From the Sector

OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers in the field of electric powertrains are under increasing pressure to improve performance, efficiency, and scalability of their drive systems. One key enabler now reaching industrial mass-production: composite-based rotor sleeves. These lightweight, high-performance components offer significant advantages in terms of mechanical containment of rotor components to achieve more efficient designs for high-speed rotation – especially in demanding automotive, aerospace and industrial applications. 

Following nine months of collaborative research, a consortium of 15 leading companies – Arkema Group, Covenstro Deutschland AG, DOMO Engineering Plastics Europe S.p.A., Hexcel Composites SASU, Huntsman Advanced Materials, Hutchinson SA CRI, Kümpers GmbH, LG Electronics Deutschland GmbH, Maru Hachi Corporation, Rassini Supensiones S.A. de C.V., Schunk Kohlenstofftechnik GmbH, Swancore Netherlands B.V., Syensqo, Toray Carbon Fibres Europe S.A., Toyota Motor Europe N.V./S.A.  – has completed a comprehensive analysis and benchmarking project led by AZL Aachen GmbH. The project systematically analysed the state of the art, compared materials, design strategies, and processing methods for rotor sleeves made from thermoset and thermoplastic carbon fibre composites. The result is a comprehensive market and technology analysis, documented in a 384-page final report – and ready to be implemented into cooperations.  

To support OEMs and motor developers in leveraging these findings, AZL is now hosting a dedicated web meeting – designed specifically to demonstrate the practical relevance, supply chain maturity, and technology details of composite rotor sleeves for electric drives. Participation is free of charge. 

The event will provide a strategic overview of the technology’s capabilities and will highlight the concrete potential for integration into series production. It starts with an introduction to the current state of the technology and its role in enabling the next generation of electric motors. AZL will then present the consolidated results from the project’s work packages. Key insights include comparisons of rotor sleeve designs (press-fit vs. direct-wound), material classes (thermoplastic and thermoset carbon composites), mechanical and thermal performance benchmarks and production KPIs.  

In the second part of the meeting, participants will get the opportunity to meet the consortium behind the recently finished project – from composite material suppliers and machine manufacturers to rotor sleeve producers. Each partner will briefly pitch their unique expertise and offerings, helping OEMs identify reliable contacts for implementation projects.  

Fabian Köster, Development Engineer Composites at Schunk Kohlenstofftechnik GmbH, explains: “As a technology leader and high-volume manufacturer in the field of rotor sleeves, Schunk considers it essential to actively shape innovation. Our participation in the AZL project reflects our strong belief that future viability and competitiveness can only be secured through early involvement in technological developments. The AZL info event offers OEMs and partners across the entire value chain a valuable opportunity to exchange insights on the current state of rotor sleeve technologies, explore emerging trends, and collaboratively develop solutions for tomorrow’s challenges.”  

For OEMs, this event provides not only an update on emerging technology, it also offers direct access to a ready-to-engage partner network. It also marks the official launch of a follow-up experimental project. 

This follow-up initiative will shift from theoretical analysis to experimental validation. Its goal is to benchmark the performance of different material and process combinations under real-world production and operating conditions. 

The follow project includes four work packages. The first work package will define the production concepts and materials to be tested experimentally, including the design of test methods and auxiliary equipment for press fit operations. The second work package is targeting a production process consisting of separate winding and press fitting on the rotor. It includes manufacturing of sleeves using wet winding, towpreg winding and thermoplastic tape winding. Strength testing of the sleeves will consider different prestress levels, while also the quality of the laminate will be evaluated. The third work package will do the same, but in this case for a process, directly winding on the rotor. Evaluation will also include high temperature testing and long-term durability. Finally in the fourth work package all process and strength test results will be evaluated on cost, quality, and performance, leading to benchmarking of various materials, and clear recommendations for cost efficient rotor sleeves. 

