Industry Talk

Sportswear and sports shoe giant Nike Inc. has announced the launch of a revolutionary new running shoe which uses state-of-the-art integral knitting techniques to create a one piece upper which is virtually seamless. The Nike Flyknit upper is engineered for precision fit and aims to create the feeling of a second skin for runners.

Switzerland’s Schoeller Textil AG has a new medical textiles business called Schoeller Medical AG. The new subsidiary will focus on innovative healthcare projects and has launched its first product line of incontinence products.

Leading manufacturer of warp knitted seamless (WKS) garments Cifra, which has recently signed a collaboration agreement with circular seamless giant Tefron, exhibited at ISPO in Munich last month for the first time, claiming the show was a resounding success. Cifra says buyers were actually queuing to get on to the company’s booth at the 17 hall, 80,000 visitor sportswear and sports equipment show.

TenCate Advanced Armour has opened a sales office in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. Mr Jacob Abelsen who has previously been the regional agent of TenCate Advanced Armour has been appointed director of the new entity in Singapore.

Interface, Inc. announced today that the company has received two Good Design awards for excellence in both its commercial and residential product lines: InterfaceFLOR's World Textiles Collection originating from the company's European region and FLOR's Reoriented floor covering solution produced in the United States.

On 9 December 2011, Prof. Stefan Mecheels, Head of the Hohenstein Institute, opened the new test laboratory at the International Textile Testing and Service Centre in Hong Kong. It was an opportunity to tell the approximately 70 invited guests from all around the world about the work of the Hohenstein experts.

Canada’s Trimera Group has announced the launch of its brand new Catalyst I warp and weft knit seamless knitting development and production centre in Montreal in March 2012.

Swiss high-tech group Oerlikon has now become a Premium Partner of the Sauber F1 Team. The group, which owns Oerlikon Textile, is intensifying its involvement with the Swiss racing team, and the Oerlikon logo will be prominently displayed on both sides of the upper engine cover of the new Sauber C31-Ferrari as well as on team gear and equipment.

YKK launched a revolutionary new zipper concept at ISPO Munich 2012 last week called Ultra Light Zipper, which is being developed to answer the ongoing lightweight trend in sports and outdoor apparel.

Hologenix, manufacturer of Celliant, a responsive textile technology for apparel, bedding and veterinary products, has announced the formation of a Science Advisory Board.