[pageLogInLogOut]

#Techtextil 2019

The program of the new Techtextil Forum is available

As part of Techtextil (14 to 17 May 2019) the new Techtextil Forum will gather top-class speakers on a large number of topics. The programme is ready.

Sustainability, filtration, smart textiles, composites, textiles in urban spaces, digital transformation and worlds of work, textiles for medical application: the programme for the new Techtextil Forum will offer trade visitors to this leading international trade fair for technical textiles and nonwovens comprehensive insights into the latest developments in the industry. The Techtextil Forum is free of charge and available to all trade visitors at the fair in Hall 4.1 The programme is available immediately online.

Focal subject: sustainability and new filtration materials

The Tuesday of the fair (14 May) will start with the topic of sustainability. The first panel in the Techtextil Forum will feature contributions (among others) by TWD Fibres on textile recycling, by the Hohenstein Institutes on traceability of bio-cotton, by Centexbel on bio-based coated textiles, and by the IRT Jules Verne Research Institute on carbon fibres. Contributions will follow on the subject of filtration. Here trade visitors can look forward to contributions (among others) by the Textile Research Institute of Saxony, by Smartpolymer, Wespun India, SWM International and Argaman Technologies.

Sustainability will also be in the forefront of the morning panel on the last day of the fair, 17 May, supported and designed by the Dornbirn GFC (Global Fibre Congress) and chaired by Friedrich Weninger, general manager of the Austrian Fibre Institute. Lenzing will speak here inter alia about ecological materials and dye technologies for car seats. The University of Maastricht will showcase bio-based fibres, Märkische Faser sustainable polyester fibres, the Leilat Tech Center eco-composites, and the University of Ljubljana sustainable, halogen-free, flame-resistant filaments.

Textiles in urban spaces, composites and smart textiles

On day two of Techtextil (15 May) the focus will initially be on textiles in urban spaces, fitting in well with the Techtextil and Texprocess special event "Urban Living – City of the Future." Among other contributions the programme will include the following: Penn Textile Solutions on the subject of textile concrete, Centexbel on green and living facades, and Low and Bonar on membrane structures for high-performance facades.

Techtera, Owens Corning and the University of Münster will focus in their contributions on geotextiles. Next the focus will shift to composites, in talks by Karl Mayer Technical Textiles, FiberCheck GmbH and the Institute for Textile Machinery and Textile High Performance Materials Technology of the Technical University of Dresden.


Wednesday afternoon at the fair will be devoted to the subject of smart textiles and will provide trade visitors with insights into subjects such as textiles in conjunction with the internet of things – featuring here the first communicating zip fastener from the French start-up Genius Objects. Among the topics to be presented by the Textile Research Institute of Saxony (STFI) will be composite foams with integrated sensor technology for wearables and conductible yarns and strips. TexMind and the University of West Bohemia will focus on smart knitted fabrics. Centexbel will consider the washability of smart textiles, and Eschler Textiles will talk about the virtual development of woven and knitted textile wearables.  

Digital transformation, Work 4.0, artificial intelligence, and technical textiles in medicine

Digitalisation will be the catchword for the morning of 16 May. The Textile Research Institute of Saxony in Chemnitz (STFI) and ITA Academy GmbH will provide insights into the factory of the future and the topic of Industry 4.0. Virtual design, product development and colour management, plus digital and thus efficient materials handling will be considered by Audaces, the North Rhine Polytechnic, mode information GmbH and Vizoo GmbH. Coloreel, prize-winner of the Texprocess Innovation Award for 2017, will talk about its new instant-dyeing equipment for embroidery, and Multiplot will consider digital textile printing. Supported by the "Mittelstand 4.0-Kompetenzzentrum Textil vernetzt" organisation, the following block, entitled "Textiles in the forefront: Work 4.0 and artificial intelligence", will provide insights into the digitalisation of the world of textile work (Institute for Textile Technology of RWTH Aachen University) and the incorporation of artificial intelligence into textile production (DITF und Hanh-Schickard-Gesellschaft). A discussion panel will consider the subject of smart and flexible worlds of work.

On the afternoon of 16 May the focus will be on high-tech textiles for use in medicine. Talks will be offered (among other subjects) on protective clothing for work with high-pressure water jets by the TITV, protective clothing for sweat and odour management by Hohenstein Laboratories GmbH and Sanitized and for optimised heat management with the aid of graphic-based textiles.

On all four days at the coming Techtextil the Techtextil Forum, featuring talks, discussions and interactive formats, will be offering a new framework for the exchange of information between exhibitors and trade visitors, and between researchers, developers and users, covering every aspect of technical textiles.

The full programme is available on the following link:

http://m-es.se/Xf3e

More News from Messe Frankfurt GmbH

#Techtextil 2026

From Nature Performance to Circular Economy: Techtextil 2026 focuses on the future market for technical textiles

Alternative materials and recycling technologies are one of the most important future segments and drivers of innovation in technical textiles. Sustainability goals and regulatory requirements increase their relevance, while advances in performance and economic viability enhance their market competitiveness. Taking place from 21 to 24 April 2026, Techtextil reflects this key industry trend with a growing number of specialised exhibitors. With the new “Nature Performance” label, the leading global trade fair bundles relevant market offerings and facilitates access to new solutions – from natural fibres and yarns to bio-based materials and circular approaches.

#Techtextil 2026

Between innovation pressure and production readiness: Techtextil 2026 showcases market-ready defence textiles

EU defence spending reached a record level of around €381 billion in 2025. The importance of textile innovation in this context is underscored by the European Defence Fund’s 2026 Work Programme, which identifies “smart and multifunctional textiles” as a dedicated priority area. Techtextil translates this demand into industrial practice. From 21 to 24 April 2026, more than 10 per cent of over 1,500 exhibitors in Frankfurt am Main will present material innovations for protective textiles.

#Yarns

Yarn Expo Spring 2026 concludes, connecting buyers with innovative selection of sustainable yarns and fibres

Yarn Expo Spring 2026 wrapped up successfully on 13 March, as a record-high of over 600 exhibitors from 12 countries and regions welcomed more than 25,000 visitors from 113 countries and regions. Held across 27,000 sqm in Hall 8.2 of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the fair highlighted the textile industry’s accelerating shift toward a lower-impact, more functional future. Exhibitors presented eco-friendly organic, regenerated and recycled yarns and fibres, alongside innovative options such as sweat-resistant and high-performance materials. A comprehensive fringe programme further enriched the event, offering practical market insights and new networking opportunities.

#Techtextil 2026

Where performance becomes product strategy: Techtextil 2026 puts functional apparel in the spotlight

The demand for high-performance textile solutions for the apparel industry increases – and with it the sector’s innovative strength. Techtextil 2026 addresses these developments: The Performance Apparel Textiles area (Hall 9.0) presents around 130 exhibitors from 13 countries showcasing innovative materials for workwear, protective clothing, smart fashion, outdoor and sports. Global key players such as Concordia Textiles, Getzner, Kermel, Klopman International and YKK Europe are among the participants. The live show “Performance Apparels on Stage” brings forward-looking wearables on stage and demonstrates textile innovations where they matter most: in action.

More News on Techtextil 2019

Latest News

#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.

TOP