#Home Textiles

2021-06-03

Heimtextil launches digital materials library

Progressive material innovations presented digitally: following the cancellation of this year’s fair due to the corona pandemic, Heimtextil is extending its range of digital services and launching a new online materials library entitled ‘Future Materials Library’. 24 future-oriented materials for interior applications can now be found at www.heimtextil.messefrankfurt.com/future.

Heimtextil is now showing a selection of innovative materials from all over the world in the digital ‘Future Materials Library’. At the last physical Heimtextil in 2020, visitors had the opportunity to explore the ‘Future Materials Library’ with all their senses. Now, in the online version of the library, visitors can discover the potential of previously unknown textiles at any time. The ‘Future Materials Library’ invites visitors to open their minds to experimental approaches and revolutionary ideas.

The curators of the new materials library are London-based futures-research agency, FranklinTill. “We are transitioning to a materials revolution that will help restore the balance in our relationship to our planet. As part of the Heimtextil Trends 21/22, we present a new selection of materials for interior applications with exciting innovations from all over the world”, says Caroline Till of FranklinTill.

A mix of commercially viable products and developments in an early stage

Imaginative designers and environmentally-aware manufacturers: the Future Materials Library 2021 offers materials pioneers a platform and presents a first-class mix of economically proven and revolutionary developments. FranklinTill has organised the materials in four themes: REGENERATIVE CROPS, REMADE FIBRES, HARVESTING WASTE STREAMS and SUSTAINABLE COLOUR.

An example of a supplier of regenerative crops is the British company Tengri, which obtains rare yak fibres directly from a cooperative of nomadic yak shepherds in the Khangai region of Mongolia. In this way, Tengri enriches the pool of sustainable natural materials that, in addition to yak fibres, includes hemp, nettle and flax.

When it comes to remade fibres, the Finnish pioneers from Ioncell supply a pioneering material: they use an ionic liquid to turn used textiles, pulp, old newspapers and cardboard into strong textile fibres, which are then used to make long-lasting, high-quality fabrics.?The French-Dutch company Tarkett also exploits waste products and gives fitted and used floor coverings a second life. With the aid of ground-breaking technologies, the two main components of carpet tiles – yarn and backing – are separated and a yarn purity of 95 percent guaranteed.

Against the background of 28 million tonnes of food being thrown away every year in Japan, the country’s Food Textile company is dedicated to the reduction of food waste, which it uses to make sustainable dyes. In a patented process, blueberries, red cabbage, coffee and matcha are turned into natural, brilliant textile dyes.

With their different approaches, these textile pioneers provide an exciting contribution to the transformation of the current linear system of production and consumption into a circular model. This is in line with the objectives of the ‘Future Materials Library’, which aims to convince both producers and consumers of the benefits of the circular-flow economic principle.

Resources are running low

Thus, the new Heimtextil materials library tackles one of the main problems of the modern age: the shortage of resources on earth. In particular, textile production creates huge and continuously growing quantities of waste. And, over past decades, the design business has developed a ‘take, make and discard’ model of consumption that is incredibly harmful for our planet. In the climate-emergency era, however, future-oriented designers are learning from nature and working together with it. They endeavour to make use of the power of highly efficient natural circular systems to create textiles and materials that are better for both humans and the planet.

Heimtextil Trends: a guide for the international sector

The ‘Future Materials Library’ is part of the Heimtextil Trends that, for almost three decades, have been offering orientation for the sector by revealing design tendencies for the coming season. Even in the crisis, the Heimtextil Trends remain a vital part of the overall concept of the fair and provide important content for all target groups involved within the worldwide sector. Accordingly, Heimtextil aims to spotlight style-defining design developments taking place within the larger context of lifestyle trends. At the same time, the Heimtextil trend experts scan the exhibitors’ product world and identify unequivocal trends in the sector. In this connection, particular attention is paid to sustainable aspects along the entire value chain – in both the new digital library and live during the fair next January.

