MEC

Material
Experience
Center

Santoni

Santoni
Knitting
Machinery

MEC MEC
Yarn<br> Concept<br> Machine

Yarn
Concept
Machine

More info
Material<br> Experience<br> Center

Material
Experience
Center

More info
creating<br> new<br> experiences

creating
new
experiences

More info

About MEC

We’re a forward-driven and innovative hub for creative exploration and knit material research expertise. A place where we welcome and promote textile dialogues with our partners such as brands, manufacturing suppliers and aspiring industry creatives. 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. We are confident that the evolution of seamless and circular knitting products has arrived.

Services
Material library

At MEC, we host our very own Material Library that is made up of more than 2,000 yarns and fibers — both on-site and online. Our user friendly interface provides a space for industry creatives to experience and explore the endless possibilities of seamless and circular knitting.

Knowledge Building

Innovation is crafted and furthered through mutual knowledge exchange. Therefore, sharing and combining skills with our collaborators are key at MEC. We are actively aware of how we can create, implement our skills, and evolve what already exists in the market — impacting the industry, supply chain and end-consumers

Workshop

At MEC we offer opportunities to work alongside technical engineers and our tech-savvy machinery both online and offline. This allows collaborators to analyze their developments and make the necessary adjustments to their project on the spot. Via different intuitive communication tools, your vision can easily come to life.

Experience

Our in-house display area stems from a combination of past creative experiences and their inspiration to create and innovate the future. Research and concepts are displayed with tech sheets, yarn reelings, concept explanation, and prototype. Compare works and feel the diverse machine tech application throughout this area.

Technology

We believe by reversing the product creation process; designs as a result of yarn, structure and machine selection rather than vice versa. The result is functional engineered textiles tailored to the user. Within our product creation process we apply the full range of Santoni Shanghai’s machine and software technology. Do you want to learn more, please visit Santoni Shanghai.

Material Experience Center by Santoni Shanghai strongly encourages partnerships and collaboration. We want to foster and grow a community with like-minded, passionate and innovative creators that strive to establish and implement forward-driven concepts. In addition, coming up with distinctive material combinations in order to contribute lasting quality products to this ever-evolving industry.

Our aim is to create a platform that finds solutions to textile industry obstacles, as well as a space that creates opportunities out of challenges. MEC is a hub for both knowledge exchange and futuristic evolution.

Our team in Shanghai is made up of skilled textile and fashion designers, seasoned technicians, detail-oriented engineers, and more. We are experienced and ready for anything!
Get to know us by exploring our co-creative work throughout the site and by directly connecting.
We can’t wait to build our next series of ground-breaking material textiles alongside you!

MEC
virtual
tour

It’s nice to see you here! Welcome to our Virtual Tour, where you can walk with us or on your own to wherever your curious mind desires. Take your time visiting our rooms, each is a digitized hands-on experience for you to learn about what is on our tables and how it contributes to our development process. Enjoy!

Let's begin!

The need for new materials

Most people are working from home due to COVID-19. This could lead to a permanent shift in working patterns after this pandemic. Creating a different demand in clothing to wear. Comfortable, multifunctional and usable outfits for different activities throughout the (working)day.

Spending more time at home also results in a focus on attractive, comfortable and functional furniture. We envision, along with clothing, a range of new fabrics for interiors that combine stain resistant and water repellent qualities with features such as loft, design and support. We created a series of four multifunctional materials focusing on health & wellbeing, hybridity, safety & protection and visual amazement.

CREATING TEXTILES USING VIRTUAL TEAMS

At MEC we love creating, researching and experimenting. There is nothing more rewarding than closely working on new ideas onsite, collaboratively and in a hands-on way. The whole process of manufacturing different kinds of textiles is our passion.

We challenge ourselves to renew materials that are all around us. Most materials are used in a conventional way. A personalized approach where structures can be engineered, refined and detailed depending on the needs and desires of the wearer is our goal. Our current focus on materials like teddy and fleece, frequently used in popular lounge, street and sleepwear, has resulted in a new collection called Engineered Fleece.

MEC tight: personalized performance

Our tight collection aims to inspire you by creating your own. Imagine all the color and functional possibilities you can have with our advanced knitting technology , allowing you to customize the design, functionality and color of your tights.

