The sixth edition of Texhibition Istanbul Fabric, Yarn, and Textile Accessories Fair, held from September 11 to 13, 2024, showcased the Turkish textile industry’s strength and commitment to innovation and sustainability. Organized by ITKIB Fuarcılık AS in cooperation with the Istanbul Textile Exporters Association (ITHIB), the event featured 539 exhibitors, ranging from woven and knitted fabrics to textile accessories and artificial leather. With a special emphasis on yarn, the fair attracted over 24,000 visitors from 117 countries, reinforcing Turkiye’s global influence in textiles.

Expanding global reach and supply chain resilience

Ahmet Oksuz, Chairman of ITHIB, emphasized Texhibition's increasing global relevance, noting that the event has attracted 130,000 visitors over the past two years, establishing itself as one of Europe’s leading textile fairs. He pointed out that Texhibition has played a key role in stabilizing and expanding the global supply chain, even in the face of challenges within the fashion industry. The fair has offered exhibitors valuable opportunities to explore new markets and gain advantages, thereby contributing to the sustainable growth of Turkiye's textile sector despite the industry's economic downturn.

Comprehensive industry representation

Texhibition brought together leading names in Turkish textiles, with a broad range of offerings that included woven fabrics, knitwear, and denim. In the BlueBlackDenim Hall, companies like Bossa, Isko, İskur, and Kipaş displayed their latest denim innovations. Established market leaders such as Almodo, Bahariye, Can Textile, and Zorluteks joined high-performance, export-oriented firms to exhibit their latest designs.

A particular highlight was Hall 8, which featured yarn and fiber manufacturers, including Diktaş, Ensar, Karafiber, Korteks, Sasa, and Tepar. These companies showcased the superior quality of Turkish yarn, reinforcing Turkiye’s reputation as a leader in textile manufacturing.

Sustainability takes centerstage

Sustainability was a major focus at this year’s Texhibition, with exhibitors introducing eco-friendly practices. Water-saving dyeing techniques, energy-efficient production, and recycling processes reflected the industry's commitment to reducing its environmental impact. Many exhibitors have transitioned to biodegradable and recycled materials, with companies like Maritas Denim showcasing their Regenerative Cotton Project, while Kara fiber emphasized its efforts to reduce carbon emissions through products like Ecocell Lyocell, made from sustainably grown wood.

Korteks, known for its Polymer Recycling Plant, achieved significant milestones in producing polyester yarns from plastic bottles. Aydin Orme demonstrated innovations like Lilacell Lace, crafted from Tencel Lyocell and recycled nylon. Bahariye, a woolen fabric producer, stood out for its sustainable, socially responsible production methods, holding numerous environmental certifications.

International interest and key partnerships Texhibition’s global appeal attracted buyers from Europe, Asia, North America, and beyond. Notable visitors included representatives from major brands such as Alexander Wang, Forever 21, Sainsbury's, and Veronica Beard. Key decision-makers praised the fair’s diversity of fabrics and sustainability efforts. Ines Inhae Huh, SVP Design at Ramy Brook in New York, expressed admiration for the range of prints on display, while Devin James, owner of The Canvas Global, praised the fair as a hub for fashion creativity.

Buyers from countries like the USA, Mexico, and Colombia participated in B2B meetings, generating numerous orders. Mariana Wajsman Nedeff from La Moda Brazil highlighted the efficient atmosphere and fruitful business connections made during the fair.

Trends and innovation in focus

Texhibition also served as a platform for discussions on future trends and technological innovations. Workshops and seminars covered topics such as denim trends, circular value chains in fashion, and sustainability regulations. Keynote speaker MarwaZamaray, European Climate Pact Ambassador, stressed the importance of sustainability compliance in the industry.

The Texhibition Trend Area, designed by IdilTarzi and her team, showcased themes for the upcoming Autumn/Winter 2025-26 season, emphasizing earthy, environmentally friendly colors. Meanwhile, the Innovation Hub, led by designer Arzu Karpol and fabric designer Filiz Tunca, highlighted cutting-edge projects, including illuminated dresses and self-warming jackets.

Turkiye’s green transformation and future goals

Texhibition underscored the importance of Turkiye’s green transformation in the textile industry. With textile exports reaching $12 billion annually and ranked fifth globally, Turkiye’s focus on sustainable and digitalized production is vital to maintaining its competitive edge. The Turkish Ministry of Trade and Turkiye's Exporters Assembly are driving this transformation through initiatives like GreenTIM and EcoTIM, which support companies in meeting European Green Deal regulations.

As Texhibition Istanbul's influence expands, it is set to become a pivotal force in shaping the future of the global textile industry. M Fatih Bilici, Vice Chairman of ITHIB and Chairman of the Texhibition Executive Committee, highlighted that the event will continue driving sustainable growth and attracting international buyers, further solidifying Turkiye’s leadership in textile innovation and reinforcing its global position in the sector.

Texhibition’s success this year reaffirms Turkiye’s role as a global textile hub, offering innovative solutions and sustainable practices that meet the evolving demands of the international market.