#Texprocess 2024

2024-04-25

Texprocess 2024: Technology shapes the future of textile processing

The textile processing industry is looking to Frankfurt these days, where Texprocess, the leading international trade fair for the processing of textile and flexible materials, will once again open its doors from April 23 to 26.

AI plays a major role in the future of textile processing
Incoming orders fall by 17 percent
Sales increase by 10 percent

“The entire industry is facing enormous challenges, be it the manufacturers of sewing and garment technology and machines for processing technical textiles, or the customer sectors. The entire industry is not only affected by the shortage of labor, but must also face the constantly changing demands of consumers and legislators, for example with regard to sustainability,” said Elgar Straub, Managing Director of VDMA Textile Care, Fabric and Leather Technologies at the VDMA TFL press conference at Texprocess. Accordingly, the industry has high hopes for the solutions that will be presented and discussed at Texprocess, with a particular focus on flexible digitalization and automation solutions.

Decline in orders in the entire Textile Care, Fabric and Leather Technologies sector

Incoming orders for German manufacturers of textile care, fabric and leather technologies are still on the decline: in the period from March 2023 to February 2024, incoming orders fell by 17 percent in real terms compared to the previous year. However, sales are in positive territory with an increase of 10% in the same period. Exports in the narrower sewing and clothing technology sector are stagnating. German machine manufacturers were only able to increase their exports by 0.7%. The most important customer markets here were Italy, France and the USA. Overall, the outlook is therefore mixed.

At the VDMA TFL press conference, member companies Assyst, Morgan Tecnica and Pfaff/KSL gave an overview of their latest innovations that will shape the future of textile processing. Assyst presented the power of artificial intelligence in a fully digital fashion workflow. Brands and manufacturers can benefit from fast, high-quality designs, reliable fit across all products and accurate cost calculations and savings. Morgan Tecnica gave an overview of the cutting room of the future, where the latest technology can reduce energy consumption by up to 50%. Pfaff /KSL showed a new era of controlled sewing with its AI-based ONLINE VISION SYSTEM and also how textile welding has created a sustainable joining technology without threads and consumables. JASMA, the Japanese sister association of VDMA TFL, also provided an outlook on the next technology trade fair for the Asian region, JIAM. JIAM will take place in Osaka from November 27 to 30, 2024.

“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.

“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

“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.

Techtextil & Texprocess score with growth and set as drivers of innovation the course for future-proof industries

High-tech textiles in twelve application areas, the global innovative power of technical textiles and nonwovens as well as the digitalisation of the textile-processing industry: with 38,000 visitors from 102 countries and 1,700 exhibitors from 53 countries, Techtextil and Texprocess have grown in terms of exhibitor numbers and recorded a 29 percent increase in visitor numbers. At the leading trade fairs, the density of forward-looking textile solutions that are transforming entire industries was particularly noticeable.

Groz-Beckert showcases refined precision at Techtextil 2024

Explore the intricate world of Groz-Beckert as they unveil their product highlights at Techtextil in Frankfurt from April 23 to 26, 2024. Rooted in their DNA, the pursuit of precision is a cornerstone of Groz-Beckert's philosophy. They believe that it's the small details that unveil fascinating insights when one sharpens their eye for them. Visitors are cordially invited to explore their exhibition stand.

YKK subsidiary Golden Hill Tower Limited marks 25 years of operations in Myanmar

Golden Hill Tower Limited, a subsidiary of YKK Corporation, celebrated its 25th anniversary with a ceremony in Myanmar on September 21, 2026. The event brought together approximately 230 guests, including senior executives from the YKK Group, to commemorate the company's development since the launch of its serviced apartment business in November 2000.

SHIMA SEIKI to showcase digital product creation at Apparel Sourcing Week

Leading digital textile solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan will exhibit at Apparel Sourcing Week 2026 in Bengaluru, India next month. The exhibition provides a platform for the entire apparel value chain, bringing together manufacturers, brands, suppliers and solution providers in one location.

SNA GZ accelerates its on-demand production strategy with Kornit Digital

SNA GZ is leveraging the Kornit Atlas MAX PLUS to expand its music merchandise production, streamline e-commerce order fulfillment, and grow its print-on-demand business across Europe. This investment increases SNA GZ's textile production capacity by 150% (2.5×), enabling the company to meet growing demand and support its continued expansion.

NEUMÜHLE launches mono-material hoodie designed for textile recycling

With the Circular Mono Hoodie, Zurich-based label NEUMÜHLE introduces a new essential designed around a single-material principle. The textile construction is cotton throughout, right down to the sewing thread. Entirely free from elastane, the hoodie launches as a Limited Drop for CHF 139. Take-back, collection and existing recycling partnerships complement its circular design.