The web meeting, hosted on September 25th, is open to OEMs, motor developers, innovation managers, and system integrators seeking to accelerate their next electric powertrain generation. A registration link will be provided for all interested participants. Contact Philipp Fröhlig (philipp.froehlig@azl-aachen-gmbh.de) for a registration link.

ITMA ASIA + CITME end of October in Singapore will see a strong participation of around 70 VDMA member companies. They will cover nearly all different machinery chapters along the textile value chain including spinning and man-made fibres, nonwovens, weaving, braiding, knitting & warp knitting, finishing & dyeing as well as technologies for textile recycling and processing of recycled material. VDMA initiated a German Pavilion with two group stands (spinning in hall 4 and finishing in hall 7) with a total of 30 exhibitors.

Dr. Janpeter Horn, Chairman of the VDMA Textile Machinery Association and Managing Director of August Herzog Maschinenfabrik explains: “The main topics of the VDMA members are efficiency, automation, digitalisation and sustainability. The companies continue to strive for innovative and sustainable solutions with low environmental impact to reduce production costs, without compromising on the high quality of European machinery that customers rightly expect. This is expressed in the common slogan “Experience Leading Technology”. Even in challenging economic times, customers can rely on the VDMA members as dependable partners who stand for continuity, reliability and long-term support”.

Dr. Harald Weber, Managing Director of VDMA Textile Machinery adds: “Our members are looking forward to coming back with ITMA ASIA to Singapore after 20 years. With its central location and seamless travel options, Singapore is the perfect location for reaching customers from one of the world's fastest-growing regions for textile and garment production.”

In general, Asia has been the number one production location for textiles and clothing in the world and will retain this position for a long time to come. So, it is no surprise that Asia is the most important sales market for the VDMA member companies. Almost half of German exports of textile machinery and accessories are shipped to Asia. In addition, numerous German textile machinery companies are producing locally with facilities e.g. in China, India and Vietnam.

Although German exports of textile machinery and accessories to Asia declined sharply in 2024, they stabilised overall in the first half of 2025. Deliveries to China, Uzbekistan and Pakistan even showed encouraging growth between January and June. It is hoped that this may be an indication of a more general upturn in global demand for machinery.

The CHT Group, a global specialist in textile chemistry and dyes, is looking forward to participating in the PERFORMANCE DAYS Functional Fabric Fair in Munich on October 29 and 30, 2025. The focus will be on innovative dyeing processes and functional finishes that specifically improve textile properties.

PIGMENTURA by CHT – The innovative, pigment-based dyeing process uses no water for soaping and rinsing and does not require energy-intensive heating of the process water. As a result, water consumption in the dyeing process can be reduced by up to 96 %. This technology was awarded the German Federal Ecodesign Award in the Product category in 2024 - a result of the successful collaboration between Inditex and CHT.

ECOPRINT by CHT – The water-based textile printing system with reactive and pigment inks meets the highest sustainability standards and has been awarded the C2C Certified Material Health Certificate™. It actively contributes to converting linear production processes into circular systems and promoting the textile circular economy.

TUBINGAL® RISE – The softener is made from recycled end-of-life silicones and consists of over 60 % recycled silicone waste and emulsifiers from renewable raw materials. 

ARRISTAN rAIR – The sustainable hydrophilic finish is made from recycled PET flakes and ensures optimum moisture regulation, fast drying and excellent dirt repellency. ARRISTAN rAIR is ideal for finishing recycled yarns and fabrics, which can then be recycled again - an important contribution to the textile circular economy.

As a foundation-owned company, CHT is committed to a comprehensive sustainability agenda. Our products are designed and manufactured according to strict standards, with a focus on using bio-based, biodegradable and recycled materials to support a circular economy.

• Each European generates 132 kg of food waste and 12 kg of clothing and footwear waste per year 
• 2030 targets to reduce food waste 
• Producers to cover costs of collecting, sorting and recycling waste textiles  

September, 9 the European Parliament gave its final green light to new measures to prevent and reduce waste from food and textiles across the EU.

