The recent Cinte Techtextile China fair concluded with a buzz, leaving industry professionals reflecting on the future of textiles and groundbreaking advancements. Sabine Scharrer, Director of Brand Management for Technical Textiles & Textile Processing at Messe Frankfurt, offered attendees a forward-looking presentation, spotlighting the upcoming Techtextil and Texprocess fairs in Frankfurt, Germany, which serve as the "mother show" for the global textile industry.
Scharrer emphasized the strength of the Texpertise network, a vast connector linking over 150,000 industry players across more than 60 trade shows in 13 countries. She highlighted the Frankfurt shows—Techtextil and Texprocess—as the global flagship events, underscoring the invaluable role of "unplanned encounters" in fostering innovation and progress within the industry.
The presentation delved into the diverse applications of technical textiles, spanning critical sectors like automotive, medicine, fashion, and construction. Texprocess, the companion fair, was introduced as the hub for machinery that transforms "textile dreams into hard-working realities" through digitalization, AI, and cutting-edge efficiency tools.
Impressive figures from the 2024 Techtextil edition were shared, reporting 1,469 exhibitors and approximately 35,000 visitors from over 100 countries, marking it as the largest and most international show to date. Scharrer noted the powerful synergy between the two fairs, with a significant overlap in visitors: 72% of Techtextil attendees also visit Texprocess, and a remarkable 90% of Texprocess attendees visit Techtextil. This interconnectedness ensures a holistic view of innovations, from material to finished product.
Looking ahead to the next Frankfurt shows, exciting additions were announced. A new, dedicated product group for Textile Chemicals and Dyes will be introduced, already attracting around 30 exhibitors. This segment will be strategically placed next to the performance apparel area, strengthening ties with a growing customer base. The Performance Apparel Textiles area itself will also move closer to Texprocess to enhance its connection with the garment industry, responding to the rapidly increasing demand for performance textiles, particularly in outdoor and personal protection.
Sustainability was a central theme, woven throughout the presentation as a critical focus across all Messe Frankfurt fairs. Scharrer cited initiatives like the Econogy Tour and the Sustainability Forum as key examples of this commitment. She acknowledged the rising demand for sustainable alternatives and the growing impact of regulations, such as new textile strategies. Innovations like natural dyes, biodegradable polyester, and organic fibers were showcased, alongside discussions on challenges, including the use of "forever chemicals" (PFAS). To guide attendees, the Econogy Shift Finder was introduced—a verified directory of exhibitors offering certified sustainable products.
The next Frankfurt show in 2026 is anticipated to be a truly international gathering, with 1,500 international participants expected. The return of renowned names such as Akuma and Guttner, along with over 120 new and exciting exhibitors like Luma and Carrington, promises a dynamic event. Scharrer concluded by expressing eagerness to witness the fresh ideas and innovations these participants will bring, affirming Messe Frankfurt's role in driving the future of the textile industry.
