon. The splicer offers maximum control and user-friendly operation. 

The sophisticated blow chamber design makes it easy to insert, splice and remove the yarn without any additional manual steps or the need for the user to activate further mechanisms.

The design of the AirSplicer-Basix is reduced to the essentials. Still, it performs convincingly and offers flexibility as one or more connection points can be created, depending on the material used and the desired splice strength.

Through a planned programme of continuous expansion, including ongoing projects aimed at resource efficiency and environmental excellence, Spain’s Textil A. Ortiz has reinforced its position as one of Europe’s leading suppliers of premium quality lining fabrics.

The company, which celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2024, has just successfully commissioned a fourth Monforts Montex stenter at its plant in Santa Perpètua de Mogoda, 25 kilometres north of Barcelona. This is one of three plants operated by the company, with a second nearby in Catalonia and a third in Valencia. Its relationship with Monforts and local representative Aguilar & Pineda dates back to the 1970s.

Trusted supplier
The new Montex line is being employed to finish fabrics with softeners, water repellents and flame retardants and is already achieving significant cost savings. Linings are stocked in more than 1,000 colours with special finishing options for customers and a large database of designs and prints.

The new nine-chamber Montex 8500-9F with a nominal width of 200cm is equipped with direct gas heating, a Hercules needle chain, a Matex finishing padder and two heat exchangers. In combination with heat recovery, a Monformatic Professional measuring and control system enables energy consumption to be fully minimised and reproducible fabric quality to be constantly achieved.

No water discharge
“The installation of a water treatment plant working through evaporation and condensation further allows us to be the first dyeing and finishing company that does not discharge water into the public sewerage system,” says Textil A. Ortiz Manager Abel Ortiz. 

The company has also recently invested in a major installation of new circular knitting machines and expanded with the production of lining fabrics based on recycled polyester, while 15,000 square metres of photovoltaic panels and two wind turbines now supply the Santa Perpètua de Mogoda plant with 100% green energy.

The Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) and the Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University are planning to cooperate in the future in the field of AI-supported manufacturing, robotics and smart textiles. At the same time, the aim is to promote talent exchange and a sustainable Indian-German partnership.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed during the Tamil Nadu Rising Investment Conclave in Düsseldorf. M. K. Stalin, Chief Minister of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, and high-ranking representatives from government and industry were present at the signing.

The aim of the partnership is to create an open innovation ecosystem that combines dynamic industry with Germany's excellent research. This partnership is strongly supported by Guidance Tamil Nadu and Hon. Dr TRB Rajaa, Minister for Industry, Investment Promotion and Trade of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Thiru V. Arun Roy, I.A.S., Principal Secretary, Department of Industry, Government of Tamil Nadu, exchanged the MoU on behalf of Sandeep Nanduri, I.A.S., Managing Director, TIDCO.

Dr Akram Idrissi, Head of Strategy & Business Development at ITA, exchanged the MoU on behalf of ITA Director Prof. Dr Thomas Gries.

Ob auf Shirts oder Hoodies, Blusen oder Hosen: Drucke machen Textilien oft zu besonderen Hinguckern. Die Hochschule Niederrhein freut sich jetzt über eine bedeutende Erweiterung ihrer technischen Ausstattung im Bereich textile Drucktechnologien. Die Firmen Multiplot und Epson haben der Hochschule gemeinsam einen Textildrucker sowie einen EasySteam Dämpfer des italienischen Unternehmens Cibitex als Spende übergeben.
 
Damit können die Studierenden des Fachbereichs Textil- und Bekleidungstechnik ab sofort praktische Erfahrungen mit modernster Druck- und Veredelungstechnologie sammeln. Neben der Realisierung von Outfits für Abschlussarbeiten und Modeschauen im Designbereich können damit zukünftig auch technische Textilien veredelt werden. „Wir möchten mit dieser Spende einen aktiven Beitrag zur praxisnahen Ausbildung an einer der führenden textiltechnischen Hochschulen Deutschlands leisten“, erklärte Joachim Rees, Gründer und Geschäftsführer der Firma Multi-Plot Europe GmbH, bei der Übergabe der Geräte.
 
„Die neuen Maschinen eröffnen uns neue didaktische und technologische Möglichkeiten. Wir werden die Geräte nicht nur in der Lehre, sondern auch für Forschungsprojekte im Bereich nachhaltiger Textilproduktion und digitaler Druckprozesse einsetzen“, sagt Dr. Mathias Muth, Professor für Textile Drucktechnologien an der Hochschule Niederrhein. Die enge Zusammenarbeit mit Industriepartnern wie Multiplot und Epson stärke die Rolle der HSNR als moderne und anwendungsorientierte Hochschule.
 
Die Studierenden und Wissenschaftler:innen können mit dem neuen Epson-Drucker durch dessen hohe Druckgeschwindigkeit und Farbbrillanz professionelle Sublimationsdrucke – auch mit fluoreszierenden Farben – realisieren. „Dies ist ein Druckverfahren, bei dem Farben mittels Hitze und Druck in die Fasern übertragen werden“, so Mathias Muth. Dabei wird die spezielle Sublimationstinte durch Hitze in einen gasförmigen Zustand versetzt und dringt so in die Faser ein, anstatt nur auf der Oberfläche zu haften.
 
Der Dämpfer Cibitex EasySteam kommt bei dem bereits vorhandenen reaktiven Digitaldrucksystem für Baumwolle zum Einsatz: „Er sorgt für eine nachhaltige und qualitativ hochwertige Veredelung der bedruckten Stoffe durch Dampfbehandlung“, erklärt Mathias Muth. Es zeichnet sich durch einfache Bedienung aus und ermöglicht das Dämpfen von kleinen Mengen ohne Vorlauf – ideal für Arbeiten von Studierenden.