#Smart Textiles

2023-03-09

SmartX Community meets at LOPEC!

The SmartX Community met at LOPEC, an annual exhibition and conference highlighting the latest developments in printed electronics, a crucial technology for integrating electronic components into wearables, creating lightweight and flexible devices that can conform to the shape of the body.

On 1-2 March, members of the SmartX Community had the chance to catch up and collaborate at LOPEC in Munich, Germany.

Textile ETP's Project Manager and SmartX Community Manager Judith Bosch visited the fair, meeting SmartX Community members CeNTI, Sefar, Elitac Wearables and InnovationLab. Two of them, CENTI and InnovationLab, showcased their latest innovations: CENTI introduced their latest wearable technology, while InnovationLab demonstrated their energy-efficient prototypes, highlighting the possibilities of printed electronics in creating sustainable and environmentally-friendly devices.

One of the interesting developments showcased at LOPEC was the use of printed electronics in textiles, which offers new possibilities for integrating electronic components into clothing. This technology has the potential to create smart textiles that can monitor health and fitness, among other applications. Additionally, new circular economy inks were demonstrated, which can reduce waste and make printed electronics more sustainable. The fair also showcased new pilot plants that can produce wearable electronic devices more efficiently, making them more cost-effective and accessible to consumers.

The fair was an exciting platform for exploring the potential of printed electronics in driving innovative smart textile solutions across diverse markets. The SmartX Community believes that the LOPEC fair and the innovations showcased will bring interesting potential with continued research and development.

LOPEC is an annual exhibition and conference showcasing the latest developments in printed electronics, highlighting several new approaches to this technology, and taking place in Munich, Germany. The exhibition offers visitors the opportunity to discover trends and technological developments on their applicability to testing.

textile.4U publishes special edition “Top 100 Textile Recycling Companies 2025”

With a comprehensive 176-page special edition, textile.4U is dedicating its latest issue entirely to one of the most dynamic and influential topics in today’s textile industry: textile recycling. The new issue, published exclusively in high-quality print, presents the Top 100 textile recycling companies researched and selected by TexData – organizations that already play a key role in the transition to circular textiles or are expected to have a significant impact in the near future.

Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 signed by Governor

Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) is proud to announce that Senate Bill 707 (SB 707), the Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024, has been signed into law by the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom. This groundbreaking legislation establishes the country’s first Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) textile recycling program, marking a significant step forward in the state’s efforts to combat waste and promote sustainability.

Modtissimo promotes sustainability with 28 coordinates in the Green Circle

Modtissimo is proving more and more to be a textile and clothing show that delivers the latest innovations in the area of sustainability, with the iTechStyle Green Circle being the main showcase for companies' creations. In this 60+4 edition, taking place on 12 and 13 September, 28 coordinates will be exhibited in a section organised by CITEVE and curated by Paulo Gomes.

The EU and Egypt team up to mobilise private sector investments at Investment Conference and sign a Memorandum of Understanding underpinning €1 billion in macro-financial assistance for Egypt

At the EU-Egypt Investment Conference, co-organised by the EU and the Government of Egypt on 29-30 June, the EU and Egypt are teaming up to intensify private sector investments in Egypt. They are also signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the disbursement to Egypt of up to €1 billion in Macro-Financial Assistance.

Catching heart disease early with AI-based sensor system

It slips on like a normal vest: Fraunhofer IZM has created a smart sensor system in cooperation with the Charité and the Technical University of Berlin. The vest records a vast array of cardiovascular parameters, which an AI-based system uses to support medical diagnostics and spot potentially dangerous developments.

Intelligent textiles for construction, architecture and mobility: Smart Textiles User Forum in Stuttgart

When textiles are equipped with electronic components, conductive yarns and textile sensors, the application possibilities are almost unlimited. These high-tech textiles are a global growth market. In Stuttgart, manufacturers, users and researchers presented amazing examples of applications in construction, architecture and mobility. The appropriate standards ensure quality and safety.

Mimaki demonstrates versatile, simple TRAPIS textile printing at Heimtextil 2026

Mimaki’s textile pigment transfer printing system, TRAPIS, is able to print on a diverse range of fabrics - unlike traditional processes - including natural fibres and synthetic fabrics. The full solution will be shown on Mimaki’s booth (Hall 3.0 Stand A97), as the company returns to Heimtextil to showcase its advancements in sustainable, high quality and efficient textile printing.

The Technology Hub for global denim trends: ITM 2026

The ITM 2026 International Textile Machinery Exhibition, to be held at the Tüyap Fair and Congress Center in Istanbul from June 9–13, 2026, brings together groundbreaking technologies in denim production. From smart production systems to eco-friendly raw materials, from digital washing solutions to laser effect technologies, innovations that will shape the future of denim will be showcased for the first time at ITM 2026.

38th International Cotton Conference Bremen: Let´s Talk about Cotton!

The 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen, to be held on 25-27 March 2026 in Bremen’s parliament building on market square, once again sends a powerful signal for professional excellence and international dialogue. The focus is on the latest market trends and technical innovations throughout the entire value chain – from agriculture and quality assurance to processing and the circular economy. With its high-calibre speakers, the conference remains an indispensable forum for anyone involved in shaping the cotton industry scientifically, technically, or economically.