Knitting technology and service leader, Santoni Shanghai and designers Eva x Carola, combined creative forces to open the Materials Experience Center (MEC) in Shanghai. This space is a hub for creative exploration and textile research expertise. A place where we promote textile dialogues with our partners such as brands, manufacturing suppliers and where aspiring industry creatives are welcomed. MEC aims to meet market needs by merging research findings with their innovative machine software technology and futuristic designs — ultimately bringing new materials and products to life.

This space is a catalyst for inspiration, ideation, implementation, and knowledge exchange. MEC is designing the future whilst providing lasting solutions. We continue to surpass expectations of the textile industry by crafting forward-driven solutions with advanced engineering technology combined with in-house guidance. In addition to meeting end-consumer needs, we also explore sustainable alternatives for our environment by diminishing material waste and selecting better material choices before we start fabricating a physical piece.

Materials Experience Center is committed to develop high-performance knitwear and textile materials for a broad range of industries: automotive, interior decor, apparel and footwear, etc. We encourage collaboration, emphasize reciprocal knowledge, and provide a space to make innovation happen — welcoming everyone seeking to create the next break-through in the industry. With the new Material Library all these efforts will be one click away, and will provide opportunities to further explore the knitting industry and possible approaches.

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Innovation in Materials

With every project that lands in our hands, our ultimate goal is to fabricate the best version of what consumers need and want to see; in addition to providing supplemental versions to our industry peers during our time of collaboration. MEC’s 3D knitting (seamless) product development process begins with brainstorming consumer needs and requirements, establishing the starting point of the project and defining the end goal. We explore possibilities creatively and technically through a non-traditional take and make approach — rather than directly crafting a prototype from a sketch design.

This approach is called, ‘Yarn and Machine Up’. MEC understands products differ in purpose and use, therefore we select the adequate yarn(s) and technical features before anything is created; intelligent crafting while avoiding excess material waste. Working backwards means less loose material usage when testing and mass-producing — avoiding excess material waste. After deep diving into the unlimited yarn and machine fabrication outcomes, we test and experiment with different: yarn combinations, textures, and technical features (water-proof, breathability, etc.).

This is in turn to provide alternatives for end-users. This reverse technique to the traditional approach allows us to create new materials for textiles from scratch. Resulting in a limitless range of textile discoveries and design engineering that generates lasting innovative products that can surpass consumer needs and requirements. Every single material is constructed to serve a greater purpose for a lengthier lifespan while still preserving quality. For MEC it’s not about reinventing the wheel, it’s about reinventing innovation. Reshaping the industry this way will revolutionize the way we approach materials in the future.