#Techtextil 2026

2026-04-16

Asahi Kasei Advance to showcase high-performance non-woven and fibers at Techtextil 2026

Asahi Kasei Advance will present its portfolio of high-performance nonwovens, flame-retardant fabrics, and advanced textile and fiber solutions designed for various industries during its first-ever exhibition at Techtextil 2026. Techtextil is the leading international trade show for technical textiles and nonwovens, taking place from April 21-24, 2026, in Frankfurt, Germany. Asahi Kasei Advance will highlight 14 brands, with special focus on four key materials as its debut at the exhibition in Hall 12.1 at booth C35.

Advanced flame protection: LASTAN™

LASTAN™ is a non-mineral flame-retardant fabric made by air baking a special acrylic fiber at 200–300°C. Featuring a limited oxygen index (LOI) of 47.5-50, it is characterized by high flame resistance and good electrical insulation, and a special coating process allows the material to disperse sparks generated during welding or cutting operations, thereby suppressing ignition. This allows the material to provide effective protection against flames and particle exposure from venting gases. With these excellent characteristics, LASTAN™ has been used for many years as an optimal material for failure prevention and safety in various industries.

Durable and recyclable 3D spacer fabric: Cubit™

The 3D warp knitted fabric Cubit™ is the ideal material for applications that require durability, breathability, ease of care, and enhanced support and comfort. With front and back surfaces made of PET, it is available in types using connecting threads made of PTT, PET or Nylon. The all PET monomaterial type provides an easy-to-recycle alternative to polyurethane foam in applications for the health care, furniture, or automotive industry.

3D Spacer Material Cubit

Nonwovens for hygiene and cleaning solutions: Bemliese™

Bemliese™ is a cellulose continuous filament nonwoven sheet made from cotton linter. It becomes especially soft after moistening and drapes well over any surface it contacts with less abrasion. Its exceptional moisture absorption and retention make it a suitable material for hygienic applications and cosmetic applications like face and eye masks. In a dry state, Bemliese™ leaves virtually little lint, scratches, or chemical residues on the surfaces it contacts, making it a material suitable for cleaning equipment in industrial, laboratory, or medical environments where contamination must be minimized. TÜV AUSTRIA Belgium NV has certified the material’s biodegradability in soil, water and marine environment, as well as for industrial and home composting.

Binder-free versatility: ELTAS™

ELTAS™ is a versatile spunbond nonwoven material available in various types made of polyamide, polyester, or polypropylene. All three materials feature binder-free webs and are available in ultra-thin low-weight grades. These spunbond binder free nonwoven fabrics feature filament evenness, air permeability, and edge fray resistance. ELTAS™ grades are used across a wide range of applications, including hygiene products, consumer and household items, automotive components, filtration, agriculture, housing materials, and other applications such as tea bags, and cable wrapping solutions.

All four highlighted brands alongside ten additional material solutions will be presented at the Asahi Kasei Advance booth C35 in Hall 12.1.

ROICA: Where distinction and intention shape the future of apparel industry at Milano Unica

At Milano Unica, held at Fiera Milano (Rho) in Milan from January 20–22, nine select European partners unveil collections shaped by ROICA™—the premium stretch fiber by Asahi Kasei. ROICA™ does not stand alone on the show floor, but its presence is quietly interlaced into each creation, chosen by those who seek distinction and depth in modern textiles. Through these dedicated collaborations, ROICA™ continues to sup-port the apparel industry with advanced stretch, comfort, and environmental care, offering something unique for brands who value true craftsmanship and thoughtful innovation.

January 2026 marks Asahi Kasei’s restart of Bemberg production in restored sections of the Nobeoka facility

Beginning January 2026, production at the Asahi Kasei Nobeoka facility – Bemberg’s only production site – will gradually resume, marking a new chapter following the partial shutdown caused by the April 2022 incident. This progress is the result of significant investments and continuous work toreinforce safety measures, restore full operational capacity, and establish long- term stability.

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.

SHIMA SEIKI brings new flat knitting technologies to FEBRATEX 2026

Leading flat knitting solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Brazilian representative BRASTEMA TECNOLOGIA TEXTIL LTDA., will exhibit at the Brazilian Textile Industry Fair (FEBRATEX 2026) this month. On display will be a roundup of SHIMA SEIKI computerized flat knitting technology, represented by WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machines, computerized flat knitting machines featuring a brand-new model with high productivity and excellent cost performance, a glove knitting machine and the latest digital solutions.

Lenzing reports improved half-year results and advances strategic transformation

Despite a persistently challenging market environment in the first half of 2026, characterized by volatile energy and raw material prices, subdued global consumer demand and intensified competition from Asia, the Lenzing Group significantly improved its financial performance. Net result after tax more than doubled to EUR 35.6 million, compared with EUR 15.2 million in the first half of 2025. Free cash flow increased to EUR 45.8 million, while EBITDA amounted to EUR 239.2 million. Revenue totaled EUR 1.27 billion, compared with EUR 1.34 billion in the previous year.

Trützschler’s latest spinning and card clothing innovations at CAITME 2026

From September 8 to 10, 2026, Trützschler will present its latest innovations in spinning and card clothing for state-of-the-art fiber processing at CAITME in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Visitors are invited to meet the experts at Pavilion 2, Booth D50 and explore solutions designed to increase productivity, streamline processes, and ensure consistently high yarn quality. Key topics include the next-generation card TC 30i, the integrated draw frame IDF 3, the high-performance comber TCO 21XL as well as Trützschler Card Clothing’s new flat top series STEELTOP®.