#Techtextil 2026

2026-04-01

Modernizing Needling – DiloGroup at Techtextil & INDEX 2026

MicroPunch presentation on DiloGroup ITMA 2023 booth in Milan © 2026 TexData International

With the theme “Modernizing Needling”, the DiloGroup presents a comprehensively enhanced portfolio for needling technology. The objective is to further increase the performance and application range of needlefelt production lines in terms of productivity, flexibility, and the development of new products, thereby meeting the growing demands of modern technical textiles.

New needle module technology “Modilous”

A central element is the new needle module technology “Modilous”, which enables fast and cost-efficient needle changes. Thanks to its modular design, needle modules can be prepared outside the machine in fully or semi-automated processes, reducing needle-change costs and increasing process stability. In addition, the resulting reduction in cleaning times ensures consistent needling quality and extends service life.

Introduction of SuperPunch and PowerPunch

With SuperPunch and PowerPunch, DILO introduces two solutions designed for high production speeds in lightweight nonwovens and very high stitching forces in heavyweight nonwovens. Both systems address applications requiring robust, uniform, and highly compacted structures, such as in filtration, automotive applications, or geotextiles. These advancements aim to leverage mechanical performance to achieve greater energy efficiency.

Another highlight is the patterning technology “Sliding Colors” in combination with the 3D-Lofter. This system enables three-dimensional surface structures and color effects, as required for acoustic panels or decorative technical textiles. The technology expands the design possibilities in the needlefelt sector and opens new applications for functional and design-oriented products.

In addition to advancements in mechanical bonding, the DiloGroup presents its machinery program for processing renewable raw materials as well as new solutions in the fields of automation and AI.

The aim is to equip production lines with even greater efficiency, flexibility, and long-term viability, thereby meeting the increasing requirements for sustainable and high-performance nonwoven production. These developments are intended to further stabilize production processes, reduce operator workload, and sustainably increase overall equipment efficiency.

Visitors can meet the DiloGroup at Techtextil 2026 in Hall 12.0, Booth B81, while TEMAFA will be exhibiting in Hall 9.1, Booth B43F. At INDEX 2026, the company will be present at Booth 2010.

“Needle punching technology is more universal and sustainable than ever!”

Needle punching technology was long regarded as a rather traditional and comparatively slow technology within the nonwovens industry. In this interview, Johann Philipp Dilo explains why needle punching is more relevant than ever today – ranging from energy efficiency and resource conservation to hygiene applications, new machine concepts and design-oriented nonwoven solutions.

FET’s revolutionary gel spinning system wins Techtextil Innovation Award

FET has received the prestigious Techtextil Innovation Award 2026 in the New Production Technology category. The Techtextil Innovation Award honours outstanding ideas in textile technology, sustainability, AI and the creation of technical textiles, selected by an international jury of experts. Ranging from new materials to new production technologies, this award recognises progressive ideas that are driving forces for numerous industries, such as automotive, medical and construction.

Young talents honoured – 60 years Walter Reiners Foundation

At the Techtextil trade fair in Frankfurt at the end of April, Peter D. Dornier, chairman of the VDMA’s Walter Reiners Foundation, presented awards to five successful young engineers. Promotion and sustainability awards were presented in the categories of bachelor’s/project theses and diploma/master’s theses. Academic theses are eligible for the sustainability awards if, for example, they develop solutions for resource-efficient products and technologies.

Techtextil 2026: KARL MAYER impresses as an innovative sector partner

KARL MAYER looks back with satisfaction on its participation in Techtextil 2026. From April 21 to 24, the international industry leader used the trade show in Frankfurt to meet with numerous key customers at its booth and, at the same time, establish many new contacts. Most visitors came from Germany, followed by major markets such as Poland, the United Kingdom, Turkey, France, and Portugal.

ALADIN paves the way for circular and demand-driven textile production in Europe

Textile production can be organized sustainably by utilizing short supply chains and preventing overproduction. This can already be achieved today by intelligently connecting and efficiently utilizing existing infrastructure. At the same time, production becomes circular when innovative technologies and materials are used that enable high-quality recycling. The ALADIN research project, launched in May 2026 and co-funded with five million euros under the EU Horizon Europe program, is creating the conditions for this.

Katharina Obergruber appointed to the Management Board of Sandler AG

The Supervisory Board of Sandler AG has appointed Katharina Obergruber to the company’s Management Board. Effective September 1, 2026, the Board will consist of Philipp Ebbinghaus (CEO), Dr. Ulrich Hornfeck (currently CCO, future COO), and Katharina Obergruber (CCO). Katharina Obergruber, currently Chief Sales Officer Hygiene and member of the Management Team of Sandler AG, will assume responsibility for all sales activities as Chief Commercial Officer. She will assume this role from Dr. Ulrich Hornfeck, who will focus primarily on production and supply chain topics.

Ence and ShareTex begin initial testing of the ATENEA innovation project to promote textile recycling in Spain

Ence and ShareTex are making progress on the Atenea R&D project, which aims to develop a complete value chain for textile recycling in Spain. Specifically, the goal of the ATENEA project—which is funded by the Center for Technological Development and Innovation (CDTI)—is to connect all the necessary stages for the recovery of textile waste, from collection and management, through recycling and transformation into new raw materials, to their incorporation into new textile products.

DePoly Inaugurates its Showcase Plant in Monthey Switzerland

What if used plastic bottles, PET packaging material and polyester textiles could become raw materials just as high performing as virgin resources? That is the ambition of DePoly, a circular materials company based in Sion, Switzerland which inaugurated its Showcase Plant in Monthey on July 6th & 7th. The first depolymerization facility of its kind and scale in Switzerland, this industrial Showcase Plant represents a major milestone in the company's growth and its journey toward commercialization.