Confidence driving the textile industry: Heimtextil 2026 sharpened its global market relevance by attracting more top-level decision-makers

Techtextil and Texprocess 2026: Innovation as a Key Driver of the Textile Future

Innovations are the textile industry’s response to economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and continued restraint in investment. Today, this became clear at the press conference of the leading international trade fairs Techtextil and Texprocess. In a panel discussion, industry representatives explored how innovation is accelerating the transformation of the textile sector – from artificial intelligence to sustainable materials and new production models. This innovative strength is concentrated in the Techtextil and Texprocess Innovation Awards, which showcase pioneering solutions driving the textile transformation.

#Dyeing, Drying, Finishing

Monforts announces leadership transition in 2026

Effective from January 1, 2026, Volker Gingter, has been appointed the new Managing Director of A. Monforts Textilmaschinen GmbH & Co. KG, headquartered in Mönchengladbach, Germany, and will steer the fortunes of the leading dyeing and finishing technology company going forward.

#Recycled_Fibers

2026-01-20

Borealis invests EUR 49 million in Burghausen, Germany to accelerate design for circularity

Borealis announces a EUR 49 million strategic investment to scale up production of Borstar® Nextension polypropylene (PP) at its manufacturing site in Burghausen, Germany. This will expand commercial production of next-generation single-site polypropylene (ssPP) grades that deliver enhanced purity, processability, and performance - supporting customers in key sectors including packaging, healthcare, mobility, and fibers, to meet evolving market and regulatory demands.

#Associations

2026-01-19

Latest news from Bremen: ICAC Plenary Meeting to take place right before the International Cotton Conference

The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) will hold its 83rd Plenary Meeting on 23–24 March 2026 at the Parliament building in Bremen. The meeting will take place immediately ahead of the 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen (25–27 March 2026) and marks a historic premiere: for the first time, the ICAC Plenary will be hosted in close cooperation with the Bremen Cotton Exchange and the Faserinstitut Bremen e.V. (FIBRE).

#Yarns

Yarn spinning partner Tearfil continues to support Spinnova’s fibre and technology

Spinnova Plc has signed non-binding Letter of Intent (LOI) with Portuguese yarn spinning company, Tearfil Textile Yarns to secure access to SPINNOVA® fibre volumes.

#Yarns

B.I.G. Yarns achieves EcoVadis Platinum Rating, ranking among top 1% of companies worldwide

B.I.G. Yarns, the carpet yarn brand of B.I.G. and a leading manufacturer of polyamide (PA), polypropylene (PP) and polyester (PET) yarns for contract, automotive, and high-end residential applications, has been awarded the EcoVadis Platinum Medal, placing the company among the top 1% of more than 130.000 companies assessed globally.

#Digital Printing

Mimaki upgrades TS330 series for vibrant and seamless dye sublimation printing

The TS330 Series now provides users with an extended colour gamut, offering the flexibility to serve different markets profitably from one solution – from fashion to décor to signage – with improved colour vibrancy, fidelity and accuracy. Mimaki also introduces a larger solution to the TS330 Series, the TS330-1800, able to accommodate single-piece, wide textile fabrics, ideal for larger home décor applications.

#Sustainability

Storm Creek achieves bluesign® PRODUCT status

Storm Creek (ASI#/PPAI#) is proud to announce a meaningful sustainability milestone: the company has achieved bluesign® PRODUCT status: becoming the first US-based supplier in the promotional products industry to earn this globally respected certification. While this marks an industry first, for Storm Creek, it represents something far more important: a continuation of doing what they believe is right.

#ITM 2026

ITM 2026: The meeting point of green transformation and the digital future in the textile industry

Shaping the transformation of the textile industry, the ITM 2026 International Textile Machinery Exhibition is set to lead the sector into the future with a strong focus on sustainable production and digital technologies. From environmentally friendly machinery to smart manufacturing systems, from energy-efficient solutions to artificial intelligence–supported applications, ITM 2026 will present a broad vision that defines the roadmap of textile technologies for the industry.

