Techtextil and Texprocess 2024 concluded with resounding success, serving as the premier global platform for textile innovation. With 1,700 exhibitors from 53 countries and 38,000 visitors from 102 countries, the trade fairs experienced a remarkable 29 percent increase in visitor numbers.
Germany, Italy, France, Turkey, and the Netherlands emerged as the top visitor nations, while Germany, Italy, China, France, and Turkey led as the top exhibitor nations. Noteworthy contributions to the expansion of exhibitors came from countries such as Egypt, China, and Thailand, among others.
Driving industry transformation
In the midst of burgeoning AI technologies, evolving legislative mandates, and surging energy costs, Techtextil and Texprocess emerged as vital marketplaces for textile innovation. Detlef Braun, Member of the Executive Board at Messe Frankfurt GmbH, emphasized their significance, textile innovation for diverse industries thrives within the global scope and strength offered uniquely in Frankfurt.
With 75 percent of visitors representing various industries such as engineering, architecture, and medical development, the trade fairs facilitated extensive cross-networking opportunities. From the preliminary stages of Techtextil to the array of processing technologies showcased at Texprocess, international collaborations flourished, fostering innovation across sectors and paving the way for market-ready solutions.
Record-breaking edition of Techtextil
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Techtextil witnessed a record-breaking edition, reaffirming its position as a dynamic hub for textile innovation. The global market for technical textiles, estimated at $225.99 billion in 2023, is poised for exponential growth, reaching $346.67 billion by 2030, according to Fortune Business Insights. Within the EU, technical textiles are driving demand across various sectors, including medicine, agriculture, and automotive.
Techtextil showcased a wide spectrum of high-tech textiles across 12 application areas, including innovative world-firsts such as recyclable insulating textiles and self-cooling textiles. Sustainability took center stage, with over 15 per cent of exhibitors presenting natural fibers and materials.
Voices from the industry
Key industry players expressed their satisfaction with the trade fairs. Holger Michael Steingraber from Freudenberg Performance Materials highlighted the significance of Techtextil as a global meeting place for technology exchange and partnership building. Amaury Sartorius from Klopman praised the enthusiastic response to their sustainable solutions.
Texprocess showcased cutting-edge machines, processes, and services for textile and apparel processing, addressing challenges such as digitalization and automation. Elgar Straub from VDMA Textile Care highlighted the trade fair's focus on future-oriented solutions.
Innovative solutions and AI integration
Texprocess offered a comprehensive range of solutions, including AI-integrated innovations that streamline manufacturing processes. Marta Maiandi from Orox Group emphasized Texprocess as a global platform for technology and partnership building.
Both trade fairs emphasized sustainable practices and recyclable solutions in alignment with upcoming legislative requirements. The increased focus on resource efficiency and recyclability was evident in the Econogy Finder, showcasing twice as many exhibitors committed to sustainable development goals.
Embracing the future
In an era of rapid technological advancement, Techtextil and Texprocess stand as beacons of innovation, driving industry transformation and fostering international collaboration. As the textile industry navigates evolving challenges, these trade fairs serve as catalysts for sustainable growth and global competitiveness.