Fashion
BTMA to showcase advanced fibre tech at ITMA Asia + CITME
The manufacture of medical sutures, for example, is a very specialised process and because these items are implanted directly into the human body, every stage of production is tightly controlled to ensure safety, sterility and reliable performance.
At ITMA Asia + CITME in Singapore, a 20-strong UK BTMA delegation will showcase innovations in medical sutures, UHMWPE, aerospace fibre placement, automation, and composites.
Highlights include FET’s supercritical CO₂ fibre tech and Cygnet Texkimp’s AFP solutions.
Collaboration with universities and new R&D-driven systems reflect the UK’s growing role in advanced fibres and technical textiles.
Absorbable sutures are usually made from polymers that degrade safely within the body, such as polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid or polydioxanone, while non-absorbable sutures use durable materials like nylon, polypropylene, polyester, silk or even stainless steel. All of these must be of medical grade and fully biocompatible.
The UK’s Fibre Extrusion Technology (FET) is a world leader in both the fibre selection and production technologies behind this industry and in Singapore will highlight a groundbreaking new parallel technology for the medical sector based on supercritical CO2. Further developments in the field of automation and control in advanced fibre production will be highlighted by BTMA members including Autofoam, James Heal, Roaches, Strayfield, Verivide and Wira Instrumentation.
AFP and ATL
From the micro to the macro, sophisticated aerospace technologies such as automated fibre placement (AFP) and automated tape laying (ATL) meanwhile involve the precise placement of carbon fibre tapes or tows on a mould surface, which are then cured to form lightweight yet strong components.
AFP allows for complex geometries by steering individual tows, making it ideal for fuselage sections, wing skins and other curved structures. ATL, on the other hand, is more efficient for larger, flatter surfaces such as wing covers or stabilisers, where wider tapes can be laid down at high speed with minimal gaps or overlaps. Together, these technologies significantly reduce material waste, improve repeatability and deliver structural performance beyond what traditional hand lay-up methods can achieve.
The UK’s Cygnet Texkimp has developed a new technology to greatly assist this industry which will be unveiled in Singapore.
Collaboration
“High value industries such as aerospace, defence, renewable energy, automotive and the medical sector are areas of high growth and opportunity and an important factor underpinning the success of our companies here is the strong collaboration between industry and the many universities and institutes in the UK,” says BTMA CEO Jason Kent. “Machine builders can also be important in driving material developments as well as technologies.”
UHMWPE
A good example of this is the flexible new process for manufacturing ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) that will be introduced in Singapore by FET.
UHMWPE is prized in many industries due to its extraordinary properties, being for example, ten times stronger than steel by weight. It is increasingly used in medical implants, but the current systems for manufacturing it are on a huge scale, with very complex processing routes.
This restricts the opportunity for new product development – a disadvantage that is fully addressed with FET’s series lab and small scale gel spinning system, which is already industrialised.
“We have supplied many extrusion systems to the biomedical market and in exploring what else we could do for the same customers it became clear that there was a need for smaller quantities of UHMWPE fibres in bespoke sizes.” explains FET Managing Director Richard Slack. “We believe our introduction of a patented batch system for solvent extraction exploiting supercritical CO2 is a game changer.”
Early stage development
Cygnet Texkimp has meanwhile just introduced a next-generation, production-scale prepreg tape slitting machine at its UK Innovation Centre in Northwich.
This enables organisations to trial the slitting of continuous thermoset, thermoplastic and ceramic prepreg tapes for AFP and AFL processes in real-world conditions using their own materials or those produced on Cygnet Texkimp’s in-house R&D prepreg machines on the machine. The technology can slit tapes at speeds of up to 60 metres per minute, subject to the input material.
“We’re pleased to be able to offer partners the opportunity to engage with us at an early stage in process development, to test out their concepts, explore machine parameters, assess output quality and validate performance with support from our expert team,” says Graeme Jones, wide web product director at Cygnet Texkimp.
Splicing portfolio
Also providing back up services to the aerospace industry is Airbond, with splicing technologies which ensure resource efficiency in the processing of extremely expensive carbon and aramid fibres. Pneumatic yarn splicing is a process established in the textile industry for joining yarns and works by intermingling individual filaments closely together, to make joint which are stronger and flatter than knots.