Global textile expertise meets high-end contract design: Heimtextil and Hospitality Interiors Europe announce partnership starting 2027

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

Stability in volatile markets: Heimtextil 2026 launches with 3,000 exhibitors and design expertise from Patricia Urquiola

Stefan Moll becomes new CEO of the machinery manufacturer

Editors choice

ITM 2026: The meeting point of green transformation and the digital future in the textile industry

Techtextil and Texprocess 2026: Innovation as a Key Driver of the Textile Future

Monforts announces leadership transition in 2026

Stability in volatile markets: Heimtextil 2026 launches with 3,000 exhibitors and design expertise from Patricia Urquiola

#Spinning

Efficiency reimagined: economical, precise, compact

At this year's PaintExpo in Karlsruhe (April 14–17), Barmag will present an optimized design of its paint metering pump (Hall 3, Booth 3344). It impresses with its low weight, increased productivity, and extended service life. Specially developed for compact robot arms, the pump enables high-precision and economical paint application – ideal for industries such as automotive, aerospace, and renewable energies.

#Man-Made Fibers

Fourth CDP Triple “A” Rating reinforces Lenzing’s leadership in sustainability

Lenzing AG has once again been recognized by the global nonprofit organization CDP for its transparent reporting performance in the areas of climate change, forests, and water security. This places Lenzing among only 23 companies worldwide that made it on the “Corporate A List” across all three categories in 2025 – out of more than 22,000 companies that disclosed their environmental data. For Lenzing, this marks the fourth time the company has achieved this prestigious triple‑“A” rating.

#Recycling / Circular Economy

From local actions to industrial innovations: SOLSTICE shares mid-project results

Since its launch in May 2024, the SOLSTICE project is accelerating the transition from linear models to circular regional ecosystems in the textile industry, focusing on four key territories: Grenoble-Alpes Métropole (France), Berlin (Germany), Prato (Italy), and Catalonia (Spain). By mid-project, SOLSTICE has already revealed both regional disparities and promising solutions to strengthen textile repair, reuse, and recycling infrastructure.

#Associations

Textile machinery: the upcoming Colombiatex 2026 speaks Italian

Numerous Italian textile machinery companies will be attending the upcoming Colombiatex, the premier trade fair for the Colombian textile supply chain, held in Medellin from January 27 to 29, 2026. This year’s edition further confirms the strong bond between local textile manufacturers and Italian technology providers.

#Digital Printing

Call for speakers and partners: Kornit Konnections 2026

Kornit Konnections today announced it is officially accepting speaker proposals and partner interest for what is set to be the most influential digital apparel industry gathering of the decade. Interested parties should visit www.kornitkonnections.com.

#Digital Printing

Sold-out industrial inkjet print technology showcase signals accelerating adoption across advanced manufacturing

A new sold-out industrial inkjet print showcase taking place in Munich this month is sending one of the clearest signals yet that industrial print technologies are entering a new phase of commercial adoption, as manufacturers increasingly integrate inkjet into production-scale environments.

#Research & Development

Sustainable athletic wear made from bio-based Polyethylene

Conventional sports textiles made from petroleum-based synthetic fibres are to be replaced in the future by sustainable, bio-based, cooling textiles. Polyethylene, previously used mainly in the packaging industry, is thus qualified for use in textiles and, as a bio-based drop-in solution, offers a cost-effective, sustainable alternative for the future.

#Textile chemistry

2026-01-14

Archroma and HeiQ partner to bring revolutionary antimicrobial and odor-control solutions to textile industry

Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions, and HeiQ, a Swiss deeptech materials innovator active in functional textiles and sustainable fibers, have entered into a co-marketing agreement that combines their complementary strengths to deliver advanced, planet-conscious anti-odor and antimicrobial technologies to brands, retailers, and textile mills worldwide.

#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

2026-01-14

YKK collaborates with Coloro to deliver data-driven color ffeasibility for zippers

YKK Corporation announces its collaboration with Coloro, a leading innovator in color solutions and data for the global fashion industry, to introduce joint matching and feasibility results of Coloro colors in YKK’s zippers.

#Heimtextil 2026

2026-01-13

Eastman Naia™ expands All-Night Comfort at Heimtextil 2026

New fill solutions and the debut of sleepwear highlight the versatility and performance of Naia™ Renew, its circular fiber, for home textile applications.

