Innovation as the answer: Techtextil and Texprocess honour solutions to global challenges with the 2026 Innovation Awards

iNTERSPARE presents latest developments and upgrade solutions for technical textile finishing at Techtextil

iNTERSPARE Textilmaschinen GmbH will present its latest solutions for technical textile finishing at Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt (VDMA joint stand, Hall 12 / Stand C55A). The focus will be on further developments within the Krantz, Artos and Babcock (BTM) product lines, in particular the Krantz K30 stenter as well as the reintroduction of the Artos Vari-Flex foulard. The presentation will be complemented by modular solutions for upgrading existing installations and new approaches in automation and digitalization.

#Advertorial

2026-04-01

New Gravimax MMX-R X-ray sensor platform opens up new application fields

The demands placed on quality control in web-based production processes are increasing: materials are becoming more complex, basis weights are varying more widely, and at the same time, pressure is growing to make processes more efficient and transparent. Precise measurement data across the entire web width has therefore become a key factor in ensuring stable production processes. With its new Gravimax MMX-R sensor platform, Mahlo introduces a radiometric measurement solution designed to set new standards in determining basis weight and material composition. The platform combines advanced X-ray technology with newly developed signal processing, enabling measurement tasks that previously often required multiple sensor technologies.

#Techtextil 2026

SAHM Winding Solutions and Vandewiele Automation present integrated automation solution for winding processes

For the first time at the Techtextil trade fair in Frankfurt am Main, Germany (21 - 26 April), SAHM Winding Solutions (Hallo 12.0. / Booth 95) and Vandewiele Automation will be showcasing their combined automation expertise for industrial winding processes. Under the motto “Combining Automation. Maximizing Flow”, the two companies will demonstrate how automated package handling and robot-assisted yarn knotting can be integrated into a continuous production flow.

#Recycled Fibers

UNIFI celebrates recycled and circular Innovation with ninth annual REPREVE® Champions of Sustainability Awards

Unifi, Inc. (NYSE: UFI), the makers of REPREVE® and one of the world’s leading innovators in recycled and synthetic yarns, today announced the winners of its ninth annual REPREVE Champions of Sustainability Awards, recognizing brands and mills that are advancing circularity and responsible manufacturing across the global textile industry.

#Man-Made Fibers

Teijin Frontier announces new Stretch Polyester yarn offering exceptional compatibility with high-performance Polyester materials

Teijin Frontier Co., Ltd. announced today that it has developed a new stretch polyester yarn that offers new opportunities to create comfortable, all- polyester fabrics for sports and outdoor wear. The new polyester yarn demonstrates exceptional compatibility with high-performance polyester materials. Further, Teijin Frontier’s proprietary polymer design and spinning technology impart excellent elasticity to the new yarn. In turn, this yarn adds stretchability and recovery to the advanced functionality and excellent texture of high-performance polyester materials.

#Man-Made Fibers

Lenzing commissions 14 MW power‑to‑heat facility, strengthening grid stability and heat management

The Lenzing Group has successfully commissioned a new power‑to‑heat (P2H) facility with an electrical capacity of 14 megawatts. The installation converts renewable electricity directly into process heat, is fully integrated into the existing heat network at the industrial site, and represents a key building block for a fossil‑free heat supply. As project partner, VERBUND was responsible for the energy‑market integration and will operate the facility for balancing energy marketing, enabling it to respond flexibly to short‑term fluctuations in the power grid.

Covestro to exhibit solutions for a more sustainable and productive textile industry at Techtextil 2026

New Gravimax MMX-R X-ray sensor platform opens up new application fields

AI, Start-ups, Research: Techtextil and Texprocess bring together players in the textile industry

IVGT joint stand brings innovation and networking to Techtextil 2026

Editors choice

Reju secures €135 Million in Dutch NIKI Funding for industrial-scale textile-to-textile regeneration hub at Chemelot Industrial Park, the Netherlands

Performance Apparels: Functional textiles drive innovation at Techtextil 2026

VEOCEL™ Lyocell production expands to Asia – Launching a new chapter for nonwovens in the region

Textile Exchange publishes cotton Life Cycle Assessment study to strengthen impact data

#Raw Materials

Kraig Biocraft reaches next step in production growth

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc. (OTCQB: KBLB) (“the Company”, “Kraig Labs”, or “Kraig’s”), a world leader in spider silk technology*, today announced that it has produced more than 1.3 metric tons of recombinant spider silk cocoons in a single month. This is a new world record and shatters the Company’s previous production record by a factor of five. Today marks a pivotal step forward in the transition of spider silk from laboratory innovation to an industrial-scale material platform.

