Stability in volatile markets: Heimtextil 2026 launches with 3,000 exhibitors and design expertise from Patricia Urquiola

Stefan Moll becomes new CEO of the machinery manufacturer

Starting January 1, 2026, Stefan Moll will take over the management of Mahlo GmbH + Co. KG, the world’s leading provider of measurement and control technology for web-shaped materials. With this move, Mahlo is focusing on the long-term safeguarding of its market position and technological leadership. The current CEO, Rainer Mestermann, will leave the company after 14 years as part of a planned succession arrangement.

#Spinning

Barmag's new texturing machine impresses the market

Since its premiere at ITMA Asia + CITME 2025, the eFK EvoSmart texturing machine has achieved impressive market success. The innovative technology is winning over yarn manufacturers worldwide who are committed to energy-efficient and economical production processes. A total of 84 machines has already been sold – including in China, Turkey, and Indonesia – a clear sign of the industry's confidence in this forward-looking solution.

#Research & Development

Innovation center for textile circular economy inaugurated

Just over eight months after the foundation stone was laid, the new Innovation Center for Textile Circular Economy was officially inaugurated today at TITK Rudolstadt. Thuringia's Minister President Mario Voigt, TITK Director Benjamin Redlingshöfer, and other guests of honor cut the ribbon to the modern building complex and viewed the premises, which are now ready for occupancy. The “DICE – Demonstration and Innovation Center for Textile Circular Economy” is TITK's largest single investment to date. The Free State of Thuringia supported the total cost of €11.5 million with €8 million in GRW and FTI funding.

#Research & Development

Sustainable design of Geosynthetics and roof underlayments made from recyclates

Is it possible to recover plastic recyclates from previously unused waste streams in order to produce high-quality fibers and films? How can bio-based polymer fibers be manufactured so as to allow adjustable biodegradability? These are the questions being addressed by researchers from the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Circular Plastics Economy CCPE in the Zirk-Tex project.

#Associations

Waste2Fashion: FTTH Committed to advancing Circular Fashion in the Mediterranean

As an official partner of the Waste2Fashion project, the Tunisian Federation of Textile and Apparel (FTTH) participated in the Kick-off Meeting held on 10–11 December in Spain. The event brought together project partners from across the Mediterranean, including Spain, Italy, Egypt, Lebanon, and Tunisia, to align on a shared vision and initiate the first implementation steps.

#Associations

AATCC announces 2025 Herman & Myrtle Goldstein Graduate Student Paper Competition winners

The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) recognized the winners of the 2025 Herman & Myrtle Goldstein Graduate Student Paper Competition. Founded in 1982 to give student members the chance to conduct and present original research, the competition was renamed in 1994 in honor of Herman and Myrtle Goldstein, following their US$60,000 endowment. Their gift is a lasting remembrance of their dedication to young people in the textile industry.

#Nonwoven machines

Yanpai expands nonwovens capacity with two new ANDRITZ needlepunch lines

Zhejiang Yanpai Filter Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Yanpai”) has placed an order with international technology group ANDRITZ for two high-performance needlepunch lines. The equipment will be installed at Yanpai’s headquarters facility in Tiantai County, China. Commissioning is scheduled for the third quarter of 2026.

#Natural Fibers

Dr. Jane Dever inducted into the 2025 Cotton Research and Promotion Hall of Fame

Dr. Jane K. Dever, a recognized leader in cotton breeding and fiber quality research, was inducted into the 2025 Cotton Research and Promotion Hall of Fame during the joint Cotton Incorporated/Cotton Board Annual Meeting held on December 9 in New Orleans, LA.

#Research & Development

India, ITA and innovation – enhanced cooperation in research, implementation and bilateral projects such as hydrogen mobility

The Indian Consul General, Dr Shuchita Kishore, visited the Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University on 15 December to inspect the joint project between the ITA, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay and industrial partners from India and Germany and to tour the ITA.

