#Raw Materials

2023-03-16

DNFI at Heimtextil 2023: Trade Fair in Frankfurt succeeds

Presentation of DNFI Award: Terry Townsend, Cotton Analytics, Dalena White, DNFI Vice Chair, Dr Tanja Schneck + Dr Frank Hermanutz, DITF, Elke Hortmeyer, DNFI Chair, Dr Christian Schindler, ITMF © 2023 Bremen Cotton Exchange

With 44,000 visitors and 2,400 exhibitors from 129 nations, the global textile industry met in Frankfurt, Germany for four days. The trade fair Heimtextil has returned to its old rhythm after the restrictions of the pandemic years.

The buyers took the opportunity to participate in the world market for home and contract textiles and to get a comprehensive overview of global textile innovations – from fibers, yarns, upholstery and decorative fabrics, functional textiles, outdoor fabrics, artificial leather, wallpapers, to bed and bath textiles, mattresses, sleep systems, curtains and decorative pillows. The top ten exhibiting countries were China, India, Turkey, Pakistan, Italy, Germany, Spain, Portugal, France and the United Kingdom. The top visiting countries included Germany, Italy, Turkey, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Spain, Pakistan, India and Greece.

Many representatives from the raw materials sector also attend Heimtextil regularly. The Discover Natural Fibers Initiative DNFI regularly organizes a members‘ meeting on the occasion of this fair in January providing representatives of various natural fibers with the opportunity to exchange ideas. Supported by Messe Frankfurt, the DNFI was able to host a public meeting on natural fibers in the halls of Heimtextil this time. Moreover, the annual DNFI Award was presented. In the „Sleep and More“ area of Hall 11, and excellently supported by the trade fair team, a DNFI event with lectures and discussion was held with success. In a panel discussion moderated by Dalena White, the topics of ecology and functionality, raw materials and innovation were addressed.

DNFI panel discussion at the Heimtextil: Elke Hortmeyer, BBB, Stefan Schmidt, IVGT, Dalena White, IWTO, Dr Christian Schindler, ITMF (f.l.t.r.) © 2023 Bremen Cotton Exchange

Afterwards, DNFI Chair Elke Hortmeyer presented the Natural Fibres Award of the Year 2022 to the winners. For the sixth time since 2017, the DNFI offered the ‚DNFI Innovation in Natural Fibres Award‘. This award aims to draw public attention to innovative and science-based work and products that are based on natural fibers and additionally point the way ahead.

This year, the award was presented to Dr Frank Hermanutz and Dr Tanja Schneck, Deutsche Institute für Textil- und Faserforschung Denkendorf DITF, whose work ‚PureCell – Natural fiber-reinforced composites based on pure cellulose‘ presents a pure cellulose composite material. PureCell‘s cellulose matrix is produced in a process that recycles 100 percent of the solvent from ionic liquids. After impregnation of the natural fibers serving as reinforcement with the cellulose matrix, the desired composite material is created. The manufacturing process is hence extra environment-friendly and follows the sustainability concept in textile and material production. The composite material is lightweight and proves with its high mechanical strength. It can be easily molded in a hot-pressing process and thus prepared as a component for technical parts.

Members meeting of the DNFI

On the occasion of Heimtextil, the members of DNFI also meet in Frankfurt am Main. The annual meeting took place at the IVGT offices and via video link. The DNFI organization now comprises around 600 members from all over the world and numerous natural fibers. The DNFI meetings, as well as the commodity market data presented here, therefore provide a comprehensive picture of the market situation. Presentations by the World Bank, FAO and DNFI statistician Dr. Terry Townsend provided a broad picture of the world market situation. This was followed by more detailed insights from individual natural fiber representatives. Elke Hortmeyer, Bremen Cotton Exchange, will chair the initiative for another year. Dalena White from IWTO remains vice chair.

Modern testing methods for raw cotton

The 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen will take place from 25 to 27 March 2026 at the Bremen Parliament. This conference has traditionally stood for in-depth expertise and international exchange. The program will focus on technical innovations, market trends, and regulatory frameworks across the entire value chain – from agriculture to the circular economy. With high-profile speakers, the conference is regarded as the key meeting point for the global cotton industry. Today’s focus: Cotton quality and testing methods.

Modern testing methods for raw cotton

38th International Cotton Conference Bremen: Let´s Talk about Cotton!

The 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen, to be held on 25-27 March 2026 in Bremen’s parliament building on market square, once again sends a powerful signal for professional excellence and international dialogue. The focus is on the latest market trends and technical innovations throughout the entire value chain – from agriculture and quality assurance to processing and the circular economy. With its high-calibre speakers, the conference remains an indispensable forum for anyone involved in shaping the cotton industry scientifically, technically, or economically.

38th International Cotton Conference Bremen launches registration and unveils key topics

Participants can now register online for the 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen, which will be held on 25-27 March 2026 at the Haus der Bürgerschaft parliament building on market square. All visitors can look forward to a high-calibre conference programme, numerous additional meetings and a valuable exchange of knowledge and information. The comprehensive range of topics covering the entire value chain will provide practical expertise, address current developments, answer key industry questions, and provide new impetus for the future.

Lenzing AG to become majority owner of TreeToTextile AB and accelerates industrialization of new fibers

The Lenzing Group is taking another strategic milestone by acquiring a controlling majority in the Swedish innovation company TreeToTextile AB. This step strengthens Lenzing’s position as a leading provider of sustainable, wood‑based specialty fibers and expands its innovation pipeline with a highly scalable, patent‑protected technology platform. The transaction is executed through the issuance of new shares.

Cotton Incorporated appoints Bev Sylvester as Chief Marketing Officer

Cotton Incorporated announces the appointment of Bev Sylvester as chief marketing officer. In this newly created role, Sylvester will oversee Cotton Incorporated’s marketing strategy, brand positioning, consumer engagement and global outreach to increase demand for cotton and strengthen its relevance in the marketplace.

Sustainable, lightweight, and sound absorbing: Polyester-based front trunk solution for BEVs

As car manufacturers look to further reduce their carbon footprint, Autoneum has developed an innovative front trunk solution for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), made entirely from polyester-based textile. The Ultra-Silent Frunk offers significant weight reduction, improved acoustic and thermal insulation, and uses up to 70 percent recycled material, supporting sustainable and efficient vehicle design. Autoneum, global technology leader in acoustic and thermal management for vehicles, has already received orders for the new frunk from three major OEMs in Asia and Europe to be built in three BEV models. Series production for two BEVs has been underway in China and Germany since last year.

Rieter responds to higher raw material prices

Global political and economic developments have been leading to rising raw material and energy costs for some time. The textile machinery industry is also affected by this trend. Rieter machines and components consist to a large extent of steel, copper, aluminum and electronics. These materials in particular have seen higher demand and higher prices in recent months.

Stäubli demonstrates how innovation translates into real benefits for weaving mills at SITEX 2026

One of India’s most prominent textile industry events, SITEX 2026, is held from February 21 to 23 in Surat. Committed to empowering Indian weaving mills with state‑of‑the‑art solutions tailored to regional needs, Stäubli will present a selection of solutions designed for performance, reliability, and power efficiency. Through its weaving preparation, cam and dobby shedding solutions and Jacquard technologies, Stäubli highlights its global expertise tailored to the specific needs of the local market.