Cutting down food waste
The updated legislation will introduce binding food waste reduction targets, to be met at national level by 31 December 2030: 10% from food processing and manufacturing and 30% per capita from retail, restaurants, food services and households. These targets will be calculated in comparison to the amount generated as an annual average between 2021 and 2023. Following Parliament’s request, EU countries will have to take measures to ensure that economic operators having a significant role in the prevention and generation of food waste (to be identified in each country) facilitate the donation of unsold food that is safe for human consumption.

Producers to cover costs of collecting, sorting and recycling waste textiles
Producers that make textiles available in the EU will have to cover the costs of their collection, sorting and recycling, through new producer responsibility (EPR) schemes to be set up by each member state, within 30 months of the directive’s entry into force. These provisions will apply to all producers, including those using e-commerce tools and irrespective of whether they are established in an EU country or outside the Union. Micro-enterprises will have an extra year to comply with the EPR requirements.

The new rules will cover products such as clothing and accessories, hats, footwear, blankets, bed and kitchen linen, and curtains. On Parliament’s initiative, EU countries may also set up EPR schemes for mattress producers.
Member states should also address ultra-fast fashion and fast fashion practices when deciding on financial contributions to the EPR schemes.

According to the second reading rules, the President announced in plenary that the proposed act was deemed adopted (the position was already agreed by Council earlier this summer).

Next steps
The law will now be signed by both co-legislators, ahead of its publication in the EU Official Journal. EU countries will have 20 months following its entry into force to transpose the rules into national legislation.

Background
In July 2023, the Commission proposed a revision of the EU rules on waste, targeted at food and textile waste. Every year, almost 60 million tonnes of food waste (132 kg per person) and 12.6 million tonnes of textile waste are generated in the EU. Clothing and footwear alone account for 5.2 million tonnes of waste, equivalent to 12 kg of waste per person every year. It is estimated that less than 1% of all textiles worldwide are recycled into new products.

It’s time to dance to the Rhythm of Blues™ and celebrate AkzoNobel’s Colors of the Year 2026 – an upbeat and versatile color family that’s calming, connecting and creative.

There’s a trio of shades for next year – the light blue Mellow Flow™, the dark blue Slow Swing™ and the vibrant Free Groove™ – so everyone can find a style that works for them. The harmonious collection of signature indigos is just what we need in our homes, according to the results of the company’s extensive annual trend research.

“With everything that’s happening in the world, we see that people are reacting in various ways,” explains Heleen van Gent, Creative Director of AkzoNobel’s Global Aesthetic Center. “They’re either slowing down and recharging their batteries, wanting to feel in tune with others and celebrate kinship. Or they’re choosing to be bold, have fun and feel carefree.”

She adds that the three color palettes will help create living environments that fit everyone’s individual decorative needs. “To reflect these various moods – and because we understand that color is emotion and therefore personal – we’ve chosen a family of colors for 2026. They’re centered around three different rhythms that offer endless scope for changing the pace of your space.”

The colors, textures and special effects that take center stage in the Rhythm of Blues collection have been designed to strike a chord in a wide range of markets. Along with decorative paints, inspirational palettes have also been created for the aerospace, automotive, consumer electronics, metal furniture, lighting, cabinetry, flooring, building products and architecture markets.

“We pride ourselves on setting the tone together with architects, interior designers, trend specialists and product developers – who all make important contributions to our in-depth research,” says Daniel Geiger Campos, Global Director of AkzoNobel’s Decorative Paints business and member of the Executive Committee. “Our Rhythm of Blues family is perfectly in tune with evolving trends in various industries and will help us deliver market-specific solutions to customers so they can more confidently apply their own style to their projects.” AkzoNobel’s Global Aesthetic Center has been translating trends into desirable colors for more than 30 years. Its annual ColourFutures trend forecast meeting brings together in-house experts, international architects, designers and journalists to share insights into how our reactions to the world around us impact our color choices.

