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ITM 2026  9-13 JUNE 2026 ISTANBUL

#Recycling / Circular Economy

Countdown to Textiles Recycling Expo 2026: Brussels prepares for Europe’s textile recycling gathering

With only two weeks remaining until the start of the second edition of the Textiles Recycling Expo 2026, preparations are entering the final phase. The exhibition and conference, dedicated exclusively to textile recycling and circularity, will take place on 24–25 June 2026 at Brussels Expo and is expected to attract stakeholders from across the textile recycling value chain.

#Associations

Results of the 38th ITMF Global Textile Industry Survey

The global textile industry appears to be turning a corner, but this is more likely a fragile and possibly temporary improvement than the start of a durable recovery. According to the 38th ITMF Global Textile Industry Survey, conducted worldwide during the second half of May 2026, business sentiment, order intake, order backlogs and capacity utilization all improved versus March — yet every indicator remains weak by historical standards, and rising costs cast doubt on how long the upturn can last.

#Recycled Fibers

Indorama Ventures enables brands to scale circular textiles through proven, traceable supply chains

Indorama Ventures, a global leader in recycled polyester staple fibers and filament yarns, will exhibit at Textiles Recycling Expo in Brussels on June 24–25. At the event, the company will show how brands and textile manufacturers can build traceable, circular textile supply chains by working with proven partners who deliver recycled materials on an industrial scale.

R & D Articles

textile.4U

Warp-knitted PCL nets: Degradable textile structures for regenerative medicine

Leonie Anna Hoffmann, Dr.-Ing. Caroline Emonts, Univ.-Prof. Prof. h. c. (MGU) Dr.-Ing. Thomas Gries

Shape memory polymer fibres for textile shading systems

Felix Krooss, Sandy Voebel, Safwen Rekik, Univ.-Prof. Prof. h. c. (MGU) Dr.-Ing. Thomas Gries

Processing of bio-based polymers in textile technology – challenges and approaches at the Institute of Textile Technology of RWTH Aachen University

Melina Sachtleben Dahmann, Ricarda Wissel, Dr.-Ing. Lukasz Debicki, Univ.-Prof. Prof. h. c. (MGU) Dr.-Ing. Thomas Gries

Futureweaving: Concepts for individual weaving machine optimisation

Varqha Bagwan, Univ.-Prof. Prof. h. c. (MGU) Dr.-Ing. Thomas Gries

#ITM 2026

Uster’s new Recycling Opening Index guides spinners to the perfect blend

Uster AFIS 6 now offers the key data for better decisions when blending recycled fibers. Process control is decisive in determining the quality and economic outcome. The new R Recycling Module of AFIS 6 introduces the Recycling Opening Index (ROI), so spinners can optimize their circularity credentials. It was officially launched at ITM 2026 in Istanbul, Türkiye.

#HIGHTEX 2026

The heart of the technical textiles and nonwovens world will beat in Istanbul

Only 1 day remains until HIGHTEX 2026 International Technical Textiles and Nonwovens Exhibition opens its doors. Bringing together manufacturers, technology developers, investors, and industry professionals from around the world, HIGHTEX 2026 is preparing to showcase the innovations shaping the future of the industry. As the countdown to this major event continues, Istanbul is once again getting ready to become the meeting point of the global technical textiles industry.

#Man-Made Fibers

Grasim Industries announces fresh investment of ₹3094 Crore to expand Lyocell capacity

Grasim Industries Limited, the flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group and a global leader in cellulosic fibres, today announced an investment of ₹3,094 crore, for Phase II Lyocell capacity of 110K TPA at Harihar, Karnataka. This expansion will consist of 2 lines of 55K TPA (150 Tons per day) each. The first line is expected to be commissioned by 2028, and the second line is expected to be commissioned by 2030.

#ITM 2026

The future of textiles, the power of trade, and the summit of technology come together at ITM 2026

ITM 2026 International Textile Machinery Exhibition, one of the most prestigious organizations in the textile technologies sector, opens its doors to visitors between June 9-13. Expected to break records in terms of both exhibitor and visitor numbers, as well as the technological vision it presents, ITM 2026 will transform into a global trade hub with machine sales, and new business collaborations.

