#Composites

2024-02-29

More ecology and economy thanks to natural fibre composites and knit to shape products

(c) 2024 KARL MAYER - Knit to shape sample

KARL MAYER GROUP focuses on sustainability and cost-effectiveness at JEC World 2024, 05 - 07 March 2024, Hall 5 K 32. The KARL MAYER GROUP is an innovative player in the composites industry and has been an exhibitor at JEC World for many years.

At this year's leading industry trade fair from 5 to 7 March, the company will be exhibiting with KARL MAYER Technical Textiles and its STOLL Business Unit in Hall 5 at Stand K 32 in the Parc des Expositions in Paris Nord Villepinte.

One focus of the exhibition will be non-crimp fabrics and tapes made from bio-based yarn materials for the reinforcement of composites. Last year, KARL MAYER Technical Textiles had already shown exhibits in this area and hit a nerve: Under pressure from the looming climate crisis and rising energy prices, the composites industry is constantly looking for sustainable solutions. "While our business with multiaxial and spreading technology for processing conventional technical fibres such as carbon or glass continues to do well, we are seeing increasing interest in the processing of natural fibres into composites. That's why we have a new product in our trade fair luggage for the upcoming JEC World: an alpine ski in which, among other things, hemp fibre fabrics have been used," reveals Hagen Lotzmann, Vice President Sales KARL MAYER Technische Textilien.

Hagen Lotzmann, Vice President Sales KARL MAYER Technische Textilien

The winter sports equipment is the result of a subsidised project. The hemp tapes for this were supplied by FUSE GmbH and processed into non-crimp fabrics on the COP MAX 5 multiaxial warp knitting machine in the KARL MAYER Technical Textiles technical centre.

With the capacities in the company's own application technology centre and the expertise of its composite specialists, the company is able to support its customers in the implementation of projects and processing trials. The aim of the trade fair is to strengthen the company's image as a contact point for innovators also with unusual ideas. "Everyone is currently looking for new applications. We want to present ourselves as a competent development partner and special machine manufacturer in the composites sector," says Hagen Lotzmann. The sales professional and his team will also be presenting an innovation from the multiaxial machine sector for the production of composites made of glass rovings.

The STOLL Business Unit will be focussing on thermoplastic materials. Several knit to shape parts with a visually appealing textile outer surface and a hardened inner surface will be on display. The double-face products can be made from different types of yarn and do not need to be back-moulded for use as side door panels or housing shells, for example. In addition, the ready-to-use design saves on waste and yarn material.

The KARL MAYER Group is looking forward to its guests, numerous discussions and many new ideas.

New business momentum for the Turkish warp knitting industry

Warp knitting companies can look forward to new opportunities for their business development when they visit the KARL MAYER stand at ITM. At the important trade fair in Istanbul, the industry leader will be presenting selected solutions to support customers in a market that is as important as it is difficult. The focus will be on flexibility and speed.

Engineering depth and diversity for composites

Airbond is the latest member of the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) to receive recognition for contributions to the composites industry. The engineering firm based in Pontypool, South Wales, has just received the Make UK Energy and Sustainability Award for its Lattice 3D Printing project.

Circulose restarts commercial-scale production at Ortviken plant in Sundsvall

Circulose today announced the restart of its commercial-scale production plant at Ortviken in Sundsvall, Sweden, marking a significant step in scaling next-generation materials for the global fashion industry. The company plans to resume production of CIRCULOSE®, a recycled pulp made entirely from discarded cotton textiles, in the fourth quarter of 2026.

VIATT 2026 to debut German Pavilion, strengthening European participation alongside key Asian textile hubs

Vietnam’s textile and garment sector continues to be a major contributor to the country’s economic growth, with export revenues expected to reach USD 46 billion in 2025, a 5.6% increase from 2024 . From 26 – 28 February, the Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) is set to contribute to economic growth opportunities by accelerating digital transformation and green transition across the entire textile value chain. The upcoming edition will respond to the rising demand for advanced technologies and sustainable materials with the introduction of the German Pavilion, alongside strong exhibitor participation from key Asian sectors, as well as several high-profile fringe events.

Sustainable, lightweight, and sound absorbing: Polyester-based front trunk solution for BEVs

As car manufacturers look to further reduce their carbon footprint, Autoneum has developed an innovative front trunk solution for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), made entirely from polyester-based textile. The Ultra-Silent Frunk offers significant weight reduction, improved acoustic and thermal insulation, and uses up to 70 percent recycled material, supporting sustainable and efficient vehicle design. Autoneum, global technology leader in acoustic and thermal management for vehicles, has already received orders for the new frunk from three major OEMs in Asia and Europe to be built in three BEV models. Series production for two BEVs has been underway in China and Germany since last year.