When creating our tight collection, we didn’t want to have just a comfortable product, it also needed to look great and engineered with that second skin effect.

Using our VI we created the ultimate tight collection, placing design and personalization all together with the garment.

Learn more about our MEC products via #materialexperiencecenter.

SEAMLESS MERINO YOGA COLLECTION

A new prototype collection developed by The Woolmark Company with knitting machine manufacturer Santoni and designed by innovative knitwear designer studio Studio Eva x Carola illustrates the full potential of Merino wool used in technical seamless performance apparel.

For this capsule collection, we investigated patterns that have a future forward creative sensibility and that complement the female body. Structures have been uniquely developed on a stitch-by-stitch level. The outcome was a combination of functionality, 3D structures, softness and colour experience / dimension.

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See the future of unique textile creation through our eyes

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Mute x MEC: Here we are creating the ideal seat ...

Mute x MEC: Here we are creating the ideal seat covers for the Mute e-scooters. Covers are highly durable and will withstand all the different moods the Shanghai weather has to offer, with a futuristic and fashion-forward design. We already love it 🧶❤️
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#fabricdesign #fabric #escooter #seatcover #shanghai #designstudio @mutegarageshanghai
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How cool and funky is this design? 😍 Created in...

How cool and funky is this design? 😍 Created in collaboration with MUTE for their e-scooters. A futuristic design that aligns with the urban feel of Shanghai. 
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A MUTE x MEC collaboration
@mutegarageshanghai
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#fabricdesign #fabrics #escooter #seatcover #shanghai
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Virtual tour! The new website will also include an...

Virtual tour! The new website will also include an interactive virtual tour of our Material Experience Center in Shanghai. ´Walk through´ the Virtual Tour and learn about our development process and what´s on our tables at the moment. 🧶 Swipe for a sneak peek! 
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#circularknitting #knittingaddiction #seamlesspattern #fabrics #santoni
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We're almost live! Early November we will ...

We're almost live! Early November we will launch our brand new website. Dive in lots of information, get to know our way of working, experience the Material Experience Center virtually and more. Stay tuned 🙂
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#yarnspirations #fabricdesign #seamless #knittingmachine #circularknitting #santoni
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Medical or Activewear? New developments in ...

Medical or Activewear? New developments in creating activewear are inspired by the compression garments used in the medical field for improving circulation and blood flow. Since these are key attributes that help athletic performance as well, it is used more and more for activewear design too.
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#activewearfashion #compressionwear #compressiongarments #circularknitting
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Did you know Merino Wool is odour resistant by ...

Did you know Merino Wool is odour resistant by nature? Merino wool is able to not only absorb moisture but will also absorb the odour molecules in your sweat and only release them upon washing.  So if you're wearing sportswear from merino wool, it won't smell like other fabrics may do.
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#merinowool #merinowoolyarn #sportswear #activewearfasion #yarns
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Waterproof and still breathable: By combining the ...

Waterproof and still breathable: By combining the right yarns, structures and machine set up, Studio Eva x Carola created a dense, woven-like, water repellent material. While retaining breathability, the material provides cover for light rainfall when outside or drink spills during a conference call. We're a fan! 
- @studioevaxcarola
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#outerwearfashion #waterrepellent #fabricdesign #yarns #circularknitting
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Coming soon: The possibility to find yarns, ...

Coming soon: The possibility to find yarns, fabrics and materials as well as other designers, manufacturers and brands to collaborate within just a few clicks. A huge library of knowledge, connections and more about all facets of designing. A place to meet, brainstorm and create. Stay tuned.. 
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#circularknitting #seamlessfashion #texturefabrics #fabricdesign #yarnspirations
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Loving the gradient within this fabric ❤️ This...

Loving the gradient within this fabric ❤️ This fabric is made with the Inner Strength materials series, a very strong fabric that can easily withstand heavy wear and tear. Besides that, these Inner Strength materials are very suitable to add gradients. 
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@evaxcarola
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#gradientyarn #gradientyarns #durablefabric #durableyarn #interiordesign
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So many textures! From a super soft and smooth ...

