#Textile chemistry

2025-10-09

Textile touch rethought - CHT relies on emtec technology

CHT Group is investing in the future digitization of the complex evaluation of the hand feel in textiles, nonwovens, paper, and leather.

The CHT Group is taking another step towards innovation and digitization in the textile industry: With the investment in the TSA Tactile Sensation Analyzer from emtec, the CHT Group is enhancing its capabilities for the objective assessment of textile surfaces. The testing device is used to evaluate the softness for an objective quality assessment of the effect of finishing agents, for example.

Until now, this assessment of the hand feel has mostly been a manual test that requires a great deal of experience and knowledge. Since this assessment is subjective and also influenced by cultural factors around the world, an independent assessment similar to the existing color assessment and evaluation (colorimetry) in the global textile industry is an important step towards digitization in communication between individual business partners.

In the run-up to this, many measurements were compared manually and using a TSA measuring device and evaluated for correlation. The comparisons carried out showed a good correlation of the measured values on different textiles (knitted fabrics, terry cloth, and woven fabrics).

The CHT Group also wants to continuously improve the quality of its customer service and is now offering this new service of an additional objective evaluation of the hand feel of goods for its customers as part of its cooperation with them.

We would like to thank our partner emtec Electronic GmbH for the constructive and goal-oriented collaboration. Continued cooperation on an international level is also planned for future technical developments.

organIQ seek: smart alternative to potassium permanganate

CHT Group announces new technical findings within its organIQ seek platform that significantly advance the transition toward permanganate-free denim bleaching. Through extensive industrial testing and application research, CHT confirms that organIQ seek can now be used with remarkable effectiveness as a substitute for potassium permanganate in spray bleach, while remaining aligned with sustainability expectations and cost realities in the European market. At the COLOMBIATEX in Medellín as well as at the Exintex in Puebla and the Kingpins Show in Amsterdam the CHT Group will present organIQ seek as an alternative to potassium permanganate.

Dr. Lorenza Sartorelli new Chief Operating Officer at CHT

The CHT Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Lorenza Sartorelli as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO). With this appointment, Dr. Lorenza Sartorelli completes the management board consisting of Dr. Christian Rink (CFO) and Eva Baumann (CEO). With the now complete management team, the CHT Group is continuing its strategic realignment. As COO, Lorenza Sartorelli will focus her responsibilities on the sustainable global alignment of the CHT Group's operational functions.

Sustainable CHT innovations at PERFORMANCE DAYS SPRING Functional Fabric Fair

CHT Group is set to participate in the PERFORMANCE DAYS SPRING Functional Fabric Fair in Munich on March 5 and 6, 2025. As a key player in sustainable textile solutions, CHT will present its latest innovations at booth E11, with a strong focus on pioneering dyeing processes and functional finishes designed to enhance textile properties while minimizing environmental impact.

Covestro to exhibit solutions for a more sustainable and productive textile industry at Techtextil 2026

Covestro will present a broad portfolio of material innovations for textile coatings, adhesive films and thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) at Techtextil 2026 (Hall 11.0, Booth C79). The exhibits will demonstrate how advanced solutions can enhance durability, recyclability and manufacturing efficiency across applications such as automotive, infrastructure, protective apparel and sportswear. A particular focus will be on more sustainable coating technologies, including antimicrobial systems based on INSQIN® in combination with AGXX from Heraeus Precious Metals, as well as the integration of Pontacol® thermoplastic adhesive films into Covestro’s offering.

Archroma expands denim possibilities at Kingpins Amsterdam

Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals, will present a portfolio of six sustainable denim innovations at Kingpins Amsterdam from April 15-16, 2026. Under the theme “Creating Possibilities in Denim”, the showcase reflects Archroma’s commitment to giving brands and mills solutions that are as commercially compelling as they are environmentally responsible.

New study shows low environmental impact by Cotton made in Africa Organic Cotton from Tanzania

Today, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) is announcing the results of a comprehensive life-cycle analysis (LCA) for cotton produced in Tanzania under the Cotton made in Africa Organic (CmiA Organic) standard. The study emphasises the small ecological footprint of CmiA Organic verified cotton. This can largely be traced back to the absence of synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilisers, and artificial irrigation. Consequently, CmiA Organic cotton can help the textile industry meet regulatory requirements as well as science-based targets. The results also show that the consequences of climate change threaten the livelihoods of these cotton farmers, even though the type of agriculture they practise barely contributes to climate change.

PERFORMANCE DAYS proves its relevance as the industry’s key meeting point

Held on March 18–19, 2026, PERFORMANCE DAYS once again confirmed its position as a leading international platform for functional textiles. A total of 3.366 trade visitors and around 560 exhibitors gathered in Munich, with the event already kicking off successfully on DAY 0, which received highly positive feedback for its interactive format. Despite challenging conditions caused by the public transport strike in Munich, the event saw strong attendance and a consistently high level of activity across both exhibition days.