Global textile expertise meets high-end contract design: Heimtextil and Hospitality Interiors Europe announce partnership starting 2027

Artificial Intelligence in focus: Heimtextil 2026 prepares global textile industry for the future with strong content programme

January 2026 marks Asahi Kasei’s restart of Bemberg production in restored sections of the Nobeoka facility

Barmag's new texturing machine impresses the market

Editors choice

Stability in volatile markets: Heimtextil 2026 launches with 3,000 exhibitors and design expertise from Patricia Urquiola

Barmag's new texturing machine impresses the market

The Technology Hub for global denim trends: ITM 2026

First PA66 spinning plant with EvoQuench successfully commissioned

#Yarns

INVISTA proposes plant closures and production shift to strengthen global competitiveness

INVISTA announced a set of proposed strategic actions intended to strengthen its global operating footprint and position the business for long-term competitiveness. The proposal includes closing its precision machine shop in Martinsville, Virginia; discontinuing production at its Gloucester, England site; transitioning operations to its Kingston, Canada facility, which will continue to serve customers in North America and Europe; and continuing to explore various investment opportunities for expanding capabilities at select advantaged sites, including its Anlon site in Shanghai, China.

#Yarns

January 2026 marks Asahi Kasei’s restart of Bemberg production in restored sections of the Nobeoka facility

Beginning January 2026, production at the Asahi Kasei Nobeoka facility – Bemberg’s only production site – will gradually resume, marking a new chapter following the partial shutdown caused by the April 2022 incident. This progress is the result of significant investments and continuous work toreinforce safety measures, restore full operational capacity, and establish long- term stability.

#Nonwovens

FiltXPO™ 2026: Call for conference presentations

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, in partnership with AFS, the American Filtration and Separations Society, announces the call for presentations for the Advances in Filtration Conference, to be held October 28–29, 2026, as part of FiltXPO™ 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

#Technical Textiles

Techtextil India 2025 concludes on a stellar note: Sports textile, circular supply chains, bio-based materials and resource-efficient manufacturing under spotlight

The 10th edition of Techtextil India 2025 concluded recently at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, with strong buyer turnout, primarily from Western India, reaching 9144 visitors across 235 Indian cities and 45 countries. Over three days, the trade fair brought together leading domestic and international brands, technology providers, institutional buyers and policymakers, reinforcing India’s ambition to emerge as a global hub for value-added technical textiles. The show hosted 216 exhibitors, featuring over 300 brands and showcased cutting-edge solutions across 12 application areas, keeping the show floor busy throughout the three days.

#Yarns

Acelon introduces new functional yarns for fire safety and comfort applications

Acelon has presented two new functional yarn developments, AceXflame® and MistX®, aimed at expanding performance options for home textiles, industrial applications, and apparel.

#Man-Made Fibers

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories takes possession of three strategic mulberry fields advancing massive spider silk production ramp-up

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc. (OTCQB: KBLB) (“the Company”, “Kraig Labs”, or “Kraig’s”), a world leader in spider silk technology*, today announced that it has taken possession of three critical mulberry fields for which it previously secured usage rights. The Company has now integrated this new feedstock capacity directly into the ramp-up of its current spider silk production.

#Associations

SIMTA joins ITMF as Corporate Member

In the past two decades SIMTA has established itself as producer of specialized machinery for the textile industry. In short period of time, SIMTA became an important supplier of precise rollers for top OEMs. Afterwards SIMTA started manufacturing overhead cleaners, bobbin transport systems, and other textile ancillaries. In the meantime, SIMTA is a leader in this space in collaboration with the German automation technology partner Jacobi.

#Yarns

Durak Tekstil enters 2026 with positive momentum, strengthens its global market focus

Durak Tekstil, maintaining its profitability and turnover levels in 2025 compared to the previous year, prioritizes growth through its export-oriented sales strategy. Increasing both its capacity and utilization rate, the company anticipates further gains in 2026 through expansion in global markets.

#Heimtextil 2026

Global textile expertise meets high-end contract design: Heimtextil and Hospitality Interiors Europe announce partnership starting 2027

Heimtextil further expands its role as the global leading trade fair for home and contract textiles and textile design – and starts a new partnership with the format Hospitality Interiors Europe (HINT). With the launch, a complementary event will take place alongside Heimtextil 2027, targeting decision-makers from the hotel and high-end hospitality design sector. Both platforms combine their strengths, create tangible synergies for exhibitors and visitors – and expand the holistic interior design offering for architecture, interior design, hospitality and the contract sector. Hospitality Interiors Europe already presents itself at Heimtextil 2026 with its own dedicated lounge area.

