#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

2025-05-09

International practical experience for textile students

As part of the European Erasmus+ project AddTex, the partner institutions organised several hackathons simultaneously from 15 to 17 May 2024 at the universities in Borås (Sweden), UPC (Spain), PIN (Italy) and TUS (Ireland). The aim was to develop practical solutions to real challenges facing the textile industry. The German family-owned company Schmitz Textiles, a specialist in complete textile solutions for indoor and outdoor use, challenged students at the University of PIN in Prato to increase the recycled content of yarns for awning production to 100 per cent.

Three Italian textile students developed an idea in the AddTex hackathon on how to increase the recycling content of yarns to 100%. Their reward: a short internship at Schmitz Textiles in Emsdetten! In the picture: from left to right: Iljara Ioja, Eleonora Boccherini, Giorgio Gacci and Ralf Bosse (Schmitz Textiles) © 2025 Photo IVGT

Short internship provides insights into production

As a prize for their innovative idea, the winning team completed a short internship at Schmitz Textiles in Emsdetten in March/April 2025. They carried out their own weaving experiments and got to know the company's production processes. This was supplemented by visits to Hch. Kettelhack, Güth & Wolf, Follmann and the Fulda felt factory, leading German suppliers of technical textile solutions.

Hannover Messe and technical textiles in focus

Another highlight was a visit to the Hannover Messe 2025 trade fair, particularly Hall 2, which was dedicated to digitalisation, artificial intelligence, sustainability and international cooperation. At the joint stand for technical textiles, the students learned about the innovations of the exhibiting companies AMOHR, VLNAP A.S., TITK and vombaur.

Technical Textiles, the students learned about the innovations of the exhibiting companies AMOHR, VLNAP A.S., TITK and vombaur. At the end of their stay, the team visited the IVGT in Frankfurt, which is supporting the project as a German partner.

Students also gathered information at the Technical Textiles joint stand in Hall 2 at the Hannover Messe 2025 trade fair, pictured here with Stefan Schmidt, IVGT (left). © 2025 Photo IVGT

European textile education networks

The IVGT has been a partner in the AddTex project since 2022. In addition to organising hackathons, training videos, webinar guides, MOOC manuals and training materials for continuing vocational training are being produced during the course of the project and are available for free download at www.addtex.eu. Even after the project ends in June 2025, the collaboration is set to be expanded with new initiatives for promoting young talent in an increasingly technology-driven sector.

Further information: www.addtex.eu www.ivgt.de

6th AddTex project partner meeting in Prague

On January 21 and 22, 2025, the 6th AddTex project partner meeting took place in Prague at the invitation of the Czech cluster for technical textiles CLUTEX. After an update on the activities of the eleven European partners, the IVGT presented a draft business model that will ensure sustainable activities beyond the end of the project.

Fifth transnational ADDTEX meeting in Prato

From 1 to 5 July 2024, the fifth member meeting of ADDTEX took place in Prato at PIN s.c.r.l. Educational and Scientific Services for the University of Florence. Parallel to the meeting of the project partners and in the same building in Piazza Giovanni Ciardi, 25, PIN organised a textile innovation boot camp with students from Sweden, Spain, Romania, Ireland, Italy and Portugal.

The LYCRA Company expands its co-creation vision through an immersive Lifestyle District at Intertextile Shanghai.

The LYCRA Company, a global leader in fiber and technology solutions for the apparel industry, is reimagining the trade show experience at Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics Autumn Edition, which opened today in China. Building on the success of last year's ALL IN concept, the company has expanded its co-creation vision into a 356-square-meter Lifestyle District featuring partners Jingzili New Material, JYT Textile, Lianxingfa Knitting, and Trend Textile. The district is part of a larger 895-square-meter pavilion showcasing a total of 19 co-exhibitors. Together, they demonstrate how innovations in fiber, fabric, and garments can be combined to create compelling solutions for both work and play.

Hong Kong strengthens position as Asia's leading sustainable fashion hub

Hong Kong's position as one of Asia's most prominent sustainable fashion hubs has been further strengthened, with the HKTDC ESG Index 2026 released by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) for the fashion industry rising to 65.5 in 2026, up 2.3 percentage points from 2025. The increase reflects growing industry confidence in Hong Kong as a premier platform for sustainable fashion development and ESG-related business opportunities.

Première Vision Paris expands innovation focus across fashion and beauty

From September 1–3, 2026, Première Vision Paris will bring together more than 900 exhibitors from across the global fashion value chain. This year's edition places a strong emphasis on Innovation-Tech, highlighting technologies and materials that are reshaping product development, manufacturing and sustainability.

Intertextile Apparel opens next week with strengthened focus on performance, sustainability, and innovation

Opening 25 August at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition 2026 prepares to welcome thousands of global industry players for three days of sourcing, networking, and trend forecasting. Spanning 240,000 sqm, this edition will feature over 3,500 exhibitors from 30 countries and regions, providing a comprehensive platform for fairgoers to explore new products, market directions, and business opportunities across the entire apparel textile value chain – with high-potential segments noticeably magnified.

Brazil sets new cotton export record and consolidates global leadership

Brazil ended the 2025/26 commercial year with a new record, consolidating its position as the world’s largest cotton exporter. Between August 2025 and July 2026, the country shipped 3,373,941 tonnes of the fiber, 19% more than in the previous cycle, and reached record revenue of US$5.3 billion. The result represents a milestone in Brazil’s expansion in the international market and reinforces the country’s role as a strategic supplier to the global textile industry.

Plastic-free stretch technologies drive new direction for denim innovation

As the denim industry looks for ways to reduce its reliance on synthetic fibres, plastic-free stretch technologies are gaining momentum. Developments based on mechanical fabric construction and natural rubber are demonstrating that comfort and stretch can be achieved without conventional elastane, supporting both recyclability and circular product design.