Techtextil, the international trade fair for technical textiles and nonwovens, held in Frankfurt from 11-13 June, attracted 15% more visitors than the previous edition, creating an opportune environment for businesses to present their developments.

Boosted by seven new participants, the representatives of the Nord-Pas de Calais textiles industry exhibiting materials and fibres/filaments/yarns also benefited from the increased interest in the fair with around 75 stands exhibiting under the French Ubifrance banner and 33 members of the UP-tex cluster and Clubtex business network presenting at the show.

Prize for Innovation in New Materials

Member of both Clubtex and UP-tex, Devan Chemicals was one of two French firms to receive the Techtextil Prize for Innovation in the ‘New Materials’ category. It has developed a new formulation that allows polypropylene (PP) to be dyed in fibre form.

Up to now, PP has been pigmented as part of the fibre extrusion process. This process is suitable for very large quantities, but lacks flexibility for smaller quantities or where the choice of colours can not be defined beforehand.

Devan's formulation allows PP fibres to be dyed thanks to a process that opens up the fibre and adheres the dye molecules to it.

Ropes and cables for export markets

Cousin Trestec , that already makes 40% of its turnover from exports, mainly to the Far East and the Gulf region, is targeting new markets such as extreme sports, sailing and climbing, construction, events organisation and aeronautics.

One of its latest developments is its new extra light, extra strong jammer Constrictor 2013. Its new patented, aerodynamic Fusion ropes designed for kitesurfing, are braided and drawn hot and have a polymer core which gives the lines increased stiffness and makes them easier to untangle. Able to resist loads of 330 daN, the Fusion lines are said to be indestructible. There is a reference fibre, such as polyamide, polyester, aramide or high modulus polyethylene (HMP) for each sport, to meet its particular demands and performance requirements.

Transportation of water reinvented

Delannoy Frères hoses convey fluids and powders over long distances, over land and under water thanks to their woven tubular construction. In view of the geopolitical issues surrounding the supply of water, this lightweight material that is resistant to high tensile stresses and pressures and adaptable to different diameters ensures the firm an enormous potential market in the transportation and supply of fresh water.

Delannoy Frères is working in particular on the projects developed by Via Marina, the engineering and construction project led by VINCI, using its patented Submariver system to transport large quantities of water over long distances using a flexible underwater hose.

CETI

CETI, the European Centre for Innovative Textiles, participating for the first time in the trade fair and  inaugurated as recently as October 2012, totalled around 100 visitors to its stand and recorded around fifty potential contacts who showed just as much interest in spinning as in nonwovens technologies.

Some large accounts in various applications markets have already scheduled a visit to the research centre and new multi-sector technology platform. The fair also provided an opportunity to meet suppliers of raw materials and equipment for CETI's second development phase.

Textiles Recycling Valley

UP-tex cluster, present in the shared space organised by the Nord de France CCI, was able to test the interest of new operators for the Textile Recycling Valley in the Nord Euro-region. During the three days of the fair, it gained a broad outlook of such issues as characterisation, sorting, use and processing of resources, offcuts from textiles production and scraps.

A special day will be organised at CETI early in 2014 for discussing and offering ideas for recycling textiles other than for energy use or landfill.

www.ceti.com