#Techtextil 2026

2026-04-01

Modernizing Needling – DiloGroup at Techtextil & INDEX 2026

MicroPunch presentation on DiloGroup ITMA 2023 booth in Milan © 2026 TexData International

With the theme “Modernizing Needling”, the DiloGroup presents a comprehensively enhanced portfolio for needling technology. The objective is to further increase the performance and application range of needlefelt production lines in terms of productivity, flexibility, and the development of new products, thereby meeting the growing demands of modern technical textiles.

New needle module technology “Modilous”

A central element is the new needle module technology “Modilous”, which enables fast and cost-efficient needle changes. Thanks to its modular design, needle modules can be prepared outside the machine in fully or semi-automated processes, reducing needle-change costs and increasing process stability. In addition, the resulting reduction in cleaning times ensures consistent needling quality and extends service life.

Introduction of SuperPunch and PowerPunch

With SuperPunch and PowerPunch, DILO introduces two solutions designed for high production speeds in lightweight nonwovens and very high stitching forces in heavyweight nonwovens. Both systems address applications requiring robust, uniform, and highly compacted structures, such as in filtration, automotive applications, or geotextiles. These advancements aim to leverage mechanical performance to achieve greater energy efficiency.

Another highlight is the patterning technology “Sliding Colors” in combination with the 3D-Lofter. This system enables three-dimensional surface structures and color effects, as required for acoustic panels or decorative technical textiles. The technology expands the design possibilities in the needlefelt sector and opens new applications for functional and design-oriented products.

In addition to advancements in mechanical bonding, the DiloGroup presents its machinery program for processing renewable raw materials as well as new solutions in the fields of automation and AI.

The aim is to equip production lines with even greater efficiency, flexibility, and long-term viability, thereby meeting the increasing requirements for sustainable and high-performance nonwoven production. These developments are intended to further stabilize production processes, reduce operator workload, and sustainably increase overall equipment efficiency.

Visitors can meet the DiloGroup at Techtextil 2026 in Hall 12.0, Booth B81, while TEMAFA will be exhibiting in Hall 9.1, Booth B43F. At INDEX 2026, the company will be present at Booth 2010.

“Needle punching technology is more universal and sustainable than ever!”

Needle punching technology was long regarded as a rather traditional and comparatively slow technology within the nonwovens industry. In this interview, Johann Philipp Dilo explains why needle punching is more relevant than ever today – ranging from energy efficiency and resource conservation to hygiene applications, new machine concepts and design-oriented nonwoven solutions.

FET’s revolutionary gel spinning system wins Techtextil Innovation Award

FET has received the prestigious Techtextil Innovation Award 2026 in the New Production Technology category. The Techtextil Innovation Award honours outstanding ideas in textile technology, sustainability, AI and the creation of technical textiles, selected by an international jury of experts. Ranging from new materials to new production technologies, this award recognises progressive ideas that are driving forces for numerous industries, such as automotive, medical and construction.

Young talents honoured – 60 years Walter Reiners Foundation

At the Techtextil trade fair in Frankfurt at the end of April, Peter D. Dornier, chairman of the VDMA’s Walter Reiners Foundation, presented awards to five successful young engineers. Promotion and sustainability awards were presented in the categories of bachelor’s/project theses and diploma/master’s theses. Academic theses are eligible for the sustainability awards if, for example, they develop solutions for resource-efficient products and technologies.

Techtextil 2026: KARL MAYER impresses as an innovative sector partner

KARL MAYER looks back with satisfaction on its participation in Techtextil 2026. From April 21 to 24, the international industry leader used the trade show in Frankfurt to meet with numerous key customers at its booth and, at the same time, establish many new contacts. Most visitors came from Germany, followed by major markets such as Poland, the United Kingdom, Turkey, France, and Portugal.

Reju opens its first R&D Center in the U.S. in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania

Reju, the company specializing in textile regeneration, today announced the opening of a Research and Development (R&D) Center in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, the company's first proprietary research center in North America. Located within Technip Energies' existing Advanced Materials and Catalysts research center, the lab will allow Reju to accelerate the rollout of its recycling technologies and develop its next-generation circular solutions.

Itema reaffirms its commitment to the Syrian textile industry at NasTex 2026

From July 18th to 21st, Itema will exhibit at NasTex at the Damascus Fairground (Hall 11 – Stand C02), marking its return to one of the Middle East’s historically significant textile markets. Itema will showcase advanced weaving technology designed to support the competitiveness and technological evolution of Syrian manufacturers and announces a new partnership with Growfast Agency as the sole agent of Itema in Syria.

KARL MAYER's HKS 2-SE Expands Possibilities for Premium Stretch WARP KNITS

Warp knitted fabrics with a woven look are more in demand than ever in the fashion and apparel industries. Stretch WARP KNITS, in particular, impress with their freedom of movement, breathability, and virtually wrinkle-free wear – thereby opening up new style worlds such as smart casual or business casual. When it comes to the highly efficient production of premium-quality stretch WARP KNITS, the HKS 2-SE has long been the machine of choice. KARL MAYER’s best-selling tricot machine produces standard elastic fabrics characterized by high gauges, smooth, delicate surfaces, and a soft hand feel.