Cinte Techtextil China 2024, held from September 19–21, marked a significant milestone for the technical textiles and nonwovens industries, showcasing how these sectors are adapting to global demand. The event hosted nearly 400 exhibitors from 13 countries, attracting close to 17,000 visits from 77 regions. The trade fair featured an extensive display of innovations and sustainable products, underscoring the pivotal role technical textiles are playing across industries like medical, automotive, construction, and industrial sectors.

Expanding opportunities in technical textiles

Demand for technical textiles and nonwovens has surged due to various factors, including population growth, industrialization, and heightened public concern for healthcare. Technical textiles used in medical treatments, protective gear, and construction materials saw increased attention at the fair. The rise of e-mobility, particularly electric vehicles, has further driven demand for automotive textiles.

Exhibitors at the event showcased cutting-edge technologies and sustainable innovations, with a strong focus on nonwovens, weaving machines, and composite lines. Among the key international players, Autefa, JH Ziegler, Lindauer Dornier, Perlon, and Reifenhauser, all represented Germany’s advancements in the field. Meanwhile, industry giants like Andritz Nonwoven, Dilo Group, and Groz-Beckert highlighted their latest innovations.

Renewed market potential in China

The return of the German Pavilion and the European Zone was a major highlight, as these exhibitors capitalized on China’s recovering domestic market. Messe Frankfurt (HK) General Manager, Wilmet Shea, emphasized how the show continues to position itself as Asia’s leading technical textiles event, drawing in international visitors and offering diverse solutions across various application areas.

Shea noted that there was strong demand in sectors such as medical, protective, automotive, industrial, and construction textiles. She added that the fringe events enhanced the fair's appeal by focusing on innovation and sustainability.

Several international exhibitors participated in Cinte Techtextil China for the first time. Notable names included AiDLab from Hong Kong, FPC Industrial from Saudi Arabia, and Nihon Glass Fiber from Japan, who expressed optimism about the fair’s role in fostering business growth.

High impact exhibitor experiences

Exhibitors praised the fair for its effectiveness in connecting them with both domestic and international buyers. Kabilen Sornum, Vice President of Marketing & E-Commerce at Groz-Beckert East Asia, highlighted the event as a key platform for accessing China's vast market, noting the strong turnout from a wide range of countries.

Chinese exhibitors also made a strong impact, with six regional pavilions, including Foshan Jiujiang and Zhejiang Tiantai, debuting at the event. Zhao Chixian, Deputy General Manager of IBENA Shanghai Technical Textile, praised the fair’s high visitor turnout, which included industry leaders and VIP buyers.

Diverse global presence and buyer engagement

The increase in visiting countries and regions by 25, compared to the previous edition, underscored the growing international interest in technical textiles. Top countries represented included Korea, Taiwan, India, and Germany. VIP buyers from 15 countries were invited, representing diverse sectors, with key delegations coming from Mexico, Australia, and India.

Visitors were impressed by the variety of products and innovations showcased at the fair. Claudia Moreno, Sourcing Manager at Group Dragon in Mexico, emphasized the event's role as a gateway to the Chinese and Asian markets and appreciated the focus on sustainable products. She mentioned making valuable contacts for potential future collaborations.

Similarly, Zhang Guoping, Production Department Head at Shikishima Industrial Fabrics, China, noted the fair’s effectiveness in connecting them with potential partners, stating they were already planning detailed post-fair discussions for future collaborations.

Spotlight on sustainability and innovation

Fringe events at Cinte Techtextil China further solidified its status as a leading platform for innovation and sustainability. Panels, guided tours, and seminars focused on how sustainability can be integrated into various sectors, from automotive to construction. A standout event was AiDLab’s presentation on automating textile inspection using AI, which garnered significant interest from attendees.

Karl Borgschulze, Managing Director of Consulting Service International, emphasized the importance of innovation as a driver for sustainability, noting that fairs like Cinte Techtextil China provide critical solutions for complex industry challenges.

Cinte Techtextil China 2024 successfully demonstrated the global demand for technical textiles and nonwovens, bridging international markets and fostering collaboration. The next edition is set for September 2025, promising even more innovations and opportunities as the industry continues to grow and adapt to new challenges.