#Heimtextil 2026

2026-01-13

Stability in volatile markets: Heimtextil 2026 launches with 3,000 exhibitors and design expertise from Patricia Urquiola

Heimtextil opens the new season with 3,000 exhibitors from 66 countries – maintaining stability while becoming even more international. The new hall layout increases visibility and connects supply and demand even more efficiently. At the opening, architect and designer Patricia Urquiola and Rosa Bertoli, Global Design Director of Wallpaper magazine, talk about AI, innovative materials and future-oriented design for modern living environments.

#Research & Development

Innovation center for textile circular economy inaugurated

Just over eight months after the foundation stone was laid, the new Innovation Center for Textile Circular Economy was officially inaugurated today at TITK Rudolstadt. Thuringia's Minister President Mario Voigt, TITK Director Benjamin Redlingshöfer, and other guests of honor cut the ribbon to the modern building complex and viewed the premises, which are now ready for occupancy. The “DICE – Demonstration and Innovation Center for Textile Circular Economy” is TITK's largest single investment to date. The Free State of Thuringia supported the total cost of €11.5 million with €8 million in GRW and FTI funding.

#Research & Development

Sustainable design of Geosynthetics and roof underlayments made from recyclates

Is it possible to recover plastic recyclates from previously unused waste streams in order to produce high-quality fibers and films? How can bio-based polymer fibers be manufactured so as to allow adjustable biodegradability? These are the questions being addressed by researchers from the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Circular Plastics Economy CCPE in the Zirk-Tex project.

#Associations

Waste2Fashion: FTTH Committed to advancing Circular Fashion in the Mediterranean

As an official partner of the Waste2Fashion project, the Tunisian Federation of Textile and Apparel (FTTH) participated in the Kick-off Meeting held on 10–11 December in Spain. The event brought together project partners from across the Mediterranean, including Spain, Italy, Egypt, Lebanon, and Tunisia, to align on a shared vision and initiate the first implementation steps.

#Associations

AATCC announces 2025 Herman & Myrtle Goldstein Graduate Student Paper Competition winners

The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) recognized the winners of the 2025 Herman & Myrtle Goldstein Graduate Student Paper Competition. Founded in 1982 to give student members the chance to conduct and present original research, the competition was renamed in 1994 in honor of Herman and Myrtle Goldstein, following their US$60,000 endowment. Their gift is a lasting remembrance of their dedication to young people in the textile industry.

#Nonwoven machines

Yanpai expands nonwovens capacity with two new ANDRITZ needlepunch lines

Zhejiang Yanpai Filter Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Yanpai”) has placed an order with international technology group ANDRITZ for two high-performance needlepunch lines. The equipment will be installed at Yanpai’s headquarters facility in Tiantai County, China. Commissioning is scheduled for the third quarter of 2026.

#Natural Fibers

Dr. Jane Dever inducted into the 2025 Cotton Research and Promotion Hall of Fame

Dr. Jane K. Dever, a recognized leader in cotton breeding and fiber quality research, was inducted into the 2025 Cotton Research and Promotion Hall of Fame during the joint Cotton Incorporated/Cotton Board Annual Meeting held on December 9 in New Orleans, LA.

#Research & Development

India, ITA and innovation – enhanced cooperation in research, implementation and bilateral projects such as hydrogen mobility

The Indian Consul General, Dr Shuchita Kishore, visited the Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University on 15 December to inspect the joint project between the ITA, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay and industrial partners from India and Germany and to tour the ITA.

#Yarns

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.

#Dyeing, Drying, Finishing

Stefan Moll becomes new CEO of the machinery manufacturer

Starting January 1, 2026, Stefan Moll will take over the management of Mahlo GmbH + Co. KG, the world’s leading provider of measurement and control technology for web-shaped materials. With this move, Mahlo is focusing on the long-term safeguarding of its market position and technological leadership. The current CEO, Rainer Mestermann, will leave the company after 14 years as part of a planned succession arrangement.

#Spinning

Barmag's new texturing machine impresses the market

Since its premiere at ITMA Asia + CITME 2025, the eFK EvoSmart texturing machine has achieved impressive market success. The innovative technology is winning over yarn manufacturers worldwide who are committed to energy-efficient and economical production processes. A total of 84 machines has already been sold – including in China, Turkey, and Indonesia – a clear sign of the industry's confidence in this forward-looking solution.