#Techtextil 2026

ASGLAWO group with new products at Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt

The ASGLAWO group, with its two companies ASGLAWO technnofibre GmbH and Form- und Technik engineering GmbH, is pleased to present its latest developments in the field of technical textiles and nonwovens at the leading international trade fair Techtextil 2026. The fair, taking place from April 21 to 24, 2026, is the international meeting place for innovations in the textile industry.

#Research & Development

Hohenstein publishes 2025 Sustainability Report

The testing and research service provider Hohenstein has published its latest sustainability report, outlining key progress and strategic initiatives. The report focuses on ambitious CO₂ reduction targets, the company’s new mission statement and the systematic expansion of sustainable services for customers worldwide.

#Recycling / Circular Economy

Solving the Feedstock Gap: Unlocking Post-consumer Feedstocks for Textile-to-Textile Recycling in Europe

Fashion for Good launches Project FAE (Feedstock Activation Europe) to develop the sorting and pre-processing infrastructure needed to channel non-rewearable post-consumer textiles into textile-to-textile (T2T) recycling at scale. The project is a practical response to one of the most pressing problems in textile circularity: making post-consumer waste a viable, commercially competitive raw material for recyclers.

#Techtextil 2026

BASF at Techtextil 2026: Helping to shape the future of the textile industry with tangible solutions

At the leading international trade fair for technical textiles and nonwovens from April 21 to 24, 2026 at the Messe Frankfurt, BASF will present numerous solutions and new projects in the textile sector to customers and partners at booth B 68 in hall 11.0. The focus is on product innovations and future-oriented technologies.

#Texprocess 2026

Durak Tekstil to drive innovation at Texprocess 2026 with its functional threads

Developing solutions for dozens of industries ranging from apparel and automotive to footwear, protective clothing, furniture, and mattress, Durak Tekstil will showcase its expertise in functional technical threads at Texprocess 2026. As one of the leading manufacturers of industrial sewing and embroidery threads, Durak Tekstil will take part in Texprocess 2026, the trade fair for garment and functional textile processing to be held in Frankfurt from April 21–24, presenting solutions developed through its R&D efforts.

#Nonwovens

2025 Nonwoven production in Greater Europe: European Nonwovens Industry remains strong amid challenging market conditions

EDANA, the international association serving the nonwovens and related industries, released today the European annual statistics for 2025, offering a comprehensive picture of the nonwovens industry in Greater Europe. This information shows an overview of the industry’s strength and resilience across the region. According to the figures collected and compiled by EDANA, overall nonwovens production in Europe declined by around 2.2% in 2025, reaching 2,919,000 tonnes.

#Recycled Fibers

RE&UP partners with Madewell and ISKO on textile-to-textile denim capsule

RE&UP Recycling Technologies is accelerating the shift toward a closed-loop textile economy through a collaboration with American denim brand Madewell and global fabric manufacturer ISKO. By transforming approximately 20,000 pairs of post-consumer jeans into recycled feedstock for a textile-to-textile denim capsule, RE&UP demonstrates the commercial viability of circular systems in the denim sector.

#Techtextil 2026

Sedo Treepoint will exhibit smart technologies for technical textile production

As technical textile production becomes increasingly complex and sustainability requirements intensify, digital integration is evolving from an efficiency tool into a strategic task. At Techtextil 2026 (April 21–24, Frankfurt am Main), Sedo Treepoint will present smart digital systems designed to address the demanding production environments of technical textile manufacturing. The company’s focus will be on practical technologies that enhance process transparency, reproducibility, and efficient resource use. Visitors will meet Sedo Treepoint in Hall 12, Booth D05.

