Strategic Cooperation from Karl Mayer and Lenzing

Karl Mayer Group, a world leader in textile machinery and Lenzing Group, a leading global producer of wood-based specialty fibers, have formed a strategic partnership. The cooperation is intended to increase the proportion of botanic and biodegradable as well as fossil-free materials used in the production of textiles on both warp knitting and flat knitting machines.

In the warp knitting sector, the use of up to 100 % botanic and biodegradable fibers and filament yarns – specifically Tencel™ Lyocell fibers and Tencel™ Lyocell filament yarn – is targeted. The sustainable products should also convince with an appealing look. The processing of sustainable materials can create additional possibilities in terms of performance and appearance of warp knitted fabrics. The cooperation between Lenzing and Karl Mayer Group is seen as an important step towards a more sustainable future for the textile industry.

The use of fossil fuel-free materials in warp knitting machines will increase

With the brands starting to prefer sustainable raw materials, it is planned that equipment or machinery using fiber or yarn types obtained from fossil-based materials will be adapted to botanical alternatives. The collaboration also aims to enable fossil fuel-free materials such as Tencel™ Lyocell fibers and Tencel™ Lyocell filament yarn to be processed on Karl Mayer warp knitting machines. This cooperation will also allow the emergence of new product varieties using botanical and biodegradable materials. Lenzing’s know-how on the processing of Tencel™ Lyocell fibers and filament yarns in its own value chain will also be decisive in the cooperation. Within the scope of the cooperation, yarn manufacturers will also be supported in adapting the material to new and different textile applications.

Improvements in flat knitting will pave the way for the sustainable textile value chain

The collaboration reveals a common vision for reducing the environmental impact of production processes. The processing of carbon-zero TENCEL™ branded fibers on STOLL machines in the production of fully fashioned flat knitted articles ensures less environmental impact in flat knitting sector. The special, low-waste knitting process was used to produce an ultra-fine flat knitted fabric on gauge 20 machines suitable for the production of underwear. The fully fashioned process is new in this field. Usually, the process steps of cutting and sewing are part of the production of underwear. Thanks to the cooperation, the use of renewable energy resources and effective supply chain management will be adopted in textile production facilities. In addition, both groups will appeal to producers who want to achieve the lowest carbon emission rates with the use of botanical and fossil fuel-free fibers.

“The Karl Mayer Group is a leading manufacturer of textile machinery and always has its finger on the pulse of its markets. In addition to productivity, sustainability has become a key success factor for our customers. We work with pioneers throughout the textile value chain to provide them with solutions that have a low environmental impact. Yarn is particularly important in this respect. Recycled man-made fibres can be used with high efficiency on our machines. We want to expand the range of materials that can be processed to include petroleum-free yarn variants through our cooperation with Lenzing. In addition to more sustainability, this will also open up the potential for new product developments,” explained Arno Gärtner, CEO of Karl Mayer Group.

“We contribute to the textile value chain reaching its climate targets”

“As a key player in the industry, Lenzing continues to join hands with like-minded partners to pioneer solutions that improve the quality of textile products and enable the ongoing sustainable development and growth of the industry. Through this partnership with the Karl Mayer Group, we will inspire the textile value chain to take proactive steps towards achieving their climate goals with easier adoption of botanic and biodegradable materials, meeting the needs of brands and consumers who are looking for eco-conscious products,” said Florian Heubrandner, Vice President Global Textiles Business at Lenzing.