So many textures! From a super soft and smooth feeling until 3D patterns, it all is possible. What kind of texture do you prefer to work with?
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@evaxcarola @tencel_global @tencel_taiwan 
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#3dfabrics #3dfabric #fabricdesign #texturedfabric #tencelstory #tencel
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In the wear and tear of everyday walks of life, we...

In the wear and tear of everyday walks of life, we withstand the forces of unknown elements thrown in our way. The materials with which we choose to surround ourselves on a daily basis should also be designed to be robust and capable of such endurance with great resiliency. The Inner Strength materials series is designed just for that. No need to handle these materials with care. They're designed to be sat on, stepped over, tossed aside, pulled and more!
Studio @evaxcarola
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#outerwear #durabledesign #durablefabrics #fabricsdesign
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Using seamless knitting technologies is one way we...

Using seamless knitting technologies is one way we can decrease excess material waste ✔️ Also, we work with techniques where the machines directly create the desired end product instead of first creating fabrics that then need to be made into products 🧣 
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#reducingwaste #knittingtechniques #seamlessfashion #seamlessknitting
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One of the features of the Inner Strength material...

One of the features of the Inner Strength material Series by Studio Eva x Carola, is the fact that these fabrics can be made with gradient color schemes. This technique is ideal to use in the interior and automotive industries. 
Studio: @evaxcarola
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#interiordesigninspo #automotivedesign #fabricdesign #santoni #gradientyarn
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Making garments feel like a second skin - very ...

Making garments feel like a second skin - very comfortable and natural -  requires using the best yarns and techniques for the desired piece. At MEC, we provide you with the tools and knowledge to create your desired garments. Discover more via the link in our bio
Studio: @evaxcarola
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#garmentsewing #garmentmaking #garmentdesign #knittingmachine #circularknitting
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Seamless, comfortable outer layer apparel? Of ...

Seamless, comfortable outer layer apparel? Of course! With the double jersey machinery, you're able to create comfortable seamless apparel that is thermal regulating and suitable for outdoor and more 🌡️ 
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#yarn #yarnspirations #yarnart #yarnwork #fabricdesign #fabrics #fabric #fabriclove #garmentindustry #garmentmaking #garmentdesign #seamless #seamlessfashion #knittingindustry
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At the Material Experience Center, you're ...

At the Material Experience Center, you're welcome to design, create and innovate. We aim - together with you - to bring new materials and products to life. How? Well, we do this in a more non-traditional way. We start by deep-diving into the needs of the material and product for the end-consumer. Based on these needs, like stretchability, breathability and more, we match these with the best yarns for the job 🧶 To create the end-product, we'll use the best Santoni machine technology to create your prototypes. Discover more via the link in our bio.
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Studio: @evaxcarola
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#yarnstagram #yarnspirations #yarndreads #yarnwork #interiordesigns #fabricdesign #texturefabrics #garmentdesign #seamlessfashion #knittingmachine #circularknitting #santoni
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The Material Experience Center provides you with ...

The Material Experience Center provides you with all the tools needed to be inspired, create and innovate new materials and products 🧶 Want to see what our space actually looks like? Check out our virtual tour! Link in bio
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Studio: @evaxcarola 
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#yarnstagram #yarnspirations #yarndreads #yarnwork #interiordesigns #fabricdesign #texturefabrics #garmentdesign #seamlessfashion #knittingmachine #circularknitting #santoni
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One of the material lines created at our Material ...

One of the material lines created at our Material Experience Center is the Inner Strength material series by Studio Eva x Carola. This material series is durable and strong. The materials are designed to withstand being sat on, tossed aside, twisted and pulled. Perfect to be used in the spaces we spend the most time like your home (interior) or car (automotive). 
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Photographer: @griffs_production
Studio: @evaxcarola 
VI: @lava_beijing 
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#yarnspirations #yarnart #yarndreads #interiordesigndetails #interiordesigninspo #interiordesigngoals #automotivedesign #fabricdesign #texturefabrics #seamless #knittingmachine #circularknitting #circularknittingmachine
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Santoni technology helps to bring out the best ...

Santoni technology helps to bring out the best processing for each yarn, to reach the final result.

In fact, several technology programs can enhance a specific yarn feature.The combination of yarn and machines helps to bring up the best material for the result we want whether it's a footwear sample creation to creating reversible loungewear garments, the chances are infinite.