“We are continuing to find new partners in the wind turbine, hydrogen and aerospace industries and are doing a lot of developmental work with research institutes and universities,” says technical director Carwyn Webb. “This is leading to us expanding our portfolio and we are currently working on systems for carbon tape splicing, for example, as well as an automated system for full weaving beams.”
Further developments for the technical textiles and composites sectors will be showcased by BTMA members including Garnett Controls, Roaches International, Slack & Parr and Tatham.
Spirit of openness
“Many BTMA members are currently developing new technologies, either in-house or increasingly through joint projects, and we have much to reveal in Singapore,” says Jason Kent in conclusion. “There’s a new spirit of openness and adventurous interaction in the UK right now – especially in the fields of advanced fibres and technical textiles – which is very encouraging for the future.”
BTMA companies taking part in ITMA Asia + CITME 2025 are Airbond (stand A202, Hall 2), Autofoam (B309, Hall 7), AVA CAD/Cam (C210, Hall 6), Cygnet Texkimp (B493, Hall 8), Fibre Extrusion Technology (B306, Hall 4), James Heal (B306, Hall 3), MCL (A203, Hall 5), Roaches (A112 Hall 2), Saurer Fibrevision (C301c, Hall 3), SDC Enterprises (B107, Hall 8), Sellers (B207, Hall 7), Shelton Vision (B308, Hall 7), Slack & Parr (D305, Hall 4), Society of Dyers and Colourists (B203, Hall 3), Strayfield (B509, Hall 7), Tatham (D205, Hall 2), The Textile Institute (B105, Hall 8), Verivide (B201, Hall 3), Vickers Oils (B102, Hall 5) and Wira Instrumentation (A108, Hall 3).
Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)
Fashion
Burberry unveils High Summer 2026 lido-inspired campaign
British actors Simone Ashley and Tom Blyth star alongside models Alva Claire, Babacar N’Doye and Sacha Quenby and a cast of synchronised swimmers and divers.
Burberry’s High Summer 2026 campaign captures Britain’s nostalgic lido culture through a sunlit film featuring Simone Ashley and Tom Blyth.
Blending heritage check with pastel tones, the collection spans swimwear, relaxed tailoring, raffia bags and lightweight layers, evoking effortless, poolside summer style.
Directed by Francis Plummer, the campaign reflects a warm, communal British summer mood.
The campaign film is directed by Francis Plummer and shot by photographer Ryan McGinley. The cameras move from loungers to diving boards, catching mid-air dives and friends stretched out in the hazy afternoon light. Before long, the best spots by the pool are claimed with a Burberry towel. Summer has begun. The film is underscored by the TONE remix of ‘Beating’ by Tirzah.
‘A lido holds a particular kind of nostalgia for the British. The moment the sun comes out, we make the most of the weather. We wanted to bring to life a warm summer’s day spent in and around the water’s edge with friends.’ said Daniel Lee Chief Creative Officer, Burberry.
Key styles
The High Summer 2026 collection features the Burberry Check in heritage-inspired sand beige and pastel shades of aubergine purple and cornflower blue.
The iconic Burberry Check bikini is the beach essential, alongside matching swimsuits and men’s swim shorts trimmed with check.
Poolside separates include tops, skirts and shirts cut from cotton voile, plus cover-up dresses woven with a tonal Burberry Check and deckchair-inspired stripes. Ruffled trims and ties at the neckline capture the floaty, effortless feel of the collection. Festival
tank tops in ribbed cotton jersey are trimmed with check straps, while looks are wrapped in lightweight wool silk scarves.
For men, collared shirts and shorts are tailored to relaxed lines and finished with fresh interpretations of the Burberry Check, from textural weaves to intricate embroidered designs. The co-ord set is crafted from lightweight cotton poplin printed with a playful seahorse pattern in honeysuckle pink.
The classic cotton piqué polo shirt comes in a spectrum of vivid and neutral colours. Burberry Check is subtly placed at the placket and trims the collar of T-shirts in soft cotton jersey.
Lightweight hooded jackets are ideal for cooler evenings and unexpected showers, the new-season designs woven in aubergine purple and cornflower blue check.