Before Széchenyi’s Chain Bridge opened in 1849, there were two cities on the Danube: Buda and Pest. For much of the year, the great river was a barrier that kept people, businesses, and ideas apart. The bridge changed everything. It physically connected the two sides to create something new and stronger: Budapest. 

EDANA's OUTLOOK™ conference serves the same purpose. It connects not two, but multiple sides of the industry, bringing together professionals across the absorbent hygiene and wipes sectors. 

With over 400 participants already confirmed from 173 companies, the event is set to be a unique platform for networking and business development. Alongside 18 exhibitors -with only two exhibition spaces still available- delegates will also benefit from 23 dedicated meeting rooms, creating the perfect setting for more private and focused discussions with clients and suppliers. 

This year’s OUTLOOK™ programme brings together 20 international speakers, two evening cocktail receptions, and plenty of opportunities to connect with peers from across the sector. 

The agenda features three keynote addresses: Ambassador Ivo H. Daalder will reflect on shifting global alliances and their impact on international business; McKinsey & Company will present the latest insights into grocery retail trends and consumer behaviour; and Roover Consulting will explore how artificial intelligence can be applied to innovation and product development. 

Alongside these highlights, the conference will cover market developments, sustainability, financing opportunities, and consumer dynamics in absorbent hygiene products and wipes – just two weeks to go.

Moda x Pure made a dynamic debut on opening day at Autumn Fair, drawing fashion buyers from across the UK and beyond to the NEC Birmingham. The destination offered an inspiring showcase of womenswear, accessories, footwear, and lifestyle collections, blending returning favourites with exciting new brands, alongside opportunities for inspiration, learning and connection. The buzz on the show floor reflected confident buying decisions, fresh industry connections, and a strong start to the autumn fashion season.

Building on the momentum from its successful Spring Fair launch, Moda x Pure returns with an expanded line-up and a sharpened focus on the evolving needs of independent fashion retailers. This season’s offering features a carefully curated mix of trend-led and ethically minded brands, appealing to a wide range of retailers, from established independents to emerging boutiques, who are seeking season-ready stock, sustainable innovations, and brands aligned with today’s conscious consumer. Among those spotted on the show floor were Wilkies, Bradbeers, WM Nicholls & Co, Just Lily, Rutherford & Co, Oberon, Sister, Shirley Allum, Lilac Rose, Accessorised By Elite, Leaf Clothing, Alligator Pear and Justina.

The positive atmosphere on the Moda x Pure show floor was echoed by both exhibitors and buyers, who shared their excitement about new discoveries, strong orders, and the invaluable opportunity to connect face-to-face. 

Visitors embraced the show’s curated content programme, with the new Retail Corner styled as a British independent shopfront, delivering daily seminars on trends, merchandising, and industry insights to inspire and support retailers beyond the four days of the show. Alex Schlagman, Founder of SaveTheHighStreet.org, took to the stage to give visitors an exclusive behind-the-scenes insight into The Retail Makeover Mission. This inspiring session highlighted how competition winners, OSO Fashion Boutique and Taba Naba, have transformed their businesses with the support of the expert Task Team. Drawing on guidance in branding, visual merchandising, PR, and retail strategy, the session demonstrated how tailored expertise can unlock growth and resilience for independent retailers. Samantha Gibbs, Founder of Nest and Task Team expert advised, “Become an expert of trade shows. If you are a bricks & mortar retailer you are the customer here, and you are a version of your customer back at the shop. So, it's your opportunity to taste, touch and feel the collections.”

Both winners spoke passionately about building community, embracing courage, and setting clear long-term visions, underlining the vital role independents play in the future of the UK high street. Katie Gibbs, Owner of OSO Fashion Boutique shared, “This competition literally spoke to me. I am at the point now where I need to understand the three or four things that I need to focus on as a business to enable me to transform.” Gibbs continued, “Part of it is sustaining what it already is, which is more than just a place you buy clothes, it’s a community hub. I want to retain that, but I also want it to become a powerhouse for profit. I want to build OSO Boutique as a bigger brand, both online and in-store.” More than just success stories, the session highlighted how passion, support, and expert guidance are empowering independents to thrive in today’s competitive market.

