Portugal-based technical fabrics producer LMA recently installed two new machines at its headquarters in Vale do Ave. The company, which owns the Alitecno brand, introduced a Ketten machine produced by Karl Mayer as well as a textile cleaning machine produced by Mayer and CIE that is used to clean textiles without the use of detergents.

The first machine is used to produce textiles for any kind of active sport. According to executive director, Manuel Barros, the fabric produced has good elasticity, is very light and has a comfortable, soft touch. It contains 20% Lycra, which can be combined with either polyamide or polyester.

Because of its structure, Mr Barros says, it offers a very good wicking effect, which is very important for the sportswear market. He adds that it can be combined with Polygiene or other specialist finishes to offer additional benefits for the wearer.

The second machine is mainly aimed at the medical market. The fibres contain special anti-bacterial properties that both clean and disinfect various surfaces.

Around 40% of LMA’ fabrics are now produced for the sportswear market, which Mr Barros says represents a significant increase. A further 20% is geared towards industrial technical textiles, 20% for protective applications, 10% for the automotive sector and 10% for fashion.