#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

2018-08-30

Growth course continues at MUNICH FABRIC START

MUNICH FABRIC START remains on course for growth. The 45th event held from 4 to 6 September 2018 posts another record number of exhibitors with currently 1,050 suppliers in the segments Fabrics, Additionals, Denim & Sportswear. This ongoing growth has prompted another extension to exhibition space specifically in the BLUEZONE Area at the Zenith premises.

BRAVE NEW WORLD as the overriding theme for the over 1,800 collections for Autumn.Winter 19/20 promises an intense and sizzling trend show. An interplay of contrasts dominates here - from High Fashion vs No Fashion, through Futurist vs Realist, to Optimist vs Activist. A demonstration of diversification with a simultaneous individualisation of the apparent contrasts in this fashion offensive. With its complexity this offensive offers an extraordinary whole, sends out progressive impulses and re-defines trends. This progressive fashion statement is given additional dynamism by a spectacular programme of side events that points to the textile and fashion industry of the future where tomorrow is already happening today and where technology and development are the primordial competencies.

As always, MUNICH FABRIC START offers an exclusive programme curated by experts specifically for these areas so as to generate impulses, provide solutions and offer opportunities for international networking.

"As a trade fair organiser part of our mission is to create an operational platform for high-quality presentation of suppliers. Furthermore, we are highly committed to our role as initiators and motivators. We are called upon to set processes in motion, make available expert know-how, and, in the final analysis, offer tools and approaches for processes of relevance to the future", said Sebastian Klinder, Managing Director MUNICH FABRIC START

In addition to Fabrics, Additionals, Denim, Design Studios and New Development selected companies showcase their products and services related to Manufacturing Sourcing in the exclusive SOURCING Showrooms in Atrium 3, above Hall 3. On the first and second day of the trade fair industry partners from Central and Eastern Europe will provide information on innovations and manufacturing processes.

"Sourcing is an extremely important theme that moves the industry. As a trade fair we view it our clear mission to give a platform to the growing demand for sourcing options in the location of Munich. We aim to drive forward and continuously expand this conceptual approach", added Wolfgang Klinder, Managing Director MUNICH FABRIC START

ReSOURCE care of MUNICH FABRIC START is a new enlarged sourcing area being launched as a successor to the organicselection. As a response to the changed developments in the textile industry ReSOURCE highlights the next dimension of sustainability for future-oriented manufacturing processes as well as transparency in sourcing and production/supply chains.

As MUNICH FABRIC START's centre of innovation and expertise KEYHOUSE stages the latest generation of future fabrics, latest technologies, bionomics and macro trends - for instance the NEXT TEX Innovations Showcase featuring vendors and innovators of Circular Systems, Advanced Manufacturing, Biotech Materials & Textile Interfaces in its proven interactive format.

Promising to be a one-of-a-kind experience is the 'Wardrobe of the Future', the first walk-in wardrobe with smart products for consumers that fuse fashion and technology in a retail-ready symbiosis. This is an exciting project by FashNerd in cooperation with MUNICH FABRIC START.

Frank Junker, Creative Director MUNICH FABRIC START, said: "'Our aim is to provide new impulses time and again, to inspire and keep the industry in motion. Sustainability is a holistic concept that you cannot manage single-handedly. This is why we all have to pull in the same direction."

This appeal is also echoed at the SUSTAINABLE INNOVATIONS Forum at the KEYHOUSE. Here projects are introduced that inspire and motivate material professionals to think and act sustainably. Unconventional materials are created here for aspiring design that is gentle on the environment.

The 4th presentation of the HighTex Award for outstanding and pioneering product and process solutions shows how strong and tangible MUNICH FABRIC START's commitment to smart textiles really is. Companies are recognised here for their strategic overall conception in terms of sustainability and technology. Product details and contact information for articles and producers come care of the HighTex Award presentation forum at KEYHOUSE.

The current BLUEZONE is the biggest with the best line-up ever since its inception. Well over 120 leading international denim & sportswear brands will be exhibiting their latest season-spanning fabric innovations - in many cases already translated into trendsetting finished products with novel finishes and washes.

Due to high demand the outdoor spaces around BLUEZONE will be used as additional exhibition space thereby enhancing the already very intense business atmosphere even further. In addition to the again fully booked exhibition halls the BLUEZONE FESTIVAL held for the first time will provide both denim insiders and denim lovers with unique brands and products at the heart of the BLUEZONE, the Blue Yard. In a street festival setting the exhibits will revolve around new technologies, new heritage, vintage showrooms, communication, networking and how to handle the latest process solutions.

The agenda also features high-calibre panel discussions, workshops and lectures on current denim themes and novelties at the Denim Club in Hall 7.

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.

Messe Frankfurt commits further to East Africa: three textiles trade fairs during Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week from 2027

Messe Frankfurt and its Texpertise Network continue their steady, successful trajectory in the region. As Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week (ASFW) opened today, Member of the Executive Board Detlef Braun announced that Messe Frankfurt is licencing its three leading international trade fair brands Texworld, Apparel Sourcing and Texprocess to Nairobi, Kenya for the first time in 2027. From now on, they will take place annually as part of the Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week (ASFW) Nairobi.

“We Believe in the Value of Textiles”: Successful Opening of the KARL MAYER TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER

KARL MAYER inaugurated its new, state-of-the-art TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER (TIC) with a four-day opening week from April 21 to 24. The highlight of the week was the grand opening on Thursday, which drew a strong turnout from the international textile industry: around 220 customers, brands, and partners from across the textile value chain came to the company’s headquarters in Obertshausen for a first-hand look at the new high-tech development environment and lively exchange with industry peers.

Texhibition Istanbul signals stability and global connectivity

From 4 to 6 March 2026, Texhibition Istanbul once again brought together the international textile industry at the Istanbul Expo Center. Organized by İTKİB Fuarcılık A.Ş. in cooperation with the Istanbul Textile Exporters Association (İTHİB), the fair confirmed its role as one of the most important international sourcing platforms for fabrics and textile innovation. With 500+ exhibitors across 5 halls on 42,850 sqm, the trade fair attracted 19,325 visitors. Among them, 5.565 international visitors represented Europe, Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, North America, and other regions, underlining the show’s expanding global reach.

Val:ue Milan unveiled – a curated boutique business hub for high-end apparel textiles

Messe Frankfurt continues to expand its international textile network with the announcement of Val:ue Milan. Moving beyond the traditional trade fair model, Val:ue Milan debuts as a prestigious, boutique-style business hub exclusively dedicated to elected fabrics and accessories for apparel. Taking place from February 3 to 5, 2027, at The Mall in Porta Nuova, the event breaks away from conventional formats through a strictly curated environment designed for strategic networking. By bridging the gap between high-end international manufacturers and top-tier segment buyers, Val:ue Milan further strengthens the Group’s global portfolio with a unique, high-impact concept built around a refined and carefully selected offering.

BTMA backs global growth while investing in future UK leaders

As one of a number of new initiatives launched this year, the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) is launching the UK-India Textile Machinery Coalition. The UK-India Free Trade Agreement, signed in July 2025, has implications that extend across sourcing, competitiveness and long-term trade dynamics, believes BTMA CEO Jason Kent.

China projected to increase cotton production, yields, and imports in 2026/27

World cotton production in the 2026/27 season is projected at 25.9 million tonnes, exceeding global consumption of 25.2 million tonnes, according to the May 2026 issue of Cotton This Month. That means both production and consumption are expected to remain close to current season levels, while global cotton trade is projected to decline by 2.7% to approximately 9.6-9.7 million tonnes.