#Textile chemistry

2022-01-06

CHT commits to TCLF Pact for Skills

On 16 December 2021 118 organisations signed the TCLF Pact for Skills, an initiative of the TCLF industries in the EU Initiative for the competitiveness of the textile industry (clothing, leather, footwear) promoted by the European Commission and coordinated by EURATEX. The CHT Group is proud to be part of this initiative.

The signatories acknowledge the skills challenge in the textiles ecosystem, and commit to invest in reskilling and upskilling workers, integrating green and digital skills and improving the attractiveness of the sector. Members of the Pact will benefit from networking, guidance and resources offered by the EC to implement the targets which are proposed in the Pact.

The Pact for Skills is part of the EU Industrial Strategy, addressing the competitiveness of 14 critical ecosystems, including textiles.

The main aim of the Pact is maximising the impact of investments in improving existing skills (upskilling) and training in new skills (reskilling). To reach such an ambitious goal, the Pact gathers various actors in the TCLF sectors: industry, employers, social partners, national and regional authorities, education and training providers. These actors should work together and invest in large-scale skills partnerships, guarantee exchange of best practices and increase the attractiveness of the sector.

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI redefine textile processing

Making investment decisions in textile processing has become significantly more demanding. Increasing energy costs, a shortage of skilled labour and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties are compelling companies to focus on technologies that deliver clear gains in efficiency and process reliability. This applies equally to apparel manufacturing and to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. As a result, modernisation initiatives are assessed more carefully – even as the need to upgrade production systems continues to intensify.

Techtextil 2026: Between innovation pressure & market reality

From 21 to 24 April 2026, Techtextil in Frankfurt am Main will once again become the central meeting point for the international technical textiles and nonwovens industry. Running in parallel, Texprocess will focus on the industrial implementation of textile processing technologies as the leading platform in this field. Together, the two trade fairs form a closely integrated presentation and working platform along the entire textile value chain – from material development to finished applications.

Between geopolitical pressure and industrial resilience

In this interview, Dr. Janpeter Horn (VDMA) discusses the current challenges facing textile machinery manufacturers, shaped by geopolitical tensions, regulatory developments and subdued investment. He also outlines why innovation strength, integrated solutions and strategic positioning remain key to global competitiveness.

Speed and connectivity: Techtextil and Texprocess provided market-ready solutions for industries under pressure

With more than 36,000 visitors and 1,700 exhibitors from a total of 112 countries, Techtextil and Texprocess 2026 demonstrated how innovation comes into industrial use. The convergence of research, industry and application proved to be a breeding ground for new material solutions, manufacturing and processing technologies. Natural fibres, performance apparel, connected systems and AI-driven processing technologies emerged as key growth and future markets.

RUDOLF is pioneering the future of technical textiles by developing innovative, functional solutions

At Techtextil 2026, RUDOLF presents its latest innovations for textile auxiliaries, textile care and construction chemicals. Based in Geretsried, Bavaria, the company draws on more than 100 years of experience and continues to position itself as a global technology partner focused on quality, innovation and sustainability.

Seamless Splicer to headline Mesdan S.p.A. presentation at ITM 2026

MESDAN S.p.A. will once again participate in ITM 2026, Turkey’s most important textile trade fair. The Italy-based leading manufacturer of yarn joining solutions and textile testing equipment,will be exhibiting at the booth of their local agent for the spinning, SARTEKS MAKINA at Hall 7, Stand 701A.

Elastic yarns to become more recyclable and environmentally friendly in future

On 29 April 2026, ITA student Tobias Dickmeiß was awarded a sponsorship prize by the Wilhelm Lorch-Stiftung for his innovative approach, to replacing conventional elastane with elastic yarns made from thermoplastic copolyester elastomers (TPC). Thanks to their thermoplastic nature and compatibility with typical polyesters used in the textile industry, elastic TPC yarns offer improved recyclability. Furthermore, the use of the melt-spinning process in yarn production eliminates the need for solvents that are harmful to the environment and human health.

HIGHTEX 2026 technical textile and nonwoven industry to gather in Istanbul

Between 9–13 June 2026, the HIGHTEX 2026 exhibition, held at the Tüyap Fair and Congress Center in Istanbul and organized concurrently with ITM 2026, is preparing to become one of the most significant global gatherings of the technical textiles and nonwoven industry. Bringing together more than 1,000 companies and agency representatives from 55 countries, the event will unite the latest technologies, innovative solutions, and investment opportunities within a single platform.

The most comprehensive platform bringing together global textile investors: ITM 2026

ITM 2026, the world's second-largest exhibition in textile technologies, is preparing to open its doors in Istanbul as the 'most comprehensive', 'most accessible', and 'most secure' international platform for global textile investors. With over 1000 companies and company representatives from 55 countries, ITM 2026 will transform into a hub for global trade, attracting thousands of professional visitors, generating machinery sales, and fostering new business collaborations.