#Techtextil 2026

ITM presents cutting-edge textile research at Techtextil

From April 21 to 24, 2026, the Chair of Textile Machinery and High Performance Material Technology (ITM) at TUD Dresden University of Technology will be presenting its current research at Techtextil, the leading international trade fair for technical textiles and nonwovens. In Hall 12.0, Stand D41, the team will be demonstrating how it combines high-performance fibers, AI-supported digital development tools and innovative machine technologies to develop textile solutions for lightweight construction, construction, medical technology and sustainable production from atom to product.

#Techtextil 2026

CHT Group to showcase intelligent specialty chemical solutions at Techtextil 2026

At this year's Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt am Main, the CHT Group will be presenting its comprehensive portfolio of tailor-made specialty chemicals and process solutions for technical textiles. As a reliable partner to the global textile industry, the company offers innovative products and in-depth technical expertise across all areas of the textile value chain – from pretreatment, dyeing, and printing to finishing, coating, and fiber auxiliaries.

#Recycled Fibers

Syre and JEPLAN Announce Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Textile-to-Textile Recycling

JEPLAN, INC. the Japanese pioneer developing and operating chemical recycling technologies for circularity in packaging and textiles, and Syre, the textile impact company on a mission to hyperscale textile-to-textile recycling, announced today a strategic partnership. Together, the companies aim to extensively accelerate the timeline towards commercialization of next generation textile-to-textile polyester recycling technology.

#Associations

Results of the 37th ITMF Global Textile Industry Survey

The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) released findings from its 37th Global Textile Industry Survey (GTIS), conducted in March sharing how regions and segments are impacted by the latest geopolitical disruptions.

#Techtextil 2026

2026-04-07

AI, Start-ups, Research: Techtextil and Texprocess bring together players in the textile industry

From start-ups to universities and research institutes: at Techtextil and Texprocess, the world’s leading innovation trade fairs in Frankfurt am Main, exhibitors present future-oriented concepts for the global textile industry. With the international Campus & Research area, a strong participation from start-ups and the latest AI applications for textile processing, both trade fairs showcase current developments in the textile industry. By bringing together innovation, research and application, they enable new partnerships across the textile value chain.

#Techtextil 2026

2026-04-07

IVGT joint stand brings innovation and networking to Techtextil 2026

At Techtextil 2026 and the parallel Texprocess 2026, key transformation topics such as artificial intelligence, digitalisation, sustainability, recycling and the circular economy will be reflected across the show. Against this backdrop, the IVGT, together with 16 member companies, will present its joint stand in Hall 12.1 (Stand D62) as a platform for exchange and networking.

#Man-Made Fibers

2026-04-07

Indorama Ventures supports Southeast Asia’s textile customers with reliable regional supply and global innovative portfolio

Indorama Ventures, one of the leading global polyester fiber and filament yarn suppliers globally, will participate in Indo Intertex 2026 in Jakarta this April, making its diverse global portfolio available to apparel, home textile, and hygiene customers across Southeast Asia.

#Raw Materials

New study shows low environmental impact by Cotton made in Africa Organic Cotton from Tanzania

Today, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) is announcing the results of a comprehensive life-cycle analysis (LCA) for cotton produced in Tanzania under the Cotton made in Africa Organic (CmiA Organic) standard. The study emphasises the small ecological footprint of CmiA Organic verified cotton. This can largely be traced back to the absence of synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilisers, and artificial irrigation. Consequently, CmiA Organic cotton can help the textile industry meet regulatory requirements as well as science-based targets. The results also show that the consequences of climate change threaten the livelihoods of these cotton farmers, even though the type of agriculture they practise barely contributes to climate change.

#Raw Materials

Better Cotton Initiative strengthens regenerative focus in standard update

The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) has strengthened the regenerative focus of its field-level standard with the launch of a new version of its Principles & Criteria (P&C), which marks the next step in the organisation’s journey to becoming a regenerative standards system.

#Man-Made Fibers

Selenis and Kintra Fibers partner to scale 100% bio-based synthetic fiber technology

Selenis, a leading global specialty polyester manufacturer, today announced a strategic manufacturing partnership with materials science company Kintra Fibers to scale Kintra’s patented fiber-grade PBS resin - a 100% bio-based and biodegradable material designed for textile applications.

