#Technical Textiles

2026-03-26

Mattes & Amann Group unveils TE-PAC at AIX

A new era for aircraft cabin interiors — Seven years in the making

What began as a bold idea inside the Mattes & Amann Group has, after seven years of relentless development, become a tangible product that could redefine how aircraft cabins look and feel. At the Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) 2026 in Hamburg — the world's leading trade fair for aircraft cabin products, celebrating its 25th edition — Blanke textech GmbH presents TE-PAC: the Advanced Textile Laminated Cabin Panel.

Developed in close collaboration with Airbus and Diehl, TE-PAC is not an incremental update — it is a fundamental rethinking of the aircraft interior surface. By laminating a premium textile directly onto a lightweight honeycomb composite panel, the system creates a seamless, joint-free cabin surface that simultaneously meets the strictest aerospace performance requirements.

“This premiere represents the result of seven years of intensive development within our group. We are proud to bring TE-PAC to AIX — the right stage for a solution of this scope. At the same time, we know the reality of aviation: market entry barriers are high. Certification processes, qualification requirements, and supply chain integration demand patience and sustained commitment. We are prepared for that path", says Anton Schumann, Board / Sales / Communications at Blanke textech GmbH.

A product that transforms cabin panels into design statements

Traditional wrapped panels have long frustrated aircraft manufacturers and airlines alike: excessive material waste, time-consuming manual finishing, visible seams and wrapping edges. TE-PAC eliminates all of that. The result:

A smooth, seamless textile surface — no joints, no wrapping edges visible

Flexible design language for airline branding and premium cabin segments

Significant CAPEX advantages through reduced textile waste and faster installation

Textile-based acoustic dampening and premium tactile quality for passengers

Innovation rooted in partnership — and built for the long haul

The collaboration with Airbus and Diehl was not incidental — it was essential. Aviation demands more than clever materials; it demands verified, certified, integrated solutions. The Mattes & Amann Group has invested seven years in exactly that: understanding the aerospace supply chain, aligning with OEM requirements, and engineering a product that works not just in a lab, but on an aircraft.

TE-PAC creates tangible value across the entire value chain — for aircraft manufacturers, cabin integrators, airlines, and ultimately, passengers who experience a more refined and comfortable cabin atmosphere.

Dornbirn GFC 2026 expands conference program with new thematic sessions

For 65 years, Dornbirn GFC has stood for innovation and is one of the world’s leading conferences in the fiber industry. From September 16 to 18, 2026, the international fiber community will meet in Dornbirn, Austria, to discuss current trends, technological developments, and forward-looking solutions. More than 600 experts from industry and academia from over 30 countries are expected to attend. With around 100 presentations by renowned speakers, a 2,5-day conference program, and three parallel presentation rooms with moderated sessions, Dornbirn GFC provides a first-class platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and international collaboration. Together, participants will generate ideas and impulses that will sustainably shape the future of the global fiber industry.

PERFORMANCE DAYS announces new focus topic & forums for October 2026

With its upcoming October 13–14, 2026 edition, PERFORMANCE DAYS is placing the spotlight on one of the textile industry’s most important transformations: “Bio-Based Materials – From Fiber to Fabric”, a two-part Focus Topic exploring the future of bio-based innovation across the textile value chain. Part 1, presented in October 2026, will focus on fibers and next-generation material developments, while Part 2 at the March 2027 edition will shift the perspective toward dyeing, finishing, additives, and processing technologies.

The new RJ 4/2 EL revolutionizes body mapping and expands creative possibilities – from smart lingerie to sporty athleisure designs

With the addition of another member to its successful RASCHELTRONIC® family, KARL MAYER is opening up new possibilities for creative product development for warp knitting mills and brands. The RJ 4/2 EL offers with two stitch-forming Jacquard bars entirely new design options for functional sportswear and bi-elastic lingerie. Available in gauges E 28 and E 32, this new model helps manufacturers set their collections apart from the competition. The fine E-32 gauges, in particular, impress with their clean surface, a pleasantly soft feel, and an exceptionally elegant look.

Brazil sets new cotton export record and consolidates global leadership

Brazil ended the 2025/26 commercial year with a new record, consolidating its position as the world’s largest cotton exporter. Between August 2025 and July 2026, the country shipped 3,373,941 tonnes of the fiber, 19% more than in the previous cycle, and reached record revenue of US$5.3 billion. The result represents a milestone in Brazil’s expansion in the international market and reinforces the country’s role as a strategic supplier to the global textile industry.

The LYCRA Company expands its co-creation vision through an immersive Lifestyle District at Intertextile Shanghai.

The LYCRA Company, a global leader in fiber and technology solutions for the apparel industry, is reimagining the trade show experience at Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics Autumn Edition, which opened today in China. Building on the success of last year's ALL IN concept, the company has expanded its co-creation vision into a 356-square-meter Lifestyle District featuring partners Jingzili New Material, JYT Textile, Lianxingfa Knitting, and Trend Textile. The district is part of a larger 895-square-meter pavilion showcasing a total of 19 co-exhibitors. Together, they demonstrate how innovations in fiber, fabric, and garments can be combined to create compelling solutions for both work and play.

Plastic-free stretch technologies drive new direction for denim innovation

As the denim industry looks for ways to reduce its reliance on synthetic fibres, plastic-free stretch technologies are gaining momentum. Developments based on mechanical fabric construction and natural rubber are demonstrating that comfort and stretch can be achieved without conventional elastane, supporting both recyclability and circular product design.