Stylish, functional, and efficient to produce—spacer fabrics are considered all-rounders among textile materials. The sports and leisure footwear sector, in particular, demands versatile materials that combine comfort, breathability, and design freedom. At the same time, the industry is—like few others—driven by trends, dynamic, and price-sensitive.
High-speed processes such as digital printing, finishing, and cutting require precise, real-time detection and control of the material web. Conventional sensor systems often reach their limits in these applications due to complex patterns, materials, or edge structures. AI-based optical sensors bridge this gap by interpreting visual data and deriving the necessary parameters for process control. In this context, ELSEAMTEX and ELWARP from Erhardt+Leimer offer innovative solutions.
Sun Chemical has received RecyClass certification for solvent-based solutions that serve as an alternative to nitrocellulose (NC) in flexible packaging. Sun Chemical is the first provider of a recycling-compatible system that combines NC-free printing inks with certified laminating adhesives.
The Kornit Presto MAX PLUS—a roll-to-roll system from Kornit Digital, a global leader in sustainable, on-demand digital fashion and textile production solutions—extends digital manufacturing capabilities to footwear, automotive interiors, military camouflage, high-performance sportswear, and premium home décor.
Sun Chemical has expanded its portfolio of metallic printing inks. This move responds to growing demand from converters and brand owners for high-impact packaging solutions designed to boost appeal at the point of sale and offer greater design flexibility.
Metz Textilmarketing & Werbetechnik, a company based in south-west Germany, has invested in the HP Latex 730. The aim is to improve production efficiency, tap into new business areas and strengthen its position as a provider of branding and signage solutions.
Posterlounge GmbH has modernised its fine art print shop and invested in Durst’s P5 350/HS hybrid large-format printer. With this new system, the Leipzig-based company aims to boost efficiency and flexibility.
Three colour production printers from Fujifilm – the Revoria Press PC2120S / PC2120, the Revoria Press EC2100S / EC2100 and the Revoria Press SC285S / SC285 – have been awarded the ‘Red Dot Design Award: Product Design 2026’ by the Design Zentrum Nordrhein-Westfalen. The Red Dot Design Award, an international accolade for product and industrial design, recognises outstanding design achievements based on criteria such as the degree of innovation, functionality, ergonomics, environmental compatibility and durability.
The Truepress JET 560HDX has been awarded the PrUA Digital Press System Certification – Inkjet based on the technical standards of the Idealliance division of PrUA, an authority in colour management which also awards G7+ certification. It rigorously assesses the accuracy of colour reproduction and the output stability of inkjet systems.