#Nonwoven machines

ATCO Hygienics, Uzbekistan, orders baby diaper production line from ANDRITZ

International technology group ANDRITZ has received an order from ATCO Hygienics to supply a new baby diaper production line for its plant in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The order is included in ANDRITZ’s order intake for the first quarter of 2026. Commissioning of the production line is scheduled for the end of 2026.

#Weaving

Itema manufactures the first Projectile Weaving Machines “Made in Italy” at its Colzate Headquarters.

Itema proudly announces an important industrial milestone: in early May, the first Itema projectile weaving machines manufactured in Italy were successfully produced at the Group’s headquarters in Colzate.

#Spinning

Nico Pedretti appointed as Managing Director Graf Group

As of June 1, 2026, Nico Pedretti has assumed the role of Managing Director Graf Group. With more than 20 years of international industrial experience and extensive expertise in Operations, Supply Chain Management, Finance and Controlling, he brings a broad range of leadership and business experience to support Graf’s continued success.

#Yarn & Fiber

Lenzing AG appoints Georg Kasperkovitz as Chief Executive Officer

The Supervisory Board of Lenzing AG has appointed Georg Kasperkovitz, Member of the Management Board and Chief Operations Officer, as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Lenzing AG with effect from June 1, 2026.

#ITM 2026

Sweden targets Türkiye’s textile future at ITM 2026

Following the opening of its new showroom and test centre in Sweden, imogo will be introducing its groundbreaking new Dye-Max spray dyeing technology to Türkiye’s textile manufacturers at ITM 2026 in Istanbul from June 9-13.

#Knitting & Hosiery

TM WEFT, 270" – More width, more design freedom for the fashion world

KARL MAYER is expanding its successful TM WEFT series with an innovative model that opens up new possibilities, particularly in the fashion & apparel sectors. With a working width of 270", this new machine with weft-insertion not only offers significantly higher output than its narrower counterparts but is also specifically tailored to the demands of dynamic clothing market – particularly in China and Türkiye. A well-thought-out upgrade also ensures even greater design versatility.

#Research & Development

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

#Knitting & Hosiery

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

#Associations

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

#Textile processing

YKK invests USD 150 million in new manufacturing facility in India

YKK Corporation has announced plans to construct a new manufacturing facility in India, reinforcing its long-term commitment to one of the world's fastest-growing textile and apparel production hubs. The new factory will be built at Origins by Mahindra in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and will become the third manufacturing site of YKK India Private Limited. The facility is expected to be completed by February 2028 and represents an investment of approximately USD 150 million, covering land, buildings, machinery and equipment.

#Recycling / Circular Economy

Mesdan to showcase laboratory-scale textile recycling solutions at Textiles Recycling Expo 2026

At Stand 2235 during the Textiles Recycling Expo 2026 in Brussels, Mesdan will present laboratory solutions designed to support the development and evaluation of textile-to-textile recycling processes.

#Technical Textiles

Trelleborg celebrates grand opening of advanced manufacturing facility in North Carolina

Trelleborg Engineered Coated Fabrics proudly celebrated the grand opening of its new, state-of-the-art extrusion coating manufacturing facility in Forest City, North Carolina, US on May 6, 2026. The event brought together community leaders, customers, partners and Trelleborg leadership to mark a significant milestone in the company’s continued investment in innovation, capacity and sustainable operations. The new facility represents a significant investment and reinforces Trelleborg’s long-term commitment to advancing high-performance engineered coated fabric solutions for critical applications across aerospace, healthcare & medical, safety & protection and industrial markets.

#ITM 2026

Trützschler’s Integrated Draw Frame IDF 3: Unlocking the full potential of short fiber processing

Spinning mills worldwide are looking for solutions that combine higher productivity, stable quality and shorter processes, especially when processing short fibers. Trützschler’s integrated draw frame IDF 3 has proven to be a powerful answer to these requirements. Evaluations from several customer trials in Türkiye under real production conditions highlight the strong performance of the IDF 3, particularly when combined with the next-generation card TC 30i.

