LAIP creates eco-friendly machines capable of dyeing high-quality yarn and fabrics
LAIP is a modern Italian company based in Prato, the heart of Europe’s textile industry, which has been manufacturing high technical and technological quality dyeing machinery for over 60 years now. Its extensive production range includes dyeing machines for fabrics, fibres, yarns, tops and tow, designed to guarantee high performance levels along the entire dyeing process, with the utmost respect for the environment. In an interview with Fibre2Fashion CEO Massimo Becheri discusses Industry 4.0, automation, emerging markets, and customised dyeing machines.
Can you give us a brief overview of the types of dyeing machinery that LAIP specialises in?
LAIP specialises in providing complete lines for dyeing fibres and tow, including cotton bleaching, which is also suitable for medical use. Additionally, LAIP excels in constructing dyeing machines designed to handle a high percentage of elastic fibre, catering to fashionable, sport, and modern textile products. Not to be overlooked is wool, which has been our primary focus for many years.
How has the global textile dyeing machinery industry evolved over the past few decades, and what are the main factors driving this change?
The past decades have seen significant technical evolutions that we can primarily divide into two factors: the first is the need to produce more complex yarn and fabrics to meet market expectations, and the second is the need to create machines with less environmental impact. The textile industry is known as one of the largest consumers of water, energy, and chemical products. The aim is to progress gradually towards more eco-compatible performances.
Can you comment on the current trends and future directions in sustainable practices within the textile dyeing industry?
The evolution towards more sustainable textile machines is driven by the final consumer’s desire for high-quality and eco-friendly products. This attitude, coupled with the ability to choose between different kinds of products, is guiding textile production towards more sustainable offerings to increase sales.
How does LAIP keep up with the continuous evolution of the market and maintain its innovative edge?
Well, LAIP is located in Prato, Italy, the heart of the European textile industry, which has been manufacturing high-quality fabrics for a long time. Our close relationships with fabric manufacturers and the supply chain, both in Italy and abroad, inspire our technical department to work on projects for repeat clients. This collaboration leads to the evolution of new machine designs tailored to our loyal clients’ needs, and I must say, we excel in this area.
How important is the ‘Made in Italy’ label to LAIP and its global reputation?
Italy is synonymous with beauty and craftsmanship, and the ‘Made in Italy’ label embodies creativity. At LAIP, we infuse our culture into our mechanical expertise to create technology that is both beautiful and reliable. This approach extends to the textile industry, reinforcing our global reputation for quality and innovation.
Industry 4.0 has been a buzzword for a while now. In your view, what impact is it having on the textile industry and how is it shaping its future?
Industry 4.0 is essential. It allows for precise control of production, enhancing quality and reducing costs. In simple terms, it means better performance, less consumption, and optimisation of production. That is why at LAIP, we pay close attention to Industry 4.0, and all the dyeing machines we produce meet these requirements.
What do you think are the main challenges and opportunities currently facing the global textile industry?
One of the main challenges, as well as opportunities, is automation. Automation reduces human errors and simultaneously improves working conditions for the workers. Technically speaking, another significant challenge is offering the market machines capable of producing and dyeing high-quality yarn and fabrics developed in recent years, such as sportswear, streetwear, and technical textile materials.
Can you tell us about the production process at LAIP and your approach to quality control?
Every step within our company is carefully monitored. We have an internal production and design department capable of creating tailor-made products. Working in close cooperation with local partners allows us to maintain constant control over the product’s quality. LAIP is ISO 9001 certified.
Your company takes great care to customise its machines for customers. Can you share some insight into this process?
The construction of machines specifically tailored for each client (rather than made in series) is our strength. Every client is like a diamond to us, and our role is to make it shine. This reflects positively on LAIP, enhancing our own brilliance as well.
How is the growth of the textile industries in emerging markets affecting the global balance of the industry?
The continuous growth of textile production in emerging markets is leading to an expansion in the consumption of textile products per person, putting pressure on recycling and reuse practices. Additionally, the textile industry plays a part in enhancing the commodity sector, with ongoing research leading to the development of increasingly innovative raw materials.
Can you tell us about the inception of LAIP and its journey over the past 60 years?
LAIP is a family-run company that was founded in 1958. Since then, it has been expanding into international markets, and now 75 per cent of its turnover comes from exports. The evolution of our products has been driven by the needs of our leading clients, who are continually in search of machines that are suitable for dyeing yarn and the most intricate and sustainable fabrics. They are on the lookout for new machines, cutting-edge technology, and excellent after-sales support. Our customers are our partners, and thanks to the close relationships we have developed with them, we can address any dyeing needs they may have.
You have made sustainability a priority in your machines’ design, particularly with regards to water and energy savings. Can you tell us more about your innovative heat recovery system?
Customers’ attention is increasingly focused on eco-friendly products that have a low impact on the consumption of water and chemical products. We have been working on this for many years; for example, our NAUTILUS system minimises water consumption. Furthermore, the energy crisis prompted us to explore innovative systems to recover the heat from consumed hot water to reduce steam consumption. That is how our heat recovery system enables our customers to minimise the use of steam to heat water.
As someone who graduated in Theoretical Philosophy, how do you think this background has influenced your approach to running a highly technical business like LAIP?
Before my university experience, it was my father who mostly influenced me. Nowadays, LAIP is led by my brother Marco and me. Since we were little boys, our dad allowed us to ‘breathe’ the scent of the mechanical workshop. On Sunday mornings, people in our field would gather in the street to discuss the textile industry and the need for performing machines. Let me say, it is very easy to find textile and textile machinery genes in the DNA of a pratese (citizen of Prato). Later on, my university studies in philosophy contributed to developing curiosity and a focus on truly understanding the person I am speaking to. I have learned to listen in order to learn.
What sets LAIP apart from other manufacturers within the textile industry?
LAIP offers its clients precise and dependable relationships; we serve as consultants, providing them with advice and support to resolve dyeing issues. We supply machines and plants tailored to our clients’ needs, which is why many significant and demanding textile companies have chosen us. Among them is Garanti İplik, one of Turkiye’s largest cotton spinning companies, to whom we supplied a complete dyeing plant, from the opening of cotton bales to the pneumatic conveyance of the dyed and dried staple to the mixing chamber. The fully automated line operates 24/7 and is fully integrated and digitalised, featuring a robotised overhead crane, remote supervisor checking, and numerous other technologies, ensuring that the plant meets all Industry 4.0 criteria.
In the realm of fabric dyeing, we are proud to count Eurojersey Spa among our clients. As the leader in the production of fabrics for activewear, streetwear, and swimwear, and creator of its own-brand Sensitive Fabrics, this Italian company has installed a series of Jet 250 HT machines, which are highly efficient in dyeing even sensitive items that are difficult to process.
The satisfaction of these and many other globally known clients reaffirms to us that loyalty, mutual collaboration, and personal relationships are mutually beneficial for both dyeing companies and LAIP.
Looking ahead, what are your strategic plans for LAIP and how do you envision its role in the future of textile dyeing technology?
LAIP is working on many projects, all of which are founded on some simple yet vital principles: creating eco-friendly machines capable of dyeing high-quality yarn and fabrics to attract clients globally who value these considerations. Our mission revolves around innovation, resource-saving, and technical support grounded in expertise.
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