Soraya Gadelrab, Event Director of Autumn Fair, said, “Moda x Pure continues to grow as a vibrant hub for independent fashion retailers seeking fresh, ethically minded collections and genuine connections. The energy on opening day is a clear sign that the sector is buzzing with optimism and opportunity. We’re proud to support this community with an inspiring showcase, expert content, and invaluable networking that will help retailers thrive this season and beyond. Moda x Pure is about creating an experience where retailers can source, learn, and connect in one vibrant destination.”

eVent® Fabrics, a leader in breathable waterproof, weatherproof, and windproof laminate technologies, announced that their super light, fast, and highly breathable stormburstLT laminate is now available to cyclists through a partnership with Italy’s Alé Cycling.

eVent introduced the PFAS-free stormburstLT laminate in early 2025. While other brands have adopted the new laminate, the partnership with Alé represents the first time this high-performance laminate will be available to cyclists.   

Purpose made for fast and light adventures, eVent’s stormburstLT is lightweight, highly breathable, has stretch, and repels light rain and snow. Designed with high-output activities and adventure travel in mind, the PFAS-free laminate technology allows heat and moisture to escape ensuring comfortable protection, especially when conditions suddenly change.

eVent partners with apparel manufacturer ITTTAI, an Italian company specializing in premium manufacturing and technical fabrics, dedicated to providing maximum comfort to athletes. ITTTAI provides European-based clients with a variety of services and materials, including eVent’s stormburstLT laminate, to create high-performance, ultra-modern apparel such as Alé’s new FAN and TRACCIA jackets.

“Our stormburstLT laminate is ideal for high intensity activities and our partnership with Alé will give cyclists an incredible option for high performance weather protection,” said Chad Kelly, President of eVent Fabrics. “stormburstLT is a perfect laminate for cycling apparel, providing the right blend of breathability, dynamic movement, and weather protection to keep cyclists comfortable and performing at their best in challenging weather conditions.”

Alé’s FAN jacket for men and women offers warmth, breathability, and water repellency. With a temperature range of -3 to 6℃ and designed using Alé’s Body Mapping system, this light, high performance jacket is engineered to actively protect cyclists from the elements. Ideal for winter use, eVent’s 3-layer laminate fabric is combined with a highly breathable, quick-drying fleece liner, featuring a three-dimensional hexagonal structure. A DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatment across the entire surface provides protection against light rain.

Alé’s TRACCIA jacket for men is a slimmed down version of the FAN jacket, made for warmer weather and more intense rides. The TRACCIA’s lighter weight fabrics and specialized body mapping to create a high-performance top that better dissipates excess heat, making it ideal for fall and spring riding when temperatures are between 0 and 12℃.

With sleek styling and a unique color palette, the sophistication of these jackets is matched by a range of technical features, including raw-cut cuffs with an aerodynamic profile that seal in warmth and fit comfortably under gloves, a rear hem designed for better grip and to keep the jacket in place, and reflective branding for increased visibility.

Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited, a global sustainable chemical company, is accelerating the textile industry’s transition to lower-carbon materials with its scalable, high-performance bio-based PET fibers and yarns under the deja™ Bio portfolio. 

At the upcoming Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress later in September, Claire Mattelet, Global Sustainability Program Head for Indorama Ventures’ Fibers Business, will share the company’s experience in developing a fully certified, low-carbon supply chain at scale. 

Her presentation will explore several challenges, such as 

• securing reliable sources of renewable feedstocks to produce bio-based PTA and MEG inhouse or sourcing bio-based chemicals such as bio-based MEG from trusted partners 
• converting feedstock into PET chips, yarns, and fibers 
• and navigating complex certification requirements 

As a result, Indorama Ventures is now able to offer customers and brand owners an integrated, fully certified supply chain through mass balance at scale. 

