Here we are again in Frankfurt, back to Texcare, an important trade fair and commercial hub from an international perspective. Eight long years, interrupted by a difficult period from a health and economic point of view, marked by Covid, which has put a big part of the world in difficulty, and severely tested the entire trade fair sector. But let’s pick up the thread from where we have left. We were also present there with our own stand as Detergo, EXPODETERGO INTERNATIONAL, and AIFL, alongside our companies, engaging directly and face-to-face with the key players. How was the German trade fair dedicated to the textile care industry? We asked the companies participating as protagonists to the four days event. In addition to being a unique place for meetings and privileged business relationships, the trade fair has offered many innovations, networking opportunities, and knowledge exchange. More than 300 exhibitors from Europe, Asia, and North America were present, including manufacturers of machinery, chemicals, and textiles, as well as new companies specializing in robotics and information technology. A broad and varied range tackled key themes such as automation, energy efficiency, circular economy, and textile hygiene
We begin this in-depth discussion by interviewing Corinna Mapelli, co-owner of TREVIL, who provides a comprehensive overview of the trade fair: “Texcare 2024 has exceeded our expectations, despite some initial concerns related to the stagnating German market. In an economical context marked by recession, the fear of a poorly attended trade fair was real. However, there was a very positive result: we have registered a good attendance, both from interested end customers and from international dealers. The organizers’ decision to shorten the trade fair to four days proved to be strategic and successful. Reducing the number of days did not impact turnout, and opting to exclude the weekend helped to attract genuinely motivated and interested visitors. While we observed a lower presence of dealers from the Middle East, perhaps due to the overlapping with Gulf Laundrex 2024 in Dubai, we can say that the quality of the contacts we established has compensated this numerical decline. One of the most satisfying aspects was the interest sparked by our products. The Pantastar trousers finisher, with its unique ability to press both the waistband and the leg pleats of the trousers, attracted the attention of the customers who are usually loyal to some other brands. Equally notable was the success of our double buck shirt finishers: Trevitandem, which features blown finishing, and Prestotandem, with pressed finishing. The latter gained particular interest due to its automatic shirts unloading system, capable of increasing the productivity of the shirt finisher to over 100 pieces per hour. This innovation, presented for the first time at Texcare, highlighted Trevil’s ongoing commitment to developing innovative and highperformance solutions. The feedback received from our visitors was very positive. Customers already familiar with Trevil praised the reliability and performance of our products, while new dealers expressed that they were drawn by the solid reputation our brand has built over the years. Looking towards the future, we believe Texcare remains an important event for the sector, and we have greatly appreciated the evolution of the services offered by the organizers to exhibitors, particularly the tools aimed at increasing visibility during the fair, especially those related to online presence”.
One of the most satisfying aspects was the interest sparked by our products. The Pantastar trousers finisher, with its unique ability to press both the waistband and the leg pleats of the trousers, attracted the attention of the customers who are usually loyal to some other brands. Equally notable was the success of our double buck shirt finishers: Trevitandem, which features blown finishing, and Prestotandem, with pressed finishing. The latter gained particular interest due to its automatic shirts unloading system, capable of increasing the productivity of the shirt finisher to over 100 pieces per hour. This innovation, presented for the first time at Texcare, highlighted Trevil’s ongoing commitment to developing innovative and highperformance solutions. The feedback received from our visitors was very positive. Customers already familiar with Trevil praised the reliability and performance of our products, while new dealers expressed that they were drawn by the solid reputation our brand has built over the years. Looking towards the future, we believe Texcare remains an important event for the sector, and we have greatly appreciated the evolution of the services offered by the organizers to exhibitors, particularly the tools aimed at increasing visibility during the fair, especially those related to online presence”.
