#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

2016-09-07

ETP High-tech Textiles Conference demonstrates textile future in Europe

ETP, the 'European Technology Platform for the Future of Textiles and Clothing', will hold a High-tech Textiles Conference from 12-13 October 2016 in Brussels, Belgium. The International conference will launch the new Strategic Innovation and Research Agenda for the European Textile and Clothing Sector and will showcase the high-tech materials, advanced production technologies, new business models and growth markets for the textile industry of the future.

While the last 10 years in the aftermath of the liberalisation of global textile markets in 2004 were characterized by off-shoring of volume textile and clothing production, shrinkage and restructuring of the European manufacturing base and a search for new market niches and business models, the next 10 years will more likely see the re-emergence of European textile leadership.

Digitisation, advanced materials, high-tech processes and new growth markets offer great opportunities for Europe’s textile innovators. Companies that flexibly, yet highly efficiently make customised textile based products smartly linked with value adding services, always close to the customer will conquer global market niches. In addition, textiles will be critical innovation enablers in global growth markets such as affordable, personalised health care, smart wearables for sports and personal protection, light-weight transport systems or flexible and multifunctional construction materials or resource-efficient material solutions for renewable energy generation or agricultural productivity.

Join this high-level conference to:

Discover the new Strategic Research Agenda of the European Textile and Clothing sector for the next 10 years

Learn how digital technologies transform textile and clothing production and enable business models based on flexibility and short run production close to the end market

Explore market opportunities for high-tech textile innovations in growth markets such as health, sports, protection, construction, infrastructure or transport

Meet the next generation of European textile start-up entrepreneurs

Get first-hand information about the objectives and results of major EU-funded collaborative textile research projects

Better understand how European policies and programs support textile research, innovation and the emergence of a powerful network of regional innovation clusters

Network with leading European textile researchers and industry innovators

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.

STFI highlights textile circular economy and alternative fibres at INDEX™ 2026

From 19 to 22 May 2026, INDEX will invite visitors to Lake Geneva for the world's leading nonwovens trade fair. The Centre of Excellence in Nonwovens at the Sächsisches Textilforschung- sinstitut e.V. (STFI) will be in attendance to present the latest developments in nonwovens research. In the field of the textile circular economy, the STFI will present acoustically effective nonwovens made from chemical recycling residues. The range also includes innovations aimed at replacing conventional raw materials, such as the biobased and biodegradable polymer polybutylene succinate (PBS) and Kendyr as an alternative to cotton.

FET’s revolutionary gel spinning system wins Techtextil Innovation Award

FET has received the prestigious Techtextil Innovation Award 2026 in the New Production Technology category. The Techtextil Innovation Award honours outstanding ideas in textile technology, sustainability, AI and the creation of technical textiles, selected by an international jury of experts. Ranging from new materials to new production technologies, this award recognises progressive ideas that are driving forces for numerous industries, such as automotive, medical and construction.