Using a mass-balance approach means that renewable feedstocks, such as used cooking oil, are blended with fossil-based raw materials in existing production systems. 
The renewable content is then allocated to final products using certified methods like ISCC+, ensuring traceability throughout the value chain and compliance with chain-of-custody requirements. 

By leveraging existing infrastructure, coupled with R&D capabilities and proven technologies, Indorama Ventures enables rapid market deployment of bio-based PET fibers and yarns 
that are chemically identical to their fossil counterparts. This ensures customer processes remain the same, performance metrics such as durability, dyeability, and strength are equal to virgin solutions, 
and brand owners and converters can speed up qualification lead times and immediately reduce scope 3 emissions to seamlessly upgrade their existing product lines. 

Indorama Ventures invites brand owners, manufacturers, and industry partners to explore the deja™ Bio portfolio and join the movement toward a lower-carbon textile industry. 
The technology is proven, the supply chain is built. 

Rieter at ITMA Asia 2025: The Fully Automated Spinning MillPrecision, speed and cost efficiency are all indispensable, especially in challenging times. Rieter has put together a powerful portfolio for ITMA ASIA + CITME 2025 that gives spinning mills the chance to actively shape the future through intelligent automation. By applying smart machine networking, process optimization and increased production efficiency, the portfolio facilitates the comprehensive transformation of spinning mills while reinforcing their competitiveness. This, in turn, enables customers to further consolidate their leading market positions. At the same time, the portfolio is a key milestone on the way to achieving Rieter’s vision 2027 – the fully automated spinning mill.

Automation and digitization – the smart gateway to the future 
Rieter will be presenting solutions that enable the step-by-step implementation of the fully automatic spinning mill for the production of ring and compact yarn. Highlights include efficient bale transport, automated can transport and fully automatic packaging solutions, such as steaming, palletizing and labeling. In the field of digitization, Rieter offers various ESSENTIAL modules to meet different requirements. This gives spinning mill employees – from management to machine operators – a solid basis for making decisions on how to optimize yarn production. 

Combing preparation – the OMEGAlap E 40 
The new combing preparation machine OMEGAlap E 40 produces 800 kg/h, 33% more than its predecessor – thanks to the rapid lap changing. At the same time, it boasts 30% lower energy consumption and 63% lower compressed air consumption. Maintenance and cleaning are especially easy, representing a clear advantage for operating personnel. 

The precision winding machine NEO-BD – faster and better 
The new precision winding machine NEO-BD produces packages twice as fast as the previous model – and to a higher quality. Absolute precision is guaranteed: from the optimally adjustable package density and the yarn length that can be defined and reproduced with maximum accuracy to the exact weight of each individual package.

Efficient air-jet spinning of carded cotton 
The air-jet spinning machine J 70 is designed for cost-effective carded fiber spinning – a unique feature made possible thanks to a newly developed twist element: it takes the production speed to a new level and ensures maximum return when it comes to raw material utilization. Spinning mills also benefit from the use of this innovation in other raw material applications. 

The spindle that saves energy – eNASA 
The new Novibra spindle eNASA reduces a spinning machine’s power consumption by 2% to 4% compared to conventional spindles. The high-precision technology is particularly effective at high speeds. The new spindle is compatible with all Novibra clamping crowns. 

Technological expertise in recycled yarn 
Rieter works closely with partners and fiber manufacturers on the topic of recycled yarn. As part of this, different projects and end products will be presented. One new way to significantly increase the recycled content of ring yarn involves the use of sustainable, synthetic cellulosic fibers – described in detail in a new technology publication. 

New Rieter Webshop – the smarter, faster way to source spare parts 
The state-of-the-art platform is a smart solution enabling customers to procure spare parts for spinning and winding machines, upgrades and retrofit solutions. The one-stop shop experience simplifies and optimizes ordering for every spinning mill.