Alessandro Rolli, the Managing Director of KANNEGIESSER ITALIA comments: “Texcare 2024 proved to be of great interest for the entire sector. There was a considerably high number of Italian customers visiting the show. We have registered a significant increase in their number if compared to the previous edition in 2016. The impression (or rather, I would say a certainty…) is that the quality of today’s visitors, in terms of their expertise, organization, and knowledge, is much higher. During the show, we were involved in many networking opportunities that enabled us to meet experts and industry professionals. Discussions ranged from topics like digitalization of operations to process management, with a strong focus on how companies can adapt to a constantly evolving market. The use of robots and artificial intelligence in the optimization of production processes generated great interest, looking at how these technologies can improve operational efficiency and reduce costs. Automation is transforming our industry, making it more efficient, competitive, and sustainable. At Texcare, we demonstrated that robots are not the future but the present, both in sorting soiled linen and in towels folding. We have proven that efficiency is closely linked to ergonomics and process logistics. A leading business in this sector absolutely needs to develop systems that will interact with the human factor easily, simplifying tasks and choices. The market offers visualisation systems capable of identifying fabrics, scanning devices for object detection, highly efficient tag-reading antennas, which are now also being used as crossfunctional technology in ironing processes. However, the real wealth of Kannegiesser is the value of the people working behind the things, their know-how, and the actual value of the relationships we have created with our customers over time. All that allows us to develop winning solutions and to be the most visited booth overall!”.
“Eight years later… due to COVID… we find ourselves in Frankfurt at the Texcare fair and it really seems that the sector has turned a new page”, says Marco Vaccari, the co-owner of SURFCHIMICA and in charge of Export and Research. “The single pavilion focuses the attention of operators and guarantees visibility to exhibitors. The influx of specialized operators originating from all over the world was evident from the first day, starting from South America and, passing through Africa, reaching the Middle East and beyond. Europe was then represented globally. There was a significant presence of Chinese exhibitors from many sides: an inevitable result of globalization, but it would be outdated to think that what is happening in all sectors does not also involve ours. The competition from the Far East should instead serve as motivation to show off our best weapon, creativity. We at Surfchimica are proud to have represented the sector of dry and water cleaning products for professional use, a field in which Italy has been the cradle and is still considered a reference point. Our long-standing company strategy of investing in products that combine quality with careful and constant environmental assessment has paid off. The NAT LINE of plant-based detergents and the AQUAFACTOR® system, the evolution of wetcleaning, have attracted particular interest. Without neglecting the potential in the disinfection sector of the OZOSTAR® system, cleaning in the washing machine with ozone. The desire to do things has seemed to go beyond the current complex situation and we return to Texcare with the feeling that we want to shake off the difficulties and start again with renewed enthusiasm”.
“The expectations for the Texcare International 2024 trade fair were high, and we are pleased to say they were fully met,” says Carlo Miotto, the CEO of IMESA. “One first positive result was the attendance at our stand. Our sales team had cleverly organized a tight schedule of appointments with clients and leads, with new contacts from around the world, added daily. Texcare thus confirmed itself as a key international meeting point, while on a European level, the host country clearly stood out in terms of visitor numbers. Our booth, with its simple yet comprehensive concept, allowed new visitors to get acquainted with our full products range, from washing and drying to ironing, along with all the digital services that complete our offering. Undoubtedly, the products line that generated most interest was the NEW ES DRYERS LINE, which was showcased for the first time with two new models, featuring loading capacities of 11 and 36 kg. The market is now mature enough to understand the importance of concepts such as resource optimization, costs and waste reduction, and proper fabric maintenance, principles that represent the guidelines in the design of IMESA’s new ES dryers’ range. At the trade fair, the topics that generated the major interest of our visitors were cycle control and the digital tools that IMESA provides to help achieve these goals. A thing that distinguishes us, and that was strongly perceived during the days of the trade fair, is our expertise in managing the laundry cycle as a complete process. Our offering goes beyond products seen as mere tools for washing, drying, or ironing; it encompasses all phases of the cycle, leveraging the know-how of our internal resources and the professionals that now support our sales team”.
