Techtextil and Texprocess 2026 are setting the stage for the future of the global textile industry, where innovation is increasingly driving transformation amid economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and cautious capital investment. At the recent press conference for the world’s leading trade fairs in technical textiles, nonwovens, and textile processing, industry leaders emphasized how cutting-edge technologies and creative solutions are reshaping the sector and accelerating growth.
During a panel discussion, experts explored how advances ranging from artificial intelligence and digitalisation to sustainable materials and new production models are redefining competitiveness across the textile value chain. This innovative momentum is reflected in the Techtextil and Texprocess Innovation Awards, which recognise pioneering solutions driving real change in the industry.
“Especially in times of restrained investment, it becomes clear just how crucial innovative strength is,” said Olaf Schmidt, Vice President Textiles & Textile Technologies at Messe Frankfurt. “Techtextil and Texprocess are not only platforms where ideas are presented, but where they are developed into market-ready solutions. The Innovation Awards give new technologies visibility and credibility, often providing the decisive impetus to translate research into industrial applications and partnerships.”
Addressing the need for competitiveness in a challenging global environment, Elgar Straub, Managing Director, VDMA Textile Care, Fabric and Leather Technologies, noted that innovation today serves a dual purpose. “Innovation is both a lever for efficiency and a driver of growth. Digitalisation, automation and AI enable companies to conserve resources, increase flexibility and reposition themselves more competitively,” he said.
The transformative impact of digital tools on product development and manufacturing was highlighted by Walter Wählt, Chairman of the Texprocess Innovation Award and Senior Director Advanced Creation at adidas. He explained that technologies such as 3D design, virtual prototyping and AI are dramatically reducing development cycles and material consumption. However, he emphasised that human creativity and experience remain irreplaceable. “Despite all technological momentum, people remain decisive—judgment and creativity cannot be automated,” he said.
Sustainability and advanced materials were another key focus of the discussion. António Braz Costa, Chairman of the Techtextil Innovation Award and General Manager at CITEVE, stressed that sustainable solutions only become viable when innovation and research move beyond the laboratory. “Recycling technologies, circular solutions and new materials only create impact when translated into real industrial processes. Trade fairs such as Techtextil and Texprocess play a vital role in bridging research and the market,” he said.
The Techtextil and Texprocess Innovation Awards bring together these developments into a clear vision for the future of the textile industry, showcasing how technical textiles, nonwovens and textile processing are evolving through AI-driven solutions, sustainable production methods and next-generation materials. The award-winning innovations underline the ambition of both fairs to connect research, technology and application, transforming ideas into market-ready answers to global challenges.
Techtextil and Texprocess 2026 will be held from 21 to 24 April 2026, with the winners of the Innovation Awards set to be announced starting 14 April 2026.
Source: Textile Magazine
(Rewritten & adapted by Indian-Apparel.com News Desk)
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