China’s denim market in machinery maker's sights
German machinery maker Monforts is gearing up for ITMA Asia + CITME as denim manufacturers plan investments that can help reduce energy consumption.
The fair is growing in significance as since 2021, as well as being the biggest producer of clothing and shoes, China has also become the largest consumer, according to Monforts head of denim Hans Wroblowski (pictured).
He said: “The country now accounts for 25% of the global clothing and footwear market, with the US in second place with a 21% share and Europe with a 20% share.
“This suggests a significant change, since the biggest market for China’s products is now its own. European machine builders like Monforts, however, have much to contribute to ensuring all markets continue to grow sustainably, and we are looking forward to many fruitful discussions in Shanghai.”
Over 900 Monforts Thermex hotflue dyeing systems are now operational, with around 150 using Econtrol and Econtrol T-CA processes. Econtrol is a continuous process for the dyeing of woven cotton and cellulosic fabrics in which reactive dyestuffs are fixed into the fabric in a one-step dyeing and drying process with a controlled combination of steam and air. The pad-dry process takes around three minutes at a temperature of between 120-130°C and a relative humidity volume of 25-30%.
The latest innovation for denim manufacturers is the CYD yarn dyeing system which integrates new functions and processes into the weaving preparatory processes – spinning, direct beaming, warping and assembly beaming, followed by sizing and dyeing – to increase quality, flexibility, economic viability and productivity, according to the company.
“Differentiation is the key in the highly-competitive denim fabrics industry, whether that is through the successful incorporation of new fibres, accommodating new fabric constructions or exploring the many options for how to treat them at the finishing stage, to gain a market advantage,” added Mr Wroblowski. “These latest Monforts lines allow users to be extremely versatile and respond quickly to market demand, while also allowing very short production runs.”
ITMA Asia + CITME takes place in Shanghai from November 19-23.