#thisisMEC powered by #santonishanghai

Studio: @evaxcarola 
Photographer: @matjaztancic
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At MEC we are extremely passionate about textiles ...

At MEC we are extremely passionate about textiles and tactility.

Our Inner Strength Series is growing rapidly. The more we invest our energy in the brainstorming aspect, the more we create alternative new approaches to what we do.

Every day, with the vision of moving forward.

#thisisMEC powered by #santonishanghai

Studio: @evaxcarola 
Photographer: @griffs_production
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The journey of a textile material starts here, ...

The journey of a textile material starts here, with a cone of yarn.

The threads are knitted and selected on a stitch by ctitch level to create a textile.The technology knits layer after layer, building an all-in-one piece.

SANTONI Technology elaborates MEC's capabilities as high as possible.

#thisisMEC powered by #santonishanghai

Photographer: @griffs_production 
Studio : @evaxcarola
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  • Who
  • Why
  • What

The material library

A new innovative meeting point open for designers, studios, manufacturers and consumers to challenge design and research and the adaptation of new materials, applications and production methods. The Material Library is created to simplify the interaction between material minded in sharing ideas, finding inspiration and initiate (international) partnerships. The perfect place for next level co-production.

GO TO MATERIAL LIBRARY

In our aim to create supply chain transparency and to better understand the relationship between machine- and material technology in creating more environment conscious products, we started the Material Library. A material and knowledge platform where we combine products, samples, yarns, design- and machine knowledge with the opportunity for designers, manufacturers and consumers to connect, share ideas to change the industry.

GO TO MATERIAL LIBRARY
  • Innovation Space

  • Creative Hub

  • Knowledge Portal

  • Collaboration Lab

  • Building textile solutions that exceed expectations, endure the test of time and make a statement. Our reverse approach helps you create new materials from scratch and inspires you by being a space full of discoveries regarding materials, design systems and developing processes. Let us help you explore sustainable alternatives for our environment in diminishing material waste and making better material choices before fabricating a physical piece.

  • Playing around with materials for inspiration and combine expertise in textile creation for a start to finish product. Rather than working your way up from a sketch design, we give you the opportunity to start from different angles. Connect with people in the industry such as designers, manufacturers and consumers to share ideas and discuss creative possibilities. Look closely at the intention of your creation or wish and communicate with professionals to maximize the outcome of your product.

  • Providing easy access to materials, machine- and production knowledge in order to innovate and create. Boost your existing knowledge by talking to professionals in different fields of the textile industry. Get the latest information on new developments, materials and machinery. Ask questions, mention problems and share experiences in developing new concepts and projects for groundbreaking results.

  • Connecting directly with other professionals in the entire textile supply chain and get inspired. Find synergies between advanced textile research and innovative manufacturing processes to help you create a meaningful design. Collaborate with other material minded in creating new materials and products that raise awareness which will change the way the textile industry works.

GO TO MATERIAL LIBRARY
News
02.2.2022

 MEC x Santoni for Juventus Shanghai Academy

News
27.27.2022

Silk, Sleepwear, and Sustainability, Oh My!

News
26.26.2022

Nylstar: A Trailblazer in Textile Sustainability

News
26.26.2022

Bringing New Ideas to Life with Case Studies

News
26.26.2022

From Yarn & Machine Up: The Future of Savvy Textile Making Has Arrived

News
18.18.2022

Seamless Action in Motion: How MEC Enhances Performance Wear

News
19.19.2021

Riding in Style: An MEC x MUTE Collaboration

News
21.21.2021

Interview with Eva de Laat, Creative Director of Material Experience Center on the Future of the Textile Industry Post Pandemic

News
21.21.2021

Seamless Merino Wool Cycling Kit

News
21.21.2021

Material Experience Center, Powered by Santoni: Interview with Eva De Laat

News
20.20.2021

Bylu Designs Minimal, High-tech Research Center

News
17.17.2021

Nasce il Material Experience Center di Shanghai

Events
08.8.2020

New Textiles for The New Normal: A Collaboration

News
06.6.2020

Santoni Opens New Materials Experience Center in Shanghai

  • Hi!
  • Hotline: 073-6123228
  • Email: marketing@santoni.cn
  • Address: address goes here

MEC

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Knitting
Machinery

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