#Technical Textiles

Cinte Techtextil China maps textile future with specialised zones and forward-looking fringe events

As global demand for high-performance materials evolves, Cinte Techtextil China is set to steer the industry’s next growth phase by driving the convergence of global expertise, specialised zones, and forward-looking tech and insights. Building on its diverse scope, the upcoming edition will especially spotlight critical sub-sectors such as Medtech & Protech, Indutech and Buildtech. The offering will be augmented by the well-received Mobiltech and Textile Chemicals and Dyes Zones, alongside the high-calibre German and European Zones. Beyond the booths, the fringe programme structured around four core pillars will chart a definitive roadmap for technical textiles and nonwovens.

#Yarn & Fiber

Next week’s focus: Intertextile Shenzhen & Yarn Expo Shenzhen fuse textile tradition with sustainable, digital trends

Fashion will not be left behind in one of the world’s undisputed tech and manufacturing capitals. Which is why next week, at Intertextile Shenzhen Apparel Fabrics and Yarn Expo Shenzhen 2026, the organisers have made special efforts to integrate textile topics such as materials innovation, holistic sustainability, digitalisation and AI. Yet, from 9 – 11 June at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center, the platform also includes timeless tradition and heritage-inspired evolution in equal measure. Across both shows, over 600 exhibitors from 11 countries and regions are set to showcase everything from Peruvian alpaca wool fabrics to tea-derived fibres, while their fringe programmes will explore diverse solutions along the entire value chain.

#Nonwovens

2026 World of Wipes Innovation Award® finalists revealed

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced the three finalists for the 2026 World of WipesInnovation Award®. The finalists are The Clorox Company for their Clorox™ Refreshables™, Lenzing Fibers, Inc. for their Lenzing™ DualWipe, and Rockline Industries for their First Defense™ Fentanyl Detection Wipe.

#Nonwovens

Magnera introduces Universa™

Universa™ is a new, consolidated range of industrial wipers that brings together the trusted performance of the legacy Chicopee® and Sontara® brands. Developed by combining the manufacturing expertise, technologies, and product strengths of both brands, Universa™ is designed to simplify selection while delivering reliable performance across a wide range of industrial cleaning applications. Chicopee® and Sontara® will continue as Magnera’s core wipes brands, with Universa™ strategically positioned to fill key gaps between the two in the industrial wipers portfolio.

#Raw Materials

CSITC adds ABRAPA as a round trial sample provider

Beginning with the Q2 2026 Round Trials, the ICAC's Committee on the Commercial Standardization of Instrument Testing of Cotton has expanded its sample provision framework by adding the Brazilian Cotton Growers Association (ABRAPA) as an official sample provider.

UPCOMING EVENTS

HIGHTEX Exhibition 2026

June 9 - 13, 2026,

Istanbul, Türkiye

ITM Exhibition 2026

June 9 - 13, 2026,

Istanbul, Türkiye


#Recycled Fibers

Carbios and Wankai postpone startup of China’s first PET biorecycling plant to 2028

The industrial deployment of enzymatic PET recycling in Asia is progressing, but at a slower pace than initially planned. French recycling technology company Carbios and its Chinese partner Wankai New Materials have announced that the commissioning of their planned PET biorecycling facility in Haining, Zhejiang Province, has been postponed and is now expected in the first half of 2028.

#Sustainability

Closing the Footwear Loop reveals challenges and opportunities for circular footwear

The footwear industry faces one of the most complex circularity challenges in the fashion sector. A new Phase 1 report from the Fashion for Good initiative Closing the Footwear Loop, developed together with Circle Economy, provides new insights into the composition, condition and recycling potential of post-consumer footwear waste.

#Technical Textiles

“ We have multiple companies and divisions operating in textiles, and we decided to integrate them into one platform. ”

At Techtextil 2026, the Aditya Birla Group presented its textile activities as a unified platform for the first time. In this interview, Kapil Agrawal, Business Head Textiles, Acrylic Fibres & Overseas Spinning, explains how the group is expanding from traditional textile products towards integrated technical textile solutions, circularity and higher-value applications – and outlines the role India could play in scaling fibre-to-fibre recycling in the years ahead.

VIDEOS

#Natural Fibers

Video invitation from Her Excellency, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania.

#Recycled Fibers

matterr at the K 2025 fair

#Textile chemistry

Archroma launches silicone softener for cotton that stays silky soft for longer: SILIGEN® D2W LIQC

#Recycled Fibers

Delivery of the Worn Again Textile-to-Fibre Accelerator plant in Winterthur, Switzerland © 2026 Worn Again

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