“After eight years of waiting, Texcare returned on the international stage. The iconic event dedicated to the laundry and textile care sector has reopened its doors in Hall 8 of Messe Frankfurt, attracting a diverse audience and showing that the wait was well worth it,’ says Michele Battistella, the Sales Manager of BATTISTELLA B.G. based in Rossano Veneto (Vicenza). “The attendance was satisfactory, with visitors coming mainly from Europe and the Middle East. However, there was a slight drop in participation of Asian and American visitors, who were more oriented towards local events such as Texcare Asia held last August in China, and the Clean Show in the United States. Despite this, Texcare managed to attract the attention of professionals and interested visitors from all over the world, reaffirming its status as a key reference point for the industry. One of the most eagerly awaited innovations was the final version of the patented CIRCE/CP finisher, an authentic revolution in the world of shirt finishers. Presented first at EXPODETERGO INTERNATIONAL 2022, the CIRCE/CP shirt finisher stands out as the only one in the world capable of ironing collars and cuffs during the standard ironing process, eliminating the need for a dedicated press. This compact and efficient masterpiece offers significant savings in terms of costs and space, making it an indispensable ally for modern laundries. No less significant was the presentation of the ANDROMEDA ironing table, now available in a fully stainless-steel version. This upgrade meets the needs of laundries located in seaside areas, where corrosion is a common challenge. The new design has proven to be a winning solution for ensuring durability and reliability, even in challenging climatic conditions”. With positive results and great satisfaction, Battistella is already looking forward to the next events: HOST 2025 and EXPODETERGO INTERNATIONAL 2026, both scheduled to take place in Milan, key milestones for the laundry and textile care market. “The future of the industry starts here, and Texcare has proven to be a launching pad for innovation and global success”.
For MONTANARI ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION, we interviewed Cosimo Corleone, the Marketing and Export Manager Coordinator of the company, who gave a generally positive assessment on the event. “Texcare 2024 was a great success in terms of visitors, confirming its highly international appeal with the participation of numerous countries, even beyond Europe. This allowed us to outline a general picture of potential future markets and identify where we can expect greater growth in the future. In addition to being a unique venue for meetings and privileged business relationships, the trade show also provided an opportunity to take stock of the state of the art in the sector concerning innovations, networking, and knowledge exchange. The solutions presented at the trade fair were highly appreciated, particularly by international attendees, especially regarding innovative solutions in the packaging line sector. Once again, Italy was the country with the highest presence at the fair, highlighting how the nation is growing in the tourism sector in anticipation of significant upcoming events, such as the Jubilee and the Olympics”. Since 2016 the industry has changed a lot, we have been through pandemics and now wars, how is your industry doing in this moment? “Let’s say that in the recent years, the industrial laundry sector has made giant steps in terms of development, it was probably the sector that was struggling the most in this direction. However, with the new generations coming and the overall growth of the industry, industrial laundries have become smarter, and therefore more competitive and efficient”. Which was your “flagship product” at the trade show, among the solutions you presented? “I would say that the new packaging and software management line, which integrates our patented “Celeri 3D” linen handling system – already widely used on the Italian market, but still relatively unknown abroad – and our new diverter that allows shifting the batch in all directions, were very successful at the trade fair. Both solutions were highly appreciated by our visitors, not only for their sorting speed but also for the significant reduction of the space required to install the product”.
“ELECTROLUX PROFESSIONAL’s participation at Texcare 2024 had a significant impact on the market and the industry. The company’s focus on sustainability, innovative products, and the Circular Economy resonated with attendees and reinforced its position as a leader in the professional laundry sector”, says Francesco Maso, VP Sales South West Europe, BA Laundry. “The introduction of new products and the emphasis on sustainability and the Circular Economy helped Electrolux Professional strengthen its market position. The company’s innovative solutions attracted considerable interest from potential customers and industry professionals, leading to new business opportunities and partnerships. The feedback from customers and partners at Texcare 2024 was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees appreciated the interactive features at the booth, such as the on-site calculators, which allowed them to see the potential savings from investing in Electrolux Professional’s equipment. The seminars and training sessions were also well-received, providing valuable insights into the latest advancements in laundry technology. Following the success of Texcare 2024, Electrolux Professional is well-positioned to continue its leadership in the professional laundry industry. The company’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and the Circular Economy will drive future growth and development. Electrolux Professional plans to build on the momentum from Texcare 2024 by continuing to develop and introduce new products and solutions that meet the evolving needs of the industry. At Texcare, the company effectively showcased its commitment to sustainability and innovation, highlighting how its products and solutions can help businesses achieve their performance goals while reducing their environmental impact. The focus on the Circular Economy and the introduction of new products further reinforced Electrolux Professional’s position as a leader in the professional laundry sector”.
