#Innovate 2021

2021-10-28

Innovate 2021 open for business

Innovate 2021 opened its virtual doors to over 18,000 registered visitors from over 150 countries yesterday.

Organised by World Textile Information Network (WTiN), the event is part of Textile Innovation Week, which is running from 25 to 29 October.

The event has around 60 exhibitors and over 100 live streams, 86% of which are exhibitor live streams. Exhibitors include Sun Chemical, DuPont, AFFOA, ITMA, Oerlikon, Velcro, Epson, Ricoh, Polygiene, Evonik, Kornit Digital and Roland DG.

A key feature of the event is the Innovate Hub, which features 50 of the latest innovations that can be rated from Interesting to Revolutionary. The innovations can help navigate visitors to key innovations in their sector of the industry.

During the virtual event, WTiN is hosting its first live Innovate Summit. Sponsored by Epson, the virtual Summit starts today (26 October) and is running until 28 October. It covers a host of key industry themes such as sustainability, transparency, digitalisation and future supply chains, to name a few.

The Summit includes 16 live presentations and panel discussions to deliver strategic insight into how the macro environment will influence industry transformation over the next five years and help all participants build a competitive, resilient, customer-driven and value-added future.

Speakers include Dirk Vantyghem, director general (EURATEX), Christian Schindler, director general, International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF), Matthijs Crietee, secretary general, International Apparel Federation (IAF) and Joshua Hinkel, partner, Bain & Company.

Including the live presentations and discussions, delegates can get involved in live Q&As and dip in and out of sessions as they browse Innovate 2021.

On the opening of the event, Mark Jarvis, managing director at WTiN, says: “Innovate 2021 offers an exciting combination of content from industry leaders and innovators in machinery, technology and materials.”

He adds: “In particular, this year’s three-day summit of 16 sessions will cover important topics including government policy, skills, digitalisation, sustainability and supply chains.”

Innovate is where the world’s leading textile and apparel companies come to explore commercial opportunities, as well as meet new partners and the sharpest visionaries.

Make sure you make the most of this opportunity and visit as many booths as possible and connect with like-minded innovators.

Innovate 2021 is sponsored by Ricoh and the Innovate Summit is sponsored by Epson.

For more information visit: https://innovate.wtin.com/

For more on WTiN, visit the WTiN booth at Innovate 2021.

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.

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.

Eastman Naia™ debuts at Kingpins Amsterdam, transforming Denim from the inside out

At Kingpins Amsterdam (April 15–16, 2026), Naia™ by Eastman Chemical Company makes its debut, presenting its approach to circularity and comfort in denim at Stand 1, Ground Level (Blue Area). The brand also highlights its growing global ecosystem, connecting mill partners, designers and brands working to expand denim possibilities through fiber innovation.

ISKO introduces a new chapter of denim innovation at Kingpins Amsterdam with FW 27/28

At Kingpins Amsterdam, ISKO presents its latest FW27/28 collection, a forward-looking exploration of denim that merges advanced color technologies, innovative fabric engineering, and contemporary finishing techniques. Designed to meet the evolving demands of the industry, the collection reflects ISKO’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of authenticity, performance, and responsible innovation, while also embracing a strong lifestyle perspective.

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.