#Yarns

INVISTA proposes plant closures and production shift to strengthen global competitiveness

INVISTA announced a set of proposed strategic actions intended to strengthen its global operating footprint and position the business for long-term competitiveness. The proposal includes closing its precision machine shop in Martinsville, Virginia; discontinuing production at its Gloucester, England site; transitioning operations to its Kingston, Canada facility, which will continue to serve customers in North America and Europe; and continuing to explore various investment opportunities for expanding capabilities at select advantaged sites, including its Anlon site in Shanghai, China.

#Nonwovens

FiltXPO™ 2026: Call for conference presentations

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, in partnership with AFS, the American Filtration and Separations Society, announces the call for presentations for the Advances in Filtration Conference, to be held October 28–29, 2026, as part of FiltXPO™ 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

#Technical Textiles

Techtextil India 2025 concludes on a stellar note: Sports textile, circular supply chains, bio-based materials and resource-efficient manufacturing under spotlight

The 10th edition of Techtextil India 2025 concluded recently at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, with strong buyer turnout, primarily from Western India, reaching 9144 visitors across 235 Indian cities and 45 countries. Over three days, the trade fair brought together leading domestic and international brands, technology providers, institutional buyers and policymakers, reinforcing India’s ambition to emerge as a global hub for value-added technical textiles. The show hosted 216 exhibitors, featuring over 300 brands and showcased cutting-edge solutions across 12 application areas, keeping the show floor busy throughout the three days.

#Yarns

Acelon introduces new functional yarns for fire safety and comfort applications

Acelon has presented two new functional yarn developments, AceXflame® and MistX®, aimed at expanding performance options for home textiles, industrial applications, and apparel.

#Man-Made Fibers

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories takes possession of three strategic mulberry fields advancing massive spider silk production ramp-up

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc. (OTCQB: KBLB) (“the Company”, “Kraig Labs”, or “Kraig’s”), a world leader in spider silk technology*, today announced that it has taken possession of three critical mulberry fields for which it previously secured usage rights. The Company has now integrated this new feedstock capacity directly into the ramp-up of its current spider silk production.

#Associations

SIMTA joins ITMF as Corporate Member

In the past two decades SIMTA has established itself as producer of specialized machinery for the textile industry. In short period of time, SIMTA became an important supplier of precise rollers for top OEMs. Afterwards SIMTA started manufacturing overhead cleaners, bobbin transport systems, and other textile ancillaries. In the meantime, SIMTA is a leader in this space in collaboration with the German automation technology partner Jacobi.

#Yarns

Durak Tekstil enters 2026 with positive momentum, strengthens its global market focus

Durak Tekstil, maintaining its profitability and turnover levels in 2025 compared to the previous year, prioritizes growth through its export-oriented sales strategy. Increasing both its capacity and utilization rate, the company anticipates further gains in 2026 through expansion in global markets.

#Heimtextil 2026

Global textile expertise meets high-end contract design: Heimtextil and Hospitality Interiors Europe announce partnership starting 2027

Heimtextil further expands its role as the global leading trade fair for home and contract textiles and textile design – and starts a new partnership with the format Hospitality Interiors Europe (HINT). With the launch, a complementary event will take place alongside Heimtextil 2027, targeting decision-makers from the hotel and high-end hospitality design sector. Both platforms combine their strengths, create tangible synergies for exhibitors and visitors – and expand the holistic interior design offering for architecture, interior design, hospitality and the contract sector. Hospitality Interiors Europe already presents itself at Heimtextil 2026 with its own dedicated lounge area.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Texworld, New York City

January 20 - 22, 2026,

New York City, USA

DOMOTEX

January 19 - 22, 2026,

Hanover, Germany

Première Vision New York

January 13 - 14, 2026,

New York, USA

Heimtextil 2026

January, 13 - 16, 2026,

Frankfurt, Germany

#Software

Tunicotex Group boosts OTDP to 85%, cuts planning time by 25% & expands production capacity by 40%

Coats Digital is delighted to announce that following the implementation of FastReactPlan, leading Tunisian premium knitwear manufacturer, Tunicotex Group, has significantly improved its on-time delivery performance from 75% to 85%, reduced planning time by 25%, minimised delays and penalty costs, and unlocked 40% additional capacity to take on more customer orders and support sustained business growth.

#Knitting & Hosiery