In shoes, the new Knight Runner sneakers offer a streamlined, low-profile shape for summer. Sandals are elevated in the form of the whipstitched leather Baez and check-trimmed suede Urchin styles, while Burberry Check slides and Pavilion sandals are made for the beach.
Lightweight Margate bags are handcrafted in Madagascar from locally sourced raffia palm leaves, dyed in signature sand beige Burberry Check. Accessories include crocheted bucket hats and wraparound sunglasses, designed to shield from the sun.
Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (JP)
Fashion
Drewry WCI snaps 6-week rally due to ease in freight charge
According to the Drewry WCI index, the spot rates from Shanghai to New York and Los Angeles decreased by 3 per cent to $3,552 and $2,810, respectively, per 40-foot container. As per Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight, 9 blank sailings have been announced on the Transpacific trade route for next week to maintain capacity. A few carriers have announced a Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) of around $2,000 per 40ft container, effective May 1. Drewry expects freight rates to remain relatively stable in the coming weeks before the implementation of the announced PSS.
Drewry WCI snapped a six-week rally, falling 2.72 per cent to $2,246 per FEU amid easing freight rates.
Declines on Asia–Europe and Transpacific routes drove the drop, though carriers plan PSS hikes from May.
Despite Middle East tensions, rates are expected to remain relatively stable, with capacity shifts and blank sailings influencing movements.
Spot rates on the Shanghai–Rotterdam trade route decreased 3 per cent to $2,229 per 40ft container, while rates on Shanghai–Genoa fell 2 per cent to $3,343 per 40ft container. Carriers are increasing effective capacity on this trade route, with only one blank sailing announced so far. Meanwhile, ZIM has announced a new bunker factor (NBF) of $850 per container, effective May 1, but for now Drewry expects freight rates to remain stable in the coming week.
Rates from New York to Rotterdam decreased 4 per cent to $1,022 per FEU, while Rotterdam to New York increased 3 per cent to $2,030 per FEU. Rotterdam-Shanghai rose 1 per cent to $599 per FEU, and Los Angeles–Shanghai steadied at $762 per 40-foot container.
The US-led naval blockade around the Strait of Hormuz has halted or restricted ships linked to Iran, with multiple vessels turned back. The disruption has strongly impacted global oil supply chains and pushed oil prices even higher. If ongoing negotiations fail, shippers should prepare for reduced schedule reliability, potential port omissions, longer lead times and upwards pressure on freight rates.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)
Fashion
Bangladesh ensuring import of refined fuel from alternative sources
The country has ensured import of refined fuel from alternative sources despite the global situation, and there will be no adverse impact on oil supply due to ERL’s low feed operations, Energy Division joint secretary Monir Hossain Chowdhury was cited as saying by domestic media outlets.
Bangladesh’s Energy Division recently said the capacity of Eastern Refinery Limited (ERL) would affect little the fuel supply system as the unit contributes only a fifth of the country’s petroleum supply system while the rest is imported in refined form.
It has ensured import of refined fuel from alternative sources, and there will be no adverse impact on oil supply due to ERL’s low feed operations.
The facility is now operating two of its four units to refine oils with ‘dead stocks’ and is expected to make two other units operational again, he said. The process to import crude is under way.
Chowdhury said production slowdowns at two ERL units due to crude oil shortages would not disrupt the nation’s fuel supply as over 255,000 metric tonnes of refined fuel is in stock now.
The Strait of Hormuz has been almost closed since February 28 preventing scheduled arrival of 2,00,000 metric tonnes of crude oil to Bangladesh during that period, he noted.
A ship carrying 100,000 tonnes of crude was supposed to arrive from Saudi Arabia in March, but is currently stuck at Rastanura Port as it could not cross the Hormuz Strait, he informed reporters at a press conference. Another ship from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) also met the same fate.
A third ship carrying 100,000 tonnes of Arabian light crude is scheduled to depart from the UAE on April 20 and expected to reach Chattogram via an alternative route on May 2 or 3, he said.
The government has also requested Saudi Arabia to provide another 100,000 tonnes of crude oil in May, he added.
A work order has been issued with the approval of the cabinet to import 100,000 tonnes of crude oil through direct purchase to meet urgent needs.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
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