#Software

Tunicotex Group boosts OTDP to 85%, cuts planning time by 25% & expands production capacity by 40%

Coats Digital is delighted to announce that following the implementation of FastReactPlan, leading Tunisian premium knitwear manufacturer, Tunicotex Group, has significantly improved its on-time delivery performance from 75% to 85%, reduced planning time by 25%, minimised delays and penalty costs, and unlocked 40% additional capacity to take on more customer orders and support sustained business growth.

#Knitting & Hosiery

Live more beautifully and comfortably with Warp Knits

Knitted fabrics are the all-rounders among home textiles. They can be designed in many different ways and are used in mattresses, blankets and pillows as well as in terry towelling, curtains and upholstery fabrics to create trendy designs, constantly new products and good business.

#Associations

2026-01-06

Driving innovation in technical textiles, digitalisation and testing

Members of the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) can look back on 2025 as a year marked by notable technological advances and continued progress in global trade, despite an uncertain and volatile market.

#Heimtextil 2026

2026-01-05

Artificial Intelligence in focus: Heimtextil 2026 prepares global textile industry for the future with strong content programme

Artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly transforms the textile industry - from creation and production to pricing, distribution and communication. But how can AI be applied successfully, and where does it truly add value? Heimtextil addresses these questions from 13 to 16 January 2026: The comprehensive programme dedicated to the key future field AI strengthens the global industry and opens up new business opportunities as well as practical applications for design, retail, industry, architecture, interior design and contract furnishing.

#Weaving

Lindauer Dornier announces leadership transition in weaving machine business

After more than ten successful years at Lindauer DORNIER GmbH, Mr Wolfgang Schöffl will leave the family-owned company at the end of the year to enter well-deserved retirement.

#Heimtextil 2026

Texpertise Focus AI: Messe Frankfurt puts Artificial Intelligence centre stage at its international textile and apparel trade fairs

Under the banner 'Texpertise Focus AI, Messe Frankfurt will place a strong emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI) across its international textile and apparel trade fairs from 2026 onwards, setting a future-shaping signal for the industry. The initiative highlights the responsible use of AI along the entire textile value chain, from fibre production to the point of sale. The programme will launch at Heimtextil in Frankfurt in January 2026.

#Technical Textiles

Autoneum and Polestar set new benchmarks for passenger experience and sustainability

As the global market leader in sustainable acoustic and thermal management, Autoneum is a key supplier of interior and exterior components for the highly anticipated Polestar 5 model. The successful collaboration between Autoneum and Polestar marks a significant milestone in sustainable automotive engineering: the electric grand tourer sports car features several innovations in lightweight, fully recyclable polyester-based components that ensure a superior driving experience. Polestar 5 was revealed at the IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich and is available in 24 markets.

#Natural Fibers

Cashmere producers stress the importance of The Good Cashmere Standard®

At the invitation of the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF), over 70 experts from the cashmere production and supply chain, as well as other specialists, met at the GCS Unit Meeting in Shanghai, China to discuss the progress and new objectives of The Good Cashmere Standard (GCS). The meeting focused on implementation and verification of the standard, important aspects of animal welfare and the importance of the standard in the global textile market.

#Composites

MEL Composites delivers advanced hull infusion for Técnico Solar Boat’s hydrogen-powered São Gabriel 01

MEL Composites has reinforced its partnership with Técnico Solar Boat through the successful hull infusion of the São Gabriel 01, an 8m long, 2.4m wide, hydrogen-powered hydrofoiling vessel. Designed to compete at the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge in July 2026, the São Gabriel 01 is the team’s most technically demanding project to date and showcases the future of sustainable marine engineering by combining advanced composite manufacturing with clean energy systems.

#Composites

Sicomin appoints CS Kompozyty as exclusive Distributor for Poland

Sicomin is pleased to announce the appointment of CS Kompozyty as its exclusive distributor for Poland. The partnership will provide Polish composite manufacturers with comprehensive access to Sicomin's broad range of performance epoxy resins, green epoxies, hardeners, and adhesive solutions, supported by local technical expertise and rapid delivery capabilities.