Techtextil India 2025 commences: Ushering in a new era for functional textiles

Techtextil India 2025, a premier trade fair for technical textiles, non-wovens and composites, organised by Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India, has opened today at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, marking its 10th edition. Running from 19 – 21 November 2025, this landmark edition connects 215 exhibitors, including 100 first-time exhibitors to the textile value chain, featuring innovations across 12 application-based textile segments.

Dornbirn Global Fibre Conference Asia debuts in Mumbai: Pioneering fibre solutions and sustainability

In a remarkable union of innovation and global expertise, the world’s largest fibre innovation congress, the Dornbirn Global Fibre Conference (GFC) Asia, was successfully held in Mumbai on November 18, 2025. This prestigious event was hosted under the banner of the Techtextil India Symposium 2025.

Techtextil India 2025: Weaving India’s journey toward global functional textile leadership

In line with India’s growing momentum to establish itself as a global textile manufacturing powerhouse, Techtextil India 2025, the country’s foremost B2B exhibition on technical textiles, nonwovens and composites, is set to return with an expansive and future-ready edition. Scheduled from November 19 to 21, 2025, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon, Mumbai, the 10th edition will feature over 215 exhibitors, including more than 100 first-time participants.

Room for more: experience brand diversity at Heimtextil 2026

Interior designers are planners, craftspeople, consultants and designers all at once. Many of them work alone or in small teams - under high time pressure, with a clear goal: to design rooms that are harmonious down to the last detail. This makes it all the more important to have offerings that provide guidance, open up new perspectives and support the development of holistic solutions. Heimtextil 2026, taking place from 13 to 16 January in Frankfurt, offers exactly that: a newly structured hall concept that enables targeted comparisons, saves time and provides valuable inspiration for consulting practice.

Heimtextil 2026 strengthens the global home textile industry with trends, designs and AI technologies

With an optimised hall layout, progressive design collaborations, inspiring trends and AI-driven innovations, Heimtextil 2026 reacts to the current market situation – and offers the industry a reliable constant in challenging times. Under the motto ‘Lead the Change’, the leading trade fair for home and contract textiles and textile design shows how challenges can be turned into opportunities. From 13 to 16 January, more than 3,100 exhibitors from 65 countries will provide a comprehensive market overview with new collections and textile solutions. As a knowledge hub, Heimtextil delivers new strategies and concrete solutions for future business success.

International turnout reaffirms Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles as a preeminent global business platform

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Autumn Edition 2025 concluded with clear signs of market vitality, as the fair recorded a rise in international participation and robust sourcing intent from buyers worldwide. Across three days at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), nearly 900 exhibitors from 20 countries and regions engaged with over 35,000 visitors representing 116 countries and regions, underscoring the show’s role as a key business platform for both exhibitors and visitors.

ADVA®terra – A biodegradable Polyester fibre from ADVANSA brings eco-conscious comfort to home textiles

As global concern over synthetic textile pollution and microplastic accumulation in landfills and oceans continues to rise, initiatives like Plastic Free July and World Nature Conservation Day (July 28) are calling for urgent action. In response, ADVANSA is proud to highlight ADVA®terra – a polyester filling fibre that is made from 100% recycled materials, fully recyclable and biodegradable.

SHIMA SEIKI to exhibit at Intertextile Shanghai

Leading digital textile solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Hong Kong and Chinese market subsidiary SHIMA SEIKI (HONG KONG) LTD., will exhibit at the Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics Autumn Edition 2025 show in Shanghai, China next month. It will exhibit once again as part of the Digital Solutions Zone which allows visitors various opportunities to partake in the digital revolution that is currently making waves in the apparel industry.

Solution for lower energy consumption proves itself in practice

Getzner Textil is one of KARL MAYER’s first customers to use PROSIZE with CASCADE. The innovative weaving specialist has tested the steam and condensation system by KARL MAYER and determined the energy savings it achieves. Karl-Heinz Vaaßen, Head of Textile Drying at KARL MAYER, assisted Getzner Textil’s production specialists both with the tests and with all questions relating to CASCADE. In a conversation with Werner Egger, Head of Weaving, and Thomas Rossi, Head of Warp Preparation at Getzner Textil, he learnt more about the system’s benefits for his customer.