“After eight long years of waiting, Texcare International has finally reopened its doors, bringing with it a boost for the textile and laundry industry. Among the many companies present, PONY stood out with a participation that exceeded expectations, making our stand one of the main attractions of the show,” emphasized Paolo Fumagalli, the President of the company. “From the very first moments, we found ourselves immersed in a lively and stimulating environment where we reconnected with longstanding clients while simultaneously developing new and fruitful relationships. The satisfaction of the company for 2024 is not merely a matter of numbers but also about consolidating relationships, interactions, and growth opportunities with our business partners. The show represented, as hoped, a unique opportunity to showcase our company’s’ products once again and share our latest innovations. In fact, the audience enthusiastically welcomed our wide range of products, especially this year’s new releases, designed to meet the needs of an ever-evolving market. The nonstop live demonstrations captured the interest of many visitors, who had the chance to see our machines in operation live. A performance worthy of applause, showcasing the effectiveness of our solutions on a wide variety of garments and fabrics, from the most common to the most challenging ones. Among the most eagerly awaited innovations of 2024 stands out our double innovative double buck shirt finisher equipped with blowing system: the DB SUPREME. This product complements the already known DB PREMIUM pressing model, representing the ideal solution for those seeking maximum productivity in shirt ironing, both in laundries and garments manufacturing. It’s not just cutting-edge technology but a real help in transforming daily tasks into a simple and efficient operation. The new CP-R1L Rectangular Press was also a great success. Designed to optimize ironing space while increasing productivity, this machine stands out for its ability to finish various types of fabrics, including the most challenging ones, such as cotton and linen. The CP-R1L is also designed to simplify the ironing of curtains, bed sheets, and tablecloths, enhancing the final quality of the product. And finally, as you may have noticed on our social media pages, we have relaunched our new communication campaign: “We are Pony”. With this initiative, we aim to present ourselves not only as a leading company in the industry but, above all, as a team of people who work daily to transform our customers’ requests into reality”.
We move on to a player in the chemicals and detergents industry, BURNUS PROFESSIONAL, and we speak with Loris Fazzari, the Sales executive for Italy, who points out, “Texcare International 2024 already took place and we look back with great satisfaction on a very successful week at the trade fair. We were pleased to present our innovations for the textile care in commercial laundries to so many local, European and non- European customers and visitors after this long break and for the first time as part of the DR.SCHNELL Group. Our trade fair booth was a focal point for the interested visitors eager to learn more about sustainable detergents and highperformance digital dosing technologies. Our COMPACT LINE smart Tec dosing technology, which allows us to provide the right dosing solution for every type of system and need, stood out prominently. The cost control topic is becoming increasingly important, and this has been reflected in the numerous demands on our COMPACT LINE smart LOG management software, which can be adapted to the already existing COMPACT LINE dosing systems, and Compact Control 3.0 for new system types. The customers high interest for sustainable products was also reflected in the great enthusiasm shown for our Green Line, our modular system of products for sustainable washing, which stands out for its unique combination of efficiency and environmental awareness. Thanks to the market demand, we are planning to offer some products in the double-walled VARIBOX in the new year. This solution ensures safe and easy handling, prevents contact with chemicals, and guarantees excellent residual emptying. Texcare International gave us the opportunity to engage in valuable discussions with partners and stakeholders. In particular, the direct exchanges and positive feedback on our innovations as well as our primary focus on customer orientation and environmental awareness, have reaffirmed our approach. We would like to thank all visitors for their interest and precious exchange. We look forward to carrying this dynamic into the future and continuing to impress with innovative solutions”.
