Pailung is a leading global supplier of textile machinery and solutions with a rich history and solid reputation in the textile industry. It specialises in the design and manufacture of advanced knitting and textile machinery for a wide range of applications.
Pailung’s goal is to help brands, designers and manufacturers develop innovative fabric technologies that boldly transform end results.
In addition to research and development services, there has been the addition of the Open Innovation Lab that investigates a new dynamic method of building knitting machines. For Pailung, the solution to creating lasting innovation lies not only in its ability to build excellent knitting machines, but also in its willingness to engage and collaborate with ambitious customers.
Knitting machines are custom-built for brands, designers, textile manufacturers and contractors in the fashion, home, healthcare and environmental textile sectors. With customers there is collaboration to build better knitting machines, built and shipped faster than anyone else in the industry, allowing Pailung to keep up with customers’ most demanding requirements.
What is new at ITMA?
We are participating with the theme ‘Knit Beyond Boundaries’. We have a stand featuring the latest knitting machine innovation and technological advances, with an integration of technology and craftsmanship. We display the latest Advanced Technology: circular knitting machines to improve productivity and efficiency, computer controls, automation and digital interfaces to simplify operations and optimise performance. We prioritise energy efficiency to minimise environmental impact and reduce operating costs. They incorporate energy-saving mechanisms, such as efficient motor systems and optimised energy consumption, without compromising productivity or quality.
Not only the new Alterknit innovations are present, but also high-speed, high-quality jacquard machines with 4-way stretch and fine gauge machines.
Pailung has also created some clothing fabric collections especially for ITMA: besides Alterknit there are the Cozy, the Stretche and the Knitted-Pad Sports Bra, with functional bras for every movement.
Finally the innovations of the intelligent knitting system: computer and camera vision to detect fabric faults within the machine, which thus reduces waste.
What differences do you notice between the European and Asian markets?
For the last 30 years, the knitwear industry in Europe has been the main market, but now 75% of the market is in Asia. There are two reasons for this. The first is related to design and innovation: Europe is renowned for its design expertise and creativity. European manufacturers often prioritise innovative designs, unique patterns and intricate details, satisfying the demand for high-fashion and luxury knitwear. In Asia, the focus is more on fast fashion and trendy designs, with a greater emphasis on efficient production processes and quick responses to market demands, but the brand in Asia is not independent of a European brand.
The second relates to market dynamics: the European knitwear market is characterised by a mature and saturated market environment, with relatively stable demand and established brand loyalty. This creates opportunities for niche and specialised products targeting specific consumer segments. In contrast, the Asian market, with evolving consumer preferences, offers considerable growth potential. The size and diversity of the Asian market make it attractive for mass-market knitted products targeting a wide range of consumer segments. European consumers often prioritise quality, design and sustainability when it comes to knitted products. European consumers often prioritise quality, design and sustainability when it comes to knitted products, appreciating well-made items made of high-quality materials, for which they are willing to pay higher prices. On the other hand, the Asian market tends to focus more on accessibility, versatility and fashion trends, with a significant demand for mass-produced, inexpensive knitwear.
How did you manage the difficult period of the pandemic?
By ensuring the safety of employees: Pailung probably prioritised the health and safety of its employees. This may have involved implementing remote working arrangements, taking social distancing measures within the workplace. Then with supply chain management: we closely monitored the supply chain to identify and address potential disruptions. This could involve diversifying suppliers, creating back-up options and maintaining effective communication with suppliers to mitigate any delays or shortages of raw materials or components.
In terms of adaptation and flexibility, we have modified operations and production processes to adapt to changing market conditions. This could include modifying production schedules, optimising inventory management and reorganising workflows to ensure consistent productivity while adhering to health and safety guidelines.
On the customer service front, we remained in close communication with customers to understand their evolving needs and challenges. We provided after-sales service, guidance and support to help customers overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic. Virtual communication and remote problem-solving tools were used to ensure effective customer service.
