Karl Mayer Partners Südwolle To Explore Knitting Merino Wool
Karl Mayer Group, Südwolle Group and another player in the natural fibres sector will together explore the possibilities of using merino wool for warp knitting technology.
“The project was triggered by the increasing market demand for textiles made from sustainable and environmentally friendly materials,” Karl Mayer said in a press release.
The cooperation is to develop innovative fabrics from renewable raw materials for use in underwear and functional sportswear.
The focus of the work was on the use of wool as a material with excellent comfort properties and the look and feel of lightweight single jersey goods.
“The natural fibre fabric qualities are not typical for warp knitting processing, so the challenges during the project work are diverse,” Karl Mayer added.
The yarn was created using Südwolle Group’s in-house developed Betaspun technology, in which a filament was twisted around a merino core.
“When natural fibres such as wool, cotton or silk are combined with sustainable fibres such as biodegradable polyamide as the filament, the spinning process can create durable, lightweight yarns that disintegrate completely without residue after use.” Karl Mayer explained.
The yarns made from the two components also have good running properties for use in warp knitting.
“The polyamide content of the yarn increases its tenacity, reduces hairiness and makes it an excellent choice for warp knitting technology,” Gabriela Schellner from Karl Mayer’s Textile Product Development Department stated.