We return to professional ironing and we interview Roland Fleischmann, the Sales Manager of GHIDINI BENVENUTO. “Compared to the previous edition of many years ago,” he tells us, “I have to say that this one really made a difference, both in terms of exhibitors and, above all, visitors. From the first to the last day, we were always busy. Of course, there were many customers and dealers we already knew, as our company has been on the market for sixty years, but others were completely new to us. For example, we had excellent attendance from a country you wouldn’t expect significant visitors from, like Kazakhstan, but overall, I must say we noticed a strong presence from all over the world. The major players at the fair specializing in industrial laundry acted as a driving force, especially for a selective, interested, and highly professional clientele. Overall, we are satisfied. The downside is the high direct costs, which inevitably add up for a company alongside expenses for transport, food, and accommodation. Probably, the organizers aim to proceed this way to further select and filter both exhibitors and visitors, by also charging the entrance to the fair. These are strategic choices. Which of your machines attracted the most interest? Undoubtedly, visitors are always on the lookout for innovations and improvements. At this fair, we noticed significant interest in labour cost savings, and therefore to a focus on automated ironing. Of course, the more automated a machine, and the more advanced its technology and features, the higher its price. However, we noticed that intermediate solutions with a good price-quality ratio tend to prevail. Our MC 400 Shirt Finisher is precisely the ideal solution and was the one that enjoyed the greatest success”.
For RENZACCI, we meet Marco Niccolini, General Sales and Mkt Director, who points out: “I would first like to highlight two elements of weakness or concern. In our opinion, Texcare is a trade fair that could be reduced to three days instead of four. Additionally, we find the decision to overlap it with other major trade fairs inappropriate, as this inevitably creates challenges for the exhibiting companies, forcing them to make compromises or deal with conflicting schedules. This penalizes visitors coming from parts of the world where these simultaneous events are also taking place. Despite this, the overall feedback was positive, both in terms of the number of visitors and the interest expressed in Renzacci SpA, its products, and the many innovations showcased at the trade fair. Delving into the exclusive innovations presented, it is worth highlighting the success achieved by the new generation of bio dry-cleaning and dry-cleaning machines from the Red Stripe Edition, which represents the upgrade of Renzacci’s outstanding Red Line of excellence. The most significant innovations of the RED STRIPE Edition focus on a new design of the drying tunnel, which enables a notable reduction in the time required to complete the entire cycle, and significant energy savings. Additionally, a software update with enhanced digital functionalities, allowing for continuous monitoring and control of operations, as well as detailed cost and revenue analysis. Moreover, the new generation of solvent filtration systems, No Flex System, has improved the machine’s filtration performance, ensuring a superior cleaning quality while reducing energy costs. Last but certainly not least, is the new machine design, meticulously crafted to enhance their role in promoting the image and services of dry-cleaning and laundry businesses. The new models in the HS ECO series of washing machines (particularly the 18, 24, and 28 kg versions) received excellent feThese models not only feature a software update that reduces energy and water consumption but they also boast the flagship innovation of the line: the Plastic Guard filter. This filter provides an effective solution against microplastics, which currently represent one of the most significant pollution challenges faced by our planet. From a strategic perspective, quality is always inseparably linked to eco-sustainability and circular economy for Renzacci. Finally, in the realm of professional dryers, we introduced the new R40 model with an 18 kg loading capacity. This model features a redesigned and comprehensive air flow orientation, which significantly reduces both energy consumption and drying times”, concluded Niccolini.
“After eight years since the last 2016 edition, Macpi has once again confirmed its presence at Texcare Frankfurt 2024. We are satisfied about the event and the people we met, many already known, but also new potential customers and distributors,” says Eleonora Cartabbia, the Marketing Manager of MACPI. “There were mainly European customers, but also international from countries like USA, Australia, Mexico etc. which frankly surprised us. All the major players of the sector were present and this has contributed to a great turnout, Macpi showcased the latest innovations for the ironing sector, presenting at this edition the new automatic 4-station shirt ironing machine and the new finishing tunnel. We are pleased with the visibility we gained, as well as with the forums organized by Messe Frankfurt, where we participated as speakers. The challenges were related to the trade fair’s schedule, as before 10.30 a.m. there were few visitors and, in the afternoon, significantly more, even close to closing time. It would therefore be preferable to have hours from 10 a.m. to 6 or 7 p.m. The strong point of Texcare lies undoubtedly in the great resonance and popularity of the fair, achieved through high-level marketing initiatives that attracts customers and ensures a large attendance. We consider the ticket price appropriate for the type of clientele and target audience of the fair, and we do not believe it discourages participation. On the contrary, we think it helps attract a more selective audience. So, in conclusion, Texcare confirms itself as an important trade fair for the sector and in terms of international customers, and we will certainly participate in the next editions, hoping for an optimized timetable management”.