#Home Textiles

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Spring Edition 2026 returns to meet market demand with innovative bedding solutions

Returning in 2026, Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Spring Edition will take place from 11 to 13 March at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai. With rising daily pressures and increasing sleep disorders, demand for high-quality, functional, and sustainable bedding solutions is surging. The fair will spotlight innovative bedding products and technologies designed to meet these evolving consumer needs within this expanding market. Last year’s edition welcomed over 25,000 visitors from 85 countries and regions, reflecting a 7.5% increase in attendance and broader global participation.

#Industry 4.0 / Digitalization

Suzhou Tianyuan boosts costing accuracy to 98% with Coats Digital’s GSDCost

Coats Digital is delighted to announce that Suzhou Tianyuan Garments Co., Ltd., a leading manufacturer of high-quality sportswear and functional apparel for global brands such as Adidas, FILA, ANTA, and The North Face, has achieved remarkable productivity and cost management improvements following the implementation of Coats Digital’s award-winning method-time-cost optimisation solution, GSDCost.

#Recycled_Fibers

Circulose and Birla Cellulose announce partnership agreement to advance circular textiles

Circulose, a leading producer of recycled textile pulp for the fashion and textile industry, and Birla Cellulose, a global leader in sustainable viscose fiber, have signed a strategic partnership agreement to jointly accelerate textile recycling.

#HIGHTEX 2026

Global vision in medical textiles meets at HIGHTEX 2026

Developments in the medical textile sector are already making HIGHTEX 2026 one of the most remarkable international meeting points in the region. A wide technological spectrum—from nonwoven technologies to meltblown lines, from spunbond production systems to advanced composite healthcare textiles—will come together at HIGHTEX 2026.

#Nonwovens

Ahlstrom launches Flow2Save™ filtration media: improved air quality and energy savings for HVAC applications

Ahlstrom, a global leader in sustainable fiber-based materials, introduces an enhanced version of Flow2Save™ filtration media. The advanced solution is specifically designed to improve indoor air quality while significantly reducing energy consumption.

#Nonwovens

Magnera introduces innovative solution for healthcare and beyond, focusing on safety and sustainability

Magnera, a leading supplier of advanced material solutions, today announced the launch of its next-generation solution for nonwoven textiles. Magnera’s proprietary innovation delivers fluid repellency needed by healthcare professionals and other industries without the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

#Man-Made Fibers

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories successfully completes production cycle, delivering over one million bam-1 alpha hybrid eggs for deployment

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc. (OTCQB: KBLB) (“Company” or “Kraig Labs”), a world leader in spider silk technology*, today announced the successful completion of its most recent production cycle, yielding more than one million BAM-1 Alpha hybrid eggs. These eggs are now staged for release over the next quarter and will serve as the next wave of recombinant spider silk production.

#Man-Made Fibers

Fashion for Good-backed Spinnova consortium gains momentum with Tommy Hilfiger joining

Fashion for Good has endorsed Spinnova’s ambition to build a multi-stakeholder ecosystem (consortium) to scale its fibre technology innovation and increase the availability of sustainable SPINNOVA® fibre in the textile materials market. The collaboration marks an important step in Spinnova’s strategy to bring SPINNOVA® fibre to wider commercial adoption through coordinated value chain cooperation.

#Yarns

Textile Exchange publishes the final criteria for its new Materials Matter Standard, marking a pivotal shift in connecting certification to impact

Textile Exchange has published the final criteria for its Materials Matter Standard—a major milestone in the organization’s multi-year transition toward a unified, impact-driven standards system for raw material production and primary processing. 

#Denim

Jeanologia celebrates its 30th anniversary transforming how jeans are produced worldwide

Jeanologia celebrates its 30th anniversary reaffirming the mission it was born with in 1994, to transform the textile industry into a more sustainable, efficient, and human-centered sector. Three decades later, that vision has become a global reality. Today, more than 40 percent of all jeans produced worldwide are made using technologies developed by the Valencia-based company.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Texworld, New York City

January 20 - 22, 2026,

New York City, USA

DOMOTEX

January 19 - 22, 2026,

Hanover, Germany

Première Vision New York

January 13 - 14, 2026,

New York, USA

Heimtextil 2026

January, 13 - 16, 2026,

Frankfurt, Germany

#Associations