Finally, on innovation and research, through the ILO department and the research and development team, we continued to invest to stay ahead of the curve and anticipate market demands, exploring new technologies, improving existing products or diversifying the offering to meet the emerging needs of the textile industry.
How do you address the issue of environmental sustainability?
Pailung not only thinks about topics such as Industry 5.0, automation and digitisation, but also thinks about technologies related to these topics and how to apply them to products, so that customers can achieve success in terms of profitability and sustainability. Although the energy and water resources used in the knitting phase are the scarcest in the entire garment industry, we still want to contribute to sustainable production.
That is why we developed the K Plus HS series to provide a higher ratio of kilograms of fabric/kWh. For example, for the same cylinder size, gauge, tension, yarn type and stitch length for single jersey fabric, at the same kWh, the K Plus HS SF1350 series has 40% higher productivity than the previous generation SF960. Furthermore, at this high speed, the fabric defect detection system is able to continuously detect fabric quality to avoid yarn waste caused by defects.
Improving the energy efficiency of knitting machines is only one part of sustainable production. Another philosophy is to reduce energy consumption for conditioning by improving fabric performance. PAILUNG launched KDPS, /D and /DP, three types of knitting machines for faux fur fabrics, in order to improve the thermal performance of various forms of faux fur fabrics and, at the same time, reduce the energy consumption of fabric processing by eliminating pile lamination and trimming processes through innovative weaving methods.
The third philosophy is to reduce the possible pollution of water and fish food chains, e.g. caused by glue particles damaged by screen-printing fabrics, by innovating weaving methods. PAILUNG’s latest jacquard series, KSAKCJ/KDAKCJ, in single/double jersey, adopts the latest AlterKnit technology to offer new colour jacquard choices, in particular KDAKCJ, which offers an extremely lightweight double jersey with jacquards in up to four colours. The production capacity is also double that of conventional four-colour computerised jacquard. The AlterKnit fabric has good colour fastness to washing and no problems with degradation of the printing glue.
The latest philosophy is to improve factory management, reduce the energy and yarn consumed in trial production and standardise the weaving quality of different machines with the same specifications.. The PAILUNG POMS+MES system digitalises the adjustment method of the fabric weaving machine, except for the digital control and adjustment of the test production of knitting machines. POMS can also be used to distribute fabric loop length, cam box height, fabric pick-up speed, etc. to a large number of knitting machines of the same specification at the same time, reducing human adjustment errors.
What do you expect from your participation at ITMA in terms of business and visibility?
We plan to present new knitting machine models with improved features, increased efficiency or unique capabilities to attract the attention of potential customers and industry professionals. We want to strengthen relationships with existing customers and establish new connections with distributors, agents and textile manufacturers from different regions.
We plan to promote products, increase brand recognition and explore opportunities for collaboration and partnerships. Trade fairs are often a valuable opportunity for companies to learn about market trends, customer preferences and industry developments. Pailung expects to gather feedback, engage in market research and understand the needs and challenges of textile manufacturers.
This information can help us refine our product offering, improve customer service and stay ahead of the competition.
Then ITMA brings together industry professionals, experts and stakeholders from all over the world. Pailung looks forward to networking and collaboration opportunities with other exhibitors, industry associations, research institutes and technology providers. We can exchange ideas, explore potential partnerships and stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the industry. Finally, generating contacts and securing new business opportunities is often a key objective for companies attending trade fairs. Pailung’s goal is to attract potential customers interested in investing in new knitting machines or upgrading existing equipment. So we have sales targets but also participation in product demonstrations, negotiations and discussions with potential customers during the fair.
Will you be attending the next edition of ITMA Asia?
For the first time in many years,” explains James C.C. Wang, CEO of Pailung and president of the Taiwan Textile Machinery Manufacturers “we will not be at the Shanghai fair, while we will be present at the Singapore fair in 2025. We are not going to China to protect our products and protect copyright.
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