For ZUCCHETTI CENTRO SISTEMI, we meet Maurizio Casol, Director of the Automation Division, and we ask him a few questions for drawing a picture of the German trade show. How was in your opinion the German event dedicated to the textile care industry? “Texcare International 2024 marked a significant recovery for the industry. The event hosted over 300 exhibitors from Europe, Asia, and North America, showcasing a strong focus on technological innovations and themes such as automation, energy efficiency, and circular economy. Zucchetti Centro Sistemi (ZCS) presented cutting-edge solutions for the management and automation of industrial laundry processes, with particular focus on sustainability and digitalization”. Which were the main innovations presented by your company? “ZCS introduced the new Titan Dispenser Family, the new automated linen distribution systems, featuring advanced RFID technology management, full traceability, and compact solutions to optimize space and resources. These systems include innovative functionalities such as ozone sanitization, real-time reporting, and a focus on operational safety, even in case of power failure. Additionally, ZCS showcased Automated Wardrobe Management Systems, that allows for up to 80% space recovery in the changing rooms, guaranteeing hygiene and security”.
We move on to a company producing dry-cleaning machines, and speak with Gabriele Cuppini, the Commercial Director of UNION. “As UNION, we participated at Texcare 2024 trade fair, and we received many visitors from Germany, followed by local UNION dealers, as well as numerous international visitors from many other countries. It was a very positive trade fair, and all the visitors showed interest and curiosity for the products on display, a success also due to the fact that the last edition took place in 2016, eight years ago. UNION presented an impressive range of innovations, which were all particularly appreciated by the numerous visitors. UNION developed and showcased the new and innovative ECO CONCEPT cleaning system, designed to minimize energy consumption, resulting in significant cost savings and higher respect for the environment. A sustainable concept that significantly reduces management costs and energy bills. The models in the ECO CONCEPT series feature 10 kg and 15 kg loading capacities, with an electricity consumption of less than 8 kWh and minimal water usage. The cleaning quality is ensured by a solvent distillation system designed for significant savings in operating costs, enhancing the sustainability of the cleaning results. Another exciting innovation is the new 10″ DIALOG TOUCH full colour touchscreen computer, which incorporates the working philosophy of the classic DIALOG computer, while opening the door to a future full of innovations. The DIALOG TOUCH is equipped with native remote connection system, allowing it to be linked to the digital world of today and tomorrow, offering an extremely simple and comprehensive user experience”.
“Our participation at Texcare International 2024 trade fair in Frankfurt has just concluded, marking an important moment of research and comparison with our reference market”, says Marzio Klos, the Sales Director of BRENTARENO. “In addition to seeing and discovering the innovations developed over the past 8 years in terms of ecology, energy savings, hygiene, and sustainability, we were able to gain an overview of our customers’ requirements, already looking ahead to the future of the industrial laundry machinery world and beyond. Certainly, the focus of the trade fair was centred on the international market, with visitors from all over the world, from Australia to the Baltic countries, and a massive presence of Asian operators. We received excellent feedback on the innovations that Brentareno consistently showcases, developed with a high focus on automation, greater resource efficiency, and enhanced energy sustainability. Great interest and enthusiasm were generated by: our shoe cleaning machine WASH SHOES; our eco-friendly tumble dryer ECO DRYER, which allows for over 58% energy savings, and is also equipped with the innovative patented BRENTFILT® automatic filter cleaning system; NEBULBRENT, the innovative nebulization washing system, which reduces water consumption by over 71% and CO2 emissions by up to 97%. These solutions, ideal for meeting the market needs and ecosustainability, allowed us to reconnect with our already existing customers and meet many potential new ones. However, we would also have expected a larger participation from European industry professionals, which would have been helpful for comparing our different know-how and future perspectives. It remains a valuable event, despite the significant investment required, to propose new solutions to revolutionize and innovate our sector”, concludes Marzio Klos. •
by Marzio Nava
DETERGO Magazine # December 2024