#Functional Fabrics

PERFORMANCE DAYS proves its relevance as the industry’s key meeting point

Held on March 18–19, 2026, PERFORMANCE DAYS once again confirmed its position as a leading international platform for functional textiles. A total of 3.366 trade visitors and around 560 exhibitors gathered in Munich, with the event already kicking off successfully on DAY 0, which received highly positive feedback for its interactive format. Despite challenging conditions caused by the public transport strike in Munich, the event saw strong attendance and a consistently high level of activity across both exhibition days.

#Recycling / Circular Economy

Reju secures €135 Million in Dutch NIKI Funding for industrial-scale textile-to-textile regeneration hub at Chemelot Industrial Park, the Netherlands

Reju™, the progressive textile-to-textile regeneration company, has been awarded €135 million in funding under the Netherlands’ Nationale Investeringsregeling Klimaatprojecten Industrie (NIKI) program. The funding will support Reju’s planned industrial-scale Regeneration Hub at Chemelot Industrial Park in Sittard-Geleen, covering both the investment phase and ongoing operations, and represents a critical milestone on the path toward final investment decision.

#Techtextil 2026

TTL showcases nonwoven and needlefelt solutions at Techtextil 2026

Technische Textilien Lörrach GmbH & Co. KG (TTL), part of the Yanpai Group, will present its latest nonwoven and needlefelt solutions for industrial applications at Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt.

#Composites

JEC World 2026 confirms its standing as the unmissable event for composites and their applications

JEC World 2026 confirms its position as the leading global event for the composite materials industry and its applications across multiple sectors, bringing together the entire composites ecosystem in Paris for three days of business, innovation, and collaboration. True to its Pushing the Limits motto, the 2026 edition delivered outstanding results despite travel disruptions worldwide. The numbers speak for themselves: more than 1,400 exhibitors from over 50 countries, including over 150 first-timers, presented a global panorama of products, equipment, and services across the entire composites value chain.

#Techtextil 2026

Covestro to exhibit solutions for a more sustainable and productive textile industry at Techtextil 2026

Covestro will present a broad portfolio of material innovations for textile coatings, adhesive films and thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) at Techtextil 2026 (Hall 11.0, Booth C79). The exhibits will demonstrate how advanced solutions can enhance durability, recyclability and manufacturing efficiency across applications such as automotive, infrastructure, protective apparel and sportswear. A particular focus will be on more sustainable coating technologies, including antimicrobial systems based on INSQIN® in combination with AGXX from Heraeus Precious Metals, as well as the integration of Pontacol® thermoplastic adhesive films into Covestro’s offering.

#Textile chemistry

Orta and Archroma launch denim collection dyed with wool waste

Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals, and Orta Anadolu, the premium Türkiye-based denim manufacturer behind the ORTA brand, today announced a collaboration to bring circular dye chemistry into commercial denim production.

#Nonwovens

INDA announces legislative champion and industry advocate awards

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced the winners of its inaugural Legislative Champion and Industry Advocate of the Year Awards, recognizing policymakers and industry members for their support of the nonwovens industry’s advocacy agenda.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Istanbul Yarn Fair

March 26 - 28, 2026,

Istanbul, Türkiye

Techtextil 2026

April, 21 - 24, 2026,

Frankfurt, Germany

Texprocess 2026

April, 21 - 24, 2026,

Frankfurt, Germany

#Natural Fibers

Global Standard gGmbH launches second public consultation for GRTS Draft 2 for the textile industry (1–30 April 2026)

Global Standard gGmbH is pleased to announce the release of Draft 2 of the Global Responsible Textile Standard (GRTS) for its second public consultation. The consultation will be open from 1 April 2026 to 30 April 2026, inviting stakeholders across the textile and apparel value chain to provide input and contribute to the further development of this new Standard.

#Man-Made Fibers

Swiss industrial engineering and manufacturing company Sulzer joins Spinnova’s ecosystem

Sulzer, a Swiss industrial engineering and manufacturing company, has joined Spinnova’s ecosystem (consortium) to enable the availability of SPINNOVA® fibre in the textile materials market. Sulzer will contribute its expertise to support Spinnova’s development work.

#Recycling / Circular Economy